About Us

Chris Olsen, Founder and Publisher

Chris is the founder of Publish Her, a female-founded and focused publishing company, and Publish Her Story (formerly My Founder Story), a storytelling platform. Both organizations are dedicated to elevating the words, writing and stories of women. A broadcast media veteran turned communications consultant, educator and author of “Whyography: Building a Brand Fueled by Purpose,” Chris has helped thousands of women tell their stories and publish their books. Since 2018, her social enterprise has donated more than $250,000 in grants and services to women.

Heidi Fettig Parton, Editor

Heidi loves writing, reading and collecting books. She’s earned a bachelor’s degree in English, a law degree and an Master of Fine Art in creative nonfiction. Merging Heidi’s love of language and the law, she spent a decade working in legal publishing, first as an acquisitions editor, then as publisher of West Academic. In addition to completing her own novel, Heidi is thrilled to be once again helping other authors bring their books into the world.

Anna Befort, Senior Editor

As a writer, editor and yoga teacher, Anna believes strongly in the power of words to connect us. She is passionate about using that power to uplift women’s voices and create spaces where women can connect to their own innate wisdom, creativity and wholeness. Her work in publishing has spanned two decades and included managing editor roles at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and MNSights Magazine.

Julie Burton, Co-Founder

Julie is the co-founder of Publish Her, author of “The Self-Care Solution: A Modern Mother’s Must-Have Guide to Health and Well-Being” and co-host of the “Her Next Chapter” podcast. She is also the founder of ModernWell, the first female-centered coworking and collaborative space in Minneapolis, Minnesota, dedicated to empowering women through connection, wellness and creative freedom. Julie is also a mom of four and believes that an important piece of living a purposeful and fulfilled life is allowing yourself the space and freedom to evolve and transform.

Lindsey Noble, Publishing Manager

Lindsey has an extensive background in graphic design, print production and project management. Her work has included design and production of catalogs for Lands’ End and publications for BBI International. She loves working as part of a team and seeing a project through to completion. In her free time, Lindsey can be found watching one of her children’s sporting events, volunteering, traveling or curled up with a good book.

Joy Riggs, Copy Editor/Proofreader

Joy is the author of “Crackerjack Bands and Hometown Boosters: The Story of a Minnesota Music Man,” a book of memoir and biography about music’s power to connect people across generations. She’s worked as a newspaper reporter, a magazine columnist, and a freelance writer and editor (she also has experience as a bagel secret shopper—shhh!). Joy thinks people are endlessly fascinating, and she enjoys helping other women tell their stories.

Leslie Lagerstrom, Publishing Manager

Leslie’s background includes a 21-year career leading an in-house advertising agency, but what she is most proud of is her writing. Her work has appeared in “Chicken Soup for the Soul” and four anthologies. It has also been turned into a stage production and was the subject of her performances in several “Listen to Your Mother” programs. Passionate about sharing her know-how, Leslie is excited to help women bring their written words to life.

Jordyn DiOrio Polski, Publishing Manager

In addition to being an avid reader and published business writer, Jordyn is a seasoned project manager and serial entrepreneur with an insatiable passion for supporting women-owned businesses. She has three successful ventures of her own: JDP Consult and Founders Co., and MEND Jewelry, which received investment funding and scaled to six figures in less than two years. She’s also in the process of writing her business memoir.

Kprecia Ambers, Designer and Illustrator

Freelance digital illustrator and owner of Kp Inspires, Kprecia uses the power of illustration to connect with viewers, celebrate life experiences and encourage self-love. Kprecia enjoys working with purpose-driven individuals to make a positive impact in the world. Her passions are recreating and capturing emotion inspired by photography and celebrating Black culture, stories and history.

Jill Weddall, Designer and Illustrator

Jill is a business owner, designer, painter and illustrator. She is passionate about supporting women-owned businesses, providing education and joy through art, and being a bookworm. To Jill, good design is well-thought-out, clean, beautiful, accessible, functional and compelling.

Kayla Franz, Designer and Illustrator

Kayla is a graphic designer, illustrator and the founder of Kayla Jo Design. Kayla has witnessed the ways creativity flourishes in spaces where it is supported and encouraged, and she hopes to motivate young artists to pursue creative careers. She believes that art is important, art is everywhere, and there is power in the arts.