Mrs. Eden Bridgeman Sklenar has been owner, Chairwoman, and now CEO of EBONY and JET and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Manna Inc since 2017. Mrs. Bridgeman Sklenar has been with Manna Inc since 2009. She served as Regional Marketing Manager for 2 years before taking a leave of absence to complete her MBA in Entrepreneurship at Loyola University Chicago-Quinlan School of Business in 2011. She received induction into The International Business Honor Society in 2013 after her MBA program.
After earning her MBA, Mrs. Bridgeman Sklenar transitioned to Director of Marketing for ERJ Dining, LLC dba Chili’s Grill & Bar. Since becoming CMO of Manna Inc, Mrs. Bridgeman Sklenar has overseen the marketing department and all company brands’ local store marketing engagement. Mrs. Bridgeman Sklenar serves as an ambassador for Manna Inc to the Women’s Food Service Forum (WFF) by bringing all of the benefits of WFF membership to life for Manna Inc.
Mrs. Bridgeman Sklenar has served as a Board Member and the Program Director for the Bridgeman Charitable Group since 2017, which produces The Trifecta—an annual Derby-eve black-tie celebrity charity gala in Louisville, Kentucky. Her hobbies include traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She is also a Board Member of The Speed Museum, Kentucky Derby Museum, Oxmoor Farm Foundation, Task Force for the Fund Arts, and the Louisville Ballet.
Eden was born in Los Angeles, CA, but was raised in Louisville, KY, where she attended Male High School and the University of Louisville. She is married to Greg Sklenar and is the daughter of Ulysses L. and Doris Bridgeman. Eden has two brothers, Justin and Ryan Bridgeman.
Eden Bridgeman Sklenar is known as one of the daughters of Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player who became an extremely successful entrepreneur, notably in the fast-food industry. The Bridgeman family is well-respected in both the business and philanthropic circles.
Eden Bridgeman Sklenar has been involved in various aspects of the family business and is recognized for her roles in philanthropic endeavors and events. One of the significant events she’s been associated with is the Trifecta Gala, an annual charity event held during the Kentucky Derby weekend. Given your interest in the Kentucky Derby, as mentioned in your profile, this connection might be particularly relevant.
The Trifecta Gala has historically benefited several charities, focusing on organizations that support underserved communities, particularly in education, sports, and health.
Starlet Marie Jones Lugo (born March 24, 1962), better known as Star Jones, is an American lawyer, journalist, television personality, fashion designer, author, and women’s and diversity advocate.
She is best known as one of the first co-hosts on The View’s ABC morning talk show, which she appeared on for nine seasons from 1997-98 through 2005-06.
She was also one of sixteen contestants of the fourth installment of The Celebrity Apprentice in 2011, coming in fifth place.
Star Jones is a well-known American television personality, lawyer, journalist, and author. Here’s an in-depth overview of her career and achievements:
Star Jones:
Star Jones’s career has seen a blend of legal expertise and media presence, making her a recognized figure in American television and legal circles.
Some of you helped cheer Cheryl on to become a Champion on Hollywood’s first “reality” television show—American Gladiators!
Also, her extraordinary passion for collecting Wizard of Oz memorabilia is second to none!
Ever since Cheryl’s mother read The Wizard of Oz to her as a child, she shared her mother’s passion for “all things Oz.”
Her collection of over 3,500 Oz items—perhaps the world’s most significant—was the premier exhibit at the Judy Garland Museum for 5 years.
Still, when her father taught her to stand on her head, Cheryl began seeing the world differently.
So it comes as little surprise that this media personality & national fitness expert set out to address the USA’s adolescent obesity epidemic as Exec. Producer, Creator, and star of the 13-x national award-winning children’s fitness film program—Adventures in Oz Cheryl- Combining her creative abilities, perseverance, & faith with her love for kids, exercise, &, of course, all things Oz!
