HWA Exclusive Speakers

HWA has broad reach to connect you with virtually any speaker worldwide, including some speakers which you'll find exclusively with HWA.  

These speakers seek to be represented exclusively by HWA since they value how we uniquely prepare them for your event and handle the logistics of getting the speaker to you.  Take a look at our offering of exclusive speakers and contact us to get started.

News about our Exclusive Speakers

<p><strong>Women Making History: Journalist Amna Nawaz paves the way </strong></p>

Women Making History: Journalist Amna Nawaz paves the way

Co-host of PBS NewsHour AMNA NAWAZ smashes glass ceilings. The widely respected journalist happens to be the first Muslim-American to anchor a nationally broadcasted news program, as well as the first Asian American and the first Muslim American to moderate a presidential debate. Nawaz has been recognized for her work with Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies’ Vision Award and the Media Award from the Muslim Affairs Public Council’s Media Award in 2022. She was previously honored with the American Muslim Institution’s Excellence in Media Award in 2018. She told The 19th, “There was just never anyone like me in this kind of role… There’s still a lot of work to be done when it comes to newsrooms and news organizations accurately representing the same audiences and communities we are meant to be serving.”

Watch Amna Nawaz on PBS NewsHour here >>

Watch Amna Nawaz in conversation at the Aspen Security Form here >>

<p><strong>Ginni Rometty speaks on opening doors for others with ‘Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan’ on PBS</strong></p>

Ginni Rometty speaks on opening doors for others with ‘Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan’ on PBS

Former IBM Chairman, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and three-time Fortune “#1 Most Powerful Woman” GINNI ROMETTY described creating wide-scale opportunities for upward mobility with Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan on PBS. Rometty chairs the coalition OneTen, which is committed to upskilling, hiring, and promoting one million Black Americans without four-year degrees into family-sustaining jobs and careers by 2030. Rometty seeks to share her success, a concept she calls “good power” in uplifting talks and her bestselling memoir, Good Power. Sharing the personal stories of strength, ambition, and collaboration which have informed her life’s work, she inspires audiences to act for themselves and others.

Watch Ginni Rometty speak at SXSW >>

Watch Ginni Rometty’s NC State commencement address >>  

<p><strong>Matt Iseman captivates Good Days Exchange audience with an inspirational keynote speech</strong></p>

Matt Iseman captivates Good Days Exchange audience with an inspirational keynote speech

Doctor-turned-comedian MATT ISEMAN joined the Good Days’ annual Exchange conference to deliver an inspiring keynote on “The Ties That Bind.” In his uplifting speech, Iseman reflected on the bonds that are built through challenging experiences – for example, the journey of mutual support during health challenges. The beloved media personality shared his own experience battling Renal Cell Carcinoma, while keeping his message energetic and empowering. Good Days’ event planner says, "Matt Iseman's electrifying performance at our event was an absolute highlight. He completely captivated the audience with his infectious energy and witty humor. His seamless engagement and natural stage presence made for an unforgettable experience. Just a genuine and outstanding person at the core."

Watch Matt Iseman’s speaking reel here >>

Watch Matt Iseman moderate the Survive and Thrive Celebrity Challenge with the Arthritis Foundation >>

<p><strong>Julián Castro is a political analyst with insider experience</strong></p>

Julián Castro is a political analyst with insider experience

Politician, author, and analyst JULIÁN CASTRO uses his expertise as an elected official in his work as a political analyst. Formerly major of San Antonio, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Presidential candidate, he joined NBC and MSNBC to break down today’s pressing political issues.

Secretary Castro also hosts his own podcast, Our America with Julián Castro, to bring forward unheard voices and advocate for change. A gifted analyst and moderator, Castro adeptly lays out the challenges facing the U.S. today with his esteemed guests, providing a road map towards a brighter future. Castro’s White House insider’s perspective will provide valuable insight into upcoming elections.

Watch Julián Castro speak at Villanova University >>

Watch Julián Castro speak at Harvard University’s Kennedy School >>

<p><strong>Activist Andrew Zimmern invited to the White House to feed the U.S.</strong></p>

Activist Andrew Zimmern invited to the White House to feed the U.S.

Award-winning chef, TV personality, and anthropologist ANDREW ZIMMERN was tapped by the U.S. government to share his perspective at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Zimmern is an outspoken advocate for solving hunger. He also serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the U.N. World Food Programme. In this endeavor, Zimmern worked with policymakers to better serve vulnerable populations. Zimmern’s humanitarian impact can be felt at home and abroad as he works to create a more sustainable, delicious future.

Watch Andrew Zimmern’s keynote at U. of Minnesota here >>

Watch Andrew Zimmern host a fundraiser at Second Harvest Heartland here>>

<p><strong>Adam Savage’s NYT bestseller, ‘Every Tool’s a Hammer’ shares the golden rules of creativity</strong></p>

Adam Savage’s NYT bestseller, ‘Every Tool’s a Hammer’ shares the golden rules of creativity

One of the most beloved figures in science communication, MythBusters co-host ADAM SAVAGE never backs down from a creative challenge. He’s built contraptions ranging from a bifurcated boat to life-size model of a Boeing 747. His ability to tackle any build is powered by his golden rules of creativity, a mindset Savage has carried through the ups and downs of his career. These rules are laid out in his New York Times bestselling memoir and guidebook, Every Tool’s a Hammer: Life is What You Make It. At its core, Every Tool’s a Hammer distills Savage’s forty years of creative experience into an easily transferrable roadmap. An inspiring presentation for any audience, Savage’s writing and speaking motivates audiences to explore their fascinations and dive deeper into creative passions.  

