Connex—May 14, 2025

Jennifer Severns | President, Severns Innovation Group

Jennifer Severns is a design and innovation leader whose career spans multimodal design, organizational change, and executive leadership. She spent nearly a decade at The Oprah Winfrey Show and Harpo Studios, followed by leading creative and digital transformation initiatives at agencies and organizations including ThomasArts and the American Marketing Association, where she served as Chief Experience Officer. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information Design and Strategy at Northwestern University (expected August 2025), Jennifer is focused on the intersection of technology, ethics, and human-centered design. Through her consultancy, Severns Innovation Group, she helps clients reimagine digital experiences, marketing strategy, and product design to create meaningful, systemic change.

Karolyn Raphael | President, Winger Marketing

Karolyn Raphael is the President of Winger Marketing, an award-winning national agency known for delivering strategic public relations and marketing solutions that drive measurable results. With decades of experience, Karolyn is a trusted expert in media relations, brand storytelling, and crisis communications. She is also highly regarded for her work in PR training, media training, and speaker coaching, helping executives and subject matter experts communicate with confidence and clarity. Karolyn is passionate about empowering leaders to own their narratives and make meaningful connections with their audiences. Karolyn is also celebrating her fourth year as an AMA Chicago Board Member