OUR FOUNDER
LAUREN A. COHEN
Lauren A. Cohen, international speaker, #1 bestselling author and immigration and business strategist, is an attorney licensed in both the U.S. (TN) and Canada (ON). As an active AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) member, Lauren boasts a stellar track record of success. She was also recently recognized as one of 2017’s “Super Lawyers” by Attorney-at-Law Magazine.
Although her role at e-Council does not involve practicing law, Lauren has first-hand knowledge of the visa process, having herself immigrated from Canada, and later becoming an American citizen in 2012. The overriding goal in all of her business endeavors is to help her clients achieve their version of the American Dream. Developing sound strategies designed to sustain long-term growth is a cornerstone of the e-Council Inc. brand.
After spending several years working as corporate counsel in various industries while delving into the field of immigration law, Lauren decided to combine her legal knowledge and business acumen. The result is e-Council Inc., a company offering concierge turnkey business immigration services ranging from professional Business Plans to comprehensive project coordination for all types of business visas, with a special focus on EB-5 solutions for direct investment and regional center cases. Lauren and her team help businesses raise capital, assist franchises seeking additional franchisees particularly in the form of foreign investors, and work with foreign investors seeking access to the U.S. markets.
Lauren is an inspired international speaker, bringing passion and insight to the multitude of topics on which she speaks, ranging from complex business immigration matters to finding balance as a single mompreneur and related self-growth topics. Lauren is also very community-oriented and philanthropic, and recently established Find My Silver Lining, a non-profit whose goal is to inspire others to persevere through challenging times and focus on the bright side as they strive to lead fulfilling lives. Find My Silver Lining will also fund Zevi’s Silver Lining, a program established in her beloved father’s memory in affiliation with a local non-profit that is near and dear to Lauren’s heart, Jewish Family Services, which program will match children in need of grandparents with willing grandparents in the community, and Lauren’s goal is to eventually expand the reach of the program to other communities throughout North America.
A regular writer and contributor to magazines, books and other media globally for several years, Finding Your Silver Lining in the Business Immigration Process is Lauren’s first book, which became a #1 bestseller during its first month! The proceeds of Lauren’s book are being used to fund her Find My Silver Lining charitable 501(c)(3) organization.
OUR CORE TEAM
Diana Levy, Esq.
EB-5 DirectorDiana serves as EB-5 Director to e-Council Inc. Diana is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law and a member of the Florida Bar and AILA. She has been practicing immigration law as a solo practitioner since 2001, with a focus on family, employment and business cases. As a natural complement to her practice, Ms. Levy entered the EB-5 business plan arena in 2012 and has participated in the writing of numerous successful plans as part of the e-Council Inc. team for both Regional Center and Direct Investment cases.
Robert Blizard, CPA
Financial DirectorRob has been a partner with Gneiding, Blizard, Bushta & Company, LLP since its inception in 2004. Prior to the formation of GBB&C, Rob was employed by a large regional accounting firm. Rob’s current responsibilities include providing accounting and tax services for clients in various industries with a specialization on those seeking immigration visas. Rob is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the PA Institute of CPAs. Rob both prepares and reviews financial projections for all e-Council Inc. clients.
Linda Tara Flynn, Ph.D.
Research DirectorAs an experienced research and project management consultant, Linda delivers results for evidence-based planning and successful execution of large-scale, complex research projects. Linda holds a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Psychology, a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and professional certifications in qualitative research and quantitative research. Linda’s specialty at e-Council Inc. is market feasibility studies, with a particular focus on EB-5 projects.
Angela Samay, MBA
Project ManagerAngela holds a Business degree in Finance and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina Moore School of Business. She brings her wealth of experience in the consulting and systems world, having previously worked for one of the Big Four accounting firms, to the e-Council Inc. team. Angela has written a wide variety of business documents including business process flow, standard operating procedures, project management charts and financial documents. Using this experience, Angela is tasked with project scheduling and fostering communication with our clients, and plays an integral role in the research and writing process.