Watch Adam Savage deliver a keynote at Wired by Design here >> 

<p><strong>Republican strategist Ana Navarro inspires future leaders</strong></p>

Republican strategist Ana Navarro inspires future leaders

Republican strategist, political analyst, and community leader ANA NAVARRO believes in teaching future generations to appreciate open and honest discourse. In considering the future of conservatism, Navarro believes that students have an opportunity to change the world for the better. When visiting colleges, Navarro inspires students to use their voices for good. Educational institutions such as Michigan State University, Denison University, Texas Woman’s University, and more have invited her to speak on the future of the Republican party to students, faculty, and community members. Hudson Community College said, “The event was a great success. Those who attended really enjoyed themselves, and her perspective… was down to earth and really understood our audience.”

Watch Ana Navarro on a Spertus panel here >>

Our Exclusive Speakers

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KEVIN MCCARTHY

  • 55th Speaker of the House

55th Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy is described as a man exuding “true American grit.” Prior to his election to Congress, McCarthy served as the fastest rising Minority Leader in the California State Legislature. In Congress, he held nearly every elected leadership position in the House Republican conference and served under four Presidents, during two economic crises, and through consistent political upheaval while always maintaining his approach to governing as a Happy Warrior. After his election to Speaker, McCarthy went on to secure $2T in deficit reduction. McCarthy’s decade and a half at the pinnacle of U.S. government has imbued him with powerful insights into politics, leadership, and values.

Throughout his career, McCarthy fought for a more effective, efficient, and accountable federal government. McCarthy’s invaluable perspective as a Washington insider, as well as his sharp insights and analysis, make him the ideal voice on the future of the U.S.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GENERAL MARK MILLEY

  • 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2019-2023)

General (Ret.) Mark A. Milley served as the 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation's highest-ranking military officer, and the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council. He retired Sept. 29th, 2023. Prior to becoming Chairman on October 1st, 2019, General Milley served as the 39th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. General Milley is currently a distinguished fellow in residence with the Security Studies Program in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and a Charles and Marie Robertson visiting professor and visiting lecturer at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). 

In addition to his degree in Political Science from Princeton University, General Milley has multiple master’s degrees – in International Relations from Columbia University and in National Security & Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He is also a graduate of the MIT Seminar XXI National Security Studies Program. In the past more than four decades, General Milley has had multiple command and staff positions in six divisions as well as Special Forces. General Milley’s substantive experience in leadership provides impressive and enlightening insight for every audience who engages with him.

General Milley’s depth of knowledge and discernment of today’s geopolitical issues gives shape and meaning to the shifting power centers in the global operational environment. His perspective is invaluable for audiences looking to understand the impact of current conflicts and managing risks on boards of directors and leadership teams who are responsible for making strategic decisions and identifying vulnerabilities. More than a lesson in history or current events, General Milley helps audiences understand the significance of this moment in time as a potential turning point in history.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SANNA MARIN

  • Former Prime Minister & Head of Government of Finland (2019-2023)

Sanna Marin is the Former Prime Minister of Finland (2019-2023) and the leader of the Finnish Social Democratic Party. Appointed at the age of 34, Marin served as the youngest Prime Minister of the world when taking office in 2019. In 2015, Marin was elected to Parliament on her first run, where she was a member of the Grand Committee, Legal Affairs Committee, and Environment Committee. She has also served as Chair of the Social Democratic Party since 2020. Marin’s government has been considered one of the most successful in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in terms of lost lives and economical damage caused by the pandemic. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Marin led her country through the most swift NATO accession process in the whole history of the alliance. Marin now specializes in topics of geopolitics, strategic autonomy, climate change, and female leadership.

Marin has been actively engaged in politics since 2006. “Being involved and making a difference represent civil rights for me. Changing things takes commitment. The welfare state or the ground rules for working life should not be taken for granted; they are the result of hard work and determined efforts.” Environmental values are also close to Sanna Marin’s heart: “Climate change and loss of biodiversity are some of the biggest problems of our times. Addressing them takes strong political will and determination.”

Marin made history as the longest-serving woman prime minister of Finland, leading a parliamentary coalition entirely headed by women and a majority-women cabinet. She has spoken at Davos AM23, the Lowy Institute, the Munich Security Conference, and for New York University’s 2023 Commencement, among others. In addition to the historical challenges during her leadership, Marin’s government passed many progressive reforms in Finland, including world's most ambitious climate laws aiming for carbon neutrality by 2035, family leave reform sharing paid leave with both parents equally as well as major reforms improving healthcare, education and human rights.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BORIS JOHNSON

  • Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson is a champion of democracy, freedom, and free market capitalism. He served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Leader of the Conservative Party, Foreign Secretary and Mayor of London. Mr. Johnson believes that the sheer innovative power of the west will take us through the ramifications of the Ukraine war and post-Covid shocks, as well as defeat struggling authoritarian regimes. He believes technology, driven by free market democracies, will ultimately defeat our biggest challenges on health, science, and global warming. Mr. Johnson is sought-after for his illuminating insights on global security, the world economy, and his continued work supporting freedom around the world.

Mr. Johnson argues that in the 21st century, countries must be able to deregulate and be as competitive as possible. That is why he successfully campaigned for Brexit – taking back control of U.K. law, marking the biggest constitutional change for half a century, and enabling the United Kingdom to generate the fastest vaccine approval in the world and the fastest vaccine rollout in Europe – with all the subsequent economic benefits. In addition to his work in politics, he is an award-winning journalist, writer, and editor. He is the author of almost a dozen books, from the globally bestselling historical biography of Winston Churchill, The Churchill Factor, to the self-illustrated children’s book The Perils of Pushy Parents. He edited the Spectator magazine for six years and has written for dozens of major publications including, most notably, London’s Daily Telegraph. He currently writes a weekly column for the Daily Mail. Mr. Johnson is the kind of politician and visionary thinker who takes risks for the principles of democracy, freedom, and free markets, and stands alongside those fighting against authoritarian regimes.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DAVID PLOUFFE

  • Obama Campaign Manager and White House Senior Advisor

A pioneering force of innovation in politics, technology, and grassroots leadership, David Plouffe has distinguished himself as a proven field general and idea generator. He served as Campaign Manager of Barack Obama's historic victory in 2008 and then as Senior Advisor to President Obama in the White House, where he stood at the center of the debate on key issues now facing our country – from tax and entitlement reform to immigration reform and foreign policy challenges. Combined with his pathbreaking work at Uber, and policy and advocacy efforts at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Plouffe is a transcending force at the intersection of politics, policy, and business. He now consults for leading companies in the consumer, social media, crypto, and technology sectors. Plouffe delivers unprecedented insights on disruptive innovation, from the front lines of momentous shifts in both politics and business.

