Karen received her Masters’ Degree in Social Work from Columbia University and has worked in the areas of family therapy, eldercare and PTSD.

Acclaimed talk show host of Spouting Off

As a performer, she has toured the country in musical comedies, entertained on cruise ships and appeared in television and film. Her broadcast experience includes turns as a classical music radio announcer, news-caster, voice-over artist and of course, talk radio host. She lends her operatic voice to a variety of fundraisers and community events and has sung the National Anthem and God Bless America in numerous venues from State Legislatures to the New Jersey Nets.

Karen has trained people of all ages in public speaking, voice and diction, assertiveness and interpersonal communication. She taught communications at a Manhattan corporate training firm, the New School for Social Research, Parsons School of Design in New York, New Jersey’s Montclair State College, and Fairleigh Dickenson University, among others.

In politics, Karen has written numerous editorials and run for public office. She is passionate about freedom, equal justice and personal responsibility. You might have trouble pigeonholing her.

She enjoys encouraging people to think for themselves and to question everything.

Karen is the author of the awarding winning memoir, FATLASH! Food Police & the Fear of Thin, a memoir about her "stage mother on steroids" and her participation in child beauty pageants.

Thomas Gerard Tancredo is an American politician from Colorado, who represented the state's sixth congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1999 to 2009 as a Republican

Radio personality Shonda Mallory aka, Mallory J from 1075 Jamz FM. Home of the Ricky Smiley Morning Show and DL Hugley in the afternoons. Mallory J is on Mid-days 10 am – 3 pm. She’s been in radio for over 10 years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and 2 years in Charlotte NC before coming to Fort Myers. On the Podcast, We will talk about the power of music and its effects on your mind, body, and soul.

Dave Luptak, Midwest Acct Mgr.of Hope Services, featuring Podiatry & CBD products.

Experience representing:

— Dia-Foot diabetic shoes and orthotics

— Medix CBD products

—MedLine medical supplies

— Bako CTS products

—MedPro malpractice insurance

For the past twenty-six years, Ann Marchetti has held leadership roles in several successful nonprofit agencies towards a singular goal-- to improve the health and well being of children, youth and families. Drawing upon her unique combination of public policy, business and creative skills, Ann has assisted these nonprofits in optimizing their business models while building organizational capacity and developing sustainable programs.  In 2008, Ann was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Service to Children and Youth by the National Child Labor Committee.  This body remarked, “Ann has been at the forefront of action and has been the voice to improve the health, education, well-being and futures of millions of children.”

Ann founded AW Marchetti Consulting in 2008.  Her firm is dedicated to empowering a new generation of leaders to develop effective systems for capacity development and program delivery.  Ann believes that collaborative solutions enhance sustainability and build shared and lasting solutions for a brighter and healthier nation and world. As such, Ann serves as the Consulting Director of FORWARD DuPage. For ten years she has been responsible for providing leadership in building the organization’s marketing, finance, human resources and board governance capacity while expanding solutions to address the complex issue of obesity prevention.

Obesity remains a severe public health crisis.  For the past ten years, FORWARD DuPage has ensured that healthy lifestyles and obesity prevention remain a top priority in DuPage County. Through its leadership and partnerships, FORWARD DuPage has leveraged expertise with state and national obesity prevention experts and initiatives.  We convene, educate, connect and share best practices in nutrition, physical activity and built environment across a range of leaders and stakeholders. They in turn start new initiatives and programs, adopt practices, and change policies that improve the health of the citizens of the county. Between now and 2021, FORWARD DuPage will build on its history by targeting its resources to an area of urgent need - DuPage County children aged 0-11 years.  Currently DuPage County children aged 2-4 years show obesity rates higher than the national average.  Establishing a healthy lifestyle foundation when children are young, help ensure healthy habits for a lifetime.  Together we can make a difference!

Ann earned her MS degree from Radford University.

Ann not only brings infectious energy and determination to her work by developing creative and sustainable solutions for today’s complex social and business issues, but she is dedicated to creating a healthy and sustainable world by example. She regularly volunteers on local and national Boards and at community events, established a Farmers Market and bee apiary in her local community, and she serves as a Guardian Ad Litem/Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for several foster children.