Val Vick, Owner of Val Vick Content & Copywriting  

“Content marketing done well GUARANTEES higher sales in 2022 for small business owners and busy entrepreneurs,” says our February 2022 speaker. 

Val Vick, owner of the boutique content marketing agency, Val Vick Content & Copywriting, has watched unrecognized businesses increase visibility, client trust and loyalty, and sales using customer-focused content.

Val is a content marketing strategist for entrepreneurs and engineers. She offers both done-for-you and coaching for the DIY (do-it-yourself) clients.

She’s known for creating content that blends elements of brand voice, storytelling, customer experience, and search engine optimization (SEO). In fact, Val offers a guarantee to clients she writes for – if the content doesn’t sound like them, she’ll re-write it until it does.

In addition to her formal training and experience, her content marketing skills have been shaped by more than 30 years of sales, marketing, and business development experience – wearing corporate officer, client service, entrepreneur, and volunteer hats. The exposure gained from these roles allow her to empathize with customers served by all types of businesses.

Some affectionately call Val (aka Valeria Collier-Vick, P.E., PMP), the Engineer who Writes. She completed a liberal arts degree from Spelman College, and a Chemical Engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Before becoming an entrepreneur (i.e., content/copy, real estate, travel, college readiness and scholarships) in 2008, she was a corporate officer with CH2M HILL (recently acquired by Jacobs Engineering).

Contact info: ph (281) 757 – 3057; email – val@valeriavick.com; website – https://valvickcopywriting.com; 

3 Take-Aways:

1. What is content marketing and how to do it well.
2. What is the difference between branding and brand voice
3. The number 1 skill every business owner/leader MUST master to grow consistently

Zeina Ghossoub El-Aswad
"Leading with Vulnerability"

Zeina Ghossoub El-Aswad, is a holder of a PhD in Human Behavior and Counseling, an “MCC” (Master Certified Coach from the International Coach Federation “ICF Global”), a “CWC” (Certified Wellness Coach from the College of Executive Coaching), a Certified Transformative Coach, an Emotional Intelligence EQi 2.0 and EQ360 Certified Assessor from the MHS (Multi-Health Systems Inc.), a Certified Administrator for the MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) a personality assessment instrument, not to forget her Masters in clinical dietetics. She has over 20 years of coaching experience as a Professional Certified Executive, Leadership, Life and Wellness coach between Lebanon and the USA and has created a unique concept in wellness and health that targets individuals, families, corporations, and businesses on a personal and professional level. Founder and CEO of “Vie Saine - Lebanon”, a Wellness and Coaching Center in Beirut; Cofounder and Chief Wellness Officer of her Coaching and Consulting Company in Houston, Vital Signs Vital Skills llc. (known as VSVS); Former President of ICF-Charter Chapter Lebanon (International Coach Federation). She is well published, having co-authored multiple best-selling books, several scientific articles on the Effect of Emotional Intelligence and Wellness on Physician Burnout, as well as several web-based educational courses. She has lectured about coaching wellness and dietetics throughout the Middle East and the continental USA. Zeina has been and continues to be a pioneer in her respective fields where she continuously develops research and applies up to date protocols and approaches. Zeina is well into academics. She has been teaching in several renowned universities in Lebanon and USA. Zeina is also passionate about helping others. She is the founder and creator of a NonProfit Organization (Ghalletna) that has helped, for over twelve years, and continues to help feed and clothes families and individuals in Lebanon on a yearly basis; She is a member of the “Blessing Foundation” in Beirut (a mentoring company for Women in Business) and LLWB (Lebanese League for Women in Business). Dr. Ghossoub El-Aswad has an extensive media outreach. She has weekly local and international television shows and radio shows. She is an editor and contributor to several local and international magazines. She is well published, and her work has seen her be recognized by prestigious establishments such as the American Medical Association, the Harvard Institute of Coaching, Mayo Clinic, McGill University, Stanford, AUB (American University of Beirut) and others.

3 Take-Aways:

• Change in mindset: Vulnerability seen as a skill not a weakness
• Stepping out of our Comfort zone and being ok with Uncertainty, Risk and Emotional exposure
• Seeking Excellence not Perfection

Lisa Bisceglia
"Speaking with Authority"

Lisa Bisceglia, self-proclaimed ‘Data Chick’, otherwise known as Director of Data Science and Analytics, with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry leading discussions, presentations and winning over clients.  

Automotive today is different than the male-dominated automotive industry of 20 years ago.  During those early years, a female finding an authoritative voice when one must first prove oneself can make or break confidence.   Lisa developed a ‘Leave things better than found’ motto by sharing, listening, and adapting.    Lisa has been a force in vehicle development teams, created advisory councils, and guided strategy development across multiple clients and internal staff.

Lisa thrives on helping others find their confidence and enjoy success via a variety of volunteer activities, including coaching volleyball, Houston Sports Authority, and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo committee; but none is more fulfilling than being a Guardian ad Litem with Child Advocates, helping children in unfortunate situations find confidence and joy while ensuring their safety and health.

3 Take-Aways:

1. Know your audience 
2. Find comfort in a pause 
3. plan, practice, but do not read

Kristin Gunderson
"Starting the New Year Strong!"

