Join Stacie Porosky along with Guest Speakers: Sonia Soto, Rhonda Daniels, Dwan "Dee" Martin and Denise Keim for an insightful webinar and panel discussion on Building and Creating a Business Plan now that you have an actual business.
Learn the essential steps to create a solid business plan that transforms your hobby into a thriving venture. Gain expert insights, practical tools, and actionable strategies to set your business up for success. Whether you're just starting or looking to grow, this event is your first step toward entrepreneurial success!
Guest Speaker: Sonia Soto
Sonia Soto is the founder of Life Of A Pole Trick, a studio dedicated to aerial dance fitness and spiritual healing for all. With a passion for helping others grow, she empowers individuals to deepen their connection with themselves, their community, and the world around them. Her holistic approach blends movement, energy work, and mindfulness, allowing clients to harness their inner strength and spiritual power. Through her work, Sonia fosters a supportive space where transformation, balance, and self-discovery flourish.
Guest Speaker: Rhonda Daniels
Rhonda Daniels is a seasoned sales and business development executive from Chicago, boasting over 15 years of experience in driving corporate sales and nurturing entrepreneurial ventures. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida A&M University, followed by an MBA focusing on Finance and Marketing from Pennsylvania State University. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Natural Radiant Life, Rhonda spearheaded the launch of an innovative vegan skincare line. Beyond her professional endeavors, she serves on the Central Region Selection Committee for the Jackie Robinson Foundation and maintains an active membership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Guest Speaker: Dwan "Dee" Martin
Dwan “Dee” Martin is a dynamic entrepreneur, philanthropist, and creative visionary dedicated to empowering her community and celebrating culture. As the founder of Urban Luxe Café, an art-centric café in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, Dee has cultivated a space that blends delicious food with the arts, hosting live music, spoken word, and youth mentoring programs. She also owns Urban Luxe Salons, a haven for beauty and self-care, and Nail Riot, a trendsetting nail salon known for its creative designs and exceptional service. Dee is also a real estate investor, leveraging her expertise to develop and support thriving spaces in her community.
Additionally, Dee is the founder of Rhoyal House of Smoochie Poochie, a luxury pet apparel boutique offering high-quality, stylish clothing and accessories for pets.
A published author and thought leader, Dee has been featured in prominent media outlets including the New York Times, CBS News, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Daytime Chicago, and WGN Chicago’s Very Own. Her impact and dedication to her community have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Chicago Star Award presented by the City of Chicago for her outstanding contributions to economic and social well-being.
Dee’s passion for fostering connections, empowering others, and celebrating culture continues to make her a trailblazer in business and community service.
Guest Speaker: Denise Keim
Denise Keim is a social documentary photographer with over 33 years of experience capturing the human condition through evocative portraiture. She has spent 15 years in higher education as a professor of photography and a community arts educator, shaping the next generation of visual storytellers. A Fulbright Scholar, Keim has exhibited her work internationally and contributed to major publications, including The New York Times Magazine, American Photo, and Nieman Reports.
As the Founder of the Chicago Center for Photojournalism (CC4PJ), Keim has built a world-class hub for ethical visual storytelling in the heart of Uptown. Since opening in 2023, CC4PJ has hosted exhibitions featuring globally renowned photojournalists, monthly artist talks, and accessible community photography classes. The center fosters an inclusive space where emerging and established photographers engage in dialogue, mentorship, and hands-on education. Through workshops, fieldwork, and gallery programming, CC4PJ empowers Chicago residents—ranging from working adults to seniors—to document their communities with authenticity and impact.
Keim’s leadership continues to shape CC4PJ as a vital force for photojournalism, grassroots storytelling, and community-driven visual history. |
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