Plouffe is known for thinking beyond the conventional. With his tenacious, methodical, and proven methods, he knows the essential ingredients to crafting a team built for success. He is the author of two New York Times bestsellers including The Audacity to Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barack Obama’s Historic Victory and is a political analyst for NBC News. Plouffe’s array of accomplishments demonstrate his profound ability to bridge the gap between dreaming and achieving.

With his unassuming style, Plouffe communicates motivated and innovative solutions pertinent to any organization seeking to be at the forefront of change in their industry. Drawing people in with rapid-fire, detail-oriented, and visceral stories from the ground, he shares his playbook for success when facing overwhelming and seemingly insurmountable odds. Still deeply immersed in political data and electoral trends, Plouffe can breakdown what could happen in 2024 better than anyone.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GINNI ROMETTY

  • Former Chairman, President, and CEO of IBM

Ginni Rometty is a leader, innovator, and convener who believes that how we work and lead is as important as what we achieve. As the ninth Chairman, President, and CEO of IBM, Ginni transformed the 100-year-old company, reinventing 50 percent of its portfolio, building a $25B hybrid cloud business, and establishing IBM’s leadership in AI and quantum computing. She drove record results in diversity and inclusion and supported the explosive growth of an innovative high school program, P-TECH, to prepare the workforce of the future in more than twenty-eight countries. Ginni is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World (Harvard Business Review Press). In the book, as she does in sought-after events, Ginni shares milestones from her life and career while redefining power as a way to drive meaningful change in positive ways for ourselves, our organizations, and for the many, not just the few – a concept she calls “good power.”

Through her work with the Business Roundtable, Rometty helped redefine the purpose of the corporation. She has been named Fortune’s #1 Most Powerful Woman three years in a row, is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, and has been honored with the designation of Officier in the French Légion d’Honneur. Today, Rometty serves on multiple boards including J.P. Morgan Chase, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and co-chairs OneTen, a coalition committed to upskilling, hiring, and promoting one million Black Americans without four-year degrees by 2030 into family-sustaining jobs and careers. She offers unparalleled insights on leadership, organizational and societal transformation, DEI, the future of work and education, and more, and is in-demand for events with groups including the World Economic Forum at Davos, The Milken Institute, Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit, the Consumer Electronics Show, and Grace Hopper, to name a few.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOE SCARBOROUGH

  • Creator and Co-Host, MSNBC's 'Morning Joe'

MSNBC's Morning Joe co-host, New York Times Bestselling author, and former U.S. Congressman Joe Scarborough ignites audiences with his no-holds barred political commentary and far-reaching insight. Drawing on his experience as an influential player in Republican politics – and now one of the most in-demand commentators – Scarborough speaks candidly about the important issues facing Americans every day. In August of 2023, Morning Joe was the most watched morning show on all of cable. A Washington Post and New York Times bestselling author, Joe’s books and his keynotes offer an incisive perspective on the trends in Republican politics, what that means for business, and the values that resonate with audiences.

As popular on stage as he is on TV, Joe brings the same energy to his events as a speaker. He is a member of the Cable News Hall of Fame and has been named to the prestigious "TIME 100" list. With his signature off-the-cuff commentary, he offers a dynamic and fast-paced perspective on the current political and media landscape and cuts through the headlines of the day to get to what really matters to your audience.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

AMANDA GORMAN

  • Inaugural Poet for President Joe Biden

Award-winning wordsmith, change-maker, and #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller Amanda Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history. Amanda began writing at only a few years of age and has become one of the most recognizable poets in the world. A committed advocate for the environment, racial equality, and gender justice, her activism and poetry have been featured on The Today Show, PBS Kids, and CBS This Morning, and in the New York TimesVogue, and EssenceAmanda has performed multiple commissioned poems for CBS This Morning, and she has spoken at events and venues across the country, including the Library of Congress and Lincoln Center.

Amanda has appeared on the cover of TIME, was the first poet to grace the cover of Vogue, was one of 5 Variety Power of Women honorees and cover star, as well one of 3 cover stars for Glamour's Women of the Year. She has received a Genius Grant from OZY Media, is the recipient of the Poets & Writers Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award, and is the youngest board member of 826 National, the largest youth writing network in the United States.

Amanda is the author of the special edition of her inaugural poem The Hill We Climb, as well as the poetry collection Call Us What We Carry and the children’s book Change Sings, all debuting at #1 on New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. Her next children’s book, Someday, Something, is due out in the fall of 2023. Amanda’s profound and uplifting remarks ensure an unforgettable experience for her audience.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DE KAI

  • Statesman of AI and Pioneer in AI Ethics and Policy

De Kai is a pioneering AI scientist who is widely regarded as “the Statesman of AI.” A founder of the contemporary AI field as known today, three decades ago De Kai invented and built the world’s first global-scale online language translator. De Kai continues to push boundaries in AI research, alongside speaking to philosophical questions about the fears and possibilities of humanity's new technology and how we can be empowered to shape our future. De Kai is Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at HKUST and Distinguished Research Scholar at Berkeley’s International Computer Science Institute. His cross-disciplinary works relating AI, cognition, language, music, creativity, media arts, ethics and society centers on enabling cultures to relate, and stems from a liberal arts perspective emphasizing creativity in both technical and humanistic dimensions.

