Joe Cortez is an American former boxing referee who has officiated in many important world title bouts. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.
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Careers in Professional Sports
Joe Cortez
Careers in Management
Professor Jean-François Manzoni
Jean-François Manzoni (JFM) is Professor of Leadership and Organizational Development at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), where he served as President and Nestlé Professor from 2017 to 2024.
His research, teaching, and consulting activities are focused on leadership, the development of high-performance organizations and corporate governance.
At an organizational level, JFM studies the content of change (including the use of levers such as strategy, structure, and systems), the management of the change process and the role of leaders therein. His work in this area has appeared in several books, articles, and over 30 cases – four of which received Case of the Year awards. He also acted as content expert in the development of the Change Pro Simulation®, a groundbreaking computer-based change management simulation.
At an individual level, he studies how leaders can create a caring, high-performance work environment. This stream of research has led to several articles and a book entitled The Set-Up to Fail Syndrome: How Good Managers Cause Great People to Fail (with Jean-Louis Barsoux). The book, which builds on Manzoni’s and Barsoux’s initial Harvard Business Review article introducing the term “set-up-to-fail syndrome”, received two Book of the Year awards, and is discussed in undergraduate, MBA, and executive development programs all over the world.
On the corporate governance side, JFM focuses on interpersonal dynamics within the boardroom and between management and the board. His research examining the impact of interpersonal dynamics on increasingly diverse boards of directors received the Research Award on Leadership and Corporate Governance from the Association of Executive Search Consultants.
A Fellow and Senior Accredited Board Director of the Singapore Institute of Directors, he served (2018-2024) on the board of Keppel Ltd. Over that period, Keppel transformed from an international diversified group to a global asset manager and operator, and received the Best Managed Board Award among large listed companies at the 2023 Singapore Corporate Awards. JFM also previously served on the Boards of AACSB International (the world’s largest business education alliance) and Singapore’s Civil Service College, among others.
In addition to his years at IMD (2004-2010 and 2016-now), JFM previously served on the faculty of INSEAD (in Fontainebleau and in Singapore), where he founded and directed for four years the PwC Research Initiative on High Performance Organizations. He later directed INSEAD’s Global Leadership Centre, supporting leadership-related coaching, teaching and research activities throughout the world.
A citizen of Canada and France, JFM received his doctorate from Harvard Business School. He had earlier graduated from L’École des hautes études commerciales de Montréal and worked with Ernst and Young in Montreal before receiving an MBA from McGill University.
The recipient of several awards for excellence in teaching , JFM is a frequent keynote speaker and discussion partner for business leaders, including through the IMD CEO Dialogue Series in which he holds frank and insightful discussions with CEOs of various organizations. He has also performed consulting, top management team support, and leadership development work for several international organizations, which has led him to work in more than 30 countries over the years.
Careers in Public Service
Mayor Michelle Romero
Mayor Romero serves with her fellow council members as the legislative branch of the Henderson community, responsible for setting policies and making decisions for many aspects of local government for Nevada’s second largest city, recognized as one of the best places to live in America and one of the nation’s safest cities.
Mayor Romero represents the City of Henderson on the Board of Directors of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, Civilian Military Council, as one of the Chief Local Elected Officials overseeing the Board of Workforce Connections and as the Council representative to the Henderson Audit Committee.
Prior to her elected service, Mayor Romero served the City of Henderson for 25 years in several capacities, most recently as the Henderson Redevelopment Agency Manager from 2007 until 2016. In this role, Romero lead a team of professionals who indelibly changed the face of the Downtown Henderson/Water Street District and other maturing areas of the city. Her responsibilities included managing all services and activities of the Redevelopment Agency and the five Redevelopment Areas, which include Downtown, Cornerstone, Tuscany, Eastside and Lakemoor.
As manager of the Redevelopment Agency, Councilwoman Romero oversaw the renaissance of the Water Street District, resulting in new housing and retail opportunities, jobs and entertainment venues. Additionally, she oversaw the creation of both the Eastside and Lakemoor Redevelopment Areas, the completion of infrastructure improvements in Tuscany, and the negotiation of Owner Participation Agreements for tax increment reimbursement for the Cadence, Union Village and Henderson Hospital projects, each of which is expected to bring thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment to the city. She serves on the Community Advisory Board for Henderson Hospital.
Mayor Romero worked with local businesses to form the Water Street District Business Association and brought the Super Run Car Show to Henderson in 2000, which annually generated millions in visitor spending in Henderson. She led the creation of the Farmers Market at the downtown events plaza in 1999, and managed the Agency’s creation of numerous financial assistance programs that have successfully encouraged business owners, residents and developers to reinvest in aging areas of Henderson.
A native of Henderson, Romero graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Upper Iowa University and is the owner of Michelle Romero Consulting, which specializes in Redevelopment, Economic Development and Planning issues. Married to her husband Ben Romero since 1986, Mayor Romero has four sons who were raised in Henderson and nine grandchildren.
Careers in Music
Chad Wolf
Chad Wolf is the lead singer of Carolina Liar a Swedish-American pop rock band. Chad is originally from Moncks Corner, South Carolina; other members originate from Stockholm, Sweden.[2]
Thriving through Adversity
Coach Dan McCarty
Despite being born with Osteogenesis imperfecta type 2/3 and having a mere 5% chance of surviving birth, Coach Dan McCarty has defied the odds, enduring over 300 bone fractures and undergoing three major surgeries. At 21 years old, he is a follower of Jesus, a distinguished baseball coach, mentor, public speaker, and innovative content creator.
Over the past four years, Coach Dan has made a significant impact on the collegiate baseball scene. His strategic insights and leadership skills were instrumental in transforming the Wilmington College Baseball program, earning him the title of 2022 Assistant Coach of the Year by the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. He further honed his coaching abilities as the Associate Head Coach with the High Point-Thomasville HiToms during the summer of 2023.
Beyond the baseball diamond, Coach Dan is a passionate advocate for individuals, channeling his energy into powerful public speaking engagements. His commitment extends to mentoring athletes through personalized programs designed to empower athletes (10 and up) who are facing challenges on and off the field. Emphasizing faith-based leadership and character development, Coach Dan helps people recognize and harness their innate strengths for personal, spiritual, and athletic growth.
Coach Dan is currently enhancing his spiritual and leadership skills by pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Ministry and actively contributing to the Care Team at Central Church in Henderson, NV. He also hosts the “Catching Up With Christians” podcast, creating content that sparks critical discussions related to faith, sports, and resilience.
Coach Dan’s survival and thriving beyond the grim prognosis given at birth is a profound testament to the power of faith and perseverance. Through his dynamic baseball coaching, speaking engagements, and mentorship program, he shares his journey and motivates others to pursue a life filled with purpose and passion.
Importance of Public Service
Mayor Glenn Jacobs
Glenn Jacobs is currently serving his second term as Mayor of Knox County, TN. Prior to becoming Mayor in 2018, Jacobs enjoyed a successful career in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)—most notably under the stage name “Kane”—culminating in his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020. A staunch fiscal conservative and fierce advocate for limited government, during his first term, Jacobs delivered on his campaign promise of no tax hikes as well as pushed back against government overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his second term, he is prioritizing workforce and economic development to make East Tennessee even more competitive in a rapidly evolving innovation-based global economy. Glenn and his wife, Crystal, have two daughters and two grandchildren.
Careers in Professional Sports and Finance
Jedidiah Collins
Jedidiah Collins, a former NFL player turned Certified Financial Planner, faced financial challenges in his sports career, leading him to pursue financial education. He founded Money Vehicle, an education technology company, with a mission to provide engaging financial literacy curriculum, empowering individuals, including professional athletes and young professionals.
Academic Success
Alessandro Moreschi
Alessandro Moreschi is an Italian young man from Mantua, a small city in the north of Italy. A few months ago, he graduated from the Enrico Fermi Institute, a scientific high school in Mantua, and also completed a three-year Dual Diploma program, earning both an Italian and an American diploma. On both occasions, he achieved excellent results: the maximum grade cum laude (100 cum laude) in the Italian school, and a "Certificate of Honour" each year of the Dual Diploma program.
Careers in Acting and Writing
Jugal Hansraj
Jugal Hansraj is a feature film actor, writer and National Award winning film director from Mumbai, India. He began working in films as a child, starting with the much acclaimed ‘Masoom’ (1983) and went on to do leading roles in several films in the ‘90s and early 2000s, the notable ones being ‘Papa Kahte Hain’ (1996) and ‘Mohabbatein’ (2000) and more recently the hit Netflix show ‘Mismatched Season 2’(2022) , and the critically praised feature film ‘Shiv Shastri Balboa’(2023).
His first film as writer/director was the animation film ‘Roadside Romeo’ (2008) which was co-produced by Yash Raj Films and Walt Disney Pictures and was the first Indian Animation feature film. His second film as director was the romantic comedy ‘Pyaar Impossible’ (2010) and starred Priyanka Chopra Jonas as the lead.
He is also a published author. His first children’s fiction novel titled ‘Cross Connection - The Big Circus Adventure’ was published by one of India’s leading publishers, Rupa Publications. He relocated to New York City in 2018. His second novel titled ‘The Coward and The Sword’, aimed at middle graders and young adults was published by HarperCollins in October 2021 to good reviews and sales. The sequel to that book - titled ‘The Jewel of Nisawa’ - released in January 2024 and he is currently working on Book 3 of that series for HarperCollins.
He will also soon be seen in a very significant role in the Lionsgate series ‘Nanda Devi’ which will begin streaming in the first half of 2025. His other forthcoming projects for 2025 include ‘Mismatched - Season 3’ on Netflix; ‘Nadaaniyan’ on Netflix; and ‘The Family Man’ on Amazon Prime.
Careers in Submersible Vehicles
Ian Sheard
Mr. Ian Sheard is a co-owner of SEAmagine Hydrospace Corporation and has been Chief Engineer and Designer since 1995,
the inception of the company. Over the last 25 years Mr. Sheard has championed the development of SEAmagine’s
submersible technology and his expertise has changed the face of the submersible industry. SEAmagine pioneered the positive
buoyancy concept that all small submersible use today and designed for near 360-degree visibility for pilot and passengers.
Mr. Sheard’s engineering prowess enabled these visions to become reality. Mr. Sheard is the author and co-author of a number
of SEAmagine’s patents and he has been key in all areas regarding the company’s prototype development, engineering design,
manufacturing, and regulatory approval of the company’s submersibles.
Careers in Inventing
Martin Cooper
The father of the cellphone, and former head of Motorola's communications systems division — and the first person to ever make a call from a cellphone. Marty is an American engineer. He is a pioneer in the wireless communications industry, especially in radio spectrum management, with eleven patents in the field.
Careers in Education and Public Service
Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr.
Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. is a lifelong educator, having begun his career in education teaching Social Studies and coaching baseball in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system in 1994. He then served as an Assistant Principal from 2007 to 2013 until becoming the Chief Operating Officer at Doral College. He was appointed Commissioner of Education by the Florida State Board of Education effective June 1, 2022.
Commissioner Diaz received his Bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University, a Master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern, and completed a Harvard Graduate School of Education program for principals.
He served with distinction in the Florida Legislature, originally elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012, where he quickly became known as an expert and champion of education. During his tenure in the Florida House of Representatives, he served as Chairman of both the Education Choice and Innovation Committee and the PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee. In 2018, he was elected to the Florida Senate where he served as Chairman of the Education Committee. During his legislative career he sponsored numerous educational initiatives to support Florida’s students, families, and public-school teachers.
A devoted husband and father of four, he understands the importance and value of providing students with a world-class education and is honored to continue serving Florida as the Commissioner of Education.
Careers in Mathematics
Grant Sanderson
My name is Grant Sanderson. These videos, and the animation engine behind them, began as side projects as I was wrapping up my time studying math and computer science at Stanford. After graduating, I worked for Khan Academy producing videos, articles and exercises, primarily focused on multivariable calculus. Since the end of 2016, my primary focus has been on 3blue1brown and its associated projects.
In those years, I've also had the pleasure of contributing to a number of different outlets for math exposition, including spending a semester lecturing for an MIT course on computational thinking, contributing a Netflix documentary about infinity, writing for Quanta, and collaborating with many other educational YouTube channels.
Making a Difference
Marissa Streit
Marissa Streit, CEO of PragerU, was born in Los Angeles and moved to Israel at a young age, where she completed her primary education and served in military intelligence unit 8200 of the Israel Defense Forces. She returned to Los Angeles to earn her bachelor’s degree in business and economics, and her master’s degree in education and nonprofit management.
Over the next decade, she gained valuable experience as an educator, a school administrator, and the director of a philanthropic institute before joining PragerU in 2011. Her experience in business, education, social media, and the nonprofit sector has enabled PragerU to grow its audience to over 1 billion views every year and influence millions of young minds every day. Under Marissa’s leadership, PragerU has rapidly grown into one of the largest and most impactful pro-America media networks.
Marissa is also the host of the PragerU show Real Talk, which garners millions of views, mostly from parents who are concerned about America and interested in conversations about education, business, and culture. Marissa lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband and three children.
careers in business
Lisa Song Sutton
Lisa Song Sutton is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. With a background in business litigation, Lisa began her career working in a top Las Vegas law
firm before launching and scaling several companies, taking them from $0 to millions in revenue, across various industries including real estate, food and shipping retail.
As the daughter of a USAF Vietnam War Veteran, Lisa is a strong advocate for the veteran community. She is currently a General Partner of The Veteran Fund, a $20M
venture capital fund that invests in veteran-led companies.
