Education
Future of Education, Work and Leadership
Future of Education, Work and Leadership:
12th U.S. Secretary of Education
Dr. Miguel A. Cardona is an American leader and educator. He served as the 12th United States Secretary of Education, a position he was nominated for by President Joe Biden.
CEO & President of The Education Trust
An inspiring educational leader and advocate, King’s own story is proof of the transformative power of education. He shares a passionate message about access to opportunity and America’s future.
College President & Diversity Consultant
Speaker Johnnetta B. Cole is President Emerita of both Bennett College and Spelman College. She fights for diversity, justice, health, and safety.
President Emeritus of UMBC
Award-winning educator and diversity expert Hrabowski transformed UMBC with his enthusiasm for STEM. Partnering with businesses, UMBC fosters skills to ensure employability.
Inner-City Youth & Education Advocate
Founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone, Canada addresses inner city poverty and violence. His model was featured in Waiting for Superman and has been replicated across the U.S.
Research Professor & Historian of Education
Diane Ravitch is a research professor of education at New York University and a prolific writer, who has published more than 500 articles and reviews for scholarly and popular publications on the subject.
NYT Best-Selling Author & Motivational Leader
Moore energizes audiences with his remarkable personal story of overcoming adversity through education, embracing personal responsibility and emerging as an inspirational leader.
Human-Centered Thought Leader, Bestselling Author, Managing Director at Seramount & The Pemberton Podcast
Steve Pemberton is a visionary human-centered thought leader and the Founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Academy.
CEO of Global Citizen/Global Poverty Project
Hugh Evans’ breakthrough brand of action-oriented humanitarianism has mobilized millions to end extreme poverty, climate change and gender inequality around the world.
Former Editor & Managing Director, Fast Company
As the former Editor & Managing Director of Fast Company, Robert Safian is known for highlighting the “new” in business while keeping reverence for the “tried and true.”
Consumer Advocate
A former Green Party candidate for president, Ralph Nader fights for the people on the issues that matter most: healthcare, safety, environment, ethics, education, and economic & social equality.
17th Surgeon General & CEO, Canyon Ranch Health
Having gone from high school dropout to serving as our nation’s top doctor, Carmona instills in audiences that anything is possible through commitment and determination.
Former Head, Mike’s Hard Lemonade & Futurist
Anat Baron is a force of nature whose forte is building brands, leading teams, and growing companies. She has led major organizations through periods of internal upheaval, intense competition, and market disruption.
Former President & CEO, NAACP & Professor, Harvard Kennedy School
As an activist and former leader of the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots-based civil rights organization, Brooks works to secure political, educational, social, and economic equality for all.
Founder & CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement
The visionary that built the Essence brand, Taylor left the magazine to found an organization devoted to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty among African-Americans.
Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District
The former Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Alberto M. Carvalho is a nationally recognized expert on education transformation and finance who has successfully elevated his district’s academic profile.
CEO of Robin Hood
Richard is the CEO of Robin Hood and former Chief Executive Officer of Achievement First, a network of 37 public charter schools providing an excellent education to 15,000 students across New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Award-Winning Actress, Producer & Equal Rights Advocate
With various ‘firsts’ in her already impressive career, Laverne Cox is a four-time Emmy- nominated actress, Emmy-winning producer, and a prominent equal rights advocate and public speaker.
The Professors: Nationally Recognized Educators
Dr. Richard White, inspirational speaker and full professor at the University of New Mexico, and Dr. Kevin Sanders, director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis, have spent over two decades in higher education.
Principal EL & the Schoolhouse302
The Passionate Leadership Institute is designed to guide the thinking, planning and actions of educators. Dr. EL, Dr. Jones and Dr. Vari will discuss creating and fostering a culture to support educators who are more equity-focused and innovative.
Co-Authors of We Are Not Like Them & You Were Always Mine
Christine Pride partnered with Jo Piazza to write We Are Not Like Them, a story of an interracial friendship upended by a police shooting that hits close to home for two women.