De Kai’s groundbreaking projects have spurred the paradigm shift toward today’s state-of-the-art statistical natural language processing technologies. He has done research at Berkeley, UCSD, University of Toronto, Bell Laboratories, Columbia University, TU Munich, and Toronto. He founded HKUST's internationally funded Human Language Technology Center which launched the world's first global-scale online language translator over twenty years ago.

De Kai is among only 17 scientists worldwide named by the Association for Computational Linguistics as a Founding ACL Fellow and has been named one of the 100 most influential figures of Hong Kong. He serves on the board of AI policy think tank TFS (The Future Society), which is heavily involved in drafting the European Union’s forthcoming AI Act. In 2018, Google named De Kai as one of eight inaugural members of its AI Ethics council, ATEAC (Advanced Technology External Advisory Council). Over the past decade, De Kai has given hundreds of talks worldwide on AI ethics, society, and safety.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KIM SCOTT

  • NYT & WSJ Bestselling Author, 'Radical Candor' & 'Just Work' (To be re-released as 'Radical Respect' in May 2024)

Leadership & culture expert Kim Scott is the author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss without Losing your Humanity, which launched a global management revolution. Kim is the co-Founder of Radical Candor®, LLC – a company dedicated to helping organizations and teams move from a culture of command and control to one of collaboration. Previously, Kim led AdSense, YouTube, and Doubleclick Online Sales and Operations at Google, and then joined Apple to develop and teach a leadership seminar. She has been a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, and several other tech companies.

Kim was the co-Founder & CEO of Juice Software – a collaboration startup, and led business development at Delta Three and Capital Thinking. Earlier in her career, she worked as a senior policy advisor at the FCC, managed a pediatric clinic in Kosovo, started a diamond cutting factory in Moscow, and was an analyst on the Soviet Companies Fund. Kim is the author of three novels, and her book Just Work: How To Root Out Bias, Prejudice, and Bullying to Create a Kick-Ass Culture of Inclusivity (which is being re-released as Radical Respect in May 2024) is an essential guide leaders and their employees need to create more just workplaces and establish new norms of collaboration and respect.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DR. MARK T. ESPER

  • U.S. Secretary of Defense (2019-2020) and Secretary of the Army (2017-2019)

Mark T. Esper, PhD has led a distinguished career as a visionary leader, innovator, reformer, and change agent with a proven record of accomplishment in a wide range of roles and organizations. He attributes his success to the importance he places on character and values, coupled with boundless energy and a can-do spirit that puts the organization and its people first, and treating everyone with dignity and respect. Dr. Esper became the 27th Secretary of Defense in July 2019 when he was confirmed in an overwhelming 90-8 vote by the U.S. Senate in rare bipartisan fashion. Esper went on to successfully lead the Defense Department through an unprecedented time in the nation’s history, while driving R&D on Artificial Intelligence, directed energy, robotics, and hypersonics, and launching the biggest initiative in decades to improve diversity and inclusion in the armed forces. Esper’s memoir A Sacred Oath is a New York Times bestseller, chronicling this turbulent and critical period of modern American history.

Dr. Esper is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Aspen Strategy Group, and the Atlantic Council, among others, and is a frequent commentator on CNN, FOX, Bloomberg, and other news outlets. He is the Distinguished Chair of the Modern War Institute at his alma mater, West Point. Secretary Esper also serves on a number of private equity and venture capital portfolio company boards and is a partner in the venture capital firm Red Cell Partners, where he also serves as the chairman of its national security practice.

Mark T. Esper offers audiences an array of insights, ideas, forecasts, and strategies based on relevant experience, fostering the success of both individuals and teams.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RON KLAIN

  • Chief of Staff to President Biden (2021-2023)

Ron Klain was the longest serving first Chief of Staff for any Democratic President (2021-2023). As Chief of Staff to President Biden, Mr. Klain oversaw the Biden-Harris White House staff and served as a member of the Cabinet. President Biden called Ron Klain “a once-in-a-generation talent with fierce intellect and heart.” Mr. Klain has been praised for his bipartisan legislative achievements, a historic focus on judicial nominations, and guiding the White House to an unexpected victory in the midterm elections. A frequent guest on TV news shows, Mr. Klain was a well-known spokesperson for the administration. Mr. Klain was selected for the TIME 100 list of global leaders while serving as Chief of Staff.

Mr. Klain held senior posts in private law practice and spent more than a decade as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Revolution LLC, an investment firm launched by AOL Co-Founder Steve Case in 2005. He is now a partner in global legal giant O'Melveny's Litigation Department and serves on the firm's Executive Committee. In addition, Mr. Klain has devoted many years to public service. He has served as on the Executive Council of TechNet, the Democracy Forward Foundation, and a member of the external advisory boards of the World Economic Forum’s Global Health Security Project and the Ending Pandemics Project. Mr. Klain has worked on eight Presidential campaigns, serving as a top debate preparation advisor to Presidents Biden, Obama and Clinton, and Democratic Presidential nominees Al Gore, John Kerry, and Hillary Clinton.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

VAL DEMINGS

  • U.S. Representative (D-FL, 2017-2023)

Former Congresswoman and Orlando Police Chief Val Demings is a rising political star who has made an impact with her message, “everyone counts, and everyone is accountable.” A lifelong public servant, Demings broke numerous glass ceilings in her rise through the Orlando Police Department, her election to Congress, her appointment to prosecute the first impeachment of former president Donald Trump, her campaign for Senate in Florida, and her consideration as a potential running mate to President Joe Biden. She is heralded as a tireless champion for public safety, civil rights, the rule of law, and the American Dream – Demings shares her perspective and insights as a riveting keynote speaker.