In addition to her work in real estate and venture capital, Lisa is an experienced speaker, sharing her message of leadership, empowerment, and taking action with audiences
from the TEDx stage to local schools, encouraging the private sector to become more involved in their communities. Lisa was the first Miss Nevada of Asian descent and remains actively involved in her
community, serving on the boards of StartUpNV, Nevada's largest statewide business incubator, and the Young President's Organization (YPO) Las Vegas chapter. She was recently recognized as Vegas Inc.'s 40 Under 40 and also serves on the board of the Nevada Policy Research Institute. Find more information about Lisa at www.lisasongsutton.com
Careers in Music
Sydney Lee
Korean-American cellist Sydney Lee has established herself as an artist of refined elegance and profound sincerity. She garnered recognition when she claimed both 1st prize at the 2022 Washington International Competition and 2nd prize at the 2022 Classic Strings International Competition. Most recently, she was awarded the inaugural $50,000 Gurrena Fellowship from Meadowmount School of Music. Additional accolades include 1st prize at the International Antonio Janigro Cello Competition in Croatia, where she subsequently debuted with the Zagreb Soloists. Since her solo debut at age 13 with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Sydney has continued to perform extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia in many of the world’s leading venues. Renowned cellist Julian Lloyd Webber praised her performance with the Armenian Symphony State Orchestra, “Sydney Lee’s playing of Prokofiev’s Sinfonia Concertante was mesmerizing.
She surmounted all of its technical challenges with ease and gave us a joyous musical experience. It was a performance to treasure.” As founder of the Galvin Cello Quartet, they have been building an international profile following their silver-medal win at the 2021 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and selection as winners of the 2022 Victor Elmaleh Competition. They are currently represented by the Concert Artists Guild. A graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music and Northwestern University, Sydney continues her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Northwestern with Hans Jorgen Jensen.
She will begin this fall as Cello Professor of the McDuffie Center for Strings in Macon, Georgia. In her spare time, Sydney served as a Content Assistant for The Violin Channel. Sydney finds joy in the art of crafting captivating lifestyle content through her vlogs, where she unveils the tapestry of her journeys, offering glimpses into her life as a musician, surviving the Chicago winters, and even her exhilarating escapade of maneuvering a dune buggy through the vast expanse of the Dubai desert.
Careers in History and Literature
Dr. H. W. Brands
Dr. H. W. Brands was born in Portland, Oregon, where he lived until he went to California for college. He attended Stanford University and studied history and mathematics. After graduating he became a traveling salesman, with a territory that spanned the West from the Pacific to Colorado. His wanderlust diminished after several trips across the Great Basin, and he turned to sales of a different sort, namely teaching.
For nine years he taught mathematics and history in high school and community college. Meanwhile he resumed his formal education, earning graduate degrees in mathematics and history, concluding with a doctorate in history from the University of Texas at Austin. He worked as an oral historian at the University of Texas Law School for a year, then became a visiting professor of history at Vanderbilt University. In 1987 he joined the history faculty at Texas A&M University, where he taught for seventeen years. In 2005 he returned to the University of Texas, where he holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History.
He has written thirty books, coauthored or edited five others, and published dozens of articles and scores of reviews. His articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the International Herald Tribune, the Boston Globe, the Atlantic Monthly, the Smithsonian, the National Interest, the American Historical Review, the Journal of American History, the Political Science Quarterly, American History, and many other newspapers, magazines and journals. His writings have received critical and popular acclaim. The First American and Traitor to His Class were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize and the Los Angeles Times Prize. Several of his books have been bestsellers.
Brands is a member of various honorary societies, including the Society of American Historians and the Philosophical Society of Texas. He is a regular guest on national radio and television programs, and is frequently interviewed by the American and foreign press. His writings have been published in several countries and translated into German, French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Dreaming Big!
Meb Keflezighi
Meb is a runner, best-selling author and co-founder of 26, a brand celebrating and enriching the enduring spirit of running culture. He is the only runner in history to win the New York City Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and an Olympic medal. Today, Meb is committed to helping runners become elite versions of themselves and nurturing the sport of running for the next generation.
Careers in Audio Production
Josh Rogosin
Josh Rogosin, a distinguished audio engineer was formerly an audio engineer at NPR, Josh brings a wealth of experience and an impressive portfolio to Edutainment Learning. With a career that began in 1999, Rogosin's journey in the world of audio engineering has been nothing short of remarkable. His initial steps into NPR, on his way to mix live shows at The Shakespeare Theatre in downtown D.C., marked the start of a journey filled with innovation, creativity, and mastery in sound engineering. Rogosin's contributions to NPR have been pivotal. As the Technical Director for NPR Music, he has been instrumental in recording and mixing over 800 Tiny Desk Concerts, in addition to mastering over 300 Tiny Desk (Home) concerts. These performances have not only showcased his technical prowess but also his ability to capture the essence of live music, making it accessible and enjoyable to a global audience. His work has extended beyond the Tiny Desk series, having gathered sound in diverse locations such as Togo, Benin, Cambodia, and Greece, further highlighting his versatility and commitment to bringing rich auditory experiences to listeners. Beyond his technical achievements, Rogosin has made significant contributions to the podcasting world. He sound designed "No Compromise," a podcast that earned the prestigious Peabody Award, and contributed to "Taking Cover," a podcast currently nominated for the DuPont Award. These projects underscore his ability to enhance storytelling through sound, creating immersive and impactful listening experiences. Rogosin's previous appearance on Edutainment Learning was met with widespread acclaim, showcasing his expertise and passion for audio engineering to an eager and appreciative audience. His educational background from the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College has laid a strong foundation for his career, enabling him to excel in various roles across NPR, including serving as Senior Broadcast Engineer for New York Public Radio and Studio 360, and as an originating producer and sound designer for NPR's "Ask Me Another." His tenure at NPR has seen him at the controls for all of NPR's flagship newsmagazines, a testament to his skill and dedication to quality audio production. Rogosin's journey from engineering at NPR West and NPR NY to spending two years as Technical Director at Marketplace Productions in Los Angeles reflects a career characterized by growth, innovation, and a deep commitment to audio excellence. As we welcome Josh Rogosin back to Edutainment Learning, we anticipate another enlightening and inspiring session, drawing from his vast experience and unique insights into the world of audio engineering and sound design.
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April 29, 2024
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Careers in Academic Leadership
Hervé Lecomte
Originally from Le Havre, France, Hervé Lecomte began his career as a mathematics teacher. In 2005, he became the director of the La Providence school group in Fécamp and continued to enhance his career by taking on the role of diocesan director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Le Havre in 2012.
In 2018, he expanded his responsibilities to include the position of Secretary General of the CREC of Catholic Education in Normandy.
Given his openness to others and to different cultures, it was natural and immensely pleasurable for him to accept, in 2021, the new mission of overseeing the PLANET FRATERNITY project, entrusted to him by the Office of International Catholic Education.
In December 2022, he assumed the role of Secretary General of this organization, representing the voices of over 68 million students and their families from more than 210,000 schools in various international institutions, including the UN, UNESCO, and the Council of Europe.
Careers in Robotics
Marita Cheng
Marita Cheng is a top technology keynote speaker, and the founder of global nonprofit Robogals, AI company Aipoly, and robotics company Aubot, impacting over 600,000 people around the world. Marita is an inspirational speaker who has given over 350 speeches since 2012 in 15 countries. She has won numerous awards including 2019 Member of the Order of Australia, 2018 Forbes World’s Top 50 Women in Tech, 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30, and 2012 Young Australian of the Year.
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April 08, 2024
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The Power of Mindfulness
Shauna Shapiro, PhD
Shauna Shapiro, PhD is a best-selling author, clinical psychologist and internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and self-compassion. She is a professor at Santa Clara University and has published over 150 papers and three critically acclaimed books, translated into 16 languages. Dr. Shapiro has presented her research to the King of Thailand, the Danish Government, Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Summit, and the World Council for Psychotherapy, as well as to Fortune 100 Companies including Google, Cisco Systems and LinkedIn. Her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Oprah, NPR, and the American Psychologist. Dr. Shapiro is a summa cum laude graduate of Duke University and a Fellow of the Mind and Life Institute, co-founded by the Dalai Lama. Her TEDx Talk, The Power of Mindfulness, has been viewed over 3 million times.
Careers in Entertainment
John O'Hurley
Best known as J. Peterman on “Seinfeld,” the #1 syndicated television show in the world, for which he won a Screen Actor’s Guild Award. Known for playing Billy Flynn in over 1000 Broadway performances of Chicago, as well as touring lead in Spamalot, Pirates, Brigadoon etc, John won Dancing with the Stars, hosted Family Feud for 6 years, and has one of the most recognizable voices in VO, including as King Neptune on Spongebob. This year is the 33rd Anniversary of Seinfeld, also 22nd Anniversary of the NBC Dog Show (32 million viewers) which he hosts every Thanksgiving. He is a New York Times- bestselling author with three titles, including “The Perfect Dog”.
Persevering through Adversity
Colonel Edward Hubbard
Author, artist, and internationally known speaker, is dedicated to helping others overcome any obstacle, handle any ordeal, and reach any goal by developing the correct state of mind. Building upon his adverse experiences during more than six and a half years of captivity in North Vietnam, Ed conveys a positive message for personal growth. After hearing his presentation, you will feel good about your country, yourself, and your own ability. A product of the Midwest, Ed spent his childhood in the Kansas City area. At age seventeen, he joined the Air Force Reserve and in 1962, entered active duty where he received his navigator wings and commission through the Aviation Cadet program. Ed culminated a twenty-eight-year, active duty, military career in August, 1990, of which almost 25% (six years, seven months, and 12 days) were spent as a prisoner of war. It was an experience that truly changed his life, and as a result, the lives of countless others. Following his release from prison in 1973, Ed completed five college degrees in seven years, in his spare time and at night. In 1976, his concept-after only eight days of implementation -increased the productivity of a $350 million resource by 50%. He later inherited an organization designated "...the worst managed..." among fifty-eight units by an Air Force audit. Within four month, he turned the unit around and demonstrated statistically significant improvement in 96% of the audited areas. During ten years as head of the largest safety organization in the Air Force, they shattered all records. The unit achieved 30% to 70% improvements in all categories, where a 3% improvement had long been the norm. His organization was recognized as "best in the Air Force" for ten consecutive years, and a previously accepted, multi-million dollar loss rate per year was reduced to lee than fifty-thousand dollars per year. In 1985, Ed began motivational speaking. Following his Air Force retirement in 1990, Ed formed Positive Vectors, Inc. in order to share the lessons he learned during captivity and authenticated by his Air Force results. Since, he has spoken to thousands of members of corporate America, government agencies, and non-profit groups. Ed's desire to change the attitudes of individuals through a better understanding of true, human potential remains his number one goal in life. Today, Ed is an acknowledged motivational speaker, management consultant, artist, and author. His book, "Escape from the box: The wonder of Human Potential" was published in January, 1994.
Careers in Mathematics
Stephen Wolfram is the creator of Mathematica, Wolfram|Alpha and the Wolfram Language; the author of A New Kind of Science; the originator of the Wolfram Physics Project; and the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research. Over the course of more than four decades, he has been a pioneer in the development and application of computational thinking—and has been responsible for many discoveries, inventions and innovations in science, technology and business.
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February 15, 2024
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Living and working in Antarctica!
Sylvester Oliver
Sylvester Oliver(Sly), lives and works in one of the most fascinating places on Earth - McMurdo Base in Antarctica. Imagine a world of ice and snow, where penguins are your neighbors and every day is an adventure! Sly is not just anyone; he's a Journeyman, which means he's really skilled in his job. He's a Universal Heavy Equipment Operator and Rigger. This is a skilled trade that has a number of responsibilities such as universal heavy equipment operator: bulldozers, cranes, and tractors. These are the machines that help build and maintain the base in the tough Antarctic conditions. In his role, healso does rigging. This part of his job is like being a problem-solver. Sly sets up and repairs the equipment, making sure everything is safe and ready to go. It's like playing a giant puzzle, but with really important pieces!
Living in Antarctica is not like living anywhere else. It's super cold, and the sun behaves differently, sometimes staying up all day and night! Sly has to be prepared for anything, from blizzards to icy winds. But it's also beautiful, with amazing sights like icebergs and the Southern Lights. Sly's job is super important because he helps scientists do their research in Antarctica. Without him and his skills, it would be really hard for them to study this unique place.
So come join us as we connect with Sly all the way from Antarctica!
Virtual College Fair
Academica International Studies Virtual College Fair
Join us for an exciting journey into the future of education with the Academica International Studies Virtual College Fair! This innovative online event is the perfect opportunity for you as a student to explore a multitude of pathways for your academic and professional future, all from the comfort of your own home. Engage with prestigious institutions, chat live with admissions representatives, and attendthis informative event—all aimed at helping you make informed decisions about your higher education choices. Discover scholarships and financial aid options, get tips on application processes, and network with fellow students from a diverse community of learners. The Academica International Studies Virtual College Fair isn't just an event; it's a launching pad for your dreams and aspirations. Mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired!
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February 13, 2024
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Careers in Medicine
Dr. Saju Joseph
Dr. Joseph received his MD from Tufts University. While in medical school, he published and presented several research projects. He then completed his surgical training at Harvard Medical School under Dr. Josef E Fischer and his fellowship in transplant and complex surgical oncology at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh under Regis Professor O. James Garden.
He has run basic science, translational, and outcomes research labs and has served as Section Chief, Vice Chair, and Chair of Surgery as well as rising to the rank of Professor of Surgery. Dr. Joseph has earned over $20M in grant funding, presented research throughout the world, and has published numerous peer reviewed articles. He has served as a medical advisor to politicians and private equity firms during his career. Dr. Joseph is the co-founder of Summit Specialty Physicians as well as serving as Professor and Vice Chair of Surgery at Touro University Nevada.
The Power of Positivity
Mike Diamond
Mike Diamond is an Author, Television Personality, Director, Life Coach and Interventionist. Known for his work on the hit TV shows NY Ink and Bondi Ink Tattoo Crew, which is currently nominated for a Logie Award for Best Reality Series. Although immensely successful in a multitude of industries, Mike has persevered through his own adversities. This helped lead him to becoming a published author. In his books, Mr. Diamond taps into his own history to offer profound insights and inspiring wisdom to his audience. This ability has attracted a large following who eagerly immerse themselves in his wisdom, embarking on a path toward self-enhancement and empowerment. In his commitment to aiding those who gravitate towards him, he has unveiled a fresh literary creation titled "A Dose of Positivity," which complements his earlier work, "7 Steps to Forge an Indomitable Mindset." In this discussion with the students, Mike will discuss the power of remaining positive during difficult times.