Award-Winning Investigative Journalist at NBC News & Criminal Legal Reform Activist
In 2002, Dan Slepian, award-winning NBC News journalist and veteran producer of its newsmagazine Dateline, received a letter from Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez, a man incarcerated and serving 25 years to life in person for a crime he didn’t commit.
Global Authority on Using Soft Power to Change Behavior, Forbes Columnist on Leadership Strategies & Fellow-in-Residence at the McSilver Institute of Poverty Policy and Research, NYU
Penny Abeywardena is an award-winning public official and international columnist with a rapidly growing audience. She has learned a lot about how and why political and social progress happens — especially before and after courts and politicians get involved.
Everyday Genius (TM), Executive Coach & Author of Everyday Genius, A Guide to Peaceful Leadership
Wendy Knight Agard is an Everyday Genius (TM) and Master Executive Coach who enjoys helping others develop as leaders from the inside out.
"The Real Ted Lasso"
John U. Bacon has worked nearly three decades as a writer, a public speaker, and a college instructor, winning awards for all three.
Former Chancellor of the New York City Public Schools
David C. Banks is the former Chancellor of the New York City Public Schools, the largest school system in the United States.
Co-Chair, Poor People’s Campaign & NYT Best-Selling Author
The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is the President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach; Co- Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign; Bishop with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries; and Visiting Professor at Union Theological Seminary.
WSJ Bestselling Author, Barking Up the Wrong Tree
Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former Hollywood screenwriter Eric Barker uses research and compelling stories to challenge common myths about success and relationships.
Professor & Author
As the co-author of The Manufactured Crisis: Myths, Fraud and the Attack on America's Public Schools, David Berliner challenges the notion that American students are lagging behind other nations.
Founder & CEO of Turning Point Leadership Group LLC
Dr. Linda Wiley Bing is founder and CEO of Turning Point Leadership Group LLC, an innovative performance improvement company that specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership development, and relationship management.
Science Broadcaster, Decision Making Strategist, Tech/AI Expert, Philanthropist & Poker Champion
Liv Boeree retired from professional poker in 2019 soon after her breakout TED talk (3 Lessons on Decision Making from a Poker Champion) and is now focused on speaking, broadcasting/content creating, philanthropy and her popular podcast, Win-Win.
Leadership Catalyst & Innovator
Dr. Christopher Bonn stands as an exemplary figure in the field of educational leadership, demonstrating a unique and powerful approach to revitalizing struggling organizations.
Former US Senator & Ambassador
Known as a builder of political bridges with deep expertise in both the public and private sector, Ambassador Scott Brown speaks from more than 30 years of experience as a diplomat, senator, military officer, trade negotiator and bestselling author.
Groundbreaking Urban Artist
Justin BUA is an award-winning artist, author, speaker, and entrepreneur. Groundbreaking in his field, BUA is internationally known for his best-selling collection of fine art posters—The DJ being one of the most popular prints of all time.
Top Inspirational Speaker, Bestselling Author, Wheelchair Athlete & Successful Entrepreneur
Scott brings the concepts of Vision, Mindset and Grit to life using his life-changing story. Three powerful words, when put into action, will help you Stand Up to Any Challenge.
Educator & Congressional Candidate
Tierney Cahill is an award winning educator that inspires audiences around the country with her experience of running for Congress as a sixth grade teacher.
Co-Founder of 826 National, Leader of Enterprise for Youth & The Teacher Salary Project
Ninive Calegari is the co-founder, with Dave Eggers, of 826 National, which she helped grow from a local tutoring program into an influential education phenomenon that partners with schools, families, and community organizations across the country.
Biden-Harris Presidential Appointee leading the Office of Women’s Business Ownership at the U.S. Small Business Administration
Natalie has provided some of the nation's most prominent CEOs of billion-dollar organizations, executives of global brands, senior advisors to the White House, and more with inspiration, insight and advice.
