MEET OUR PRICELESS PENNIES

  • BURT KEMPNER

    https://burtkempner.com/

    Burt Kempner is like a cinematic adventurer, bouncing from New York to Florida, with stops in Philadelphia and D.C. along the way, leaving a trail of award-winning work behind him. His creations have been witnessed by a spectrum of viewers, from a herd of Maori chieftains in New Zealand to a national TV audience in the good ol' US of A. He's the mastermind behind PBS gems like "KidHealth" with Peggy Fleming, and the eye-opening "The Fall and Rise of Germany". Ever heard of Chincoteague? Yup, he celebrated the heck out of those wild ponies and island dwellers.

    But wait, there's more! He's dabbled with forensic science on The Discovery Channel's "The New Detectives" and even dug into the quirky traditions of Groundhog Day with "The Spirit of Punxsutawney". CNBC? Yep, he's been there too, with "Today's Environment", hosted by none other than eco-warrior Ed Begley Jr. He's even gone international with European TV, showcasing the cultural renaissance of Weimar. Oh, and did we mention his six award-winning short films? From "Spanish Lesson" to "StarTime", he's spun tales that'll make your heart dance. But it's not all lights, camera, action for Burt. He's got a heart of gold, lending his talents to non-profits like the Sierra Club and Habitat for Humanity.

    And just when you thought he couldn't be more awesome, he's also a children's book author and the brains behind Mild Wild Media, where his creative crusades come to life. Burt's not just about making art—he's about making a difference, one story at a time.

  • ALLIE MCQUIRE

    https://www.awarenessties.us/the-magazine.html

    Meet Allié Merrick McGuire, the dynamic force behind AwareNow Media! As the dedicated Founder, Allié has made it her mission to serve others through the power of storytelling. She hosts AwareNow, edits AwareNow Magazine, and amplifies important causes one compelling story at a time. Diagnosed with MS in 2020, Allié embraced another role as an Official Ambassador for MS Awareness, advocating with grace and determination. When she's not deep in interviews or creating impactful content, you'll find Allié on stages and at conferences worldwide, from Detroit to Dubai, sharing her inspiring journey.


    Before launching AwareNow, Allié's passion for words and her knack for 'translating' wine shaped a remarkable career in independent content production. She produced ‘The Allié Way’, a lifestyle platform that showcased her unique voice through original posts and projects spanning wine, film, and fashion. Her adventures included being the Wine Ambassador for the Cannes Fashion Festival and producing the captivating series ‘Trainsipping,’ where she sampled wines from her sleeper car during train trips across the country.


    Allié’s versatility shines both in front of and behind the camera, where she’s worked as a brand ambassador, photographer, videographer, and designer. She's also an accomplished speaker and performance poet, captivating audiences in classrooms, boardrooms, and on stages nationwide. Allié Merrick McGuire's multifaceted talents and relentless drive continue to inspire and uplift everyone she touches.

  • WENDY UNGER

    Wendy's life reads like a thrilling Miami drama, with twists and turns that could rival any soap opera. From her humble beginnings in the Big Apple to her sunny days in Miami Beach, she's been on one wild ride. After soaking up knowledge in Miami Dade Public Schools, she strutted her stuff at Miami Beach Senior High School, graduating in style in '66. Then it was off to the University of Miami, where she juggled English Literature, Drama, and Early Childhood Education like a pro, earning herself a shiny BA. But Wendy wasn't just a bookworm—she dabbled in sales training at Jordan Marsh Florida, managed hotels like a boss at Royal Palm and King Richard, and even worked her magic as a Community Relations Manager at Flagler Federal Savings & Loan Association.

    But the real showstopper? Her 40-year stint at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, where she wore more hats than a hat store in a hurricane. From membership director to event planner extraordinaire, Wendy did it all, leaving her mark on Miami's business scene. And just when you thought she'd retire to sip mojitos on the beach, she's off gallivanting around the globe, living her best retired life with more adventures than you can shake a palm tree at. Wendy's not just a retiree—she's a living legend, with a story that's as colorful as Miami's famous Art Deco buildings.