Overcoming Stress
Adam Jablin
Adam Jablin is a highly sought-after performance and life coach, corporate consultant, and keynote speaker. Adam has helped thousands of people over the years experience a joy for living even while under pressure or difficulty. His unique positive energy, compassion, and gift to relate to others has influenced people from all walks of life, including leaders in the fields of health, psychology, entertainment, sports, business, and politics as well as helping everyday folks fighting fears to unleash their hidden Superman.
Careers in Aviation
Astronaut Col. Mike Mullane
Colonel Mike Mullane is an engineer and weapon systems officer, a retired USAF officer, and a former NASA astronaut. In the Air Force, he was a Weapon Systems Operator aboard RF-4C Phantom aircraft, and he completed 134 combat missions in Vietnam. During his career as an astronaut, Colonel Mullane was selected as a Mission Specialist in 1978 in the first group of Space Shuttle Astronauts. He completed three space missions aboard the Shuttles Discovery (STS-41D) and Atlantis (STS-27 & 36) before retiring from NASA and the Air Force in 1990. Additionally, Mike Mullane has authored several critically acclaimed books and videos.
Coffee with a Survivor: Ben Lesser
Ben Lesser
Join us for a profoundly moving and educational experience as the Zachor Foundation presents "Virtual Coffee with Holocaust Survivor Ben Lesser" in commemoration of Holocaust Remembrance Day. This online event promises a rare opportunity to hear directly from Ben Lesser, a survivor of one of history's darkest chapters.
Ben Lesser's story is not just one of survival, but also of resilience and hope. Through his personal account, participants will gain invaluable insights into the realities of the Holocaust, an event that reshaped the course of history and continues to hold profound lessons for humanity. His first-hand experiences will bring history to life, providing a deeper understanding of the suffering, courage, and endurance of those who lived through this tragic period.
A key highlight of the event is an interactive Q&A session, where attendees will have the unique chance to engage directly with Mr. Lesser. This segment promises to be an engaging and thoughtful exchange, offering participants the opportunity to ask questions and delve deeper into his experiences and perspectives.
This virtual event is not just a history lesson; it's an invitation to connect with the past in a personal and meaningful way. Whether you're a student, educator, history enthusiast, or simply someone who values the lessons of history, this event is an unmissable opportunity to honor the memory of those lost and learn from those who witnessed history firsthand.
Let us come together to remember, learn, and reflect. Join us in keeping the memories alive.
Careers in Business and Philanthropy
Tim Draper
Tim Draper founded Draper Associates, DFJ and the Draper Venture Network, a global network of venture capital funds. Funded Coinbase, Baidu, Tesla, Skype, SpaceX, Twitch, Hotmail, Focus Media, Robinhood, Athenahealth, Box, Cruise Automation, Carta, Planet, PTC and 15 other unicorns from early/first rounds. He is a supporter and global thought leader for entrepreneurs everywhere, and is a leading spokesperson for Bitcoin and decentralization, having won the Bitcoin US Marshall’s auction in 2014, invested in over 50 crypto companies, and led investments in Coinbase, Ledger, Tezos, and Bancor, among others. He is regularly featured on all major networks as a proponent for entrepreneurship, innovative governance, free markets and Bitcoin, and has received various awards and honors including the World Entrepreneurship Forum’s “Entrepreneur of the World,” and is listed as one of the top 100 most powerful people in finance by Worth Magazine, the top 20 most influential people in Crypto by CryptoWeekly, #1 most networked VC by AlwaysOn, #7 on the Forbes Midas List, member of the Global Guru 30 Startup Gurus in the world, and #48 most influential Harvard Alum. Mr. Draper is the founder of Bizworld.org who will be co producing this event.
CIVIL SERVICE
Governor Joe Lombardo
Born in Japan in a military family, Governor Joe Lombardo spent his childhood growing up across the world, until his father was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base and his family put down roots in Las Vegas.
Governor Lombardo attended Rancho High School in North Las Vegas, before going on to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. After graduating, he served in the United States Army and in the Nevada National Guard.
Following his military service, Governor Lombardo joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), where he quickly rose through the ranks and served on nearly every level of LVMPD, from detective to assistant sheriff. While serving at LVMPD, Governor Lombardo earned his Master of Science in Crisis Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2006.
After 26 years on the force, Governor Lombardo was elected as Sheriff of Clark County in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. As the sheriff of Nevada’s largest county, he oversaw a $1.3 billion dollar budget, 6,000 employees, and LVMPD’s efforts to protect millions of Clark County residents and visitors each day.
Governor Lombardo was elected as the 31st Governor of Nevada in November 2022 and sworn into office in January 2023. Governor Lombardo is focused on diversifying and revitalizing Nevada’s economy, restoring law and order in communities across the state, and bringing excellence, school choice, and accountability to Nevada’s education system.
More important to him than anything, Governor Lombardo is a devoted husband to First Lady Donna Lombardo, a dedicated father to his daughter Morgan, stepdaughter Lacey, stepson Jackson, and a grandfather to his 1-year-old grandson Teddy.
Civil Service
Governor Jeb Bush
Governor Bush was the 43rd governor of the state of Florida, serving from 1999 through 2007. During his two terms, Governor Bush remained true to his conservative principles, cutting taxes, vetoing earmarks, and championing major reform of government programs. Under his leadership, Florida was on the forefront of consumer healthcare advances, led the nation in job growth, and launched and accelerated restoration of America's Everglades. In education, Florida raised academic standards, required accountability in public schools and created the most ambitious school choice programs in the nation. As a result, Florida students have made the greatest gains in academic achievement and Florida is one of a handful of states to significantly narrow the achievement gap.
Prior to and after his tenure as Florida's chief executive, Governor Bush has been actively involved in the private sector, helping to build the largest full service real estate company in South Florida and owning and operating successful consulting and investing businesses. Governor Bush is also the Chairman and Founding Partner of Finback Investment Partners which is a private equity firm that takes active minority interest in middle market and growth-stage companies.
Governor Bush maintains his passion for improving the quality of education for students by serving as the chairman of the Foundation for Excellence in Education, a national non-profit organization he founded to work with education leaders, teachers, parents, and advocates to develop and implement reforms that lead to rising student achievement. Governor Bush has written three books, Profiles in Character; Immigration Wars: Forging an American Solution; and Reply All: A Governor's Story 1999-2007. Governor Bush lives in Miami with his wife Columba. They have three children and five grandchildren.
Persevering Through Adversity
Jenn Drummond
On June 1st 2023, Jenn Drummond summited Mount Logan, completing her quest to become the first woman in history to climb the Seven Second Summits. Her journey of setbacks and triumphs is inspiring to millions worldwide attempting
to accomplish their own audacious goals. Jenn Drummond achieved business success as the founder and CEO of a thriving financial services company. Her move to Park City, Utah, with her kids fed her family’s passion for everything outdoors, from hiking and biking to skiing and mountain climbing. But on a snowy evening in 2018, Jenn’s life was knocked off its tracks. She was in a horrific car accident that rought her inches from death. All the authorities and experts agreed that she shouldn't have survived, yet somehow, she did. In the aftermath of that brush with death, it became crystal clear to Jenn that while she can't control when she DIES, she-and the rest of us- can choose how we LIVE.
Jenn’s confrontation with death imbued her with vigor, enthusiasm, and commitment for full engagement in life. Now–more than ever, she is focused on becoming an inspiration, guide, and cheerleader not just for her own children, but for ALL OF US. She now spends her time inspiring others to live a life of significance. Her book Breakproof: 7 Strategies to Build Resilience and Achieve Your Life Goals, shares her story and strategies for success.
Careers in Business
Daiana Hidalgo
Daiana Hidalgo is a Global award-winning Ivy League-educated product development leader with 15+ years leading as a strategic and versatile product development and production executive. Experience in platform thinking, creating strong partnerships, balancing pragmatism with forward-thinking leadership, and maintaining a pulse on market trends. Originally hired by Tory Burch in 2005, while a startup, as one of only two people in production. Since 2006 helped led the brand’s footwear line, growing the line from 0 to over three million pairs sold annually today. Expert in outsourced, in-house product development and production with process development, systems upgrades, and PLM program prowess working with manufacturers in Asia, Italy, Spain, and Latin America. In her recent role as Senior Director of Product Development at Tory Burch LLC, she plays an instrumental role in elevating the product development process. Sets and achieves ambitious growth strategies while assembling and nurturing high-performing teams. Proficiency in driving product strategy, promoting cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, on-time products are hallmarks of her skillset. Her communication acumen is an asset as she engages effectively with stakeholders, facilitating operational improvements that drive success. Daiana is a subject matter expert in entrepreneurship and continues to provide consulting services to startups and mentorship for High School Students. She is open to speaking on Women, entrepreneurship, DEI, product and business development, fashion and the Latino/a community. Daiana is based in New York City and is active with the Latino/a community. She continues to be a business advocate and women empowerment role model for the students she mentors. Daiana will be speaking about navigating business at a startup company.
Careers in Television
Tracy Whittaker
Executive producer for the longest running show in cable television Pawn Stars, Tracy Whittaker is also the President of Rick Harrison Productions. Tracy has won multiple Emmy Awards and is an alumna of the University of Central Florida.
Entrepreneurial Success
Eugenio Riveroll
Eugenio Riveroll earned his Industrial Engineering degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, and his MBA from Cornell University in New York. After a few years as Co-founder and Managing Partner of a music and live-events company, Eugenio led the Business Development efforts for Buzzurbano, Mexico’s first group buying platform, which after a successful launch and scale-up, was acquired by a major global player. His entrepreneurial endeavors led him to co-found Dat's Why, pioneers of the Geo Behavioral Analytics in Latin America who, through its proprietary platform, collect, transform and deliver high-quality insights to assist businesses and governments in making informed decisions. The company grew from an initial small local operation in Mexico City to currently serving over 100 hundred customers in 14 countries of the region through specialized software and data as a service product. Additionally, Eugenio actively contributes to sustainable mobility conversations at institutions like UNAM and supports budding entrepreneurs as a mentor in MassChallenge.
Along with discussing his career, Mr. Riveroll will be discussing the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make and the main watch outs to look out for when starting a business.He will also explore with the students the reasons why 90% of startups fail within 2 years of creation.
Careers in Composing Music
Adrián Berenguer
*This event will be only offered in Spanish*
Born in Barcelona and raised in Alicante, composer Adrian Berenguer embarked on his musical journey at the age of 10. Specializing in the saxophone, he became a versatile musician, contributing to various bands and orchestras. In 2010, he joined Pura Mandanga as a saxophonist, recording their debut album "Todo o Nada" and venturing into festival music. Adrian's solo career took off in 2011 with "La Ballena Azul," followed by his group's "Especie Animal" in 2012. Graduating in Advertising and Public Relations in 2013, he pursued personal projects as a graphic designer and composer. His second solo work, "Antimateria," arrived in 2014, and "Camino" in 2015 gained widespread acclaim. Adrian's talents also earned him recognition at the International Film Festival of Chefchaouen in collaboration with UNICEF. As a composer, he made waves with "Singularity," awarded the Playstation® Talents Music prize in 2017. In 2016, he co-founded LaTacha Estudio, a design and music production studio, and continued his success with musicals like "Rapunzel: The Musical." Adrian's creative journey showcases his diverse talents in music, design, and composition, leaving a lasting impact in the industry.
Pearl Harbor
Westin Saito
A brief introduction of the events of December 7th, 1941, these events would thrust the United States into what we now know as the Second World War. Learn the facts that you wont hear about in your history books. Westin Saito is an Educator with Pacific Historic Parks Pearl Harbor National Memorial site, home of the USS Arizona Memorial. Born and raised at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the men and women of the Greatest Generation taught Westin the values of cooperation, virtue, and honor. Igniting his passion in history he studied and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He has over 12 years of experience working with educating Veteran groups, students, educators, and professional athletes from every corner of the world to understand the impacts of the Attack on Pearl Harbor.
I Survived: The Holocaust
Ben Lesser
Ben Lesser was a prisoner in Auschwitz, Dachau, and Buchenwald Concentration Camps. He is also the last surviving occupant of the Dachau death train. Since surviving the Holocaust, he has led a successful professional life and raised a family. He is the founder of the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation and Zachor Learn, a free online Holocaust curriculum for schools around the world. Join us as Ben shares his story and answers any questions classes may have.
Entrepreneurial Advice
Emile Maamary
Emile Maamary is dedicated to encouraging technology innovation to improve quality of life. He has 10 years of experience in managing financial, strategic, and operational risks to enhance enterprise value. At Blanclink, a startup developing ride-sharing software, Emile's role expanded from growth acceleration to Marketing Analytics, Public Relations, and Social Media Marketing. Emile then co-founded Steadiwear after a firsthand experience with hand tremors within his family. He decided to make it his mission to solve this issue with novel stabilization technologies inspired by earthquake design. Emile furthered his skills in Business Strategy & development, Digital Marketing & Operations while getting the business its first $1M in non-dilutive funding and revenue. Emile actively mentors and advises start-ups in the Toronto ecosystem and is passionate about tennis, football, and HIIT workouts. As a co-founder & fellow mentor, Emile views mentoring as a core value, emphasizing personal and professional growth, knowledge transfer, and community building. He firmly believes in the reciprocal benefits of mentoring and is keen to connect with start-ups in the accessibility or assistive device space.
Along with discussing his career, Emile will be discussing the following with the students:
1) How to pick the right mentor and compensate them along your entrepreneurial journey
2) How to avoid the pitfalls of launching a medical device with a start-up
3) How to ensure product market fit without millions of dollars of marketing spend
The Dangers of Socialism
Daniel Chang-Contraras
Born and raised in Venezuela, Daniel Chang Contreras grew up seeing how his country decayed from relative prosperity to utter chaos, poverty, and authoritarianism under the socialist governments of Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. In 2017, he did what more than 7 million of his countrymen did and fled the country that socialism destroyed.
In the United States, Daniel got a degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of South Florida and is now pursuing his Masters in Political Communication at American University. Daniel is a senior member of Politiks, a Venezuelan digital media outlet that counters the Maduro regime narrative. Daniel was also a contributor to El American, and his analysis has been published in outlets like the National Review, Americano Media, Real Clear World, and France 24, among others.