Best-Selling Author, The Campus Color Line & Higher Education Thought Leader
Dr. Eddie R. Cole is Associate Professor of Higher Education and Organizational Change at UCLA. His research focuses on college presidents’ historic role in shaping racial policies and practices both inside and outside of the educational sphere.
TED Speaker & Space Exploration Engineer
As a child, Nagin Cox had a dream of exploring space. And through incredible determination, a fighting spirit and a never-quit attitude, she has done just that. Cox has been a spacecraft operations engineer at NASA’s JPL for over 2 decades.
Educator
Dr. Rudy Crew is the former superintendent of the Miami-Dade County Public School system and chancellor of New York City.
Social Psychologist, Award-Winning Harvard Lecturer & Bestselling Author
Dr. Amy Cuddy is a social psychologist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. She focuses on presence and performance under stress, the causes and outcomes of feeling powerful vs. powerless, and more.
Scholar & Educator
Speaker Linda Darling-Hammond is a professor of teaching at Stanford University, where she focuses on school restructuring and teacher education.
Former Mayor of New York City
Managing a crisis is never easy. But trying to handle one of the worst to hit a major city in a century is almost unimaginable—unless you’re former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Award-Winning Essayist & Critic
William Deresiewicz is an award-winning essayist and critic, a frequent college speaker, and the best-selling author of Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life.
Former Mayor of Miami
As former mayor, speaker Manny Diaz transformed Miami from a poor, crime-ridden, and economically stagnant city to a flourishing metropolis with a hurtling skyline.
CEO and Member of Board of Directors for Sign Talent Solutions, Former NFL Player & Author
Success isn’t about talent alone — it’s about being able to LOCK IN on vision, values, and disciplined execution that drives long-term success. Damon Dunn has built a career proving that high performance is a mindset, not a moment.
Performing Artist, Founder of the Sphinx Organization, & Best-Selling Author
Named a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, President Obama’s first appointment to the National Council on the Arts and member of President Biden’s Arts Policy Committee, Aaron P. Dworkin is former dean and current Professor at the University of Michigan.
Speaker, 3x Bestselling Author, Leadership & Culture Expert
Chris Dyer is a culture builder disguised as a serial entrepreneur, CEO, and consultant. His companies were named a Best Place to Work 15 times and featured on Inc. Magazine’s list of fastest-growing companies five times. #1 Leadership Speaker on Culture by Inc. Magazine
One of Wall Street’s First Black Women Traders
From humble Southern beginnings to breaking barriers on Wall Street, Martina Marshall Edwards is the epitome of not allowing your circumstances to determine your outcome.
Professor of Science Education & Author
Christopher Emdin teaches STEM classes at Columbia where he serves as Director of Secondary School Initiatives at the Urban Science Education Center. He wrote Urban Science Education for the Hip-Hop Generation.
Former Astronaut, NASA Johnson Space Center
Dr. Jeanette J. Epps is a trailblazing former NASA astronaut, aerospace engineer, and former CIA intelligence officer whose remarkable career embodies leadership and a steadfast commitment to inspiring the next generation.
One of America's Most Celebrated Schoolteachers
A once-in-a-lifetime educator, Rafe Esquith may be the most inspiring school teacher in America. Called “a genius and a saint” by The New York Times, Esquith stresses the need to make students our priority.
National Award Winning Author, Professor & Activist
Sanderia Faye (Smith) is an Assistant Professor of Practice at Southern Methodist University (SMU). She is also a professional speaker, activist and sommelier, where she pairs wine with books.
Innovator & Leader in Teacher Education
The former Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, Michael Fullan is an expert on education reform. He advises lawmakers with the moral goal of universal education.
Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter
Alicia Garza is someone who believes that black communities deserve what all communities deserve — to be powerful in every aspect of their lives. That’s what drives Garza as an innovator, strategist, internationally recognized organizer and writer.
Host of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior & CBS’s The Talk
Akbar is the host of NBC’s four time Emmy nominated series American Ninja Warrior, Universal Kid’s spin off show, American Ninja Warrior Jr.
