Fuel Your AMBITION,

Ignite Your Dreams!

🗓️ September 21 - 24

📺 LIVESTREAM

MIC is for leaders, entrepreneurs, content creators, creatives and brands who shape and support the military community.

With content tracks led by industry experts, whether you’re transitioning from the military, serving in social impact, looking to start or scale your business, or looking to grow your network, there really is something for everyone.

PDX Creator Stage 2025 Speakers

New speakers added daily. Check back in for updates.

Managing Partner of Changemaker Law, an accomplished attorney and Marine Corps spouse dedicated to empowering creators and changemakers with progressive, accessible legal services. At the Military Influencer Conference, she will share her expertise in two sessions: “How to Make Money as a Changemaker AND/WHILE Protecting Yourself from Imposters,” focused on safeguarding intellectual property, and “Why Did You Take My Account Down? Post Down? – Understanding the Rules of the Game,” offering insights into platform policies and compliance. With roots in San Diego’s proud military community and years of experience guiding small businesses, non-profits, and sole proprietors, Bijal brings both professional expertise and personal connection to help military spouses, veterans, and innovators launch, grow, and scale their ventures with confidence.

Bejal Weintraub
Bejal Weintraub
Attorney and Marine Corps Spouse

As a passionate sexual assault advocate and dedicated veteran resource specialist, Lakeydra bridges the gap between trauma and healing. With a profound commitment to empowering survivors and supporting veterans, her mission is to provide comprehensive guidance, resources, and unwavering advocacy to those who have bravely served our country and those who've experienced the trauma of sexual assault. Through empathy, expertise, and unwavering dedication, Lakeydra strives to create a world where survivors feel heard, supported, and empowered on their journey to recovery and veterans find the essential resources they deserve. As the founder of K.E.Y Fit LLC and Voices We Stand, both initiatives use Lakeydra's personal and professional journey to raise awareness, offer resources, and inspire change for survivors of sexual trauma. In 2024 she co-authored an international best selling book that focuses on resilience and shared her experience of her suicide attempt. She was awarded the 2024 Presidential Gold Volunteer Award and Air Force Legion of Merit for Exceptional Leadership by Widows, Orphans, and the Poor Outreach Ministry. Lakeydra has appeared on CBS, Dateline NBC, military events and various platforms, sharing her story and advocating for justice. Her aim is to empower others to create their own opportunities and turn their pain into power.

Lakeydra Houston
Lakeydra Houston
Aiding Unhoused Veterans and Overlooked Communities with Employment & Resources

U.S. Marine Officer and Purple Heart recipient. After being injured in an IED ambush during Operation Iraqi Freedom, he continued serving in Afghanistan and later earned his commission through MECEP. He’s held leadership roles at Rutgers and Princeton NROTC and now serves in the Active Reserve. Alongside his wife, Rebecca, he supports veterans and first responders through their nonprofit, Semper Stronger.

Joel Del Rosario
Joel Del Rosario
Entrepreneur

As an Army Infantry veteran, executive protection specialist, and security management professional, Jamie Goldstein has over ten years of operational experience in high risk tactical operations, national security, leadership, executive protection, and corporate security.

Jamie Goldstein
Jamie Goldstein
Parade Deck CEO

A retired Navy Chief, Dave Lakin is the National Director of Veteran Career Transitions at Still Serving Veterans. He leads an expert team that helps Veterans secure meaningful civilian careers. He partners with employers to build results-driven Veteran recruiting, hiring, and onboarding practices that translate military experience into lasting workforce value.

Dave Lakin
Dave Lakin
National Director of Veteran Career Transitions at Still Serving Veterans

With service overseas and in several combat zones, and storyteller with nearly 30 years of service. A champion for truth and change, she hosts Stories of Service and writes Theresa’s Tapestries. Her work inspires growth, uplifts voices, and advocates for leadership, healing, and the power of authentic communication.

Theresa Carpenter
Theresa Carpenter
Navy Commander

Daniel Tobias Flint is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and award-winning U.S. History teacher in Jacksonville, Florida. With over 20 years of experience, he chairs Westside High’s Social Sciences Department and serves on the board of the BLKOPS Foundation, blending education, civic duty, and veteran advocacy to bring history to life.

Daniel Flint
Daniel Flint
Professional Historian of American History

Marine veteran, author of Heroes Live Here, and communications consultant helping organizations amplify their message.