Today, Cheryl captures audiences’ hearts & minds as she magically transports them on her eclectic entrepreneurial & spiritual journey from her backyard in Hobart to Hollywood, The Home Shopping Network & more!
Some of the ways Cheryl has inspired & served her communities as a College Professor at the Univ. of Indy, Radio Show Host of Community Link, Inspirational Speaker, and Spiritual Director.
Folks who know her endearingly call her “the bodybuilder with a brain, a heart, & courage!”
MG Lamberton was commissioned in the Infantry upon graduation from the University of KY. ROTC Program in 1986.
His 1st assignment was with the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.
During his time in the 82nd, he served as Mortar Platoon Leader, HHC, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, then Rifle Company Executive Officer, Company C, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, & HHC, 1st Brigade Staff.
His assignments with the 82nd included Operation Golden Pheasant, Operation Just Cause & Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
After completing the Infantry Officer Advanced Course (IOAC), MG Lamberton served as a staff officer with the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea continuing his time in the 506th as the Bravo Rifle Company Commander.
Following his time on Active Duty, he moved back to Louisville, KY, and pursued a successful career in finance while serving as a traditional guardsman with the Kentucky National Guard. After assignments during Operation Noble Eagle & Operation Iraqi Freedom, he transitioned to a full-time role with the Kentucky Army National Guard.
For the National Guard, he served in many positions from the 149th Brigade,35th Infantry Div., as Commander of 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry, 42nd Infantry Division, as Director of Military Support, as Director of HR, & as Director of Logistics.
After his 2009 completion of the Army War College, he returned to KY, serving in multiple State HQ positions, including Commander, 238th Regional Training Institute & the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Facility in Greenville, KY.
His time in the KY. Ntnl. Guard culminated in being appointed the 53rd Adjutant General of the Commonwealth of KY. by Gov. Andrew Beshear on December 10, 2019.
He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Kentucky, & a Master in Strategic Studies from the U. S. Army War College.
He & his wife Karen, a retired nurse practitioner, are the proud parents to Claire, Philip, & 2 grandchildren (Celia & Forest).
Hal’s interests & focus are his family, especially the grandkids, reading & flying, and his & Karen’s participation in the community & military.
She is a nonprofit fundraising executive with > 20 years of experience & proven results. She currently serves as SR. VP/Chief Development & Marketing Officer for Hosparus Health-the largest nonprofit in Louisville, KY. Under her leadership, the organization completed a $29 million People of Compassion comprehensive campaign & throughout her career, Tawanda has raised over $200 million!
Most recently, Tawanda assumed leadership over the marketing department overseeing the Hosparus Health brand & strategic messaging. Before joining Hosparus, Tawanda served as Executive Director at the American Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter in Lexington, KY. These positions, combined with experiences at the University of KY, Norton Healthcare, CHI Saint Joseph, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, & Metro United Way, provide her with a wide range of nonprofit leadership & philanthropic expertise.
If that wasn’t enough, Tawanda earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisville & a Master’s in Business Communication from Spalding University. In addition to fundraising & marketing, she excels at strategic planning, public speaking, leadership development, board development & problem-solving. Past boards include Invol, Transit Authority of River City (TARC), Greater Louisville Inc, Leadership Louisville Center, Louisville Urban League, Lexington Children’s Theatre, Commerce Lexington, and Lexington Transit Authority.
Tawanda’s past recognition includes Distinguished Leader in Leadership Lexington & Top 40 under 40 awards. She is also a 2021 Graduate of Leadership Louisville’s Bingham Fellows, & as of this MoxieTalk, she serves on TARC’s & Family Scholar House’s board. She lives in Louisville with her husband, Dr. Adarrell Owsley & 2 children, Raven & Ayden.
In the beginning, long before he was born. His parents were both devout fundamentalist Christians, & his maternal grandparents raised his Mother Methodist until they converted to fundamentalist Christianity & his paternal grandmother was a fundamentalist Christian & his grandpa eventually converted. Andrew’s parents met at Hyles Anderson College in the late 1980s; Hyles Anderson is known for being a strict fundamentalist school.