Generational Enthusiast, Serial Entrepreneur & Professor
Kristen Geez is a globally recognized Gen Z Enthusiast, Tech Innovator, and highly sought-after International Speaker and Professor, with a mission to inspire and empower the next generation.
Founder & CEO of REthinc
Kate Gerson is a powerful advocate for equity in American institutions. With over 25 years racial equity work and education leadership, Kate has emerged as a thought leader.
Bestselling Author & World-Renowned Thinker
Richard Gerver is a sought-after speaker, bestselling author and world-renowned thinker. His career began in education, first as a teacher and then as a school principal, when he turned the fortunes of a failing school and its pupils around in just two years.
New York Times Bestselling Author & James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Princeton University
One of the nation’s most prominent scholars, Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. is an author, political commentator, public intellectual and passionate educator who examines the complex dynamics of the American experience.
Intersectional Activist & Co-Founder of March For Our Lives
X González (they/them) is a gun-violence prevention activist born and raised in Parkland, Florida. A survivor of the Marjory Stoneman-Douglas High School shooting, X became a leading voice in the gun-violence prevention movement.
Leading Hispanic Educator
Dr. Ana Guzman served as senior advisor to the Secretary of Education under Clinton. She has been in educational administration for over 15 years as the leading voice for Hispanic Americans in education.
Senior Fellow M-RCBG at the Harvard Kennedy School & Former College President
Gregory Haile has exceptional leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. By the time he was 40 years old, he had become the president of Broward College, one of the largest colleges in the United States.
Entrepreneur, Author & Former Education Leader
Entrepreneur, speaker, author, and former education leader David Hardy Jr. has an accomplished career in leading transformational change in organizations across multiple industries.
Renowned Author & Researcher Advocating for Equitable and Inclusive Education
Andy Hargreaves is Visiting Professor at the University of Ottawa in Canada and Research Professor at Boston College in the US. He is an elected member of the US National Academy of Education.
Transformational Speaker, Educational Leader & National Trainer
Brian Heat is a dynamic Educator, Trainer and Amazon Best Selling Author with his latest book release Get Ignited, who transforms audiences by infusing high-octane motivational and cinematic themes.
Human-Centered Leadership Strategist, Executive Coach & Author
Dr. Mary Hemphill is a human-centered leadership strategist who equips executives, educators, and industry leaders with the tools to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and lead with authenticity.
President, Urban Learning & Leadership Center
Dr. John W. Hodge is president and co-founder of Urban Learning and Leadership Center (ULLC), an organization focused on student achievement and reduction of the achievement gap.
National Educator
Dr. Sharroky Hollie is a national educator who provides professional development to thousands of educators in the area of cultural responsiveness.
New York Times Bestselling Author of Rocket Girls
New York Times bestselling author Nathalia Holt enthuses audiences with her inspiring narratives of women who have defied the odds, broken barriers, and made history.
UCLA Pritzker Family Endowed Chair in Education to Strengthen Children & Families & Best-Selling Author
Dr. Tyrone Howard is a professor of education in the School of Education & Information Studies at UCLA. His research addresses issues tied to race, culture, access and educational opportunity for minoritized student populations.
Education & Cultural Futurist
Ravi's journey as a rock star, aviator, cultural diplomat for the US Department of State, and keynote speaker is an inspiring example of how to pivot and succeed in an ever-changing world.
Superintendent - K12 Educational Thought Leader
Dr. Michael Hynes works as a Superintendent in New York. His mission is to spread the message of the importance of a holistic approach to educating children around the world.
Education Policy Advocate, USC Policy Doctorate Student (DPPD) & Mental Health Children’s Book Author
Nicole Jain has dedicated her career to public service and leadership specifically in the realm of K-12 public education policy and management.
NYT Bestselling Author, Political Commentator & Cultural Critic
Molly Jong-Fast is a New York Times bestselling author, political commentator, and cultural critic known for her sharp wit, fearless honesty, and unwavering commitment to truth.