Amy Forsythe
Amy Forsythe
TV anchor and Host

Retired U.S. Air Force, a 3x TEDx Speaker, Keynote Speaker on Resilience, Leadership, Team Building & Team Performance, and Business & Podcast Positioning, as well a 2x Bestselling Author. He's the International Podcast Host of the Create Launch Monetize Podcast and From No Worth To Self-Worth Show. Sean's "why" is that he overcame his own battle with stress, anxiety, and a suicide attempt, and is dedicated to empowering others to do the same. As the visionary behind The Success Corps, he works with Entrepreneurs, Speakers, and Podcasters to improve market positioning by creating a new market category, increasing profitability and reduce anxiety, ensuring their businesses thrive and reach their highest potential.

Sean Douglas
Sean Douglas
Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Authorr

A veteran, keynote speaker, author of Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline, and host of The Trampoline Effect podcast. She founded Mutt’s Sauce, leads the OH Taste Foundation, and inspires audiences with her story of resilience, reinvention, and leadership after loss. Her mission: help others bounce back stronger.

Charlynda Scales
Charlynda Scales
Podcast Host

Chief Operating Officer @ViT | Business Innovation | Adjunct Professor | Veteran

Ikram Mansori
Ikram Mansori
Chief Operating Officer @ViT

An emerging talent in the entertainment industry, a multifacted actor, writer, and producer. Sean Mullian is an award-winning filmmaker who holds an MFA in Film Directing from Columbia University and a BS from West Point.

Alexander Randazzo
Alexander Randazzo
Actor, Writer, Producer

Founder and CEO of VOLT Productions, a leading podcast production agency producing over 20 shows weekly, many ranking in the top 30-100 in their niches. She is also the CMO of Northflow, an industry-shaking podcast project management system. She helps business owners and entrepreneurs amplify their voices, grow their impact, and turn their passions into thriving platforms. She is also the CMO of Northflow, a podcast project management systems company.

Simona Constantini
Simona Constantini
Entrepreneur

A combat Veteran, author of Dial Down, and founder of Humble Warrior Wellness & Yoga--a nonprofit supporting veterans and first responders. She empowers Veterans and mission-driven leaders with holistic strategies to cultivate calm, connection, and resilience--helping others become Wellness Weavers in how they live, lead, and serve.

Raquel Durden
Raquel Durden
Founder of Humble Warrior Wellness & YogaF

A decorated combat veteran and former DIA Aide-de-Camp, now serves as COO of the Walk the Talk Foundation.

Francesca Graham
Francesca Graham
Chief Operating Officer of Walk the Talk Foundation

CEO of Sales Platoon, helping veterans transition from service to high-income careers through a DOD-authorized SkillBridge program.

John Renken
John Renken
CEO - Sales Platoon

An accomplished Navy veteran, an executive professional, and a fervent advocate for the rights and safety of women veterans. As the CEO and founder of The Pink Berets, Stephanie has dedicated her career to addressing the unique challenges faced by women veterans. The Pink Berets focuses on providing vital care and suppoer tailored specifically for this demopgraphic, helping them navigate obstacles related to mental health, healthcare access, and social integration.

Stephanie Gattas
Stephanie Gattas
CEO and founder of The Pink Berets

U.S. Army veteran, serial entrepreneur, and community builder dedicated to empowering veterans through business, leadership, and creativity. As Co-Founder of Veteran Lifestyle Magazine & Veteran Social Summit "VETSOCIAL" and an IVMF Bunker Labs Ambassador, he blends military discipline with entrepreneurial vision to help others succeed in life after service. He was also named Military Friendly's 2025 Illinios Vetrepreneur of the Year and he wrote a Best Selling Book Recruiting in the War for Talent: A Field Guide for the AI Era. Ryan’s mission is to create opportunities, foster collaboration, and inspire the veteran community to thrive

Ryan Hunt
Ryan Hunt
Entrepreneur

Former military intelligence analyst with over a decade of experience in conducting data collection and analysis to drive informed decision-making. With a robust educational background in cybersecurity, psychology, and business administration, Jana combines technical knowledge with strategic insight and integrates it into the business world.

Jana Creel
Jana Creel
Integrator to Coach Micheal Burt

Co-Founder and Co-Host of the VET S.O.S. Podcast. Shawn is a retired U.S. Army intelligence professional with over 20 years of service, a master’s degree in administrative leadership, and a certified resiliency trainer. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with his family.

Shawn Welsh
Shawn Welsh
Entrepreneur

CEO of the nation’s top Iron Valley Real Estate firm and Vice President of Noble Title & Escrow. He’s a bestselling author, Navy veteran, and elite sales coach. Mike leads with tenacity and impact, guiding over 400 agents and transforming the real estate space through mission-driven leadership, grit, and unwavering service.

