Social, Community & Cultural Issues
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence:
Survivor of Cleveland Kidnappings
As one of the women who escaped from the Cleveland home of Ariel Castro after 11 years of captivity, torture and abuse, Michelle Knight has risen out of darkness and trauma to captivate audiences around the world with her incredible story.
Climate Justice & Renewable Energy Advocate
Melina is a renowned advocate for climate justice, Indigenous sovereignty and women's rights. She is Lubicon Cree from Northern Alberta, Canada. She is the Founder of Sacred Earth Solar and a Climate Fellow at the David Suzuki Foundation.
Author, Motivational Speaker & MA Retired State Trooper
Vladimir Louissaint is a motivational speaker, empowerment coach, retired Massachusetts State Trooper, and author of The Embrace Method, a transformative guide to healing and purpose-driven leadership.
Child & Domestic Violence Advocate, Author
Maralee Mclean is a child advocate, protective mother, and author of <i>Prosecuted But Not Silenced</i>. Fighting the system both body and soul, she gained the insight that this was not her nightmare alone.
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.
Acclaimed Cinematic Pioneer & CalArts Faculty
Considered a cinematic feminist pioneer and one of America’s foremost independent filmmakers, Menkes has shown widely in major international film festivals including multiple premieres at Sundance, the Berlinale, Cannes and more.
Author, Rhodes Scholar & Aspiring Professor
By all rights, Caylin Louis Moore should be dead, in prison, or a gang member. Instead, he’s a Rhodes Scholar, author, speaker, and role model for every kid deprived of hope in downtrodden communities.
The DNA Detective, Genetic Genealogist
CeCe is an investigative genetic genealogist and media consultant. She is the Founder of DNA Detectives and the Chief Genetic Genealogist for Parabon Nanolabs.
Award Winning Actress, Author & Advocate
Debbi Morgan is known to international audiences for her prolific career most recently starring in TYLER PERRY'S "Divorce In The Black" for Amazon Prime and TYLER PERRY'S "Beauty In Black" for Netflix.
Award-Winning Actress & “Social Action Hero”
Best known for her award-winning work in more than 30 films—including the blockbusters Sister Act, Hocus Pocus, WALL-E and Rat Race—the voice of Peggy Hill on King of the Hill and roles on VEEP, Younger and Graves, Kathy Najimy is also a celebrated advocate on the frontline of myriad progressive social causes.
“What’s Now” Anchor on WKYC-TV in Cleveland
After nearly 20 years at CNN and HLN, Christi Paul decided it was time to come home to Ohio. Now, you’ll find her every evening anchoring the “What’s Now” 5pm newscast for NBC affiliate WKYC-TV in Cleveland.
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.
Father of Gabby Petito
Joseph Petito is a public speaker and dedicated advocate for domestic violence awareness and education, fueled by the profound loss of his daughter, Gabby Petito.
Actress, Film Director & Screenwriter
Lori was most recently seen in the role of "Lolly" in the Netflix hit Orange is the New Black and had a major presence in the most recent season after appearing in the previous two seasons.
GRAMMY-Nominated Poet; Human & Civil Rights Activist; Filmmaker; Author of 16 Books
Kevin Powell is one of the most celebrated political, cultural, literary, and hip-hop voices in America today. Kevin has gone on to author 14 books, including When We Free The World, his new short essay collection about freedom in America.
Social Entrepreneur & Change Maker
Lynn Price is an author and social entrepreneur. As an Ashoka Fellow, she is one of only a several hundred in the US recognized as a global social entrepreneur who tackles society’s greatest challenges.
Attorney, Trayvon Martin & Michael Brown Family
Known for her representation of the Trayvon Martin family, Jasmine Rand excels in the civil rights arena. Rand is currently scheduled to provide lectures worldwide on her I Am the Change World Tour.
CEO of Raymond Insurance & Author
Benjamin Raymond has refined the art of recreating a life filled with purpose in spite of one’s past circumstances. As a former captain of a basketball team from University of Minnesota, Benjamin learned the importance of hard work and leadership.
Rape Survivor, Victims' Advocate, Author
Liz Seccuro offers a fresh perspective on Gender & Domestic Violence. As a bestselling author, media commentator and journalist, she talks about progress in terms of victims' rights and where we can improve.
Author & Criminal Justice Advocate
Smith attended the prestigious Hampton University, but what happened at her campus was a nightmare, and led to a 24.5-year sentence in a federal prison. In 2000, after serving 6.5 years, President Clinton commuted her sentence to time served.
Founder, President & CEO of Lifeway Foods
Julie Smolyansky became the youngest female CEO of a publicly held firm at the age of 27, when she took over leadership of Lifeway Foods in 2002 after her father’s unexpected passing.
NYT Best-Selling Author, Former Corporate Executive & Domestic Violence Survivor
Leslie Morgan Steiner seemed to have it all: a Harvard diploma, a glamorous job at Seventeen magazine, a funky NYC apartment. Plus a handsome boyfriend who adored her. But behind a façade of success, this golden girl hid a dark secret.
Motivational Speaker, Musician, Author, Veteran & Entrepreneur
Sleeping in a homeless shelter. Bouncing between foster homes. Losing his mother to suicide. And that’s just the beginning. Ryan Stream’s story didn’t start in the spotlight, it started in survival mode.
Heisman Trophy Winner & Former NFL Quarterback
Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, and a former professional baseball player.
Actress & Women's Rights Activist
Actress, model, and speaker Gabrielle Union is one of America's top young stars, appearing in Bring It On and Ugly Betty. She also advocates for women's rights.