This event is brought to the students in part by, The Dissident Project. Their mission is to connect those with firsthand insights into authoritarianism with student audiences.
Careers in Marketing
Roman Alemania
With over 30 years of experience on both client and agency side, Roman co-founded Brooks Roman in 2010 on the notion that big ideas don't have to come from big companies. This led to his agency mantra of leveraging data to provide clarity to complex challenges. Roman has played key roles in developing the media strategy and analytics for clients such as Terminix, Purple Mattress, Flemings Steakhouse, and Guitar Center. Roman is based in Los Angeles where he lives with his wife, dog and 2 cats. This event is co-produced by Bizworld.org
Innovation in Business
Armando Smeke
Armando Smeke is the head of strategic planning at Grupo Posadas, Mexico's largest hotel operator. Prior to this position at Posados, Armando worked as a strategic planning director, and a human resources analytics manager. Mr. Smeke will be discussing his career and the key role innovation plays in valuing creation as well as what distinguishes leaders from the rest.
Careers in Business
Mike Dias
Mike Dias is the Founder & CEO of ScaleUp Valley since 2013. Mike is a ScaleUp CEO Whisperer and a Leadership Team Advisor since 2004. He is kindly known as the "CEO of the CEOs". Mike helps CEOs and Leadership Teams to scale from 1 to $50M ARR, 50 to 300 employees, by implementing a Leadership Team Framework that delivers clarity of vision and world-class execution with OKRs and a strong meeting cadence. During the last 10+ years, Mike had the privilege to partner with 300+ venture-backed CEOs and to work closely with 50+ Leadership Teams across the US, Europe, LATAM, and Asia. He has contributed to scale 1 IPO, 1 Decacorn, and 4 Unicorns so far. Mike Dias founded the ScaleUp Valley podcast in 2018 to host the best CEOs and investors across the world. Today the podcast has released 250+ episodes and has loyal fans across Europe and the US. This event is co-produced by Bizworld.org
Careers in Entertainment
Roger Love
Roger Love is recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on voice. No other vocal coach in history has been more commercially successful in both the speaking and singing fields. Roger has vocally produced more than 150 million-unit sales worldwide, written 3 top selling books, created multiple bestselling audio, video and online programs, and appeared as a regular in 4 major network TV shows. His Academy Award winning film coaching credits include Walk The Line, Crazy Heart, and A Star Is Born. Roger has vocal coached actors such as Reese Witherspoon, Bradley Cooper, Joaquin Phoenix, Jeff Bridges, Colin Farrell, Keira Knightley, Angelina Jolie, Rooney Mara, Zoe Saldana, Mary Steenburgen, Steve Carrell and Will Ferrell. Roger’s singing students range from The Beach Boys to John Mayer, Selena Gomez, Gwen Stefani, Phish and Maroon 5. Roger has coached professional speaker/personalities such as Anthony Robbins, Rachel Hollis, Brendon Burchard, Simon Sinek and Suze Orman. Roger’s corporate clients include Forbes, JP Morgan, Kimberly Clark, Rock Financial/Quicken Loans, IHeart Media, Zappos, Western Digital, and countless CEO’s, entrepreneurs and Fortune 100 and 500 companies.
A Career in Professional Sports
Coach Charlie Ward
Charlie Ward, Jr. is a husband, father, mentor and coach who embodies the principles of integrity, hard work and faith in God. He inspires adults and youth alike with his character and how he shows up in the world. Described as a once-in-a-lifetime athlete and human being, Charlie’s commitment to serve others is deeply respected in the sports community and far beyond. His calm demeanor and powerful leadership message of preparation, perseverance and patience set strong examples for business leaders, organizations, students and families. He continues to be highly sought after for his motivating and inspiring “Chalk Talk” keynote addresses and workshops, which he has presented around the world to teams, churches, organizations, conferences and businesses. Listed among the most outstanding college athletes in modern history, Charlie, a two-sport athlete, was a stellar quarterback in football and an equally impressive point guard in basketball at Florida State University (FSU). During his senior year, he won over 30 awards, including the Heisman Trophy, and set 19 school and seven Atlantic Coast Conference records, subsequently leading the FSU Seminoles to their first-ever National Championship under legendary Coach Bobby Bowden. After graduating from FSU with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Charlie was drafted twice by Major League Baseball and was a first-round draft pick of the New York Knicks. He went on to play for the Knicks, helping the team consistently reach the playoffs six consecutive years from 1996 to 2001. He played eleven seasons as a leading point guard in the NBA in New York, San Antonio, and Houston, and served as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets for two years. Throughout his professional athletic career, Charlie coached and mentored students, and is now using this experience as a full-time high school basketball coach at Florida State University High School in Tallahassee, Florida. The team’s 2020–2021 season ended with an astonishing 19-2 record, and Coach Ward won the 2021 All-Big Bend Coach of the Year award. In March 2022, Coach Ward was named the All-Big Bend Coach of the Year for a second consecutive year after leading his team to win the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 3A Championship — earning Florida High its first state Boys Basketball title since 1963. In October 2022, Charlie was inducted as a member of the inaugural class for the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame. He is the subject of the biography "The Athlete: Greatness, Grace and the Unprecedented Life of Charlie Ward," by Jon Finkel, as well as ESPN's ACC Network documentary, "Twice As Nice - The Legend of Charlie Ward," which chronicles his two-sport career as a studentathlete at FSU. Charlie Ward is a man whose greatness and grace know no bounds. He and his wife Tonja have been married for over 25 years, and they have three children, Caleb, Hope and Joshua. The Wards underwrote and produced youth development sports camps throughout the country from 1996–2006, co-produced youth music & sports events with Christian Athletes United for Spiritual Empowerment (CAUSE) at four NBA All-Star Weekends 2001–2004 and continued to quietly donate funds to churches and schools. In 2015, they established a charitable foundation, now The Charlie and Tonja Ward Family Foundation, to leave a legacy of giving back by supporting disaster relief efforts and youth character development through sports and the arts, and sharing Charlie’s inspirational message of embracing the process that leads to success.
Careers in Education
Janine Yass
Janine Yass is passionate about education opportunity for all students and has dedicated her life to be an advocate, leader and philanthropist who focuses on meeting the education needs of underserved students. A founder of the Boys’ Latin Charter School in West Philadelphia and a founding board member of the Philadelphia School Partnership, Janine and her husband Jeff founded the STOP Awards - for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless Education - to reward education providers during Covid who outperformed for students. Now known as the Yass Prize to Transform Education, her mission is to ensure that every parent be given the ability to provide their students with individualized, 21st century education opportunities and the power to make their own decisions about how and where their children are educated. In 2022, the Yass Prize will make awards totaling nearly $12 million to organizations who STOP for education.
The Dangers of Socialism
Mailyn Salabarria
Mailyn Salabarria: born in Cuba and made in the USA.
For the last fifteen years, Mailyn has been a relentless advocate of individual natural rights, small government and not taking our freedom for granted. She is passionate about education and a staunch defender of parental rights.
Mailyn has lived in the United States since 2001. She has a Law Degree from Havana University and an MS in Mass Communication and Journalism from Florida International University. She has worked as a professional interpreter and translator, has been a small business owner, and is a graduate of the Leadership Program of the Rockies. Currently, she is the Director of Community Engagement for Parents Defending Education and a Senior Fellow with PDE Action.
Her motto is freedom versus force. She is a mother of two.
This event is brought to the students in part by, The Dissident Project. Their mission is to connect those with firsthand insights into authoritarianism with student audiences.
Careers in Music
Emily Stinnett
Soaring vocals and passionate lyrics are just two ways to describe singer-songwriter Emily Stinnett. A native of Las Vegas, Emily has always described herself as a country girl at heart.
I survived: September 11, 2001
William Raff
September 11, 2001, was a day that will forever be etched in American and World history. Senior Vice President of Fuji Bank, William Raff, was on the 82nd floor of the South Tower. Join us, as William discusses his eyewitness account of the attacks along with his survival and the aftermath of the attacks.
I survived: September 11, 2001
Brian Branco
September 11, 2001, was a day that will forever be etched in American and World history. That morning, Brian Branco was working on the 78th floor of the South Tower. Join us, as Brian discusses his eyewitness account of the attacks along with his survival and the aftermath.
The Legacy of Christopher Columbus
Professor Felipe Fernández-Armesto
Felipe Fernández-Armesto (London, 1950) is a historian and William P. Reynolds Chair of Arts and Letters at the University of Notre Dame (Indiana, USA). He previously held the Prince of Asturias Chair at Tufts University in Boston and was a visiting professor at several North American universities. He has been distinguished, among other awards, with the World History Association Book Prize (2007) and the Grand Cross of the Order of Alfonso X El Sabio (2016). His books include Columbus on Himself (Folio Society, 1992), Columbus (Duckworth, 1996) and Cristobal Colón(ABC, 2004).
Perseverance
Alvin Law
Alvin Law is a motivational speaker and former radio broadcaster. Law was born without arms as a consequence of his mother's use of thalidomide while pregnant. His birth parents put him up for adoption, and he was raised by foster parents Hilda and Jack Law. Alvin Law learned to perform routine activities using his feet alone, including eating, dressing and grooming himself, driving, sewing, playing sports, and playing the drums, piano, and trombone. He attended regular elementary and high schools, even though, at the time, handicapped children were usually placed in institutions or special education programs.
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May 23, 2023
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CAREERS IN WILDLIFE
Coyote Peterson
Since early childhood, animals have played a significant role in Coyote Peterson’s life. As he passed through high school and into college, Coyote discovered his second passion in his love for film and television. While a student at The Ohio State University, he studied video production, writing, and directing. His deep admiration for wildlife and video production inspired him to combine the two mediums. Today, Coyote is proud to be an Emmy Award-winning host on YouTube's Brave Wilderness, where his videos have been viewed over 4.3 billion times worldwide, making Brave Wilderness the largest wildlife brand in the digital space. Coyote has spent the past decade getting up-close with animals to uncover the true stories behind some of our planet’s most misunderstood creatures. His passion for wildlife is driven by a desire to educate the world about animals and to foster a future that conserves environments and their species. Forever dedicated to the joys of storytelling, Coyote is constantly honing his craft to ensure audiences of all ages can partake in his animal adventures.
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May 03, 2023
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Careers in Zoology
Maryland Zoo
Are you ready to embark on a wild adventure right from your classroom or home? Look no further than speaking with an employee from the Maryland Zoo! Whether you're a student who is passionate about animals or a teacher who wants to incorporate hands-on learning into your lesson plans, speaking with a zoo employee is the perfect opportunity to learn from the experts. During your conversation, you'll have the chance to ask questions about the zoo's animals, their habitats, and how they are cared for. You'll hear stories about the zoo's amazing animal residents and the dedicated staff who work to ensure their health and happiness. Speaking with a Maryland Zoo employee is an unforgettable experience that will leave you inspired and educated. So get ready to roar with excitement as you explore the fascinating world of the Maryland Zoo!
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April 19, 2023
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Careers in Business
Diane Scavuzzo
Born in Geneva, Switzerland, cofounder Diane Scavuzzo is in charge of everything that takes place outside the pitch. Diane is an experienced PR and Marketing expert who is also the Founder and CEO of the acclaimed SoccerToday – Voice of American Soccer. Having published thousands of stories on the youth soccer scene in the United States, Diane came to the realization that many talented American players’ are hindered by their geography and that there was a real need for authentic training with professional soccer clubs in Europe. She and Eddie created International Soccer Academy to provide a pro residency academy for elite players to live and breathe soccer while being fully immersed in the highest level of training abroad to prepare for the next step of their careers. Diane is committed to making sure the environment maximizes each player’s potential and enables them to embrace their opportunities. This event is presented in collaboration with Bizworld's Meet the Founder Speaker Series.
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April 18, 2023
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ATTENDING COLLEGE
Que Vo
Que joined Clark University in Oct 2021 as the Senior Assistant Director for Global Outreach. She has been working in international education field for more than 8 years and has been loving it ever since. She got a Bachelor Degree from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Commerce and a Master Degree in Project Management from Northeastern University. Que was an international student herself. She understands studying and living in a new country is an exciting yet challenging experience, so with her job, she hopes to help many international students navigate the admissions process and learn more about the US higher education opportunities.
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April 14, 2023
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ATTENDING COLLEGE
Ashlee Fulop
Ashlee Fulop is an international admissions counselor with the University of Oregon located in Eugene, Oregon. She is a proud alumna of the UO and graduated back in 2019 with a B.S. in Human Physiology. She is excited to talk with you all about the admissions process and higher education within the United States and answer any questions about the University of Oregon. In her current role she works with international and domestic students to help navigate the college search process. She has been in this current role for a little under a year but working at the UO for over 5 in multiple capacities. She looks forward to any questions you may have!
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April 12, 2023
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The Holocaust
Ben Lesser
Ben Lesser was a prisoner in Auschwitz, Dachau, and Buchenwald Concentration Camps. He is also the last surviving occupant of the Dachau death train. Since surviving the Holocaust, he has led a successful professional life and raised a family. He is the founder of the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation and Zachor Learn, a free online Holocaust curriculum for schools around the world. Join us as Ben shares his story and answers any questions classes may have.
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April 11, 2023
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Attending College
Dr. Evelyn Falcon
Dr. Evelyn Falcon, Assistant Dean of Students at Miami Dade College, will talk to students about the processes for applying for college and discuss and answer any student questions regarding Miami Dade College. Among Dr. Falcon's many responsibilities in her role as Assistant Dean of Students, she advises students regarding educational goals. Dr. Falcon also advises managers on College policies and procedures, and government regulations. She has been in this role for over a year and will be answering any student questions regarding attending college and answer any questions about Miami Dade College.
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April 11, 2023
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Careers in Aviation & Drones
TJ Millard
TJ Millard is a Filmmaker, Actor, and Pilot from Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a veteran who served in the US Army flying the Apache Helicopter, the most advanced military helicopter in the world. As a Cameraman and Drone Operator, TJ has worked on various films and television shows.
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April 04, 2023
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Careers in Radio Broadcasting
Scott Herrold
Scott Herrold is the Chief of Programming at Hope Media Group. Before this role, Scott was the Program Director and Morning Show Host for SOS Radio. Scott's hard work earned him Radio Ink Magazine's one of "Radio's Best Program Directors." Scott has hosted radio shows in Las Vegas, Detroit, Tulsa, Saginaw, and in Plymouth.