Kristin Gunderson is the owner of Gunderson’s Bookkeeping in Waller, TX, which opened in 2012. Kristin was born and raised in Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a double major - Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management in 2003. After moving to Houston for better job opportunities, she ended up working in the accounting department of a medical supply company and realized how much she enjoyed accounting. While working full time, she went back to school and got her master's degree from the University of Phoenix - Houston, with a Masters in Accounting in 2006. While going to school, Kristin met the love of her life Kyle, and have been married for almost 15 years. Together, they have two sons and a stepdaughter.

Kristin is heavily involved in the community of Waller. She served as a board member of the Waller Area Chamber of Commerce for 3 years as the treasurer. She was the treasurer of the Waller Cub Scout Troop 1699 for 4 years. She has held a team for the Waller Relay for Life for the past 4 years and raised over $8,000 over the years to that cause. Kristin also served on the Creative Living Building Board for the annual Waller County Fair for 7 years. Kristin has served as the Vice President of her BNI chapter last year, and this year is the President of the BNI chapter. A year ago, Kristin & Kyle were part of the original 16 individuals who helped launch a small church plant in Waller called Real Life Waller. Lastly, Kristin is a board member of Family Ties non-profit here in Cypress and Waller. 

Kristin is passionate about helping small businesses grow, to be profitable, and to prosper. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. Kristin believes in self-development and coaches/mentors. Kristin loves to travel, spend time with her family, and is also passionate about health. Due to several life changing events in their life, Kristin started a health & wellness business a few years ago that her husband and she are actively building. Her goal is that when her husband retires from the Houston Fire Department in 5 years, that the health & wellness company (K2Gunderson) will be well established so that she can travel the world, maybe open a non-profit, and ultimately be able to help impact other people.  Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  

3 Take-Aways:

1. Goal Setting Budgeting
2. Managing Your Cash Flow
3. Taking Your Profit First

Jennifer Gaudet

"Overcoming Obstacles & Self Sabotage to Optimize Your Business Life"

International best selling author, speaker, investor, entrepreneur, television show host, Human Performance Specialist and Master Transformational Life Coach Jen Gaudet empowers high impact individuals and groups to elevate their life, health and business for maximized impact in their organizations and communities through self care, stress management, mindset, boundaries, and the pillars of human performance.

After 20 years in Sports Medicine and Sport Performance working with elite collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes, Jen ups the ante, bringing mindset work and human performance to LIFE, challenging leaders everywhere to elevate their game.

By empowering leaders to elevate their game, the ripple effect empowers employees, families, and communities to take charge of their health and lives effectively improving quality of life for everyone.

It’s time to be BE the change we want to See in our world, and it starts with us!

Jen is passionate about giving back in both her local and global communities. As part of a Medical Educational Exchange team, she serves overseas to improve quality healthcare and prevention to severely underserved communities. Locally, she donates time and part of her profits to Shieldbearer, fighting for hearts and access to mental health services regardless of ability to pay and erasing the stigma of mental health. She also sits on the board of local non profit serving the special needs  population of Houston.

Board Installations

Cy-Fair Express Network is proud to be installing the 2021-22 Executive Board.  New board members will be inducted by CYFEN founding member Angila Ervin.  

Serving on the board will be President, D’Ann Gummelt - A Splash of Sass;  President-Elect, Kristina Perez - Houston Community College Foundation; VP of Communications, Nicole Travis – Texas Realty; VP of Finance, Debbie Berry – Mary Kay Director; VP of Membership, Teresa Austin – Texas Hair Fairy; VP of Marketing/PR, Jennifer Kurzy -Mary Kay Consultant; VP of Programs, Sheri Kendrick - A Splash of Sass; and VP of Fundraising, Chovanique Lee - Tupperware. 

Geovanna Burgess White

"Difference Between Collaborations, Partnershps &
Your Business Needs"

Geovanna is a passionate multi-preneur, whose businesses were created based on providing solutions. Her mission is guiding women entrepreneurs in strategic connections and collaborations, while teaching them simple tactics to grow their businesses.

Mexican born, Texas raised mother of two teens and wife of a talented chef, started her journey in the retail industry 20 years ago and found her niche in the wedding industry in 2014. Since 2020 she has helped over 20 business owners create and sustain 6-plus figure income during a pandemic.

Alane Roberts
Today’s Leader: Understanding the New Follower

Alane Roberts is a passionate speaker, and shares encouraging messages about personal growth and motivation.  She is the President of Assisted Living Locators of Houston, a placement firm that finds care communities for seniors.  She is the National Chairperson for the Franchisee Advisory Council of Assisted Living Locators, and also the Regional Director of the Central South Region of the same.  Alane recently won the ALL-IN award with her company, an award that is given to franchisees that embody a spirit of collaboration and commitment. 

Alane is the owner of Grace Management Group, a small care management firm in Houston.  She is the former Executive Director of WOAMTEC Vintage Park, a business women’s networking group, and hosts meetings twice a month.  She is also a member the National Organization of Women Business Owners. Alane is mom to three sons, and lives in Tomball Texas, She enjoys writing, crafting, decorating, singing and gatherings of friends.

Three Take-A-Ways:

Understanding the needs of the team you lead.

How to adapt leadership strategies in today’s environment.

Effective communication with your followers or team.