Demings served as the U.S. Representative for Florida’s 10th District from 2017-2023, and held positions on numerous House Committees including Judiciary, Intelligence, Homeland Security, and Oversight and Government Reform. Demings was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Women’s Caucus, and New Democratic Caucus, as well as a member of the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Review Board and the Elections Security Taskforce, to name just a few. At sought-after events with groups including the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the Orlando Economic Partnership, League of Women Voters, 92nd Street Y, and many others, Demings shares her uplifting and inspiring vision for the promise of what America could be, if we have the courage to fight for it.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MICHAEL SPENCE

  • Nobel Laureate, Economic Sciences

Nobel Laureate and award-winning professor Michael Spence is the author of The Next Convergence and co-author of Permacrisis: A Plan to Fix a Fractured World. Spence is the Philip H. Knight Professor Emeritus of Management in the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University, a Senior Fellow of the Hoover Institution at Stanford, and a Distinguished Visiting Fellow of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is an Adjunct Professor at Bocconi University in Milan, and an Honorary Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford University. In 2001, Spence received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his work in the field of information economics.

Spence is a Senior Advisor to Jasper Ridge Partners and a Senior Advisor to General Atlantic Partners, and chairs GA’s Global Growth Institute. He chairs the Advisory Board of the Asia Global Institute and was the Chairman of The Independent Commission on Growth and Development (2006-2010). He is a member of the Advisory Council of the Luohan Academy in Hangzhou. He previously served as Dean of the Stanford Business School (1990-99) and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University (1984-90). Spence was awarded the John Kenneth Galbraith Prize for excellence in teaching and the John Bates Clark Medal, awarded to American economists under age 40 for a "significant contribution to economic thought and knowledge."

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KAI BIRD

  • Pulitzer Prize-Winning Biographer, Historian, and Journalist

Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer, historian, and journalist Kai Bird is the co-author of American Prometheus, the exhilarating biography that inspired Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-sweeping Oppenheimer. Released in 2005, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer received enormous acclaim – the New York Times called it “exhaustive and exhilarating” and The Boston Globe called it “an achievement not likely to be surpassed or equaled.” Bird and his work have received tremendous accolades – in addition to the Pulitzer, he won the National Books Critics Circle Award, the Duff Cooper Prize for History, and is an elected member of the prestigious Society of American Historians. Bird is both a relentless chronicler of history and a consummate storyteller – elevating lessons from the past to undeniable relevance for audiences of today.

Bird is the New York Times bestselling author of The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames, and biographies of Jimmy Carter, John J. McCloy, McGeorge Bundy, and William Bundy. He chronicled his childhood in the Middle East in his memoir, Crossing Mandelbaum Gate: Coming of Age Between the Arabs and Israelis. He is the Executive Director and Distinguished Lecturer of the Leon Levy Center for Biography at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City. Bird’s work includes critical writings on the Vietnam War, Hiroshima, nuclear weapons, the Cold War, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the CIA. His current project is a biography of Roy Cohn, to be published by Scribner.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

REV RUN

  • Hip-Hop Icon and Front Man of RUN DMC

Hip-hop icon, DJ, and preacher Rev Run is one of the most iconic figures in music. The front man of seminal hip-hop group RUN DMC, Rev has sold tens of millions of records worldwide and is widely credited for ushering rap music into mainstream culture. An inductee of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, RUN DMC was named the greatest hip-hop artist of all-time by both MTV and VH1. Describing his considerable impact, Rolling Stone writes, “[Run] took hardcore hip-hop from an underground street sensation to a pop-culture phenomenon... In the process, [Run] helped change the course of popular music, paving the way for rap’s second generation.” A cultural icon, Run has been invited to countless corporate conferences and large-scale events as a motivational speaker and celebrity DJ.

Run remains a dynamic figure in entertainment today. He is the author of several books, is an ordained minister, and a beloved TV personality. His hit MTV show, Run’s House, aired for six seasons and became one of the most widely viewed shows on cable television. Run created and starred in Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers (Food Network), Rev Runs Around the World (Travel Channel), Rev Run’s Home Renovation (HGTV), and All About the Washingtons (Netflix). Most recently, Run starred in The Hip Hop Nutcracker (Disney+) and Disney’s Christmas Holiday Show (ABC Network). Run is in demand for his uplifting style, which resonates across audiences from Black History Month celebrations to mission-driven organizations to corporate clients looking to create an unforgettable experience.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ZIWE

  • Acclaimed Comedian, Writer, and Actress

Comedian, writer, and actress Ziwe has captured audiences with her signature candor, wit, and salient commentary on race and politics in America. Ziwe hosted the A24 produced late-night variety sketch show, Ziwe, which was heralded by audiences and critics alike. As one of TIME’s 100 Next Gen Leaders, her refreshing approach to broadcast journalism represents the renaissance of late-night. Her guests have included Fran Leibowitz, Gloria Steinem, Stacey Abrams, Chet Hanks, and Julia Fox, among others. Ziwe is the author of a much-anticipated book of essays, Black Friend, which is due out Fall 2023.

Hailed as the multi-hyphenate comedic voice to emerge from social media, Ziwe garnered attention during the early months of the pandemic with her provocative and hilarious interviews on her Instagram Live & YouTube talk series, Baited. The show featured interviews full of hard truths with the likes of Caroline Calloway, Alison Roman, Rose McGowan, and Jeremy O. Harris. She has released an album of songs from her Showtime show, Ziwe: A Famously Iconic Soundtrack, and has been featured as an actor on Succession, The Great North, Dickinson, and more. Ziwe’s iconic comedic voice, balanced with her incisive perspective as a cultural critic, ensures a memorable event that will resonate with audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ROCHELLE WALENSKY, MD, MPH

  • Former Director of the Center for Disease Control (2021-2023)

Former Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Dr. Rochelle Walensky is a renowned expert exploring the challenges and gifts of what it means for leaders, organizations, and the world to protect public health. Dr. Walensky was the chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and served as the 19th director of the CDC and the ninth administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Having received an M.D from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, she also trained in internal medicine and earned an MPH in clinical effectiveness from the Harvard School of Public Health in 2001. In the earliest part of the pandemic, Dr. Walensky served on the front lines, taking care of patients, serving on the Massachusetts General Hospital incident management team, and conducting research on vaccine deliver and strategies to reach underserved communities. Dr. Walensky’s tenure at the CDC began on January 20th, 2021, when she led the nation - and the world - through unprecedented times, facing the largest density of infectious threats likely ever seen in this country.

