MEET Emily Venable Biscardi

For 21 years, Emily Venable Biscardi has built teams, businesses and a life around the belief that striving to be your best self changes everything. Meet our new Real Woman of REALM — and let her story inspire yours.

I am honored to shine a well-deserved spotlight on an absolute powerhouse who is redefining what it means to lead with purpose: Emily Venable Biscardi.

Emily is the visionary founder and CEO of Xelerate LLC, an award-winning company that has offered customized recruitment solutions to healthcare and behavioral health organizations for over 21 years. She is a trailblazer in her field, running a successful, certified women-owned business with so much heart. But beyond her impressive executive leadership, Emily cares deeply about mental wellness and helping people thrive holistically. She brings such a lovely blend of sharp strategy and genuine connection to everything she touches, making her a natural force in her profession and community.

What I adore most about Emily is how beautifully she balances a dynamic career with a totally grounded, warm nature. She truly understands that ruling your realm means leading with both strength and grace.

I am so grateful to introduce Emily to you. She is a cherished friend, loyal customer and true Empress. Her appreciation for REALM Fine + Fashion Jewelry means the world to me, and having her step in front of the camera as our newest Real Woman of REALM felt like a true celebration of our history together. Take a moment to read her empowering story and share in her journey—one I know will uplift, enthuse and inspire.

Ann King Lagos
Founder + Designer
REALM Fine + Fashion Jewelry

Q+A with Emily Venable Biscardi

What do you do for work?
I am the Founder and CEO of Xelerate, LLC, a recruiting partner to healthcare organizations, with a deep focus on behavioral health. We help companies grow by building the team they need to deliver patient care and expand access to critical services.

for play?
I love spending time with close friends and family, especially creating experiences around food. Cooking—thoughtfully planning the menu, the setting, the ambiance—is one of my favorite ways to express love to those I care about. There's something special about bringing the right people together and creating moments that feel both meaningful and memorable.

for others? (such as a charitable organization dear to your heart)
I have a diverse set of interests when it comes to my volunteer efforts. Over the years, I played a significant role in the Philadelphia100 Forum which supports and celebrates Philadelphia-based entrepreneurs, as well as Impact100 Philadelphia which focuses on empowering women in philanthropy — building confidence in making thoughtful investment decisions. More recently, I have become involved with the Veterans Alliance at the Union League, which taps into my commitment to supporting those who have served in our military.

What experiences and influences along your journey ultimately inspired you to create Xelerate—and how did that journey shape the vision and values behind your brand today?
I didn't start Xelerate with a focus on behavioral health. I started it with the belief that there was a better way to build teams—one that was more strategic, more thoughtful and more aligned with driving real business outcomes. Early in my career, I saw how often recruiting was treated as a transactional function, rather than a lever for growth. I wanted to change that—to create a model that truly partners with organizations to build the teams they need to scale. Over the past several years, I've shifted Xelerate's focus more deeply toward behavioral health, which brings my work full circle back to where I started my career, as a clinician. We help growing organizations build the teams behind new facilities and expanded care—so more patients can be served. That connection between workforce and impact is what drives me.

Tell us about the mission of Xelerate and how it changes lives.
Our mission is to help healthcare organizations grow by building teams that make that growth possible—especially in behavioral health, where access to care is critical. When we do our job well, it means new facilities can open, services can expand and patients can receive care sooner. We're not just filling roles—we're helping organizations deliver on their mission and extend their impact into the communities they serve.

You speak of the wonderful team that surrounds you. What qualities do you look for when hiring new talent?
We're an entrepreneurial company, so I look for people who take ownership—of their performance, their results and their impact on the team and our clients. That includes accountability to others, not just yourself. We also need people who can pivot, adapt and operate in a dynamic environment. And culture really matters. Our success comes from people who don't just fit our culture but actively contribute to it.

We love your style! At REALM, we talk about our jewelry and Empresses having a "Classic, Romantic or Rock Star" vibe (sometimes all three). How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my style as a mix of classic with a little edge—but always elevated. My friends poke fun at me because I can't help but be dressed up—even for a sporting event. I naturally gravitate toward a more elevated look, no matter the setting. I just can't help myself. Athleisure is uncomfortable for me, even though it's comfortable for everyone else!

I think this comes from my grandmothers. They were the quintessential example of style—always put together, no matter the occasion. I wish they were still here so I could ask them about it… imagine what they would wear to carline pickup.

Why do you love REALM?
REALM feels intentional. There's a story behind it, a point of view, and a celebration of real women. The jewelry fits my style—classic with a little edge—and that combination is really powerful. Ann does an amazing job of creating that connection and bringing you into the brand.

What is your favorite REALM Collection?
SCEPTRE, symbolizing Strength, Courage and Spirit. I was drawn to this collection even before I fully understood what it stood for. There's an edge to it that really resonated with me, and many of my early pieces are from this line. I love that it celebrates individuality and encourages you to #BeYourOwnEmpress.

Talon Pavé Earring
Sterling Silver + CZ Blanc

Spirit Python Stack Ring 13mm
18K Gold Vermeil

Spirit Pavé Stack Ring 2mm
18K Gold Vermeil + CZ Blanc

How did you and Ann meet? What kind of connections did you have then? Now?
Ann and I met at a REALM event and have crossed paths through the years. I've always walked away from our conversations touched by her spirit and vitality. I'm grateful to be more connected to her now through this campaign and look forward to continuing to build that relationship in a more meaningful way.

What does it mean to…
#BeYourBestSelf: Push yourself to make the best decisions—no matter how hard they may be.
#BeYourOwnEmpress: Truly understand who you are and lead with that confidence. It's rooted in authenticity—owning your path and showing up as yourself without hesitation.
#ReignThoughtfully: At the REALM event where I met Ann, she gave me a t-shirt with this phrase on it, and it really resonated with me. As a female CEO, it reflects the idea that with power comes responsibility—and how you choose to lead matters. It's about understanding the weight of that responsibility and carrying it with awareness and grace.

Anything else you would like to add?
When I step back and think about my journey, the consistent theme has been striving to be the best version of yourself—no matter how hard that may be. It means trying to meet life’s challenges and obstacles as that best version of yourself, even when it's uncomfortable. It's not always easy, but when that becomes your compass, it helps guide your decisions and how you show up. For me, that also means being accountable to yourself—doing the work so that you show up in a way that doesn't negatively affect those around you, but instead allows you to be present, authentic and grounded in your relationships.

Thank you for this tremendous opportunity! I am honored to be here with you.

CONNECT WITH EMILY

• Email: emily@xeleratellc.com
• Instagram: @evbiscardi
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilyvbiscardi
• Website: xeleratellc.com