Best Selling Author & K12 Education Leader
Principal Baruti Kafele, a highly regarded urban educator in New Jersey for more than 20 years, has distinguished himself as a master teacher and a transformational school leader.
Miss Liberia USA & Activist/Organizer
Nupol Kiazolu is a powerhouse in the field of activism, from being on the front lines of the Charlottesville protests to taping "Do I look suspicious?" behind her hoodie in the wake of Travyon Martin's death.
US Army Lieutenant Colonel / Education Advocate
Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch is the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field in the US Army. She is recognized for her work on teen pregnancy, gang violence and parenting education.
Innovation & Change Navigation Strategist
Jay Kiew is an innovation strategist with more than 15 years of transformation experience. He has created more than $2B of impact for 400+ executives by designing, developing, and delivering organizational transformation.
Educator & Social Justice Advocate
A former urban teacher, Jonathan Kozol is a long-term public education activist. He confronts the mania of high-stakes tests, the invasion of private corporations in schools, and the inequalities of urban schools.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning NYT Columnist
How good do you really have to be, to be christened the reporter’s reporter…by other reporters? You have to be Nicholas Kristof – good.
Leadership Educator and Scholar, Master Trainer & Award-Winning Author
Jonathan is a leadership educator, scholar, and trainer. Jonathan began his career as a university administrator by focusing on leadership development, community engagement, and reflection initiatives.
Educator, Best-Selling Author, Recovery & Prevention Coach
Teacher and NYT best-selling author, Jessica Lahey, inspires audiences with her rallying cry to allow children to experience failure as an integral part of becoming successful, resilient and self-reliant adults.
CEO of Century Tech, Renowned Entrepreneur, AI Expert & Advocate for Innovation in Education & Business
Priya Lakhani OBE is the Founder CEO of CENTURY Tech, the award-winning AI and education technology company that develops learning tools for schools, colleges, universities and employers across the world.
School Turnaround Expert & Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor of Urban Education
Dr. Chance W. Lewis is the Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor of Urban Education and former Provost Faculty Fellow for Diversity, Inclusion and Access at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Generational Guru
Anne Loehr is a sought-after author, executive coach, facilitator, and consultant who helps leaders of large and small organizations successfully move from talk to action.
Entrepreneur & Sales Expert
Weldon Long is a successful entrepreneur, sales expert and author of the NY Times Bestseller, The Power of Consistency – Prosperity Mindset Training for Sales and Business Professionals.
Co-Founder of Create Labs, Ambassador & Partner to OpenAI, Google AI, NVIDIA & ElevenLabs
Abran Maldonado is a true visionary in the world of artificial intelligence. As co-founder of Create Labs, Abran is leading the charge in the generative AI and metaverse design space.
Social Justice Leader & Movement Strategist
Tamika D. Mallory is a Harlem born award-winning social justice leader, activist and mother. Quick-witted, strategic, and bold, Tamika speaks truth to power no matter the consequences. She is being hailed as one of the most influential Black voices.
National Leader on Belonging & New York Times Bestselling Author
Rev. Ben McBride is a native of San Francisco, spiritual leader, and longtime activist for peace and justice in the Bay Area.
Hall-of-Fame NCAA Basketball Coach, Best-Selling Author & Mental Health Warrior
When it comes to coaching, teamwork and the leadership needed to excel, no one does it better than Joanne “Coach P” McCallie, former NCAA Division I women’s basketball head coach for 28 years.
Global Head of Social Impact, Google
Reggie McKnight has been a champion for corporate social impact and economic equity throughout his 20-year career as a leader within some of the world’s largest corporations, including Google, Facebook, and BP.
Courageous Pioneer & Combat-Proven Leader
Colonel Martha E. McSally is a pioneering combat-proven leader and celebrated author. McSally is a compelling example of overcoming adversity and fear to achieve extraordinary feats.
ESPYS Jimmy V Perseverance Award Winner, Coach & Motivator
Rob Mendez grew up a passionate sports fan; his first word as an infant was “ball.” However, Rob was born with no arms or legs—the result of an extraordinarily rare condition called tetra-amelia syndrome, with very few known cases globally.
