Victoria Gray
Estate Sale Expert, Author, and Business Owner

Victoria Gray is a dedicated estate sale business owner, author, and mother of four, residing in St. Peters, Missouri. Since becoming a widow in 1989, she has built a career out of helping others through estate sales—a business she has passionately run since 1990. With over 25,000 subscribers, Victoria has established herself as an industry leader, providing both practical and emotional support to clients during challenging times.

A prolific writer, Victoria has authored several books, including Estate Sales Made Easy: A Practical Guide from Start to Finish and Estate Sale Ease: 72 Tips to Keep You Sane Upon Inheriting a Loved One’s Estate, both of which showcase her expertise in the field. Additionally, her literary journey delves into personal and spiritual realms, with works like Life After Life: A Grieving Daughter’s Healing Chats with her Father and My Past Life with Henry Ford. Plus a whimsical book just out: The Witches of Wicaship. Where their adventures extend beyond mere spells; each enchanting tale unveils a twist, often imparting lessons that are both unexpected and significant. I encourage you to delve into their intriguing journeys, where the unforeseen is a regular occurrence, and every spell holds the possibility of revealing a new moral.

Victoria’s business is not just about transactions; it is about providing a vital service to those dealing with the emotional complexities of estate management. She embodies the philosophy famously summarized by Napoleon Hill—finding a niche that helps others and finding fulfillment along the way. Victoria continues to inspire through her daily journaling, constant learning, and commitment to writing more books that bring value to others.

Education & Professional Development

• High School Graduate
• Two years of Associate College education
• Continued learning through various college classes in Screen and Playwriting, Cinematography, and Real Estate Continuing Education
• Former Vice President of the Writers Guild, St. Louis
• Participated in a retreat at the School of Metaphysics, Windyville, MO
• Tax and estate planning coursework

Victoria’s life is a testament to continuous growth and learning. Her writing journey, paired with her professional success, reflects her love for both family and business, always prioritizing helping others.

Honors & Awards

• 2015: Awarded by Hay House Publishing during a cruise to Alaska for her work on Estate Sales Made Easy
• 2022: Reclaimed rights to her estate sale book and achieved international bestseller status

Published Works

• Estate Sales Made Easy: A Practical Guide from Start to Finish
• Estate Sale Ease: 72 Tips to Keep You Sane Upon Inheriting a Loved One’s Estate
• Life After Life: A Grieving Daughter’s Healing Chats with her Father
• My Past Life with Henry Ford

Media Appearances

• Nice Guys on Business Podcast
• YouTube Channel

Worldwide Women’s Association Member, Victoria Gray is looking forward to networking with you.

Ginny O’Leary: A Leading Force in the Insurance Industry

Ginny O’Leary is an independent Insurance Professional partnering with Financial Planners & Financial Advisors to grow their disability and critical illness insurance business. Recognized as a subject matter expert, Ginny is highly respected for her comprehensive industry knowledge and unwavering integrity. She has consistently delivered excellent sales results for two of the largest insurance companies, solidifying her reputation as a trusted partner to teams and financial advisors.

Ginny’s exceptional communication skills and notable leadership abilities have made her an invaluable asset to advisors, aiding them in identifying living benefits opportunities, safeguarding their clients, and expanding their businesses. Her career is marked by remarkable milestones, including being a four-time National Living Benefits Sales Award winner and driving an impressive 15 to 18% year-over-year growth in the Western and Quebec territories.

One of Ginny’s significant achievements is the co-creation of “living benefits schools,” an industry-leading sales training program focused on disability and critical illness insurance. Through strategic collaboration with the Regional Vice-Presidents and sales directors, she successfully increased critical illness & disability insurance sales establishing robust production in her territories.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ginny is dedicated to giving back to the industry. She serves as a non-voting board member of the Insurance Council of British Columbia and is a program committee member with  Advocis Vancouver Chapter, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada. Her commitment to the industry is further demonstrated by her speaking engagements with Advocis, her ongoing role as co-host of a financial education podcast with NYF Wealth, and her co-hosting of a YouTube channel with Konnelly Consulting, which educates Canadian consumers about the value of their insurance coverage.

Ginny O’Leary’s expertise and passion continue to make a significant impact on the insurance landscape. Her dedication to excellence and her strategic vision have positioned her as a leading force in the industry, inspiring peers and advisors alike.

Worldwide Women’s Association Member, Ginny O’Leary, can be found on the Association Directory, where she is looking forward to networking with you.

Kimberly Kempson, founder and entrepreneur, has been recognized by Forbes as an owner of one of the Top 150 Best Professional and Executive Recruiting Firms. With over 25 years of experience in talent acquisition, she has worked closely with C-Level executives, led teams of recruiters across the US and abroad, and driven strategic recruitment and business development efforts. Kimberly’s expertise spans the technology sector, where she has two and a half decades of experience, and healthcare, with 15 years dedicated to talent recruitment in this field.

In addition to her recruiting and sector-specific expertise, Kimberly has over 15 years of leadership experience, managing P&L responsibilities and setting effective recruitment metrics that drive productivity. Her global reach includes building and working with sourcing teams in India and the Philippines, broadening her impact across markets.

Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Organizational Behavior with a minor in Psychology from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business. She has further honed her leadership skills with an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University.

Worldwide Women’s Association Member, Kimberly Kempson is looking forward to networking with you.

