PROGRAM 4

Laura Neiman has been the President & CEO of Neiman Brothers Company, Inc. since 2006.  Ms. Neiman represents the third generation of her family who is dedicated to growing and continuing the 100+ year old business that manufactures, processes and distributes a full line of ingredients. Ms. Neiman has been instrumental in driving the development and expansion into complementary categories as she has cultivated new opportunities in the ever-changing food industry. In addition, Ms. Neiman has expanded the distribution reach of Neiman Brothers’ sales network across the United States. Furthermore, Ms. Neiman has led a range of operational initiatives at the Company including the implementation of a new ERP system as well as the execution of new industry-leading food and health/safety practices.

Ms. Neiman has participated in a number of professional panels locally and across the country where she has discussed family-owned business dynamics as well as governance trends. In addition, Ms. Neiman has consulted for a range of other privately-owned corporations navigating complicated business issues.

Ms. Neiman is a member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and she sits on the Chicago Alumni Board of Brandeis University, the Breakthrough Board of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation. Ms. Neiman is also a member of The Economic Club of Chicago and The Chicago Network. She graduated from Brandeis University in 1997.

Ms. Neiman lives in Chicago with her husband and two daughters.

PROGRAM 3

Shea Soucie is Principal and Co-Founder of Soucie Horner Design Collective (SHDC), a Chicago-based lifestyle brand she has built over the past 26 years alongside partner Martin Horner. SHDC works with high-end residential and commercial clients across the U.S. on highly personalized interiors, branded environments, and destination-driven spaces—projects defined by depth, craft, and a strong point of view.

In addition to leading SHDC’s interior design practice, Shea is Co-Founder of SHIIR Rugs, an artisanal rug collection grounded in handcraft and global maker partnerships, and a driving force behind the Wickwood Inn, a design-forward hospitality experience in Saugatuck, Michigan that brings the SHDC ethos into the real world.

Shea is deeply engaged in the design community and serves as a member of the Leaders of Design Council, Design Leadership Network, and the Design Leadership Foundation. She is also an Advisory Board Member of NEST, a nonprofit supporting artisan and maker communities—particularly women—through ethical, sustainable commerce, a mission closely aligned with her values around craft and purpose-driven business.

Known for building with intention and longevity, Shea brings a thoughtful, human approach to leadership—one that bridges design, entrepreneurship, and cultural relevance. She lives in Chicago with her husband and four children.

PROGRAM 2

Meet Nancy Sharp – Grounded by her morning coffee, inspired by good music, and supported by her family. She lives by the mantra: Control what you can, confront what you can’t. From building teams and shaping culture to mentoring future leaders, Her journey from the hospitality floor to founding one of Chicago’s most respected organizations, Food For Thought, is proof that curiosity, patience, and purpose can pave the way to lasting success.

Starting in a serving role at country clubs and restaurants and moving to hotels and banquet operations. What began as an appreciation for food and service grew into a passion for building teams, developing talent, and shaping organizations. In 1983, my late husband, sister, and I had a vision to create a place where people could be brilliant, collaborate, and grow—and that vision became Food For Thought.

Food For Thought is a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)

PROGRAM 1

Shelly Sun Berkowitz is the founder and Executive Chair of BrightStar Care, the national home care franchise system she built over 20 years, scaled to over 400 locations, and led through a majority sale in 2025. Shelly now serves as CEO of her advisory firm, Founder 2 Founder, where she is helping other founders scale, sell, and secure their business legacies. And through her family office, Next Phase Capital (NPC), she offers patient, values-aligned capital to franchise businesses.