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April 04, 2023
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Careers in Acting and Comedy
Comedian Ron G.
Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Ron G. is an accomplished comedian, actor, writer, host, and Emmy winning producer. He has been entertaining audiences all around the world with his “high energy and cleverness – with an urban flair” performances. After finishing his dual degrees in finance and management at the University of South Carolina, he began his stand up career in Atlanta and was crowned first place winner in the Sierra Mist Late Night Laff Off. He later made the move to Los Angeles where his talent shined as a finalist in both Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes? and Last Comic Standing. Most recently, Ron G. starred as Lewis in Nickelodeon’s Cousins for Life and has appeared in the Lionsgate feature film, 2 Minutes of Fame, starring Jay Pharoah and Katt Williams.Currently, Ron is in the movie "80 for Brady" that's currently #2 at the box office.
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March 30, 2023
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Careers in Athletic Coaching
Ron Frazier
Owner and operator of PhD Athletics, Ron Frazier has been an elite trainer for decades. Prior to opening his own training business, Ron was the Head Trainer at the House of Ryu Athletic Center, TapOut Training Facility, and most notably Xtreme Couture. Mr. Frazier has trained numerous legends and top fighters in the world of mixed martial arts like Vitor Belfort, Randy Couture, Forrest Griffin, Ray Sefo, Jay Hieron, Amir Sadollah, and many others.
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March 22, 2023
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Careers in Drone Aviation
Dr. Jane Cleland-Huang
Dr. Jane Cleland-Huang’s research focuses on Safety Assurance for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) with an emphasis in software and system traceability, safety assurance — especially the evolution of safety cases in fast-paced incremental development environments and runtime monitoring of Non-Functional Requirements. She is the lead researcher on the DroneResponse project — a system for managing and monitoring the flights of semi-autonomous small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). As part of that project she is involved in Smart and Connected Communities (SCC) research and is working closely with the South Bend Fire Department to co-design a system, DroneResponse, in which sUAS serve as full-mission partners for emergency response scenarios. She is currently a professor of computer science and engineering at Notre Dame University, has been appointed chair of the Notre Dame Department of Computer Science and Engineering
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March 08, 2023
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ADVENTURE!
George Balarezo
Educated as an engineer through books and office research, George Balarezo had left his corporate job behind and embarked on a new venture as one who inspires South Korean college students, friends, and family and to live fearlessly. Committed to lifelong learning, self-development and challenging my comfort zones, Balarezo has been cycling tours in Asia, The Middle East, and Africa while residing in Seoul, South Korea. A firm believer in experience being the best teacher. Mr. Balarezo shares his adventures and lessons learned along the way with the goal of spreading peace through global knowledge in his podcast the Intrepid Global Citizen, and and his recent book Unhinged in Ethiopia.
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March 06, 2023
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Professional Football
Steven Caulker
Steven Caulker is a professional footballer who plays as a centre back. Born in England, he represents and captains the Sierra Leone national team. Mr. Caulker started his professional career with Tottenham Hotspur in 2009. He spent three seasons on loan with Yeovil Town, Bristol City and Swansea City. At Swansea he made his first appearances in the Premier League and at the end of the season played for Britain at the 2012 Olympics. In November 2012 he made a scoring England debut in a friendly against Sweden. Mr. Caulker has been a champion on and off the field, speaking about mental health awareness discussing issues with anxiety and depression. Mr. Caulker is also involved in a number of charity projects including building schools in Sierra Leone.
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March 02, 2023
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Careers in Business
Bob Wilson
Meet Robert Wilson, the accomplished Chairman of Mevion Medical Systems, Inc. and former Vice Chairman of the board of directors of Johnson & Johnson. With decades of experience in the healthcare industry, including a tenure as Chairman of Caxton Health Holdings, LLC, Mr. Wilson has established himself as a leader in the field. Currently serving as a director of Hess Corporation and Synta Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Robert Wilson continues to make significant contributions to the industry and looks forward to speaking to the students about his decorated career.
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February 28, 2023
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the dangers of Socialism
Daniel di Martino
Daniel Di Martino is a Venezuelan freedom activist, economist, speaker, commentator, and policy writer. He was born and raised in Venezuela until his family fled the country in 2016. Daniel studied in the US and graduated with a BA in Economics from Indiana University in Indianapolis and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics at Columbia University. Daniel has appeared dozens of times on national TV channels such as Fox News and CNN, written for USA Today and other news outlets, and spoken at college campuses and events such as CPAC 2020 and the Heritage Foundation’s Resource Bank and Gala. He also serves as an Ambassador for the America First Policy Institute.
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February 27, 2023
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Witnesses to History: The Holocaust and The Civil Rights Movement
Ben Lesser and Robert L. Green
Ben Lesser was a prisoner in Auschwitz, Dachau, and Buchenwald Concentration Camps. He is also the last surviving occupant of the Dachau death train. Since surviving the Holocaust, he has led a successful professional life and raised a family. He is also the founder of the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation. Dr. Robert L. Green is a civil rights pioneer and was a close friend and colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. From 1965-1967, Dr. Green worked for Dr. King, Jr. as the education director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Dr. Green is dean and professor emeritus, Urban Affairs Programs, Michigan State University.
Join us for a powerful learning event featuring Mr. Lesser and Dr. Green as they share their personal experiences and reflections on the impact of hate and discrimination. This unique opportunity will deepen your students' understanding of history and inspire them to stand up for justice and equality.
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February 23, 2023
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The Importance of Mental Health
Stephen Saunders, PHD
Dr. Stephen Saunders, chair of psychology in Marquette University Klingler College of Arts and Sciences often speaks on the topic of the importance of mental health and the importance of destigmatizing issues related to mental health. Dr. Saunders teaches multiple undergraduate, as well as graduate level courses on these subjects and has been published numerous times for his work in psychology. He recieved his Bachelors, Masters as well as his Ph.D from Northwestern University.
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February 22, 2023
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Leadership in Business
Bud Bilanich, EDD
Bud Bilanich is a Daniels College of Business assistant teaching professor who teaches courses in leadership, strategy and organizational behavior. Also, he is an executive coach, organization effectiveness consultant, motivational speaker, bestselling author and influential blogger. His coaching and consulting work centers on culture creation, executive team development, post-merger integration, cross function team facilitation, and frontline leader training and development. He is the author of more than 15 books on leadership and career success. His best-known books are Straight Talk for Success, Climbing the Corporate Ladder, Your Success GPS, 42 Rules to Jumpstart Your Professional Success, 4 Secrets of High Performing Organizations, Fixing Performance Problems, and the Success Tweets series. Bud has edited two books written by Daniels MBA students: A Guide to Humans by Humans and Leadership Tweets: 150 Bits of Common-Sense Leadership Advice, All in 140 Characters or Less. He has worked with executives and high-potential individuals in some of the world’s largest companies. His clients include Pfizer, Merck, Glaxo SmithKline, Johnson and Johnson, Abbot Laboratories, Bristol-Myers Squibb, PepsiCo, AT&T, Chase Manhattan Bank, Citigroup, General Motors, UBS, AXA Advisors, Cabot Corporation, The Aetna, PECO Energy, Olin Corporation, Minerals Technologies, The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and several small, family owned businesses. Bilanich received an EdD (Doctor of Education) with a concentration in Organizational Behavior and Intervention from Harvard University, an MA in Organizational and Interpersonal Communication from the University of Colorado, and a BS from the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State.
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February 21, 2023
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Careers in Medicine
Dr. Sanjiv Chopra
Sanjiv Chopra, M.B.B.S, M.A.C.P, is an Indian-born American physician, Professor of Medicine and former Faculty Dean for Continuing Medical Education (CME) at Harvard Medical School.He currently serves as a Marshall Wolf Distinguished Clinician Educator at Brigham and Women's Hospital and co-director of the CME Division in the Department of Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He's a sought after inspirational speaker, addressing diverse audiences on topics in medicine as well as leadership, how to find your purpose, an invitation to good health and lasting happiness, etc. He has published fifteen books, including a national best-seller, Brotherhood: Dharma, Destiny, and the American Dream, co-authored with his brother, Deepak Chopra. He has been the recipient of numerous awards including: The American Gastroenterology Distinguished Educator Award and the Excellence in Teaching Award by the graduating class of Harvard Medical School in 1991. He has been designated a Master of the American College of Physicians and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (London).
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February 16, 2023
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CAREERS IN INNOVATION
Rajen Sheth
Rajen is an entrepreneur using AI technology to increase student access to educational opportunities. Previously, Rajen was Vice President of Google Cloud AI and Industry Solutions, as part of a 17-year career at Google. He built products that enabled enterprises to transform themselves through AI and for Google Cloud’s key industries: healthcare, retail, financial services, media/entertainment, and manufacturing. Early on, Rajen led the development of Android and Chrome for business and education, including the Android for Work products, Chromebooks for Education product line, and Chromebooks and Chrome browser for work. Rajen also led product development for Google Apps for Work and Education (now known as GSuite), which is used by over 5 million businesses. Prior to joining Google, Rajen managed the award-winning line of ESX Server datacenter virtualization software at VMware (a subsidiary of EMC) and was a lead engineer at Zaplet (a Kleiner Perkins start-up). Rajen received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering and M.S. in Computer Science from Stanford University.
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February 15, 2023
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World War II
Margherita Fray
Marisa’s Courage: The Memoirs of a Survivor of the Italian Resistance is the story by and about one of the last survivors of the Italian Resistance that helped the Allies advance up the Italian peninsula and push the Germans out of Italy during World War II. Her name is Margherita Bertola Fray. As a young girl she was raised in a determinedly anti-Fascist family who suffered some deprivations because of this opposition. In her teen years she and her family, as with all Italians, suffered and were witness to the horrors of bombings, executions, and other brutalities perpetrated by home-grown and foreign aggressors. She became a member of the “Resistenza” as a partisan, belonging to a group called the Garibaldi Brigade around her home city of Turin and participated in dangerous missions to support the fighters in the underground for several years. More than once, she put herself in harm’s way for the good of others and for her country. Fortunately, she lived to tell about her experiences even though she is still emotionally distraught over memories of this horrific time. In 1946 she came to America as a War Bride, marrying a man she had briefly met only a year earlier. He promised to return to Italy to marry her, which he did. Her early years as a young woman and mother in a foreign land, married to a deeply flawed man she really didn’t know at all, were unhappy and presented her with many challenges that might have subdued a lesser person. Thanks in part to the strengths from her upbringing and experiences in Italy, she endured and is contented living in Scottsdale, Arizona — except for the fact that her story had remained untold.
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February 14, 2023
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Careers in the United States Military
Captain Mykel Hawke
Captain Mykel Hawke is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer, author, and television and film personality. Mr. Hawke has created the television programs on the Discovery Channel called Man, Woman, Wild and One Man Army. He left Discovery to work on two new programs: Lost Survivors for Travel Channel and Elite Tactical Unit for Outdoor Channel. Mykel is a best selling author of numerous books and manuals. A combat veteran, he served as an enlisted soldier and later as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Special Forces ("Green Berets"), attaining the rank of captain. He fought rebels and trained UN peacekeepers in war-torn Africa and did combat search and rescue missions during the drug war in Colombia. He holds black belts in Aikido and judo. Mr. Hawke holds a college degree, a BS from UNY in Biology. He also holds an MS from UCA in Family Counseling. He was rated in 7 languages in the Army and paid for 3 languages, the maximum allowed, documented in his published language book, The Quick and Dirty Guide to Learning Languages Fast.
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February 10, 2023
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Careers in Television
Steve Binder
Steve Binder is an American producer and director. He found success behind the camera on television shows showcasing music, when he was only in his early 20s. He was also influential in creating music programs with racially and ethnically diverse casts, featuring a variety of musical styles. Steve is an Emmy and ACE award-winning producer, director, writer, educator, and Golden Globe nominee. In 1968, Steve conceived, directed, and produced ELVIS, The ‘68 Comeback Special. TV Guide called this landmark event “the second greatest musical moment in television history next to the Beatles' debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.” Steve also proudly served in the U.S. Army in Europe as an announcer for the Armed Forces Radio network. He is currently an active member of the Directors and Producers Guilds of America and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California.
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January 26, 2023
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Working in Gaming
Brennan Settles
Brennan Settles is a veteran esports and gaming professional, bridging his career with technology to streamline the way we consume content, engage audiences, and propel the industries forward.Through his time with Super League Gaming and BoomTV, Brennan built and managed products around esports events and consumer experiences. He previously managed thousands of events, while mentoring many digital broadcasting and event operations teams to execute at a world-class level. He now supports aspiring esports and gaming professionals through career development and ultimately job placement within the industry. Brennan currently works with some of the world's most popular IPs as the Live Ops Producer for WB Games New York, ensuring online stability for millions of players worldwide.
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January 25, 2023
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CAREERS IN INTELLIGENCE
Colonel Christopher Costa
Colonel Christopher Costa is the Executive Director of the International Spy Museum, and a 34-year veteran of the Department of Defense. Previously, he served 25 years in the United States Army working in counterintelligence, human intelligence and with special operations forces (SOF) in Central America, Europe, and throughout the Middle East. He ran a wide range of intelligence and special operations in Panama, Bosnia, the first and second Iraq wars, and Afghanistan. Costa earned two Bronze stars for sensitive human intelligence work in Afghanistan. Later assigned to the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, he served as the first civilian squadron Deputy Director. In 2013, Costa was inducted into the United States Special Operation’s Commando Hall of Honor for lifetime service to US Special Operations. Most recently, he served as the Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council.
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January 24, 2023
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World War II
Vernon Schmidt
Vernon Schmidt was born in Reedley, CA and entered the US Army in 1944, at the age of 18. After Basic Training at Camp Roberts, his Advanced Infantry Training was cut short by the large numbers of casualties in Europe. He shipped out from New York on the Queen Mary and landed in Glasgow, Scotland; took a train to Southampton, England and finally landed at Le Harve, France. He rode box cars to Germany & was assigned to the 90th Infantry. He was then taken by truck to Habscheid, Germany and entered combat at "The Seigfried Line," where he and two others joined a squad in a pill box. 10 days later, Vern was the lone survivor; his two buddies were killed by German artillery. After crossing several rivers, his unit captured the City of Mainz and then they went on to liberate Flossenburg Concentration Camp, and rescued others on the Cavalcade Death March.
