Partial List - Adding 25+ More Speakers
B. Scott Taylor, VP, Sales, Hawke Media
Website - www.hawkemedia.com​
B. Scott is the Vice President of Sales at Hawke Media, bringing hardy leadership and guidance to the business development team, as well seasoned sales and marketing chops. His previous roles have included telecommunications management, Founder and President of Move.com, Founder of TAOW Modern Marketing, CEO and Co-Founder of Green Endeavor Inc., and partner at Blue Skies Unlimited, a business accelerator and investment company.                                                       
Burundi Partlow, President, MARCOMPROAD
Website - www.marcomproad.agency
Burundi is the dynamic President of MARCOMPROAD, a leading marketing and communications firm known for its innovative strategies and impactful campaigns. Under his leadership, MARCOMPROAD has expanded its portfolio, working with a diverse range of clients to deliver tailored marketing solutions that drive growth and engagement.
Burundi is also distinguished music industry executive known for orchestrating global campaigns for high-profile clients and brands. His expertise lies in maximizing artist visibility and opportunities early in their careers. Notable achievements include securing lucrative deals with Boost Mobile for Kanye West, Universal Music Group for Malik Yusef, Sprite Remix for Swizz Beatz, Sizzurp for Jim Jones and Cam’ron, and Grand Lenari for Big Tigger.
Burundi’s diverse capabilities span marketing, music management, music placement, record label consulting, and event management. He has placed over 400 records for artists like Kanye West, Malik Yusef, Twista, and John Legend in documentaries, commercials, and major films such as Coach Carter and Wolf of Wall Street. He has managed radio campaigns for over 15 Grammy-winning and Billboard-charting records, including placing “Sandcastles” on Beyoncé’s Lemonade album.
Additionally, Burundi has negotiated label clearances for artists like Common, NE-YO, and Elle Varner to appear on the People’s Climate Music album HOME, securing licenses for covers of iconic songs. He also developed and launched Nelly’s tour for Nellyville, which topped the Billboard charts for 10 weeks, and managed street teams and special events for industry pro John Monopoly.
Before his music industry success, Burundi worked in finance, raising Series 6 & 63 funding for Zurich Kemper and managing sales, training, and client acquisition across 48 states, achieving an average of $1MM per month in sales.
​Carol Ortega, Investor & CFO, See Carol Invest
Website - cwww.carolortega.com
Carol is a distinguished financial expert and the CFO of See Carol Invest. With a robust background in finance, accounting, and business development, Carol has made significant strides in the investment landscape. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, she is also the founder and managing director of Muisca Capital Group, a pioneering investment firm focused on the cannabis industry in Latin America.
Carol’s expertise extends beyond traditional finance; she is a visionary leader who has successfully guided cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals for diverse organizations. Her innovative approach to investment has led to the creation of the Latino Investment Summit, a “Shark Tank”-style platform that fosters entrepreneurship and investment opportunities in Latin America.
At See Carol Invest, Carol leverages her extensive experience to drive financial strategy and growth. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to ethical investment practices and a keen eye for emerging market opportunities. Carol’s work is not only transforming the financial landscape but also empowering entrepreneurs and investors across the region.
Her dedication to fostering economic growth and innovation makes her a key figure in the investment community, and her contributions continue to inspire and shape the future of finance in Latin America.
Clay Womack, Managing Director, ATX Hyperbarics
​Website - www.atxhyperbarics.com/
Clay is a 40 year veteran of the capital markets having led three capital markets companies to $150mm, $500mm and $4.25 billion in sales respectively. He currently is the Managing Director for a three clinic Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy chain in Austin, Texas, Managing Director for Telomere, Inc., a domestic hyperbaric chamber manufacturer and Managing Director of Scientific Age Management, LLC, a distributor of hyperbaric chambers for various domestic and international manufacturers and light beds for ARRC LED, LLC. Clay is a board member of ARRC LED, LLC and has used their products in his clinics and sold them to patients and other national customers for the last six years.