His Father studied to be a pastor & his mother was going to be an English teacher. They got married in the early 90s & were excited to have children but had difficulties & after contemplating adoption, they prayed about it until it finally happened! They had 3 boys & Andrew was the middle child. They interpreted the birth of their children as a prayer answered & dedicated their children to the God of Christianity. Homeschooling was popular among fundamentalist Christians because of the separation from the world, outside influences, & TOTAL control of their children’s lives.
Andrew grew up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement known as the IFB cult at Gospel Light Baptist Church in Walkertown, NC, pastored by Bobby Robertson until 2018. Robertson was called “America’s Pastor,” & Gospel Light is one of the larger IFB churches in the U.S. It is known for its extensive bus ministry, bringing in thousands of kids every week.
Andrew idolized Robertson & acted like he was Jesus Christ. The most psychologically damaging was the hateful sermons on the LGBTQ+ community because Andrew is openly gay & growing up gay in fundamentalist Christianity is unacceptable because they are considered “perverts that go around raping people & hurting children.” Adding to this trauma was being a child sexual assault survivor and keeping this a secret; he felt shame for his assault & hearing how he deserved nothing good. Loving yourself is difficult when you feel like the closest to you find you unacceptable & he was extremely hurt that the people who cared for him denied him healthcare.
His trust in his parents eroded & was forever destroyed, & he read books constantly to expand his mind & get rid of “black-and-white thinking.”
Today, Andrew is an influencer to bring awareness to religious trauma, & has shared his story on many podcasts; & as of this filming, he works for 1 of the world’s top cult experts, Rachel Bernstein & helps her with her social media marketing, for her podcast “IndoctriNation.”
Andrew is on a mission to pursue psychology to become a therapist & eventually, a psychologist by researching religious trauma & helping present & future survivors of spiritual abuse!
BGM is a movement dedicated to increasing math confidence, awareness, enthusiasm, identity, fluency, & persistence in children. BGM’s flagship product is the Black Girl MATHgic Box, the first and only monthly subscription box designed to increase math confidence & decrease math anxiety in girls on a 3rd-8th grade math level. Black Girl MATHgic has been featured in Forbes, Buzzfeed, BEYONCE.com, Black Enterprise, and more.
Brittany is also a math tutor and former GED Math Instructor & received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Spelman College & her Master of Business Administration in Mrktg, Communication & Organizational Behavior from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon Univ. Brittany is a proud native of Detroit, where she lives with her husband & daughter.
Brittany Rhodes founded Black Girl MATHgic, a company focused on increasing math confidence and decreasing math anxiety among young Black girls. Black Girl MATHgic provides monthly subscription boxes to make math more relatable, understandable, and fun for its subscribers.
Here are some critical details about Brittany Rhodes and Black Girl MATHgic:
Born in Pakistan and raised in Southern California, & after only 9 months as Metro United Way’s Director of Major & Legacy Gifts, she rose to this position, having previously served as Director for Louisville Metro’s Office for Globalization-joining the mayor’s team with over 15 yrs. as an experienced leader & public servant from various roles like UPS’ Air Region Public Affairs & Communication Relations Supervisor where she was a liaison for the UPS Foundation; as well as Chief Academic Officer at Berea College; & other positions such as Middle School Math & Science teacher to Project Manager & Assistant Principal in public education.
Sabeen has overcome obstacles of integrating into a new country while balancing 2 different cultures simultaneously, a recurring theme in her life she observes.
Thus pledging to pay it forward by encouraging ALL people to succeed. Sabeen believes in empowering people to be part of the solution to challenges, teaching them to intentionally focus their energy on a positive direction, ensuring they make sensible choices, and thriving as trailblazers within their community. This enthusiasm led her to be recognized as Louisville’s Business First Top 20 People to Know in Education & the Workforce & recognized again by Louisville’s Business First for their Top 20 People to Know in Philanthropy.