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January 23, 2023
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AMERICAN HISTORY
Dr. Robert L. Green
Dr. Robert L. Green is a civil rights pioneer and was a close friend and colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Robert L. Green, who holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Michigan State University (MSU) and B.A and M.A. from San Francisco State College, is a former president of the University of the District of Columbia and former dean of the College of Urban Development at MSU. From 1965-1967, Dr. Green worked for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the education director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Dr. Green is dean and professor emeritus, Urban Affairs Programs, MSU.
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January 17, 2023
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The Importance of Giving Back
Chris McDowell
Prior to 2019, Chris McDowell had never done any meaningful volunteer work, but he found something in the Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization that touched his heart heart. He felt compelled to not only get involved, but to start a chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace in his community of Las Vegas, Nevada to provide beds to children sleeping on the floor. Each year their organization has increased the number of beds delivered to support these children. This year, they just delivered our 300th bed and since their inception (including a year of Covid delays), they have delivered nearly 600 beds to children in the Las Vegas community.
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January 12, 2023
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Careers in Business
Dr. Rita McGrath
Dr. Rita McGrath is a best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and longtime professor at Columbia Business School. As one of the world’s top experts on innovation and growth, Rita is regularly published in the Harvard Business Review. She is consistently ranked among the Top 10 management thinkers in the world and was ranked #1 for strategy by Thinkers50. Rita is the author of the best-selling The End of Competitive Advantage (Harvard Business Review Press, 2013). Her most recent book is Seeing Around Corners: How to Spot Inflection Points in Business Before They Happen (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2019).
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January 12, 2023
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CAREERS IN THE MILITARY
Dr. Du Hua
Dr. Du Hua escaped the Communism of Vietnam in June of 1981 after many attempts. He found freedom in the United States of America in September of 1982. Utilizing the freedom and opportunities of this great nation, he was able to go back to school. He started to learn English as a second language in multiple churches. He then finished his General Education and Development (GED) program, which was the first stepping-stone for him to move forward. He went on to obtain the Associate of Applied Science in Data Processing with high honor in Houston Community College in 1986. He was grateful for his new country; thus, he joined the United States Navy in September 1987. He had served multiple deployments with his Squadron VFA-86 on the United States Ship America (CV-66). Mr. Du Hua got injured in the line of duty and he was honorably discharged from the US Navy in April 30, 1993. He then had to return to college. He obtained a degree in the Associate in Arts with high honor in the Florida Community College of Jacksonville. He went on to apply and get accepted into the college of pharmacy at Nova Southeastern University. He graduated as a Doctor of Pharmacy in May of 2001. He also got certified in Nuclear Pharmacy at Purdue University in September of 2001. Doctor Hua now lives in the Fort Lauderdale area with his family.
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January 11, 2023
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CAREERS IN ASTRONOMY
Dr. JJ Kavelaars
Dr. JJ Kavelaars is a Canadian astronomer who was part of a team that discovered several moons of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.[2] He is also a discoverer of minor planets and an investigator on the extended New Horizons mission, having aided in the discovery of 486958 Arrokoth. The asteroid 154660 Kavelaars was named in his honor on 1 June 2007 by his colleague David D. Balam.[2] In 2022 Kavelaars was awarded the Canadian Astronomical Society Dunlap Award for Innovation in Astronomical Instrumentation and Software. This award recognized Kavelaars' contributions to the development and leadership of the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre, in particular the development of cloud-based astronomical data analysis using the CANFAR Science Platform. In 2022 Kavelaars was awarded the National Research Council Dan Wayner award for outstanding achievement in Science and Technology. This award was presented in recognition of Kavelaars' co-discovery of 486958 Arrokoth and contributions to the NASA's New Horizons encounter with that objet.
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January 10, 2023
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The Holocaust
Ben Lesser
Ben Lesser was a prisoner in Auschwitz, Dachau, and Buchenwald Concentration Camps. He is also the last surviving occupant of the Dachau death train. Since surviving the Holocaust, he has led a successful professional life and raised a family. He is the founder of the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation and Zachor Learn, a free online Holocaust curriculum for schools around the world. Join us as Ben shares his story and answers any questions classes may have.
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December 20, 2022
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Aviation
Liz Booker
Liz Booker is a retired Coast Guard helicopter pilot and writer for young adults. Liz enlisted in the Coast Guard at 18 and worked as a deckhand and ship navigator for five years before going to Officer Candidate School. A year later she completed Navy flight training and flew the H65 Dolphin helicopter out of San Francisco, Miami, and Los Angeles. She had been on Active Duty for 15 years and was an O4 before she finally earned a bachelor’s degree online with American Military University and applied for the Coast Guard’s graduate school programs. In 2008 she completed a Master’s in Public Administration at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She spent the last six years of her 28-year career in Joint billets as the Targeting Chief and Deputy J3 at Joint Interagency Task Force South coordinating counter-narcotics interdictions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, and as the Senior Defense Official to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean working for Southern Command out of the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown. While she was assigned to JIATF-SOUTH, she used the rest of her GI Bill to earn a second master’s degree in writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Liz’s Harvard experience gave her the confidence and skills to network and advocate for the Coast Guard’s women in aviation. It also opened her aperture to how she might positively impact the wider aviation culture and demographics through writing adventure fiction for young readers. She retired in 2019 to write full time, but was challenged to maintain her momentum during Covid, feeling isolated from the aviation community. As a way to reconnect, she launched the Aviatrix Book Club on Facebook. That small idea has blossomed into a rich network of readers and writers centered around books featuring women in aviation. Liz hosts the Aviatrix Book Review website and podcast where she interviews authors about their books and their writing and publishing journeys. The authors are connected through the Aviatrix Writers Facebook Group, where they encourage and mentor other women in aviation to share their stories through writing.
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December 20, 2022
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CAREERS IN SPORTS BROADCASTING
Justin Phelps
A graduate of Kent State University as well as the University of Southern Mississippi, Justin Phelps has obtained an impressive level of sports operations. From the youth sports level, high school level, collegiate level and even in the professional sports level, Justin has worked in Sports Broadcasting and Operations supporting the likes of UNLV, University of Tennessee, the NBA, Major league Baseball, WNBA, the UFC, the United States Olympic Basketball team and many others.
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December 12, 2022
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Careers in Broadcasting & Aviation
Willard Shepard
Five-time Emmy award-winning journalist, attorney, and Gulf War Fighter Pilot Willard Shepard has brought his unique insight to NBC 6 viewers as an anchor and investigative reporter for more than two decades. He has anchored the 5 p.m., 5.30 p.m., and weekend editions of the NBC 6 News. Shepard, a member of the Florida Bar, uses his legal skills to develop broadcasts on police reforms, law enforcement policies and procedures—a focus before and after the death of George Floyd. His consumer investigations uncover fraud, and reveal progressive innovations in private business and government. His reports also show families how to protect their daily travels, finances, home, credit, and health during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the 2020 Presidential campaign, he not only delivered the views of the candidates for the White House, but brought insightful reports on the legal challengers that followed. An expert in the military and aviation, Shepard uses his combat experience to guide viewers through the ongoing threats at home and abroad, including the war in Ukraine. He gives the public an inside look at the federal, state, and local efforts to keep America safe. His work detailing anti-terror efforts underwater to protect ports and cruise ships earned him an Emmy award. During the military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, his military background brought a detailed perspective on the battlefront. He has also covered military conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo. He has guided viewers through the return of Boeing’s 737 Max to service after two fatal accidents. In addition to his commitment to news, Shepard was a Lt. Colonel in the United States Air Force and Reserve. His A-10 squadron was the first Air Force Reserve fighter unit ever to go into combat. During the Gulf War, Shepard flew 52 combat sorties over Iraq and Kuwait. He was awarded six Air Medals for his support of Coalition Army Ground Forces. Shepard has also flown missions over Bosnia for NATO. He was the first Air Force pilot to openly fly the Soviet Mig-29 fighter. As a staff officer, Lt. Colonel Shepard examined air operations programs in the U.S. Southern Command. Shepard is a graduate of the Florida International University College of Law and specializes in media and aviation legal issues. Shepard graduated cum laude from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Theater. He is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School in San Antonio, Texas, and a finalist for the prestigious White House Fellowship program.
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December 07, 2022
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VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP
Graceland
Graceland is a mansion and estate located in Memphis, Tennessee that was Elvis Presley's home from 1957 to 1977. Graceland welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year, is one of the five most visited home tours in the United States, and is the most famous home in America after The White House. In 1991, Graceland was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2006, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. Join us as we will be connecting with and learning live from Graceland's Marketing Promotions and Event Specialist, Alicia Dean.
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December 07, 2022
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CAREERS IN MARKETING & BUSINESS
Guy Kawasaki
Guy Kawasaki is the Chief Evangelist at Canva, Former Brand Ambassador for Mercedes-Benz, Former Chief Evangelist at Apple. Mr. Kawasaki is an innovation keynote speaker, social media expert, chief evangelist of Canva, and the bestselling author of The Art of the Start. His entertaining and informative talks use insights from his time in the tech industry to show audiences how to create innovative services and products using tactical and practical techniques.
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December 06, 2022
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INNOVATION IN BUSINESS
Scott Bachrach
Scott Bachrach is the founder & CEO of Tastemakers LLC. In 2006, Scott founded Think Tank Toys, a New York based company manufacturing licensed toys. In 2008, Think Tank Toys was sold to WowWee Robotics; and renamed ThinkWow Toys, a division that created licensed novelty toys for Disney, Hannah Montanna, High School Musical, Toy Story, 1 Direction, Chuck E Cheese, Jamba Juice, ICEE, and Mrs. Fields. Prior to ThinkWOW Toys, Scott founded Fun-4-All Corporation, a licensed novelty & toy company (1995). Fun-4-All grew from one product to 300, generating nearly $40 million in annual revenue with top licenses: South Park, The Simpsons, KISS, Teletubbies, The Wiggles, Crayola, and more!
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November 30, 2022
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DREAMING BIG!
Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger
"Dream BIG!" Legendary college football player for the University of Notre Dame, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger was told he would never make it. He didn't take no for an answer, overcoming his dyslexia and defied the odds playing Division I college football and ultimately graduating. His early life and career at Notre Dame were the inspiration for the 1993 film Rudy. Mr. Ruettiger is an author, motivational speaker, host of his own podcast show, and works directly with his charity Rudy International whose mission is to strengthen communities by offering scholarships in education, sports, and the performing arts.
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November 30, 2022
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CAREERS IN ATHLETICS
Jackie Joyner Kersee
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is a retired American track and field athlete, ranked among the all-time greatest athletes in the heptathlon as well as long jump. She won three gold, one silver, and two bronze Olympic medals in those two events at four different Olympic Games. Sports Illustrated for Women magazine voted Joyner-Kersee the Greatest Female Athlete of All-Time. She is on the board of directors for USA Track & Field (U.S.A.T.F.), the national governing body of the sport. Mrs. Joyner-Kersee is an active philanthropist in children's education, racial equality and women's rights. She is a founder of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, which encourages young people in East St. Louis to pursue athletics and academics. She collaborated with Comcast to create the Internet Essentials program in 2011, which provides high-speed internet access to low-income Americans.
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November 29, 2022
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CAREERS IN AVIATION
Mack Rutherford
Seventeen year old Mack Rutherford flew solo around the world in 2022 making him the world record holder of the youngest person to do so. His journey took him across 52 countries within a five-month span. "I want to use the opportunity to meet young people on my route who do incredible things, making a difference to their communities or even to the world. Often few people know about them. Together we can show that young people make a difference."
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November 28, 2022
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CAREERS IN INVENTING
Dr. Jacqueline Quinn
Dr. Jacqueline Quinn is a NASA environmental engineer who leads diverse environmental chemistry research at the Kennedy Space Center and invented NASA’s most licensed and recognized technology for groundwater remediation, Emulsified Zero Valent Iron (EZVI). Additional environmental remediation methods created by Quinn include AMTS and SPEARS, used for removal of cancer-causing PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in materials, soils and sediments. Quinn holds 12 U.S. patents and her technologies have been licensed by companies throughout the United States and internationally. In 2005, she received both NASA’s Commercial and Government Invention of the Year awards. Quinn received the Federal Lab Consortium’s Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer in 2006 and was inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2018 she was elected to the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
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November 28, 2022
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CAREERS IN ASTROPHYSICS
Simonetta Di Pippo
Simonetta Di Pippo is an Italian astrophysicist and the current Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs(UNOOSA). She holds a Master’s Degree in Astrophysics and Space Physics from University "La Sapienza", an Honoris Causa Degree in Environmental Studies, and an Honoris Causa Degree of Doctor in International Affairs. In 2008, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) named asteroid 21887 "dipippo" in honour of her contribution to space activities and in 2006, she was knighted by the President of the Italian Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi as Cavaliere Ufficiale. She is an Academician of IAA and a member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on space technology since 2016. In her career, Simonetta Di Pippo has been active in bridging the gender gap in STEM and the space sector. In 2009, she co-founded Women in Aerospace Europe and in 2017, she became a UN International Gender Champion. Prior to joining UNOOSA, she served as Director of Human Spaceflight at ESA, Director of the Observation of the Universe at the Italian Space Agency and led the European Space Policy Observatory at ASI-Brussels. She wrote two books and contributed to many more.
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November 21, 2022
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SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Dan Holdridge
Author and motivational speaker, Dan Holdridge survived the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon. Join us, as we connect with Dan to hear about his story of survival and the valuable lessons he learned on this infamous day in World History.