Mike Little
Mike Little
CEO

Retired military spouse and host of the Hidden Chapters podcast. She believes everyone carries chapters of their story that aren’t obvious, and she brings them to light through honest, unfiltered conversations, sparking connection, understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the resilience in everyday life.

Genevieve Kruger
Genevieve Kruger
Podcast Host

An American lawyer, politician, and military officer serving as the 12th United States secretary of veterans affairs since February 2025.

Douglas Collins
Douglas Collins
VA Secretary

CEO of Katana, a tool which auto-edits raw recordings into polished video podcasts in minutes.

Sam Bhattacharyya
Sam Bhattacharyya
CEO/Founder of Katana

Trauma Recovery Specialist, Post Trauma Stress Development™️, SPEAKER, Author, TXSG Army Chaplain, Emergency Management Specialist, ACE Tier II Suicide Prevention, Peer Support-Veteran Resilience Advocate.

Veronica Sites
Veronica Sites
Trauma Recovery Specialist

With over two decades of service in the United States Air Force, my expertise lies in Space Control and Communication, where I have honed my analytical skills to navigate complex scenarios. Additionally, the art of storytelling has become my medium to connect and share the compelling experiences of those I've met throughout my career. My mission is to highlight the resilience found in challenges and the growth that follows. As the host of Passing The Torch podcast, I engage with an audience eager to learn from diverse life stories. The journey has reinforced my commitment to mentorship and the importance of sharing wisdom. The ethos is built on the foundation of continuous learning and empowering others, celebrating not just achievements but also the transformative power of setbacks.

Martin Foster
Martin Foster
Host of Passing The Torch

Film/TV Producer and Executive - Production, Development, Speaker, Screenwriting, Leadership, Diversity

Brian McLaughlin
Brian McLaughlin
Film/TV Producer and Executive

Spent 23 years in the United States Marine Corps, serving as an enlisted Marine and an officer, both on the ground and in the air. This included serving as an F/A-18 aviator and in the special operations community. He conducted multiple deployments in the Hornet and holds more combat time in the jet than in peaceful skies. Additionally, he is a plank holder at 1st Raider Battalion and Marine Special Operations Company Delta. He has been a member of Project Recover for 20 years and currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer. Project Recover searches for Americans missing in action (MIA) from our nation’s previous conflicts with the intention of providing answers and closure to Gold Star Families and helping to heal the wounds of war. Since retiring from the Marine Corps in 2014, Derek has remained committed to serving the military population in a number of capacities. These not only include Project Recover, but also working extensively with military in higher education at San Diego State University and University of San Diego, as well as several military-connected nonprofits.

Derek Abbey
Derek Abbey
President and Chief Executive Officer of Warriors & Quiet Waters

With nearly ten years of experience as a veteran entrepreneur and leader, I am passionate about empowering fellow veterans and their spouses to start and scale successful businesses. As the CEO of Bunker Labs, a national nonprofit organization, I oversee the strategic vision, operations, and partnerships of our network of 40 chapters across the country, serving more than 4,000 veteran entrepreneurs annually. Prior to becoming the CEO, I co-founded and led Bunker Labs' Nashville chapter, where I helped foster a vibrant and supportive ecosystem for veteran innovation and economic opportunity. I also co-founded and successfully exited BreakAway Safety Solutions, a company that saves lives at outdoor events via portable emergency exits, protecting fans and event-goers from potential disasters. In addition, I am a graduate of the Stand To Veterans Leadership Program at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, where I learned from the best practices and insights of globally renowned leaders and experts.

Blake Hogan
Blake Hogan
Editor of WATM

Janae Sergio is a Navy Combat Veteran, bestselling author, and passionate advocate who has dedicated her life to transforming trauma into triumph. After serving 8 years of active duty including deployment on the USS John C. Stennis during Operation Enduring Freedom, she transitioned to 17 years of federal civilian service, culminating as Chief of Air Force Lodging where she managed 88 Air Force Inns and a $500M budget. Today, as Director of Development for Grunt Style Foundation and founder of DD-214 Warrior LLC., Janae leads the charge in veteran suicide prevention and advocacy for alternative healing modalities. Her powerful storytelling and unwavering commitment to systemic change have earned her a platform of 700k+ followers and recognition as a leading voice in veteran advocacy.