Davina Kaonohi, CEO & Founder, Element Apothec
Website - www.elementapothec.com
Davina Kaonohi is a visionary founder, passionate entrepreneur, and dynamic leader known for her exceptional ability to drive organizational success. As the driving force behind Element Apothec, Davina has made a profound impact through her unwavering dedication to creating positive change. Her strategic operational leadership, combined with skills in leadership development, business strategy, and operational management, enables her to navigate organizations towards sustainable growth and achievement.
Davina’s natural talent for team building and her keen eye for talent allow her to assemble high-performing teams capable of delivering remarkable results. A fun fact about Davina is her childhood aspiration to become an astronaut, which led her to work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on a satellite project. Her passion for space remains strong to this day.
Guided by her vision and fueled by her passion, Davina has transformed Element Apothec into a thriving force in the wellness and clean beauty industry. The company offers a range of functional cannabinoid products, comprehensive wellness education, and a vibrant community, becoming a catalyst for transformative well-being. Davina’s impact-driven approach, characterized by integrity and compassion, sets a new standard of excellence and innovation, propelling Element Apothec towards a future of purposeful growth and positive change.
Howard Simon, President, Rejuvenation Science
Company Information - Click Link
Website - www.rejuvenation-science.com
Howard is dedicated to optimizing health and vitality through sophisticated supplements and educational support. With a focus on functional, regenerative, integrative, and anti-aging medicine, Rejuvenation Science provides well-researched and clinically proven products used by progressive healthcare professionals.
Howard is also the author of “MMM Theory: A New Paradigm in Medicine,” which introduces the Microbial Mucosal Milieu (MMM) Theory. This theory suggests that many diseases categorized as “auto-immune” and those with inflammation as a symptom are not diseases at all but rather the body’s natural protective response to environmental microcontaminants. The book aims to shift the perception of autoimmune illnesses and provide a new understanding of how to treat and prevent these conditions.
Through his work, Howard Simon is at the forefront of changing medical paradigms and promoting a holistic approach to health. His innovative theories and commitment to quality make him a leading voice in the field of integrative medicine.
3-27-2024 - Fireside - Howard Simon & Susan Treadgold
MedTech Investing Forum
Ian Rassman
Banking and Payment Expert, Chosen Payments
Executive Director & President, Los Angeles NORML
www.chosenpayments.com
www.lanorml.org
Ian Rassman is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in technology, startups, and senior management. He began his career as a software engineer and quickly advanced to senior consulting roles, eventually founding Rassman International Consulting, which helped international companies design and build their CRM & SFA systems.
Ian’s extensive background includes serving as the Operations Manager for the International Olympic Committee at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and holding senior roles at various technology startups and publicly traded companies. His focus on payment systems and emerging markets led him to a senior operations role at a FinTech startup, where he cultivated strategic partnerships in the banking world.
Currently, Ian specializes in providing compliant banking and payment solutions for the regulated cannabis industry through his role at Chosen Payments. He offers technology that supports credit card processing, cashless ATM, check processing, gift/loyalty programs, ATM, POS, mobile applications, and other financial services.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ian is a passionate advocate for cannabis reform. He serves as the Executive Director and President of Los Angeles NORML, a non-profit organization dedicated to reforming cannabis laws and ending the prohibition of cannabis. Under his leadership, Los Angeles NORML has worked to support the growth and development of businesses within the regulated cannabis industry and provide charitable services to patients in need.
​​Jeff Wolfson, Managing Director, TBcwell
Website - www.tcbwell.com​
Jeff is an active investor and helps business owners scale and exit their businesses on their terms.
Sales, Marketing and Management professional with over 20 years expertise in sales enablement, lead generation and sales training, developing new business, distribution, manufacturing, operations, logistics, marketing, recruiting A-level talent, and public affairs. Expert at developing and implementing strategic plans, CRM maximization, KPI's, OKR's, creative sales incentive programs and "win-win" sales compensation plans.
Currently searching for strategic acquisitions for our own portfolio as well as advising businesses on growth through acquisition.                                               
Jeeyan Rostam-Abadi, EVP, Marketing, Hawke Media
Website - www.hawkemedia.com​
​Jeeyan is the Vice President of Marketing at Hawke Media and oversees all global marketing efforts. He is responsible for linking the innovations of the company’s business development and marketing team to the client-focused operations of the business to build the Hawke Media global brand, create consumer awareness and advocacy, and drive consumer preference for the consultancy through all channels.