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November 16, 2022
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CAREERS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
George Piro
George Piro is an Assyrian-American special agent in charge (SAC) at the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Miami Field Office. He was the Team Leader and Lead Interrogator of the Saddam Hussein Interrogation Team in 2004. As a relatively new agent (he only had 5 years of experience with the Bureau before being given the assignment to interrogate Saddam), Special Agent Piro's fluency in Arabic opened high-level opportunities for him during the Iraq War, at a time when approximately 1 in 1000 FBI special agents spoke the language. By 2007, Special Agent Piro was serving as Supervisor of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force in the Washington Field Office. He was listed as being a Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Field Office in Miami in January 2017 when he served as the agency's spokesman concerning the FBI's investigation of the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting. On October 18, 2017, FBI Director Christopher Wray announced the appointment of George Piro as the Assistant Director of the International Operations Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
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November 16, 2022
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AMERICAN HISTORY
USS Constitution
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides", is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. She is currently the world's oldest ship still afloat. This magnificent warship was launched in 1797, and is one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. During her time at sea, she was victorious in all 40 battles in which she fought. Come join us as we get a tour of the ship and allow students to ask questions to our guide.
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November 15, 2022
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VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP
Galena Fish Hatchery
Tune with the Nevada Science Center and Ranger Andy Brown presents virtually the historic Galena Fish Hatchery - from its role of revitalizing a decimated fishery in the Truckee Meadows following the Comstock mining era, to how it has become a treasured modern-day community resource. Ranger Andy is one of eight Park Rangers who protect and preserve Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space over 12,000 acres of Washoe County Parks, trails and open space. Stationed in the Mt. Rose District at Galena Creek Regional Park, "Ranger Andy" has over 20 years of combined experience in park maintenance and operations. A native of Northern Nevada, Andy and his wife along with their three young daughters, often spend their free time immersed in the natural splendor that Nevada's wilder places have to offer, often camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and exploring the back roads.
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November 15, 2022
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CAREERS IN BUSINESS
Aaron Rasmussen
Aaron Rasmussen is an entrepreneur, inventor, and game designer who has founded and led successful companies across the robotics, beverages, gaming, and education industries. Best known for co-founding MasterClass and founding Outlier.org, he is recognized as a pioneer in online education. As the Founder and CEO of Outlier.org, Rasmussen has built from the ground up a company that creates the world's most effective online college courses with the goal of making higher education accessible, equitable, and affordable for everyone. Outlier.org was named as one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2020 and has won numerous awards for its design and innovation. Rasmussen also co-founded MasterClass, where he served as both Creative Director and CTO, responsible for the company's aesthetic, production process, and technology. The wildly popular company has developed online courses led by renowned instructors, including Serena Williams, Gordon Ramsay, Malcolm Gladwell, and Natalie Portman, to give people the ability to unearth knowledge that they simply cannot get anywhere else. He has earned multiple awards for BlindSide, a video game he co-created, which has also been optioned for a feature film. Rasmussen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from Boston University, which he attended on a Pell Grant. He has lectured at universities including MIT, USC, Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, UCLA, and Boston University.
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November 14, 2022
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CAREERS IN HEALTH
Dr. Mary Showstark
Mary Showstark is a physician assistant (PA) who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2001 and a master’s degree in 2004 from the University of Florida. She started her career working at University of Florida Health Shands Hospital in trauma surgery and shortly after became chief PA. Showstark’s clinical experience is in trauma surgery, emergency medicine, urgent care and disaster preparedness for the federal government in numerous locations, including Los Angeles at LAC+USC, Maui, New York City and Miami Beach. Showstark has also spent many years working in event medicine and concierge services around the world from Johannesburg to Sydney with multiple cities in between. She has worked and consulted with private events and athletic organizations, including the World Surf League, Burning Man, U.S. Open Tennis Championships, Tough Mudder, the Indies Trader, SEA Paddle and the New York City Marathon. Showstark worked in Haiti and Nepal, responding to natural disasters and providing medical care in rural and austere environments. She also consults in remote areas, such as Nicaragua, Marshall Islands and the Philippines, performing medical needs assessments and helping with clinic development, setup and sustainability projects.
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November 10, 2022
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CAREERS IN ART
Ed Fairburn
Ed Fairburn is a British artist known for using paper maps as canvases for his detailed portrait work. His works feature the use of the chaotic patchwork of roads, trains, and rivers printed on maps as the framework for large-scale portraits in meticulous ink or pencil crosshatching. For more information on Ed and his work, please visit, www.edfairburn.com
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November 08, 2022
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CAREERS IN AVIATION
Caroline Johnson
Lieutenant Commander Caroline Johnson graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2009 and became an F/A-18 Super Hornet, Weapons Systems Officer, meaning she communicated, targeted and coordinated all the bomb and missile employments in her aircraft. She was one of two female aviators in her 230-person unit, and one of the only 1.7% women flying fighter jets in the Navy. She deployed in 2014 aboard the USS George HW Bush and saw combat action in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria and was the first woman to employ weapons on ISIS in Iraq from her F/A-18. Wrapping up her active duty career, Caroline earned her master’s degree and returned to the Naval Academy to teach leadership and run aviation recruitment. Caroline’s memoir, JET GIRL, published last November and was featured on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, MSNBC and currently she is a professional speaker renowned for her remarkable stories, business anecdotes, and relatable personality. She is an MBA Candidate at University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Leadership Lecturer at University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.
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November 07, 2022
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CAREERS IN MUSIC PRODUCTION
Josh Rogosin
Josh Rogosin first walked into NPR in 1999 on his way to mixing live shows at The Shakespeare Theatre in downtown D.C. Since then, he has been at the controls for all of NPR's flagship newsmagazines and gathered sound in far flung places like Togo and Benin, West Africa, Cambodia and Greece. He has engineered at NPR West and NPR NY and spent two years as Technical Director at Marketplace Productions in Los Angeles. He served as Senior Broadcast Engineer for New York Public Radio and Studio 360, and was an originating producer and sound designer for NPR's Ask Me Another. In his current role, Rogosin is the Technical Director for NPR Music and has recorded and mixed over 500 Tiny Desk Concerts at NPR and mastered over 300 Tiny Desk (Home) concerts. He graduated from the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College.
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November 07, 2022
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ASTROPHYSICS
Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell DBE FRS FRSE FRAS
Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell DBE FRS FRSE FRAS is an astrophysicist from Northern Ireland who, as a postgraduate student, discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967. The discovery eventually earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1974; however, she was not one of the prize's recipients. The paper announcing the discovery of pulsars had five authors. Bell's thesis supervisor Antony Hewish was listed first, Bell second. Hewish was awarded the Nobel Prize, along with the astronomer Martin Ryle. At the time fellow astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle criticized Bell's omission. Dr. Bell Burnell was president of the Royal Astronomical Society from 2002 to 2004, president of the Institute of Physics from October 2008 until October 2010, and interim president of the Institute. In early 2011. In 2018, she was awarded the Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics. Following the announcement of the award, she decided to use the $3 million prize money to establish a fund to help female, minority and refugee students become physics researchers. The fund is administered by the Institute of Physics. In 2021, Bell Burnell became the second female recipient of the Copley Medal.
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November 04, 2022
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ADVENTURES IN TEACHING
Ms. Iona Bonney
Pitcairn Island is the only inhabited island of the Pitcairn Islands, of which many inhabitants are descendants of mutineers of HMS Bounty. The closest airport being a 30-hour boat ride, on average, the Pitcairn Islands enjoy a tropical climate all year-round with relatively constant temperatures during most months of the year. As of January, 2020, the island has 47 permanent inhabitants and currently has 3 students. Come join us for this interesting experience, as we talk with Pitcairn School teacher, Ms. Iona Bonney about where careers in teaching can take you and what life and work is like on beautiful Pitcairn Island!
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October 27, 2022
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CAREERS IN SCIENCE
Dr. Lydia Villa-Komaroff
Lydia Villa-Komaroff, a molecular biologist, an executive, and a diversity advocate, is the founder and principal of Intersections SBD Consulting. She is Chair of the KGI School of Medicine Board of Governors. Previously, she was CEO and CSO of Cytonome, a company developing and manufacturing purpose-built cell sorters and non-executive Chair of the Board of Transkaryotic Therapies. She held faculty positions at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Children’s Hospital, Boston, and Harvard Medical School. As an administrator, she served as Vice President for Research at Northwestern University in Illinois, and Vice President for Research and Chief Operating Officer of the Whitehead Institute. Villa-Komaroff serves on the Board of Directors of Cytonome and ATCC, an independent, private, nonprofit biological resource center and research organization. She has served on councils for the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. She participates on boards and committees for several organizations committed to the advancement of equal opportunities in science. Her numerous awards include election to the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Hall of Fame, a Lifetime Achievement Award by Hispanic Business Magazine, selection as Hispanic Scientist of the Year by the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Woman of Distinction award by the American Association of University Women. Villa-Komaroff received her BA from Goucher College and her PhD in Cell Biology from MIT.
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October 26, 2022
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CAREERS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Dr. John Torrens
Dr. Torrens is an award winning Professor of Entrepreneurial practice and two-time Inc. 5000 entrepreneur. He was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and has experienced both the negative effects as well as the positive effects related to starting and growing a company. He is a healthcare and education entrepreneur with 25 years leading high growth companies with experience in developing high-performing teams, raising capital, and both buy/sell side M&A. Dr. Torrens is a faculty member of the Syracuse University Whitman School of Management’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises. He is a frequent guest speaker and executive education instructor in the areas of entrepreneurship, strategy, and corporate innovation. Dr. Torrens is a TEDx speaker (ADHD as an Entrepreneur’s Superpower) as and is quoted frequently in print media, has written several articles, and has delivered multiple presentations on the business of healthcare. He is an active member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and served in multiple volunteer leadership positions including a term on the International Board of Directors (2013-2015).
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October 25, 2022
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CAREERS IN MUSIC
Damien Sneed
As a multi-genre recording artist and instrumentalist, Damien Sneed is a pianist, vocalist, organist, composer, conductor, arranger, producer, and arts educator whose work spans multiple genres. He has worked with jazz, classical, pop, and R&B legends, including the late Aretha Franklin and Jessye Norman, which he is featured on Norman’s final recording, Bound For The Promised Land on Albany Records. He also worked with Wynton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Ashford & Simpson, J’Nai Bridges, Lawrence Brownlee, Brandie Inez Sutton and many others. Sneed has served as music director for Grammy Award-winning gospel artists The Clark Sisters, Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Kim Burrell, among others. Sneed is a 2020 Dove Award winner and 2021 NAACP Image Award winner for his work as a featured producer and writer on the Clark Sisters’ newest project, “The Return”, released on March 13, 2020. Sneed was recently commissioned by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis to compose a reimagined adaptation of Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha which will premiere on May 20, 2023 to open OTSL’s season
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October 24, 2022
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AMERICAN HISTORY
Plymouth Rock
The most iconic piece of American history, Plymouth Rock is the traditional site of disembarkation of William Bradford and the Mayflower Pilgrims who founded Plymouth Colony in December 1620. The Pilgrims did not refer to Plymouth Rock in any of their writings; the first known written reference to the rock dates to 1715 when it was described in the town boundary records as "a great rock." The first documented claim that Plymouth Rock was the landing place of the Pilgrims was made by 94-year-old Thomas Faunce in 1741, 121 years after the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth. In 1774, the rock broke in half during an attempt to haul it to Town Square in Plymouth. One portion remained in Town Square and was moved to Pilgrim Hall Museum in 1834. It was rejoined with the other portion of the rock, which was still at its original site on the shore of Plymouth Harbor, in 1880. The date 1620 was inscribed at that time. The rock is now ensconced beneath a granite canopy. Come join us on this historical adventure, Matt Villamaino will discuss the significance of the rock and answers student questions. Matt Villamaino is the Regional Interpretive Coordinator for the Central Region of Massachusetts State Parks. He served as the Visitor Services Supervisor at Pilgrim Memorial State Park for two years and has also worked at Mt. Holyoke Range State Park, Skinner State Park, and Mt. Tom State Reservation. He began in the field of interpretation as a volunteer at the Jamestown Settlement Museum in Williamsburg MA. He is a Certified Heritage Interpreter and is a member of the USS Constitution 1812 Marine Guard.
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October 17, 2022
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CAREERS IN FASHION
Jay Calderin
The Boston Globe refers to Jay Calderin as "a budding designer's best friend." Jay Calderin is the author of The Fashion Design Reference & Specification Book, which the LA Times called, "a new fashion bible for designers, aspirers and the just plain curious, this tome contains all the secrets." It was followed by Fashion Design Essentials: 100 Principles of Fashion Design. Designer Ralph Rucci says, "The importance of Jay Calderin's book truly cannot be overstated" about his latest book, What They Didn’t Teach You in Fashion School. In addition to his own books, he collaborated on Fashion Design, Referenced, and was a contributor to Native Fashion Now, the book that accompanied the Peabody Essex Museum's exhibit of the same name. Calderin founded Boston Fashion Week and has served as the organization's Executive Director since 1995. In 2012 he was appointed Creative Director of the first Chengdu Fashion Week in China. His work as a fashion designer has graced the pages of Vogue and Elle magazines. He is an instructor and the Director of Community Relations at the School of Fashion Design in Boston. In addition to artist demonstrations and teaching studio art classes at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston he teaches at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and joined the ranks of CreativeLive's highly respected team of online educators. Jay was honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay as "Big Brother of the Year" in 2009, by Youth Design as "Mentor of the Year" in 2014, by the Boston Arts Academy in 2018 for his achievements in fashion, and in 2019 by Boston Design Week as "Mentor of the Year."
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October 17, 2022
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Careers in Space Exploration
Luciano Battocchio
Luciano Battocchio is an Italian engineer and Program Manager at Aero Sekur. Aero Sekur is an aviation and aerospace manufacturing company headquartered in Rom, Italy. Mr. Battocchio is published in his field and had the opportunity to work on the ExoMars parachute. The technology developed by Luciano and his team allows for a safe landing on Mars through a doughnut-like fabric structure that deflates upon impact, releasing gas inflating the landing much like an air bag.
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October 14, 2022
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Careers in Entertainment
Jon Gries
Jon Gries is an American actor, writer, and director who has been entertaining audiences for decades. From the beginning of his career playing opposite Charlton Heston as Button in the 1968 Western classic Will Penny, to approximately one-hundred forty movies and television shows. To name a few, Mr. Gries has acted in Martin, Seinfeld, Lost, The Pretender, The Monster Squad, Running Scared, Real Genius, The Run Down, and Taken. In 2005 Mr. Gries was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male Actor for his role as Uncle Rico in the 2004 film Napoleon Dynamite.