Award-Winning Musician & Author of Black Sheep
Brant Menswar is a core values activist, former rock star and named one of the country’s “Top 10" motivational speakers. His books and Top 200 podcast (Thoughts That Rock) expand on his ground-breaking work around values-based leadership.
Multi-Platinum Band AJR, Founder of Planet Reimagined & Columbia University Professor
Adam Met, PhD seamlessly transitions between roles as musician, educator, advocate, and scholar.
Award Winning Sustainability Strategist & Concept Developer
Milan Meyberg is an award winning Sustainability Strategist, Concept Developer and Public Speaker for global lifestyle brands, NGOs and large scale music festivals.
Chairman, Jordan Brand Advisory Board
Best known for leading Nike’s Jordan Brand from a $150 million sneaker company to a $4 billion global apparel juggernaut, Larry Miller is one of the most successful Black executives in the country.
Community Activist & Circuit Court Judge
Judge Mitchell, who was elected to the Dane County Circuit Court in 2016, handles juvenile court cases. For him, demystifying the criminal justice system is an essential part of his job, particularly when his audience includes people of color.
Survivor of Child Sexual Abuse & Assistant U.S. Attorney in Detroit
Kevin is a survivor of child sexual abuse. He works as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Detroit. Throughout his career, Kevin has prosecuted a variety of cases, including offenses involving firearms, drugs, bank robberies, threats, terrorism, and more.
Human Rights Activist & Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; President & Chairwoman of Nadia’s Initiative
Human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad became a leading advocate for survivors of genocide and sexual violence after surviving the horrific Yazidi Genocide in Iraq carried out by the Islamic State (ISIS).
Former Asst Secretary, Secondary & Elementary Ed
Susan B. Neuman is a professor of early childhood and literacy and chair of the Teaching and Learning Department at the New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.
Harvard Career Advisor & Best Selling Author
Gorick Ng is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Unspoken Rules: Secrets to Starting Your Career Off Right. Gorick Ng is a career adviser at Harvard College, specializing in coaching first-generation, low-income students.
One of the Nation’s Leading Scholars on Race, Inequality & Education
Pedro Noguera is the Dean of the Rossier School of Education, and a Distinguished Professor of Education at USC. He is one of the nation’s leading scholars on issues related to race, inequality, and education.
Dueling Pianist turned Author & Experience Evangelist
Gregory Offner is a multi-talented individual, with a passion for entertaining and educating others.
Chief Operating Officer, NAIC, Transformational Leader & Advocate
Trail-blazing Executive. Authentic Leader. Unwavering Advocate. These are just a few of the descriptions that come to mind when describing the emergent and compelling voice of Carmen Ortiz-McGhee.
Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Executive Leadership Expert & ABC Contributor
Author, Catalyst, and Executive Coach Laura Gassner Otting inspires people to push past the doubt and indecision that keep great ideas in limbo.
Higher Education Professional & Author
Wes Parham MBA, Ph.D. is a national speaker in the critical areas of organizational and individual development, innovative leadership, and educational engagement. He is also the founder of the field of "Haterology."
Authentic Power Strategist, Former Corporate Executive & Former Civil Rights Attorney
Full of energy, a passion for advocacy, confidence and courage, Diana R. Patton, Esq has helped hundreds of women leaders, and the organizations that they work for, to do their greatest work.
President & CEO, The Boston Foundation & Former President, Emerson College
Lee Pelton became President and CEO of The Boston Foundation in June 2021, after serving as president of Emerson College in Boston for 10 years. He is a nationally respected leader with a long career in higher education.
Generational Expert & Bestselling Author
Mark Perna is the founder and CEO of TFS Results, a full-service strategic consulting firm at the forefront of the national paradigm shift in education and workforce development.
Bestselling Author, Philosopher, Founder of SocratesCafe.com
Christopher Phillips, PhD, is a Greek-American author, educator, consultant, and lecturer is recognized launched in1996 his global grassroots Socrates Cafe initiative (SocratesCafe.com).