Dr. Walensky has worked to improve HIV screening and care in South Africa, led health policy initiatives, and researched clinical trial design and evaluation in a variety of settings. She was chair of the Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council at the National Institutes of Health from 2014 to 2015. She has also been a member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents and had been co-director of the Medical Practice Evaluation Center at Massachusetts General Hospital since 2011 before assuming the position of CDC Director. Sought-after for her perspective on public health and crisis management, Dr. Walensky has spoken for groups including Boston University, Northeastern University, Bloomberg, Milken Institute, Aspen Ideas, and more.

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AMBASSADOR TERRY BRANSTAD

  • Former U.S. Ambassador to China (2017-2020)

Former U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad is the president of the World Food Prize Foundation, and the longest serving governor in the history of the United States. In addition to his role as president of Des Moines University Medical School, his public service includes election to the office of Lt. Governor and three-terms in the Iowa House of Representatives. He is a founding partner of the Branstad Churchill Group, a strategic consulting firm that provides advice, guidance and solutions to organizations, corporate leaders and investors seeking to navigate the complexities associated with conducting business in China and the United States.  

During his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to China, Branstad’s two greatest accomplishments included the signing of the historic Phase-One Trade Agreement in January of 2020 and successfully lobbying the Chinese government to stem the flow of fentanyl into the United States. Last year, Branstad was named “Ambassador-In-Residence” at Drake University in Des Moines, where he received his Juris Doctorate.  He continues his public service as the national co-chair of the capital campaign to modernize the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa. Branstad has spoken for groups including KraneShares, the Committee of 100, US Meat Export Federation, National Pork Producers, and more.

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BEN HARRIS

  • Vice President and Director of Economic Studies, Brookings Institution

Prominent economist and author Ben Harris is Vice President and Director of Economic Studies at the Brookings Institution. Harris recently served as Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy and Chief Economist with the U.S. Treasury Department. In this role, Harris was a close adviser to Secretary Yellen, the Administration’s lead official on the price cap on Russian oil, and a key staffer in the development of the Build Back Better legislation. Harris has been a long-time advisor to President Biden, serving as his chief economist in the Obama White House and acting as the senior economic advisor to the Biden campaign. The New York Times called him "the quiet architect of Biden's plan to rescue the economy." Harris has been sought-after for speaking events at the Argus European Crude Conference, MIT Sloan Business School, Harvard Kenney School, American Enterprise Institute, among many others.

Prior to joining Treasury, Harris was the Executive Director of the Kellogg Public-Private Initiative and a research associate professor at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, in addition to serving as the chief economist to the evidence-based policy organization Results for America. Harris recently published The Retirement Challenge with Martin N. Bailey, addressing some of the most vexing problems facing the American retirement system. Harris has also published a variety of academic papers and policy briefs related to topics in public finance and has been regularly cited in media reports related to fiscal policy. His op-eds have been widely published, including frequent publication in the Wall Street Journal. Earlier in his career, he was the policy director of The Hamilton Project, a fellow in Economic Studies at the Brookings Institution, and deputy director of the Retirement Security Project.

Covering a wide variety of key topics, Harris is an expert on such timely topics as the macroeconomic economic outlook, Biden Administration policy, global energy markets and the price cap on Russian oil, the debt ceiling, and Congressional negotiations. 

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VICTORIA EADY BUTLER

  • Award-Winning Master Blender, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

Award-winning whiskey master blender Victoria Eady Butler is one of the key women behind the fastest-growing whiskey brand in U.S. history, Uncle Nearest, Inc. A relatively new face in the spirits world, whiskey is definitely in her blood. Butler is the great-great-granddaughter of the first known African American master distiller Nearest Green and carries on her family’s legacy first-hand. An Imbibe 75 alumnus, Butler was concluding a successful career as an analytical manager for the Regional Organized Crime Information Center in Nashville when Uncle Nearest Whiskey Founder and CEO Fawn Weaver invited her onboard. Butler quickly transitioned to master blender after curating a definitive batch of whiskey for the brand, which sold out immediately and won numerous awards, including two double-golds at international competitions.

Butler is a member of the executive team, and oversees the blending process of the core and Master Blend portfolios for the many-time award-winning Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Butler has been sought after to speak for groups including the Bourbon Women Association, the Vibe Conference, The Mercantile Library, Tennessee Whiskey Festival, the Black Bourbon Society, to name a few.

Butler is one of Imbibe Magazine’s “75 People to Watch,” and has been featured in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, The New York Times, Garden & Gun, Food & Wine, and many more. Butler currently oversees the Nearest Green Foundation, a 501(s)(3) non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Nearest Green’s descendants, which is funded by the sales of Uncle Nearest whiskeys. An industry trailblazer, she was the first female to be awarded Master Blender of the Year at the American Icons of Whisky Awards and in 2022, she became the first person in history to win that title back-to-back. In compelling keynotes, moderated conversations, and Q&As, Butler shares her incredible journey to the top of her industry and her insights about building a purpose-drive and profitable brand.

