Team
Herb Cohen
Herb cofounded, built and exited the nation’s #1 wedding video/photography/entertainment corporation started age 15, sold age 31. Then cofounded Temple University’s Entrepreneurial Center, Wharton’s Entrepreneurial Network, the nation’s first formal private equity / angel investor group, a specialty finance entity, ExecutiveLeadersRadio.com and RealWorldLeaders.org.
Heather Quinn
Nobody in the country has developed more relationships with more CEOs and convinced them to spend time being interviewed on national radio than Heather Quinn and her team. Continuing in the tradition of helping the public appreciate executive leaders, Heather now helps underserved students and C-Suite executives (and their teams) establish deep, ongoing relationships. “It’s been so impactful building this bridge between these two worlds and helping our students identify their gifts.”
Shannon Benefield
Shannon spent 13 years managing projects for Deloitte before an overseas move forced her to make a career change that landed her in the world of education. “With Real World Leaders, I found the unique opportunity to use my organizational skills and experience working with children to deliver life-changing programs, helping them to see their talents and true potential. Measuring the successes of our organization–both in optimizing our use of donor funds and in determining the impact of our programs on our students, is a project that motivates me.”
Erica Chatman
With a wide range of life experiences under her belt, including being a high school teacher, an event coordinator and a travel writer, she brings her unique talents to all our programming, including as lead host of Career Conversations. “Whether it’s teaching high school, lecturing to a class of university students or hosting Career Conversations, I find it gratifying to guide young people through the process of making career choices and life choices to find fulfillment on the other side.”
Ilyne Deliquina
Ilyne (“i-lean”) is a 15-year Air Force Veteran and served as a pastor for a Non-Denominational Church. With a heart of service, Ilyne brings her experience and passion to lead, support, and encourage others to realize their God-given gifts and help identify opportunities to connect people in valuable and meaningful ways. “It brings me joy to witness the next generation learn from and find similarities with industry leaders and get excited for the hope and reality of their successful future.”
Nikki Iadarola
With fifteen years of experience in Education working with students, families and the staff who support them, Nikki brings organizational skills and leadership to our programming. “I have always had a heart for serving students and connecting with people. My experience as the Director of a before and after school program serving more than 1200 students and 100 employees gave me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and coordinate others on a large scale. It is an honor to share my talents with Real World Leaders and serve students on their journey, wherever it leads them.”
Jackie McKnight
Jackie has a background in business, lead generation, volunteer work, and fitness among many other adventures. She brings support and ideas that work toward solving problems and executing solutions all to help the team be successful. “I do what I do to help advance the goals of the company and advance the goals of my family. I prefer to being a driving, stable force in the background to help others succeed.”