Janae Sergio
Janae Sergio
Director of Development at Grunt Style Foundation & Irreverent Warriors

Travis started life with 36 moves, 12 schools, 6 states, 5 different foster homes, surviving 2 murder attempts, and being homeless. Now he's a retired naval officer, award-winning podcast host, keynote speaker, author, and Podcast Director at Parade Deck.

Travis Johnson
Travis Johnson
Podcast Host

Career Transition Coach. Veteran & Military Spouse Advocate. Marine Corps Veteran

Bruce Thompson
Bruce Thompson
Marine Corps Veteran

USMC Colonel (Ret.). President & CEO/Co-Founder of SDV Office Systems & SDV Medical.

Dan Whisnant
Dan Whisnant
President & CEO/Co-Founder of SDV Office Systems

Chief Operating Officer/Co-Founder of SDV Office Systems & SDV Medical. Marine Corps Captain.

Tyler Whisnant
Tyler Whisnant
Marine Veteran

Military Events Coordinator for Recurrent Military & Defense

Jessica Manfre
Jessica Manfre
Therapist & Author

Carol Whitmore was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on Aug. 13, 2025, at the 126th VFW National Convention in Columbus, Ohio. She is the first woman and first Iowan to hold the position. Carol served in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 2013, earning her VFW eligibility by serving in Iraq. In recognition of her service, she received the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (six), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, among many others. She joined the VFW in 2012 at Post 9127 in Des Moines, Iowa, where she maintains her Gold Legacy Life membership.

Carol Whitmore
Carol Whitmore
VFW Commander-In-Chief

Active Duty Coast Guard, health & wellness coach, follower of Jesus, military community advocate, and influencer.

Reilly Dunlap
Reilly Dunlap
Law Enforcement Instructor at U.S. Coast Guard

Rebecca Rouse is a strength & conditioning coach, competitive athlete, entrepreneur, speaker, and military spouse. In addition to her achievements as a nationally ranked competitive weightlifter, she is a sought-after speaker in the tactical space and the founder of MCHN Strength - a training platform that delivers strength & conditioning coaching, programming, and resources to both tactical athletes and civilians across the globe. Rebecca currently travels the country educating and empowering individuals, teams, and military/first responder units to take control of their fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery, and overall wellness.

Rebecca Rouse
Rebecca Rouse
Founder of MCHN Strength

Air Force veteran and defense-focused creator building one of the most popular platforms for aerospace and national security storytelling.

Sam Eckholm
Sam Eckholm
Content Creator & Founder SE Media

Editor-in-Chief at We Are The Mighty, former combat photographer, and storyteller with a global lens on military life.

Black Stillwell
Black Stillwell
Editor-In-Chief at We Are The Mighty

Founder and CEO We Serve Solutions

Jimmy Anderson
Jimmy Anderson
Founder and CEO

This platform has revolutionized our business operations. The seamless integration and powerful features have helped us scale our marketing efforts efficiently while maintaining excellent customer relationships.

Eries Mentzer
Eries Mentzer
Founder Freedom to Serve Solutions

Steve's dedication to service began in 1987 when he enlisted as a Combat Engineer in the Marine Corps Reserves. Following his 1989 graduation from Arizona State University, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served as a Logistics Officer. His active-duty career took him across the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf, including a deployment to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope aboard the USS Rushmore Continuing his education, he earned an MBA in 2000. While in the Marine Corps Reserves, Steve answered the call to active-duty multiple times, completing two combat tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After over three decades of service, culminating in his retirement as a Colonel in 2019, Steve remains deeply committed to the veteran community. Through his involvement with numerous organizations and initiatives in Arizona and nationally, he passionately works to connect transitioning service members and veterans with vital resources. This unwavering dedication was acknowledged with his inclusion in We Are The Mighty's MIGHTY 25 in 2021 and his induction into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame

Steven Weintraub
Steven Weintraub
Chief Strategy Officer, Vettix

Greg Williams, a U.S. Army combat veteran and award-winning podcaster, Side Stage 1 is geared towards educating, informing, and entertaining military veterans around the world. The show covers a wide range of topics including veteran entrepreneurship, advocacy, mental health, career industry tips, military family care, and celebrity interviews. From episodes on governmental policies to breaking into the fashion industry, Side Stage 1 is here to uplift and inspire our listeners.ch

Greg Williams
Greg Williams
On-Air-Personality, Parade Deck

Mandy Feindt is an active-duty Army officer and nationally recognized advocate for military families impacted by toxic exposures.

Mandy Feindt
Mandy Feindt
Military Officer | Red Hill Advocate

PDX Creator Stage 2025 Live Stream

Sept. 22 | Sept. 23 | Sept. 24, 2025