Internationally Bestselling Author, Award-Winning Journalist & Podcast Creator
Jo Piazza is a bestselling author, podcast creator and award-winning journalist. Jo is the national and international bestselling author of many critically acclaimed novels and nonfiction books including We Are Not Like Them.
Emmy Award-Winning Co-Anchor of ABC's Nightline & Best-Selling Author
Byron Pitts is an award-winning journalist who has covered some of the most horrific and dangerous news stories in the world, from Sept. 11 to Hurricane Katrina to the Boston Marathon to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Award-Winning Journalist & Author of The Family Roe
For more than twenty years, Joshua Prager, a former senior writer for The Wall Street Journal, has written about historical secrets. His work has shed new light on our cultural touchstones.
Former Teacher & Elementary Principal
Toby Price is a former teacher and elementary principal. He is a husband, an educator, a writer, a story teller, an artist, and the King of Dad Jokes.
Editor, Writer, Co-Author of We Are Not Like Them & You Were Always Mine
Christine Pride is a writer, editor and long time publishing veteran. She’s held editorial posts at many different imprints including Doubleday, Broadway, Crown, Hyperion, and Simon and Schuster.
Emmy Award-Winning Author, Musician & Workforce Expert
Clint Pulver is an Emmy Award-winning, motivational keynote speaker, author, musician, and workforce expert. He’s also fun, dynamic, entertaining – and the no-stress speaker clients love to work with.
Actor, Breaking Bad
Steven Michael Quezada is an actor, comedian and writer. His crowning achievement was playing DEA Agent Steve Gomez on the multi-award winning TV mega hit Breaking Bad.
Education Expert on Assessment & School Reform
Dr. Douglas Reeves is one of the most noted experts on education and school reform. As a researcher, reformer, and educator, he has received some of the most noteworthy awards in his respective fields.
Former Mayor of Cambridge
Ken Reeves is a Cantabridgian who served as a Cambridge City Councilor for 23 years. He served three terms as Mayor of Cambridge.
Founding Executive Director of the National Institute for Student Success
Timothy Renick is the founding Executive Director of the National Institute for Student Success and Professor of Religious Studies at Georgia State University.
Founder of Green Bronx Machine
Stephen Ritz is a South Bronx educator/administrator who believes that students shouldn't have to leave their community to live, learn, and earn in a better one.
Aerospace Engineer & Former NASA Rocket Scientist
Shayla Rivera is an Aerospace Engineer and former Rocket Scientist with NASA turned salesperson, corporate trainer, and now TV & Radio host, Emcee/Host, Comedian, Actor, and Professor of Practice with the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University.
33-Year Veteran of NASA & TIME Magazine 100 Most Influential People of 2022
A 33-year veteran of NASA, Gregory Robinson is the former director of the $10 billion dollar James Webb Space Telescope (Webb). With 100 times more power than its predecessor, the Hubble Telescope, Webb is considered one of NASA’s greatest achievements of the 21st century.
8X Inc. 500 Founder, Bestselling Author, Top 50 Global Thought Leaders in Growth
Frankie Russo is a visionary in authenticity, imagination and growth. An entrepreneur with a proven track record for using innovative methods to unlock rapid growth.
Renowned Finnish Educator & Scholar
Pasi Sahlberg is a Finnish educator and scholar. Known as the international “school improvement activist,” he shares his experiences in classroom teaching, teacher education, and global educational change.
Former Managing Director of Black Lives Matter Global Network
Kailee is a global strategist, champion of social justice, and public speaker. She has served as the former Managing Director of Black Lives Matter Global Network.
Higher Education Thought Leader
Selingo has spent his journalism career covering colleges and universities worldwide. His book, College (Un)Bound: The Future of Higher Education and What It Means for Students, explores the college of tomorrow.
Fellow, Int'l Center for Leadership in Education
Eric Sheninger is a Senior Fellow and Thought Leader on Digital Leadership with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) and Scholastic Achievement Partners (SAP).