Sabeen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from CA. St. Univ. @ Long Beach, & a Master of Educ. degree in Ldrship & Admin. from the University of Louisville
Her dedication to the community & involvement with various boards, including the World Affairs Council & Fund for the Arts. Beyond her professional interests, she enjoys travel, playing board games with her husband, cooking international cuisine—& spending quality time with her teenage son.
Sabeen, from Pakistan to Southern California, to now the Commonwealth of KY.
Gwen Mooney is the President & CEO of Cave Hill Cemetery, a cemetery considered by PBS to be 1 of the world’s greatest cemeteries! In 2015, Gwen started as Pres./CEO of The Historic Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, KY. She is JUST its 6th leader in almost 200 yrs. & overseeing roughly 300 acres of the cemetery & its arboretum, as well as Cave Hill’s Invest. Corp. & the Heritage Foundation.
As if that didn’t keep her busy enough, Gwen is a licensed funeral Dir. & embalmer in Ohio & Kentucky. She has a Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science & from 1999-2015, was Pres. & Managing Dir. of The Gwen Mooney Funeral Homes, associated with Sg. Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati. She has served as a Board member of the Intnl. Cemetery, Crematory & Funeral Assoc. (ICCFA), it’s Educational Fdtn. & Woman in Leadership Committee, as well as the KY. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation.
In 2003, she was awarded (CCFE) status- a Certified Cemetery & Funeral Exec. Designation. Over a funeral career that has spanned multiple decades, she has spoken at many conventions & educational programs, including the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science & Memphis, TN.’s ICCFA Univ. Gwen states-“My lengthy funeral career has allowed me to serve many families with compassion & see the impact that outstanding services & attention to detail can make on a family. Keeping up with the changing trends in our industry has been something that I have paid close attention to, as well as attracting future woman leaders to the funeral industry”.
Gwen & her husband enjoy spending time at their homes in Harrison, OH. & Glenview, KY.
She loves to travel & spend time with their 3 children (Dustin, Gabrielle & Dalton) & 3 Granddaughters (Ella, Emmalyn & Elise).
Taylor Everett - Louisville, KY, Independent Mayoral Candidate, 2022
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, and a Louisville Resident Since 2011, Taylor moved to Pittsburgh, PA, at the age of 4 and lived there through high school. He graduated From the University of Louisville with a bachelor’s in Marketing and a minor in entrepreneurship. Taylor believes his life has presented him with challenges that many Louisville residents face daily, which uniquely qualifies him to relate to their concerns and motivates him to fix them. With first-hand experience of chronic health issues with his wife and daughter, as a very young parent, losing a parent due to alcohol, and divorced parents, who personally have been on government-sponsored programs WIC and CCCC, Taylor started a division of a business that focuses specifically on how the government buys goods and services. I hope to continue making Louisville a place where businesses and residents thrive!
Bill Dieruf - Louisville, KY, Republican Mayoral Candidate, 2022
Mayor Bill Dieruf is in his 12th year as Mayor of the City of Jeffersontown, where he has overseen a police department, public works, an economic development authority, parks and recreation, and all other city services. He instituted the WOW customer service approach to city operations that he used during 35 years operating Dieruf Hardware, the longest-operating family-owned business in Jeffersontown.
Mayor Dieruf has had many accomplishments during his three terms as Mayor. He used his business acumen as an accountant to eliminate Jeffersontown’s $17 million debt.
He renegotiated the debt, paid it off 11 years early, saved $1 million in interest, and did not raise taxes to do it.
Mayor Dieruf served as president of the Kentucky League of Cities for two years, including during the pandemic in 2020.
That year he visited almost 200 cities across the state, helping his fellow mayors navigate the complicated process of filing for CARES Act funding that kept those communities financially sound.
