Our Speakers
.jpg)
JOHN NEE
Founder, Act 1 Partners
Strategic Marketing for Founders: Building Brands that Last
What’s the difference between advertising and a real brand? How can small businesses build recognition that drives long-term results?
John Nee, a seasoned marketing executive with over 20 years of experience at global companies, will share real-life case studies, tools, and strategic approaches that help founders build loyalty, reputation, and sustainable growth.
Nataliia Makohon
Social Impact Manager, Community Leader, MPA
The Power of Network and Social Leadership
YURI BOYECHKO
Paralegal at PDX Law Group, P.C.
Q&A Session "Business Liability 101: What Happens When Accidents Happen?"
A session for business owners and managers to understand their legal risks in case of accidents — on the road or at the workplace. Learn what steps to take immediately, how to protect your team and business, and what documentation and insurance can save you from serious trouble.
Moderator: Kyrylo Nikitenko
IURII
LISOVSKYI
Chief Operating Officer, Meest USA
Shipping Solutions for Growing Businesses: Partnering with Meest
Discover how Meest supports Ukrainian entrepreneurs and small businesses in the U.S. with efficient delivery and fulfillment solutions. From e-commerce shipping to B2B logistics and partnership opportunities — this session is your chance to learn, ask questions, and explore how Meest can support your growth.
Moderator: Olga Safina
OLENA KUZHUKHAR
Retail Relationship Banker at BMO U.S.
Financial Tools for Small Businesses in the U.S. & Business Lending: How to Access Financing
How entrepreneurs can effectively use business accounts, payment systems, and deposits.
An overview of available loan programs for small businesses and startups.
Vasiliy Safin
Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology, Reed College
Cognitive Scientist | Behavioral Economics & Social Psychology Researcher
Critical Thinking in Business: How to Make Better Decisions and Avoid Costly Mistakes
In today’s fast-paced world, entrepreneurs constantly face the challenge of making complex decisions. How can you distinguish reliable information from manipulation? How can you avoid cognitive biases and resist groupthink? In this fireside chat, we’ll explore how principles from cognitive science, behavioral economics, and social psychology can help develop critical thinking skills, identify logical fallacies, and make better business decisions.
Leah Voit
Economic Justice Coordinator | Economic Empowerment, Metropolitan Family Service
How to Improve Your Credit Score for Achieving Financial Independence
KYRYLO NIKITENKO
Black Box
Improvisation in Business: How to Adapt, Persuade, and Act with Confidence
Modern business is an unscripted game. Market conditions shift rapidly, clients and partners are unpredictable, and negotiations or public speaking demand flexibility and instant reactions. Theatrical improvisation is a powerful tool that helps entrepreneurs develop confidence, creativity, and the ability to navigate unexpected situations with ease.
TOM GILLPATRICK
Professor of Marketing PSU Business, The School of
Hiring in a Changing Workforce: Employer Challenges & Strategies for Success
In this panel discussion, Tina Ford, Tom Gillpatrick, and Alan Cabelly will explore hiring challenges from the employer’s perspective—addressing talent shortages, evolving workforce expectations, and the impact of workplace culture on retention.
Valentina Pishchanskaya-Cayanan
Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist, Board Vice President DAWN Inc
How to Thrive Without Burning Out
Running a business often means running on empty. In this powerful session, Valentina will explore how entrepreneurs can protect their energy, recognize early signs of burnout, and build sustainable habits that support both performance and well-being. A must for anyone juggling ambition with overwhelm.
Jocelyn Furbush
Program Manager at Livelihood NW
Tracking Business Finances: Simple Systems for Smart Decisions
Understanding your cash flow and keeping accurate records is critical to business survival and growth. In this mini-session, Jocelyn Furbush shares practical, low-stress ways to track income, expenses, and profitability — even if you're not a numbers person.
JOSHUA JACOBS
MANAGER
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
MESOPDX.ORG
How to Build a Business When You Don’t Have Capital: Funding & Support for Underserved Founders
No capital? No problem.
Joshua Jacobs from MESO shares practical tools and real-life support that help early-stage and underserved entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses — even with limited resources.
Learn how to access funding, find the right mentorship, and tap into a community that’s built to help you succeed.
Mariya Kamsha
Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist, Board Vice President DAWN Inc
Taxes: LLC vs Corporation
Choosing the right legal structure for your business can save you thousands in taxes — or cost you just as much. In this practical session, Maria will break down the pros and cons of LLCs vs. Corporations, explain tax implications, and help you avoid costly mistakes as you grow.
Svitlana Strelchenko
Senior Business Development Manager
Piana Vyshnia
Franchise Spotlight: iFest & Piana Vyshnia (Drunk Cherry) — Building Cultural Brands Across Borders
Join the founders of iFest and the iconic Lviv-based brand Drunken Cherry as they connect live from Ukraine to share their journey of building one of the most recognizable hospitality and cultural brands in Eastern Europe. In this exclusive session, they’ll talk about their vision, expansion strategy, and unique opportunities for collaboration and franchising in the United States.
Moderator: Natalka Makohon
Andrii Lupyr
Relationship Banker, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Business Account Basics
Opening a business account is often the first formal step in legitimizing your business — but it can feel overwhelming. In this session, Andriy Lupyr from Chase Bank will walk you through the key types of accounts, requirements, best practices, and common mistakes small business owners make. Perfect for early-stage entrepreneurs and freelancers ready to go official.