Sonja Stetzler is the founder of Effective Connecting, a business that develops clients’ communication skills to ensure their success in the workplace. A former health care provider, she also has several decades’ experience in management, sales and coaching, and she’s worked for the past two decades as a communications consultant for organizations including Microsoft, Duke Energy, Carolinas HealthCare System and Bank of America.
Molly comes from a long history in the fitness and food industry starting as a division I collegiate athlete followed by multiple degrees and certifications in the food and fitness industry. She has worked as a food scientist for Frito Lay, Cargill and Clorox. She holds Bachelor’s in Biochemistry, a Masters in Food Science and Nutrition, as well as the esteemed title of Certified Culinary Scientist through the Research Chef Association.
MaryAnne Drake is a professor in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences in the Southeast Dairy Foods Research Center at North Carolina State University, where she conducts research on the flavor and flavor chemistry of dairy products and other foods. She focuses on understanding how different steps in food processing influence flavor and consumer perception of foods.
At National Dairy Council, Chris Cifelli is responsible for planning and managing dairy-centric research on chronic disease risk, childhood nutrition, NHANES-related research, and nutrition and sustainability. Similarly, at the Dairy Research Institute, Chris is involved in developing and managing research projects on the health benefits associated with adequate dairy consumption, including studies examining the effects of vitamins and minerals found in dairy on bone density, weight maintenance and metabolic health.
Blake Romney was looking for the opportunity to promote a message he was passionate about, so he joined Dairy MAX in 2020 – finding the proud, Americana story of dairy farmers and sustainability to be well worth telling. He brings more than 10 years of experience in digital strategy and production, including five years in the food and beverage industry, with companies such as Whataburger and American Airlines. Blake holds a double major in broadcast journalism and Spanish from Brigham Young University.
Manuel Villacorta, M.S., RDN, CSSD is a nationally recognized, award winning registered dietitian, spokesperson, and author of several best-selling books. His knowledge, charismatic talent, and his bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish have made him in-demand health and nutrition expert on local and national television, and radio channels. Manuel is the owner of San Francisco-based private practice, MV Nutrition and founder of Whole Body Reboot, an international weight management and wellness program.
