Wowzitude 2025 Advisory Board
Joel Shapira
Carol Zernial, MA
Richard Edwards
Joel Shapira, Aging & Longevity Advisor, brings a passion for building better communities and driving social impact. With expertise in aging and longevity issues, social entrepreneurship, and innovation, Joel helps others connect with people, ideas, and opportunities to create meaningful change.
An independent business professional with ov
Joel Shapira, Aging & Longevity Advisor, brings a passion for building better communities and driving social impact. With expertise in aging and longevity issues, social entrepreneurship, and innovation, Joel helps others connect with people, ideas, and opportunities to create meaningful change.
An independent business professional with over 20 years of experience in high-tech and digital communications, Joel has a proven track record of success with both startups and established companies. His creative and collaborative approach empowers teams and clients to achieve their goals with tenacity and reliability.
Richard Edwards
Carol Zernial, MA
Richard Edwards
From his base in the Costa Rican rainforest, Richard Edwards, Sustainable Travel Visionary, co-leads GreenSpot.travel and serves as CMO for UnTours, the world’s first B Corp, and its parent, the UnTours Foundation.
With a career spanning leadership roles at adventure icons like G Adventures, UnCruise Adventures, and the Trusted Adventures
From his base in the Costa Rican rainforest, Richard Edwards, Sustainable Travel Visionary, co-leads GreenSpot.travel and serves as CMO for UnTours, the world’s first B Corp, and its parent, the UnTours Foundation.
With a career spanning leadership roles at adventure icons like G Adventures, UnCruise Adventures, and the Trusted Adventures consortium, Richard has shaped marketing, branding, and community development efforts across the globe. A co-founder of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, he’s a driving force behind meaningful, sustainable travel initiatives.
Carol Zernial, MA
Carol Zernial, MA
Carol Zernial, MA
Carol Zernial, MA, Gerontologist & Advocate, is a nationally recognized gerontologist named one of the Top 50 Influencers in Aging by PBS’s Next Avenue. With over 30 years of experience, she serves as Executive Director of the WellMed Charitable Foundation and Senior VP of Social Responsibility for WellMed Medical Management.
A past Chair
Carol Zernial, MA, Gerontologist & Advocate, is a nationally recognized gerontologist named one of the Top 50 Influencers in Aging by PBS’s Next Avenue. With over 30 years of experience, she serves as Executive Director of the WellMed Charitable Foundation and Senior VP of Social Responsibility for WellMed Medical Management.
A past Chair of the National Council on Aging, Carol has received numerous accolades, including the Innovation Award for Health Equity and recognition as a Top 50 Corporate Social Responsibility Leader. Appointed co-chair of the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council, she also co-hosts the award-winning podcast Caregiver SOS on Air.
Carol’s career began in travel as a corporate travel manager, and her passion for exploration continues today.
Gary Leopold
Gary Leopold
Carol Zernial, MA
Gary Leopold, Travel Marketing Innovator, began his career as Director of Public Relations for Sonesta International Hotels before leading ISM, an award-winning travel marketing firm, for 25 years. Now a founding partner of the Prism Advisory Group, he focuses on the intersection of technology and marketing.
A Past President of HSMAI and
Gary Leopold, Travel Marketing Innovator, began his career as Director of Public Relations for Sonesta International Hotels before leading ISM, an award-winning travel marketing firm, for 25 years. Now a founding partner of the Prism Advisory Group, he focuses on the intersection of technology and marketing.
A Past President of HSMAI and the MAGNET Global network, Gary has shaped the travel marketing landscape through leadership, teaching, and writing. As Board Chairman of SongwritingWith:Soldiers, he supports creative connections for veterans. His achievements have earned him the prestigious Albert E. Koehl Lifetime Achievement Award.
Katie Lafon
Gary Leopold
Katie Lafon
Katie Lafon, Alumni Engagement Leader, and a proud two-time Hokie alumna, has dedicated over 20 years to Virginia Tech. As Director of Cornerstone Alumni Engagement in the Advancement Division, she fosters lifelong connections that support the university’s goals and land-grant mission.
Katie lives in Blacksburg, where she and her family r
Katie Lafon, Alumni Engagement Leader, and a proud two-time Hokie alumna, has dedicated over 20 years to Virginia Tech. As Director of Cornerstone Alumni Engagement in the Advancement Division, she fosters lifelong connections that support the university’s goals and land-grant mission.
Katie lives in Blacksburg, where she and her family run a beef cattle farm. She shares her home and passion for community with her husband and three children.