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October 13, 2022
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Careers in Engineering
James Butler
An alumni of Western Michigan University College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, James Butler has worked in the field of engineering for almost twenty years. Mr. Butler is currently a Project Manager with Mammoet, an industrial machinery manufacturing company that specializes in providing solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge.
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October 13, 2022
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Freedom Activist and Economist
Daniel Di Martino
Daniel Di Martino is a Venezuelan freedom activist, economist, speaker, commentator and policy writer. He was born and raised in Venezuela until his family fled the country in 2016. Daniel studied in the US and graduated with a BA in Economics from Indiana University in Indianapolis and is currently pursuing a PhD in Economics at Columbia University. Daniel has appeared dozens of times on national TV channels such as Fox News and CNN, written for the USA Today and other news outlets, and spoken at college campuses and events such as CPAC 2020 and the Heritage Foundation’s Resource Bank and Gala. He also serves as an Ambassador for the America First Policy Institute.
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October 13, 2022
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CAREERS IN INVENTING
Martin Cooper
Martin Cooper is an American engineer who is a pioneer in the wireless communications industry. Holding 11 patents in his field, Martin is regarded as the father of the cellular phone building the first mobile phone in 1972. His invention would go on to change the world and is widely regarded as one of the most influential inventions of the 20th Century. Beyond that, Martin was able to discover an ability to transmit different radio communications simultaneously, this was known as the Law of Spectral Efficiency, which would later be changed to Cooper's Law. Mr. Cooper has won several prestigious awards and recently published the book Cutting the Cord: The Cell Phone Has Transformed Humanity.
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October 12, 2022
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CAREERS IN LAW
Leigh Steinberg
Leigh Steinberg is an American sports agent, philanthropist, and author. During his 41-year career, Steinberg has represented over 300 professional athletes in football, baseball, basketball, boxing, and Olympic sports. He has represented the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft a record eight times, in addition to representing over 60 other first round draft picks in the NFL. Mr. Steinberg Steinberg has successfully negotiated over $3 billion in contracts for players including Troy Aikman, Steve Young, and Patrick Mahomes. He has received screen credit as a technical consultant on several films, including Jerry Maguire, Any Given Sunday, and For the Love of the Game. He has also worked as a consultant for the HBO original series Arli$$ and served as the title sponsor of the annual Newport Beach Film Festival. Mr. Steinberg has actively been involved with the Human Relations Commission, Children Now, Children's Miracle Network, Coro Fellows Program, and the Starlight Foundation. He founded and underwrites the Steinberg Leadership Institute, a nationwide program run by the Anti-Defamation League preparing students to fight racism and inequality throughout the world which has since become the Glass Leadership Institute.
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October 12, 2022
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CAREERS IN INVENTING
Wayne Fromm
Wayne Fromm is a Canadian inventor and entrepreneur who is most notable for being the original patent holder of the selfie stick for digital cameras and cell phones. Branded as the Quik Pod, it is a handheld extendable stick for digital cameras and smart phones for taking pictures of one's self. Through his company Fromm Works, he has invented numerous inventions and his activities have been mentioned in notable media like the Entrepreneur Magazine, Inventor's Digest, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, Investor's Daily News, CNN, Business Week, Toronto Star,[6] Financial Post, Globe and Mail,[7] New York Post and CTV Biography.
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October 11, 2022
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CAREERS IN ANIMATION
Kelly Loosli
Kelly Loosli has worked in animation and live action production for the past 27 years, working on both the artistic and managerial sides of the industries. He began his career as a clay animator for television commercials at the age of 15. His professional work includes working for both DreamWorks Feature Animation and Buena Vista Motion Pictures at Disney. Loosli is the co-creator of the Animation program at Brigham Young University, where he currently serves as the director of the program. He teaches traditional animation, storyboarding, and visual development classes while overseeing the creation of both traditional and computer animated projects.
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October 10, 2022
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CAREERS IN ENTERTAINMENT
Bruce Buffer
Bruce Buffer has been the “Official Voice of the Octagon” for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) since 1997 and for many other mixed martial arts events worldwide and is recognized internationally as “The Voice of Mixed Martial Arts”. The UFC is seen worldwide on Satellite and Cable TV PPV. He was also on SPIKE TV’s hit series “UFC Unleashed” and “Ultimate Fight Night” and now appears on all FOX network televised UFC events and Pay Per Views viewed by millions worldwide. Buffer is a featured character both as the Octagon announcer and as a fighter in nine UFC video games by CRAVE, THQ and the EA UFC games released since 2014 and is the model and voice for the boxing character Tony T. in the Ready 2 Rumble Boxing Round 2 video game by Midway. He has co-starred with Robin Williams and Billy Crystal on NBC’s hit TV show “FRIENDS”, appeared alongside Antonio Banderas in the motion picture “Play it to the Bone” and performed voice over work for Clint Eastwood’s 2004 Best Picture Oscar award winner, “Million Dollar Baby” and appeared as himself in the 2012 Kevin James film “Here Comes The Boom!” plus Will Ferral’s film Holmes & Watson amongst numerous other TV shows, movies and special events. As a ranked professional Poker player, on the pro tournament poker circuit, he has been seen on NBC’s Poker After Dark, the Travel Channel’s popular “World Poker Tour TV Show” featuring his playing at the final Table of the 2005 WPT LA Invitational, where he placed 6th after being eliminated by pro player, Chris “Jesus” Ferguson. He also co-starred in the critically acclaimed instructional poker DVD “All In” along with poker pro Phil Gordon and was voted the 8th best “Celebrity Poker Player In The World” by Cardplayer Magazine. Bruce is President and CEO of Buffer Enterprises, Inc., through which he manages his entrepreneurial ventures. He has proven himself as a motivational speaker and has received praise from top industry professionals for his management and guidance of the successful career of his brother Michael Buffer, the world famous sports and entertainment announcer. His work involves the creation, design and management of all product and promotional licensing surrounding Michael Buffer’s world famous “LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE®” trademark phrase, which has grossed approx. $400,000,000 in retail sales of licensing ventures worldwide.
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October 10, 2022
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CAREERS IN MINING
Virtual Field Trip: Exploration in the Silver State
Tune in as Mark Travis, VP of Exploration at Nevada Silver Corp. shares his experience as an exploration geologist in Nevada! Come along virtually as Mr. Travis shares with students the workings of a Historic Silver Camp as well as how geologists discover minerals in the Silver State. Mining in Nevada dates back to 1849 with the discovery of placer gold by ‘49ers on their way to California. Today, new mineral resources are being discovered and developed as mining is still very important to Nevada’s economy, careers, and the ability to mine a variety of mineral resources for everyday items we depend on.
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October 07, 2022
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CAREERS IN AVIATION
Captain Karen Baetzel
Captain Karen Baetzel has a decorated career of 30 years in the United States Navy. As one of the Navy's most senior female Naval Aviators, Captain Baetzel is also one of the few Naval Aviators of either gender to qualify as an Aircraft Commander in fly helicopters, propellers, and jet aircraft. She has ammassed an incredible 2,000 military flight hours in six aircraft types and has served her country aboard seven ships. After her Commanding Officer tour, she served as an instructor on the elite Navy Leadership Training Team for senior officers. This was followed by a very successful engagement in the corporate world before founding her own leadership development practice. Organizations such as NASA, Microsoft’s High Performers and the Departments of State and Defense, FDIC, National Corporation for National and Community Service and many others, the best and brightest partner with Karen when they want effective, sharp results. She was honored in 2015 to be named one the nation’s top 101 Leadership Speakers by New York Times Best selling author Kevin Kruse. Additionally, Karen is a plankowner member of the National Women Veterans Speakers Bureau.
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October 06, 2022
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CAREERS IN ASTRONOMY
Dr. Bryan Gaensler
Bryan Gaensler is a Canadian Astronomer, working as the Director of the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics. In addition, he is the Canadian Research Chair and Professor of Astronomy in the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at The University of Toronto. Dr. Gaensler is also the Director of the Canadian Initiative for Radio Astronomy Data Analysis (CIRADA), and he was the co-chair for the Canadian Astronomy Long Range Plan 2020 (LRP2020). Currently, he is the co-chair for the Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence (TIDE). His main research interests focus on cosmic magnetism, time-domain astrophysics and interstellar gas.
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October 03, 2022
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CAREERS IN EGYPTOLOGY
Ramy Romany
Ramy Romany is a world-renowned Egyptologist, bestselling author and an Emmy Award winning DGA director. He was born into a family of documentarians in Egypt, in fact before the age of twenty he filmed, produced, directed and was featured in over a hundred documentaries about Ancient Egypt. Storytelling is his passion and, some would say, in his blood. After leaving his home, Egypt, he moved to Los Angeles, CA where he continues his passion for storytelling. He has won nine Emmy Awards, hosted multiple archaeological based shows on discovery, travel and history channels, and directed commercials and major shows for a variety of networks such as ABC, NBC, FOX, HBO, Netflix, Peacock and Amazon.
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September 30, 2022
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CAREERS IN ANIMATION
Spencer Rothbell
Spencer Rothbell was born in New Jersey and grew up in Vermont. He attended CalArts and studied Experimental Animation where he made dumb prank calls and super serious artsy shorts. He also studied at Second City in Chicago, where he tried his best not to over-think being funny. He now uses these skills in the world of animation. He has produced a number of animation series, notably as Head of Story and lead voice of Cartoon Network’s Clarence. He’s currently working as a Story Editor, writer, and voice actor - merging all his favorite things: comedy, cartoons, performance, and storytelling.
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September 29, 2022
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CAREERS IN MUSIC
Darryl "DMC" McDaniels
Come see Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and the King of Rock, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, talk to you about his experiences and his new book, “Darryl’s Dream”. Darryl “DMC” McDaniels is co-founder of the legendary group Run-DMC: selling over 40 million albums and changing music history. In 2014 he started his comic book company, Darryl Makes Comics; in 2016 released a top-selling autobiography “Ten Ways Not to Commit Suicide” and put out a limited edition vinyl EP in advance of his upcoming solo album in 2017. DMC is an Advisory Board member of the non-profit Hip Hop Public Health, whose mission is to foster health and healing among young people and their families and achieve health equity, and also co-founded the Felix Organization - a nonprofit that works to enrich the lives of children in the foster care system. He’s a 2009 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a 2016 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and has received numerous awards for his philanthropic work. Most recently DMC authored, "Darryl's Dream," a new children's picture book.
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September 23, 2022
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CAREERS IN INVENTING
Tom Walters
An alumni of Miami University and The Ohio State University, Tom Walters is the President and Co-Founder of Noxgear, LLC. His company dreams, designs then delivers innovative products for runners, cyclists and outdoor adventurers. The success of his business is built on caring deeply about their customers and the products they make, Mr. Walters innovations, and inventions at Noxgear are revolutionizing running and providing athletes with safer alternatives that include led lit vests for running at night, a wearable bluetooth speaker that weighs only 39 grams, and even an led lit harness for animal safety.
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September 22, 2022
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CAREERS IN AVIATION
John Aimo
After being an instructor at Aeroclub “Provincia Granda” of Cuneo, from 1992 John Aimo is also an instructor for the BBAC, the British Balloon and Airship Club. His training courses were attended by over 250 students from the United States, Russia , Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Australia, Dubai, Kenia, Tanzania , Ukraine and most states of Europe. Among others, he taught the secrets of flying airships to Guy Moyano of Luxembourg, who then won a world title, and two world record holders like David Hampleman Adams and Steve Fossett. Recently his student from Russia, Fedor Koniukhov, set a new around the world solo flight record in 11 days, taking off from Australia and landing back to Australia. He has logged more than 10,500 flight hours in hot air balloons, hot air airships and gas balloon. John is also an EASA instructor and examiner. Mr. Aimo is the Italian champion for hot air balloons (7 times and 21 times on the podium.) He is the dealer for Italy of Cameron Balloons ltd of Bristol, UK.
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September 20, 2022
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CAREERS IN EDUCATION
Dr. Katie Novak
Katie Novak, Ed.D., is an internationally renowned education consultant, author, graduate instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, and a former Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts. With 19 years of experience in teaching and administration, an earned doctorate in curriculum and teaching, and ten published books, Katie designs and presents workshops both nationally and internationally focusing on the implementation of inclusive practices, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), multi-tiered systems of support, and universally designed leadership. Novak’s work has impacted educators worldwide as her contributions and collaborations have built upon the foundation for an educational framework that is critical for student success. Dr. Novak is the author of the best-selling books, UDL Now! A Teacher’s Guide to Applying Universal Design for Learning in Today’s Classrooms, Innovate Inside the Box, with George Couros, Equity by Design, with Mirko Chardin, and UDL and Blended Learning with Catlin Tucker.
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September 19, 2022
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CAREERS IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Jamie Cochranff
Jamie Cochran first joined Echelon Front in 2014. She quickly expanded her initial role as Director of Operations and was named Chief Operating Officer in early 2021. After earning her degree in Business Marketing and Communications, Jamie served in leadership positions in several organizations to include Glacier Bay, a boutique hedge fund as the Client Relations Director; San Diego State University as a Programs Director; and Tiffany & Company as a Visual Creative Director. Here at Echelon Front, she leads a diverse team that oversees all business operations and events. Her team also coordinates Echelon Front engagements across the globe, ensuring a world-class client experience. Jamie embraces the mindset of Extreme Ownership and implements it across all aspects of her business and life. As a speaker and Leadership Instructor, she makes the connection between the combat leadership principles of Extreme Ownership and how she implements them in her life as a business leader, woman, mother of three, and wife of a former Navy SEAL.
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September 13, 2022
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September 13, 2022
Brian Branco
September 11, 2001, was a day that will forever be etched in American and World history. That morning, Brian Branco was working on the 78th floor of the South Tower. Join us, as Brian discusses his eyewitness account of the attacks along with his survival and the aftermath.
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September 13, 2022
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contact us
For information about participating as a guest speaker or having your class participate, please email Ralph Krauss