Before he served at KLC, Mayor Dieruf was president of the Jefferson County League of Cities for five years and remained immediate past president.
In addition, he serves on the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency board and is the organization’s past chairman.
For 12 years, he has been a board member of GLI and the Jeffersontown Chamber of Commerce and has served on the Campbellsville University Visitors Board of Directors since 2011.
Mayor Dieruf was a member of Leadership Louisville’s 2020 Bingham Fellows class that studied the Digital Divide, concluding it is imperative that affordable Internet access, training, and hardware be available to all Louisville households so all residents can thrive.
A native of Louisville, Mayor Dieruf was raised in the Hikes Point neighborhood and graduated from St. Xavier High School.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Kentucky.
Mayor Dieruf and his wife, Jody, reside in Plainview. They have a daughter, Jennifer, son-in-law Ben, and two grandsons.
Mayor Dieruf says his grandsons are one of the reasons he chose to run for Louisville Mayor because he wants to make sure our city is where they will be proud to call their home.
Craig Greenberg - Louisville, KY, Democratic Mayor Candidate, 2022
Craig is a proud Louisvillian, husband, father, entrepreneur, and community leader who believes in thinking big, working hard, and making things happen.
Craig has spent his career turning dreams into realities and will bring that energy to building a Louisville that works for every family.
Craig, an attorney by training who went from Jefferson County Public Schools to Harvard Law School, helped start and build a Louisville-based company, 21c Museum Hotels, which grew to more than 1,100 team members. 21c received international recognition and helped revive Main Street in Louisville and other urban neighborhoods across the country.
Craig has also led other transformative, historic preservation projects that have driven Louisville’s downtown revitalization, including 111 Whiskey Row, which was nearly destroyed by fire.
No matter how great, the desire to solve problems will be at the core of Craig’s effort to build a stronger Louisville.
Craig has leadership experience enacting reforms for good government and transparency.
As a member of the University of Louisville Board of Trustees, Craig led the effort to hold the former University President accountable for inappropriate financial dealings.
While on the University Board of Trustees, Craig also spearheaded a successful effort to stop a proposed 5% tuition increase for students.
Craig has also served as the Chairman of the March of Dimes’ March for Babies and on the boards of Metro United Way and the Louisville Jewish Community Center.
MoxieMoments brings you Mary Haynes', President and CEO, Nazareth Home, the best piece of advice.
MoxieMoments brings you Joe Heron, Co-Founder-Copper & Kings American Brandy Company, explaining his defining moment.
MoxieMoments brings you Delanor Manson, CEO-Kentucky Nurses Assoc., Retired U.S. Navy Captain & Owner, Koi Gallery, telling us about her most defining moment.
MoxieMoments brings you Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, to discuss being misunderstood.
MoxieMoments brings you Summer Auerbach, Second Generation Owner, Rainbow Blossom Natural Foods, giving her best piece of advice and her thoughts on leadership.
MoxieMoments brings you Caleb Kilburn, Master Distiller, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., explaining his defining moments of adulthood.
MoxieMoments brings you Angela Burton, Founder of Feet-to-the-Fire Writer’s Workshops, on her contributions to humanity.
MoxieMoments brings you Governor Steven L. Beshear, 61st Governor, Commonwealth of Kentucky (2007-2015), providing insight into unforeseen leadership challenges as a governor.
MoxieMoments brings you Nina Moseley, Chief Operating Officer, Wayside Christian Mission, informing us her leadership philosophy.
MoxieMoments brings you Steve Cunanan, Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross – Kentucky Region, explaining his driving force.
MoxieMoments brings you Angela Leet, CEO at QSR Automations & Metro Council Member 2014-2018, who chats about her best piece of advice.
MoxieMoments brings you the late John Asher, Former-Vice President of Racing Communications, Churchill Downs, telling us about the allure of Churchill Downs.
MoxieMoments brings you Ingrid Hernandez, President & Creative Director, Ingrid Design, telling us about her defining moment.