  • PAUL ROGERS

    Paul Rogers is a man of many hats—or should we say helmets? From navigating the intricacies of commercial law in the UK, which he left to ride the waves as a kite surfing instructor, he's done it all. But Paul's journey took a dramatic turn when he traded in kite surfing for a teaching gig on a Cree First Nations Reserve in Northern Quebec. And just when you thought his story couldn't get any more adventurous, fate threw him a curveball in the form of a devastating motor accident involving being run over by a train. Paul emerged from the wreckage with a severe TBI and PTSD, but he didn't let that slow him down. Instead, he's turned his personal journey into a mission, becoming a vocal advocate for TBI awareness and accessibility.

    As a Director for Brain Injury Canada and a panel committee member for Accessibility in travel for Air Canada, he's making waves—both figuratively and literally. With his infectious English humor and knack for storytelling, Paul is a force to be reckoned with on the public speaking circuit, a best-selling Amazon author, and a columnist for Aware Now. And as if that weren't enough, he's also an Ambassador for Awareness Ties for TBI and PTSD, proving that you can change the world one story at a time—even if you have to kite surf your way there.

  • ALEXANDRA SCOTT

    Alexandra’s story is one of resilience and boundless enthusiasm. With roots tracing back to Italy, Alexandra grew up with the expectation of becoming a secretary right out of high school, but she had bigger dreams. At 14, she dove into the working world and, by 17, was balancing a full-time job while attending college at night. Her tenacity paid off when she founded the International Business Forum (IBF) in 1989, a groundbreaking venture that set the stage for the digital age, helping entrepreneurs and corporations thrive with innovative trends and insights. Beyond her professional achievements, Alexandra is a powerhouse of joy and energy.

    As a mother of three, she created a loving sanctuary for her family and found new passions along the way, including ballroom dancing, where she’s earned numerous competition victories and the title of Ms. Super Senior of Florida. Committed to making a difference, she leads community programs for homeless women and founded the Women’s Spiritual Circle. Now, living in the sunny embrace of Palm Beach County with her husband, Alexandra cherishes time with her grandchildren and continues to inspire others with her message that age is just a number, living each day with laughter and love.

  • REBECCA FLOWERS

    Rebecca Flowers, OTR, BCP, CST-D, is a pediatric therapy superstar with a flair for innovation and a heart of gold. Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1986, Rebecca didn't just enter the field of Occupational Therapy; she revolutionized it! She established Indiana's first Pediatric Occupational Therapy outpatient rehab program and the state's first alternative OT clinic, bringing together a team of physicians, nurses, and therapists to offer holistic care. Her groundbreaking work caught the eye of Dr. John Upledger, who invited her to join the prestigious Upledger Institute Clinic staff and become an instructor in 1998.

    Rebecca’s passion for helping others knows no bounds. She's been involved in lifechanging programs, from treating Vietnam Veterans to working with conjoined twins. Her extensive certifications and training in Sensory Integration, CranioSacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Esoteric Healing make her a versatile and knowledgeable practitioner. A globetrotting lecturer, Rebecca has taught and inspired countless therapists worldwide. She’s also an examiner for UI CranioSacral Therapy Certification Programs, ensuring the highest standards in her field. With her boundless energy and dedication, Rebecca Flowers continues to light up the world of pediatric therapy with her expertise and enthusiasm.

  • NESHAMA FRIEND

    NESHAMA FRIEND

    As a psycho-spiritual therapist, she has spent over 16 years transforming lives with her unique blend of therapies. Alongside her beloved soul mate, she sang, chanted, and celebrated life’s mysteries, and even ventured to Israel/Palestine as part of the Compassionate Listening Project. With a life dedicated to love, light, and healing, Neshama inspires everyone she meets to embrace their inner joy and connect deeply with the world around them.