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CHRIS VOSS

  • Former FBI Lead Hostage Negotiator and Authority in High-Stakes Negotiation

Former international FBI hostage negotiator and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Chris Voss share a methodology that can used anywhere in the world, a strategy to build stronger relationships in a shorter period of time and enable audiences to negotiate deals they never thought would be possible. Chris was the lead international kidnapping negotiator for the FBI, as well as the hostage negotiation representative for the National Security Council’s Hostage Working Group. During his government career, he also represented the U.S. Government at two international conferences sponsored by the G-8 as an expert in kidnapping. Prior to becoming the FBI lead international kidnapping negotiator, Christopher served as the lead Crisis Negotiator for the New York City Division of the FBI. Christopher was a member of the New York City Joint Terrorist Task Force for 14 years. He was the case agent on such cases as TERRSTOP (the Blind Sheikh Case – Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman), and the TWA Flight 800 catastrophe and negotiated the surrender of the first hostage taker to give up in the Chase Manhattan bank robbery hostage taking.

Voss is the Wall Street journal bestselling author of Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It and The Full Fee Agent: How to Stack the Odds in Your Favor as a Real Estate Professional. Drawing on his 24-year tenure in the Bureau and training by not only the FBI but also Scotland Yard and Harvard Law School, Voss teaches a popular MasterClass and is the Founder & CEO of The Black Swan Group. He is a recipient of the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement and the FBI Agents Association Award for Distinguished and Exemplary Service. Voss leverages his many years of experience in international crisis and high-stakes negotiations to develop a unique program and team that applies these globally proven techniques to the business world.

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GEOFF DUNCAN

  • Georgia's 12th Lieutenant Governor (2019-2023)

A former professional baseball player, CNN contributor and successful entrepreneur, Geoff Duncan served as Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor from 2019-2023. As the state’s second-most powerful Republican and president of the State Senate, Duncan used a bipartisan approach to navigate the chamber through a global pandemic, civil unrest, and economic tumult. Duncan has established himself as a bold leader, especially in the areas of health care, public safety, technology, and economic development. His efforts to spearhead Georgia becoming the “Technology Capital of the East Coast” have been nationally recognized. After rising to national prominence, he authored a book entitled, GOP 2.0: How the 2020 Election Can Lead to a Better Way Forward for America's Conservative Party.

Prior to public service, Duncan enjoyed a successful career in the private sector. In 2001, he founded a marketing company that sold promotional products to mid-size and large corporate clients nationwide. In 2003, he launched a tech-enabled literature fulfillment division for several large corporate clients. In 2016, Duncan was hired as the CEO of a health care company where he successfully raised several rounds of early round growth capital. In 2019, he founded a consulting business to help growth stage private companies work directly with their management teams. Duncan also serves as a strategic advisor to several venture capital firms around the country.

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JOEL BERVELL

  • 'Medical Mythbuster' - Over 760K Followers and 120M+ Views

Ghanaian-American medical student and science communicator Joel Bervell is known as the ‘Medical Mythbuster’ for creating viral medical content on social media that is at the forefront of conversations about racial disparities in healthcare, the hidden history of medicine, and overlooked biases in the healthcare industry. After entering medical school, Bervell became a highly respected TikTok and Instagram creator, with over 760K combined followers and 120M+ views. In his videos, as he does in speaking engagements, he breaks down complex topics about how healthcare fails to serve marginalized groups. A gifted educator and engaging speaker, Bervell has been sought after to share his unique and inspiring perspective with groups like Meta, Google, TikTok, the Clinton Foundation, General Electric, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and on behalf of the Congressional Black Congress, among others.

Bervell has been featured on Good Morning America, Business Insider, NPR, YahooNews, WebMD, and more, and has advised organizations like TikTok on efforts to increase Diversity & Inclusion. The Medical Mythbuster serves on councils including the White House Office of Public Engagement’s Health Care Leaders in Social Media, the Council for Responsible Social Media, and the World Health Organization’s ‘Operation Fides’. He has collaborated with brands including Neutrogena, Google, Samsung, Listerine, Gushers, and the American Medical Association. Bervell’s work earned him the honor of being named a Smithsonian Channel ‘Cyclebreaker’, a Scientific American ‘Revolutionary’, a 2022 National Minority Quality Forum “40 Under 40 Leader in Minority Health,” and the 2022 recipient of the American Medical Student Association’s Racial Justice in Medicine Award.

For leaders and organizations looking to understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare, increase understanding of overlooked stories, or examine the changing landscape of social media, Bervell offers an unparalleled perspective that will resonate with audiences.

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BAN KI-MOON

  • Secretary-General of the United Nations (2007-2016)

Career diplomat and eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon has spent his eminent career in public service inspiring international cooperation and advocating for human rights and sustainable development. Prior to taking on what has been called “the most impossible job on this earth” at the helm of the UN, Ban served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of South Korea. In his memoir, Resolved: Uniting Nations in a Divided World, Ban chronicles his decade at the helm of the UN mobilizing world leaders around a new set of global challenges. He is the Founder of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, a non-profit whose mission is to empower women and youth to live in a peaceful and prosperous world. Among the most respected and well-known statesmen of his generation, Ban is sought-after for his gift of transforming his tremendous experience into an inspiring call to action for audiences of all kinds.

Ban has been named a “Top 100 Global Thinker” by Foreign Policy for his achievement of making the Paris Agreement a legally binding treaty less than a year after it was adopted. He has also been named to Forbes list of “The World’s Most Powerful People,” and is a recipient of France’s Legion of Honour. Ban serves as President and Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute, and chairs the Global Commission on Adaptation as well as the International Olympic Ethics Commission. At events worldwide with groups like the World Economic Forum, The Barclays Asia Forum, WE Day, and more, Ban’s sought-after perspective on our most pressing global issues inspires leaders, lawmakers, and global citizens to take action for a healthier, more peaceful, and more equitable world.