In this role, Jeeyan oversees the global management of Hawke's brand, including consumer insights, digital marketing, creative development, client management, marketing effectiveness, partnerships, and media and employee communications. Jeeyan also oversees the leveraging of Hawke's current capabilities to help build its global brand. 
Kiara Piliguian, Communications Manager, Hawke Media
Website - www.hawkemedia.com​
​Kiara is the Communications Manager at Hawke Media, where she leads PR, events, and social media initiatives with a strong focus on strategic communication. 
Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA and a solid background in public relations, Kiara excels in crafting and delivering compelling brand narratives. Her passion for storytelling and brand management drives successful campaigns that elevate brand visibility and engagement.   
Nicholas Kovacevich, Advisor, CCELL​
Website - www.ccell.com
​Nick is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive, and business advisor, with extensive experience in the cannabis industry. Prior to becoming an Advisor for CCELL, Nick was the CEO of Greenlane Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: GNLN), a leading provider of ancillary cannabis products and accessories. Nick became Greenlane CEO in September 2021, following an acquisition of KushCo Holdings, another industry pioneer, which Nick co-founded in 2010 and served as CEO and Chairman. 
Under Nick’s leadership, KushCo grew from under $2M in annual revenues to achieving nearly $115M in annual sales in fiscal 2020, with operations in multiple states and three countries, and employing over 100 team members.
Kovacevich’s entrepreneurial endeavors include founding several other successful businesses, such as BigRentz, a leading online construction equipment rental company. Nick actively gives back to the community, including serving on the OC Fair Board, where he was appointed by Governor Newsom. Nick graduated summa cum laude from Southwest Baptist University, where he was also the captain of the men’s NCAA II basketball team.                          
Rex Wong, CEO, Hollo.ai
Website - www.hollo.ai
Rex Wong is the visionary CEO of Hollo.ai, a pioneering company in the field of AI personalization technology. With a robust background in AI and internet entrepreneurship, Rex has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions that redefine digital interaction. Under his leadership, Hollo.ai has launched groundbreaking platforms that allow users to create, claim, and monetize their AI digital identities.
Rex’s expertise lies in leveraging AI to create digital twins—virtual representations that mirror users’ appearances and voices. This technology has far-reaching implications, extending beyond personal entertainment to applications in digital health and beyond. Hollo.ai’s platform is designed to ensure ethical use of AI, incorporating blockchain technology to verify and secure AI identities, thereby championing the cause of sovereign ownership for creators and influencers.
Based in Santa Monica, California, Hollo.ai continues to push the boundaries of AI technology under Rex’s guidance. His commitment to innovation and ethical AI practices has positioned Hollo.ai as a leader in the industry, offering unique solutions that blend cutting-edge technology with practical applications. Rex Wong’s leadership and vision are driving the future of AI personalization, making significant strides in how we interact with and utilize AI in our daily lives.
Tal Navarro, CEO, Social Lady 
​Website - www.social-lady.com
Tal Navarro is a dynamic entrepreneur and digital marketing expert, best known as the founder of Social Lady and AI Vibes. With over 20 years of experience in the online space, Tal has established herself as a pioneer in digital marketing and AI integration.
Social Lady is a comprehensive digital marketing agency that Tal founded to help businesses navigate the complexities of the digital world. The agency offers a wide range of services, including social media management, lead generation, web development, and AI implementation. Tal’s innovative approach and deep understanding of digital trends have enabled Social Lady to grow into an international agency with a diverse client base.
AI Vibes, another brainchild of Tal, is an omnichannel media company that focuses on the vibrant culture of artificial intelligence. AI Vibes aims to bridge the gap between AI technology and everyday users by providing practical insights and applications of AI in daily routines. The platform offers a newsletter, educational resources, and community engagement to help individuals and businesses harness the power of AI.
Tal’s passion for digital innovation and her commitment to empowering others through technology make her a leading figure in the digital marketing and AI communities. Her work continues to inspire and drive the future of digital transformation.