Kara DeBaene proudly serves as Director of Events & Development for The National Pancreas Foundation (NPF). With over ten years of experience in the events industry, Kara brings a wealth of expertise in planning, management, and fundraising within the corporate, non-profit, and specialty event sectors. Her commitment to using her skills to support important causes, combined with her personal connection to pancreatic disease, makes her a passionate and dedicated addition to the NPF team.

Visit Kara’s LinkedIn Profile: Kara DeBaene
Personal Website: www.karadebaene.com
Learn More About Kara’s Role at NPF: Kara at NPF

About Kara DeBaene

Kara DeBaene is a seasoned events professional with a passion for creating impactful events that drive change and support meaningful causes. Her journey in the events industry began in Orlando, Florida, where she planned corporate events at Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant. This experience laid the foundation for her expertise in event planning, which she has continued to build upon throughout her career.

After moving to Connecticut, Kara entered the wedding planning industry, working with Priam Vineyards and Marquee Events. In 2019, she made a significant transition to the non-profit sector, bringing her corporate and specialty events experience to organizations like the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and Girl Scouts USA. Her skills in creative problem-solving and innovation allowed her to expand and enhance existing event portfolios and establish new events that supported the missions of these organizations.

During the pandemic and beyond, Kara served as the Director of Events & Operations at Powered by Professionals, where she planned a wide variety of events, including galas, concerts, walk/runs, marathons, and golf tournaments. This role further solidified her ability to adapt and thrive in challenging environments while achieving fundraising goals for non-profit organizations.

In her current role as Director of Events & Development at The National Pancreas Foundation, Kara is focused on supporting the organization’s mission to find a cure for pancreatic disease, a cause that is close to her heart, as her grandfather is a pancreatic cancer patient. Kara is dedicated to giving back to the pancreatic disease community, using her expertise to drive awareness, support patients, and raise funds for research.

Educational Background

Kara DeBaene holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, where she graduated in 2022 with a 4.0 GPA. Her commitment to excellence in her studies and her drive to continually enhance her skills have earned her induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success, showcasing her dedication to personal and professional growth.

Kara’s Personal Connection to the Mission

Kara’s recent appointment as Director of Events & Development at the National Pancreas Foundation represents not only a significant career milestone but also a deeply personal mission fueled by her profound relationship with her grandfather. Witnessing his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer has instilled in her a fierce commitment to saving lives, not only honoring his memory but also striving to alleviate the suffering of others impacted by pancreatic diseases, particularly pancreatitis.

Her passion extends beyond the adult patients to the children grappling with this condition. Working with pediatric pancreatitis patients resonates deeply with her, as she feels a strong connection to their stories and struggles. Hearing their challenges motivates her to do more every day, driving her to create impactful initiatives that can transform lives. In her new role, Kara is determined to harness her skills and expertise to further the NPF’s mission of finding a cure, ensuring that others can have the chance to lead healthier, fuller lives—just as her grandfather deserved.

Quote from Kara DeBaene

“I am incredibly honored to join The National Pancreas Foundation as the Director of Events & Development. This role allows me to blend my passion for event planning with my desire to support patients like my grandfather, who are battling pancreatic disease. I look forward to using my experience and skills to help further the mission of the NPF and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by this disease.” – Kara DeBaene

Contact Information

For more information about Kara DeBaene or to connect with her regarding event planning and fundraising opportunities at The National Pancreas Foundation, please visit her website or LinkedIn profile.

Kara DeBaene
Director of Events & Development, National Pancreas Foundation
LinkedIn: Kara DeBaene
Website: www.karadebaene.com

Email: kara@pancreasfoundation.org

About the National Pancreas Foundation

The National Pancreas Foundation (NPF) is dedicated to providing hope, support, and education for those living with pancreatic disease and funding research for cures. NPF’s mission is to provide the best possible resources for patients, families, and caregivers affected by pancreatic disease, including pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and more.

For more information about NPF and how you can support their mission, visit www.pancreasfoundation.org

Worldwide Women’s Association Member, Kara DeBaene, is looking forward to networking with you.

Alifya Faizullah is the current Business Owner and Managing Director of Engineering for Kids of Southwest Houston, dedicated to bringing hands-on STEM education to children aged 4-14. Prior to this role, Alifya worked as a Robotics Engineer at a Dutch company, where she led engineering projects to develop and optimize robotic systems for inspection and maintenance within the oil and gas industry. Her expertise in robotics, automation, and project management was instrumental in improving operational efficiency and safety protocols across multiple facilities. Earlier in her career, she served as a Measurement While Drilling (MWD) Field Engineer with Halliburton, gaining significant field experience in the upstream oil and gas sector.

Alifya holds a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from Texas A&M University, where she also contributed to research at the Fuel Cycle and Materials Laboratory. With a strong foundation in engineering and a passion for education, she continues to inspire and shape the next generation of innovators. She currently resides in Houston, Texas, with her husband and three amazing children.

Alifya is enthusiastic about networking with leading STEM companies for potential partnerships, as well as connecting with educators in the Lamar CISD and Fort Bend ISD to discuss curriculum and activity offerings. Engineering for Kids of Southwest Houston provides after-school programs, in-school field trips, birthday parties, seasonal camps, and much more!

Worldwide Women’s Association member Alifya Faizullah can be found on the directory where she is looking forward to networking with you.