Laura Fortner (presenter) is CEO of HireEdge, the private career services firm she founded in 2018 dedicated to helping students and recent graduates launch their careers in business. Prior to starting HireEdge, Laura spent her career in global media companies including MTV Networks, Nickelodeon, Turner Broadcasting and CNN, and venture-backed startups including CafeMedia and Team Whistle (Whistle Sports). She has over 25 years of experience launching new businesses, and hiring and managing young people in sales, marketing, business development, programming, production, strategy and research roles. She is also a parent of two recent college graduates and a current college student. Laura holds a BA in East Asian Studies from Princeton University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School, and lives in Chatham, New Jersey.

Jill Vollmer (Q&A moderator) is a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience spanning business strategy and global brand marketing. She has held senior roles across growth-stage and established organizations including consumer products companies in the food, beverage, and beauty sectors as well as non-profit organizations. Jill is passionate about helping students and early-career professionals translate their academic experiences into compelling career narratives and meaningful opportunities. She is a parent of two current college seniors. Jill holds a BA in Economics with honors from the University of California, Berkeley and an MBA from the Harvard Business School, and lives in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.