Leader, Author & Speaker
Dr. Jill Siler served as the Superintendent of Gunter ISD for nearly ten years and now serves as the Deputy Executive Director for Professional Learning for the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA).
Organizational Thought Leader, Expert on Rejection & Best-Selling Author
As the CEO and publisher of College Magazine, the trusted guide to navigating college, reaching millions of readers, Amanda Silver empowers young professionals to achieve a career they love.
Highly Sought After Consultant in Global Branding & Personal Transformation
For nearly two decades, Melissa Dawn Simkins has blended human insight with brand-building innovation, to be coined, “The First Lady of Personal Branding.”
Founder of Pacific Educational Group, Inc.
A product of public elementary and independent secondary school, Singleton founded Pacific Educational Group, Inc. (PEG) to support families in their transitions within and between K–12 and higher education.
Award-Winning Harvard & Oxford Professor
Cindy Skach, a former award-winning Harvard and Oxford professor, was advising the Iraqis and Kurds on constitutional design when her camp was hit by a 240 mm missile, killing several members.
Award-Winning Journalist at NBC News & Author of The Sing Sing Files: One Journalist, Six Innocent Men, and a Twenty-Year Fight for Justice
Dan Slepian is an Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist at NBC News, a leading authority on the criminal justice system, and a seasoned public speaker.
Chief Scientist, Founder of Women in Data & Top 30 Women in AI
Sadie St. Lawrence is the Chief Scientist at SSL Innovations and the Founder of Women in Data. Women in Data is an international non-profit organization represented in 55 countries.
Chair of Stuckey's
Stephanie Stuckey is the Chair of Stuckey’s, the roadside oasis famous for its pecan log rolls. The company was founded by her grandfather, W.S. Stuckey, Sr., as a pecan stand in Eastman, GA in 1937 and grew to over 350 stores across the country.
Professional Development Expert, Author & Recovering CPA
Adam graduated from Clemson University with an accounting degree and then spent ten years as a CPA working with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, The Neiman Marcus Group and finally BKD CPAs & Advisors (now called Forvis).
Disability Advocate, Educator & Best-Selling Author, Sitting Pretty
Rebekah Taussig will challenge everything you think you know about disability as she invites us into her experience of living in a body that looks and moves differently than most.
White House Coronavirus Task Force Whistleblower
Olivia Troye is a risk management and national security executive whose most recent role was serving as the Homeland Security, Counterterrorism, and White House Coronavirus Task Force Advisor to the Vice President of the United States.
Former NFL Player Turned Transformational Identity-Shift Coach
Anthony Trucks is a former NFL player turned transformational identity shift coach. He believes a transformational shift is what your life is missing to reach your full potential, always operating at your peak performance.
Criminal Legal Reform Activist
With more than 23 years of lived experience, incarcerated for a crime he did not commit, Mr. Velazquez has worked tirelessly to redefine the humanity of men who are or have been incarcerated.
Human Rights Activist & Advocacy Educator
Natalie Warne is an activist who at the age of 17 decided to work for the humanitarian aid organization, Invisible Children. What began as a 5 month internship resulted in Natalie producing award-winning international human rights awareness campaigns.
Energy Generator & Master Facilitator
Marli Williams is an interactive keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and joy instigator, whose journey into transformational leadership began as a camp counselor.
Founder and CEO, Room to Read
Speaker John Wood left a career at Microsoft to form Room to Read, a nonprofit helping children in the developing world escape poverty through education.
Three-Time Paralympic World Medalist
At only 21 years of age, Hunter Woodhall is redefining what it means to be an athlete, entrepreneur, and trailblazer, and setting a new tone for the next generation of dreamers.
Globalization & Education Expert
Speaker Yong Zhao is the presidential chair and associate dean for global education at the University of Oregon. He covers everything from policy to innovation and technology.
Founder & Chief Reinvention Officer, Reinvention Academy
Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva is a scientist, entrepreneur, and author specializing in reinvention, leadership, and strategy in turbulent times.