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HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON

  • 2016 Democratic Presidential Nominee

Hillary Rodham Clinton served as the 67th Secretary of State of the United States from January 21, 2009 until February 1, 2013, after nearly four decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady, and Senator.

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PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON

  • Founder, Clinton Foundation

William Jefferson Clinton, the first Democratic president in six decades to be elected twice, led the U.S. to the longest economic expansion in American history, including the creation of more than 22 million jobs.  He is the founder of the Clinton Foundation which focuses on tackling a number of the worlds' greatest challenges.

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PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

  • 44th President of the United States of America

Barack H. Obama is the 44th President of the United States.

Few presidents have walked a more improbable path to the White House.  Born in Hawaii to a mother from Kansas and a father from Kenya, Obama was raised with help from his grandparents, whose generosity of spirit reflected their Midwestern roots.  The homespun values they instilled in him, paired with his innate sense of optimism, compelled Obama to devote his life to giving every child, regardless of his or her background, the same chance America gave him.

After working his way through college with the help of scholarships and student loans, Obama moved to Chicago, where he worked with a group of churches to help rebuild communities devastated by the closure of local steel plants.  That experience honed his belief in the power of uniting ordinary people around a politics of purpose, in the hard work of citizenship, to bring about positive change.  In law school, he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review, then he returned to Illinois to teach constitutional law at the University of Chicago and begin a career in public service, winning seats in the Illinois State Senate and the United States Senate.

On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States, winning more votes than any candidate in history.  He took office at a moment of crisis unlike any America had seen in decades – a nation at war, a planet in peril, the American Dream itself threatened by the worst economic calamity since the Great Depression.  And yet, despite all manner of political obstruction, Obama’s leadership helped rescue the economy, revitalize the American auto industry, reform the health care system to cover another twenty million Americans, and put the country on a firm course to a clean energy future – all while overseeing the longest stretch of job creation in American history.  On the world stage, Obama’s belief in America’s indispensable leadership and strong, principled diplomacy helped wind down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, decimate al Qaeda and eliminate the world’s most wanted terrorists, shut down Iran’s nuclear weapons program, open up a new chapter with the people of Cuba, and unite humanity in coordinated action to combat a changing climate.

In times of great challenge and change, President Obama’s leadership ushered in a stronger economy, a more equal society, a nation more secure at home and more respected around the world.  The Obama years were ones in which more people not only began to see themselves in the changing face of America, but to see America the way he always has – as the only place on Earth where so many of our stories could even be possible.

Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, are the proud parents of two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

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FORMER FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Michelle Obama never imagined that she’d become First Lady of the United States. She never imagined that one day, she would inspire people all around the world and drive historic change. As the daughter of a city water-pump operator and a stay-at-home mom, girls like her aren’t supposed to do any of that.

But Michelle Obama has spent her life challenging us to reconsider where that “supposed to” comes from — and who determines it. Her life shows us that you don't have to look a certain way or act a certain way to fit in; you don't have to make a lot of money or come from a certain group or class or faith in order to matter. Each of us can write our own story. And when we share those stories with one another, we can lift each other up along the way.

That’s why, as an author, Michelle speaks candidly about her experiences as a wife, mother, Black woman, and First Lady of the United States, telling her story in a way that empowers others to see the beauty in their own. Through her advocacy work, she strives to help young people see the power of their voice and the boundless promise inside of them.

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INDRA NOOYI

  • Chairman & CEO of PepsiCo (2006-2018)

Former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi is a business powerhouse, globally renowned for leading the company through a decade of tremendous growth and change. Praised for her prescient and strategic thinking, she was responsible for growing PepsiCo's revenues from $35 billion when she became CEO, to $63.5 billion in 2017. She oversaw a portfolio of global brands and diversified products enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 180 countries and territories around the world. As PepsiCo’s director of global strategy for over a decade, Nooyi led the company's restructuring, including the divestiture of its restaurants into the successful YUM! Brands, Inc; the acquisition of Tropicana and merger with Quaker Oats; the merger with PepsiCo’s anchor bottlers; and the acquisition of Wimm-Bill-Dann, the largest international acquisition in PepsiCo’s history. An advisor to several early-stage companies, Ms. Nooyi currently serves on the boards of Amazon, Philips, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Partnership for Public Service, and is an independent director of the International Cricket Council. She is a trustee at the National Gallery of Art, and is on the Dean’s Advisory Council at MIT’s School of Engineering.

Celebrated for her hallmark motto of "do well by doing good," Nooyi was chief architect of Performance with Purpose, PepsiCo’s pledge to do what’s right for the business by being responsive to the needs of the world through sustainable growth initiatives such as making healthier and more nutritious products, limiting the company's environmental footprint, and empowering associates and people in the communities PepsiCo serves. With multiple appearances in Forbes' "The World's 100 Most Powerful Women," Fortune's "Most Powerful Women," and TIME's "100 Most Influential People in The World," Nooyi has been sought-out for her unparalleled business insights and empowering messages on leadership, inclusivity and change everywhere from The World Economic Forum to The Aspen Institute. In 2019, her portrait was inducted into the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and in 2022 she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling book My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future, published by Penguin Portfolio in September 2021, and teaches the MasterClass "Leading with Purpose."

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AMY POEHLER

  • Award-Winning Comedian, Actress, and Producer

Amy Poehler is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and sought-after talents with credits including that of actress, writer, director, producer, and bestselling author.

Poehler is perhaps best known for her starring role on the Emmy-nominated NBC comedy series Parks and Recreation, which completed its seventh and final season in February 2015. Her portrayal of Leslie Knope earned her a 2014 Golden Globe award for “Best Actress in a TV Series, Musical, or Comedy,” the award for “Best Actress in a TV Comedy” at the 2014 American Comedy Awards, and a 2013 Gracie Award. For her work on the show, Poehler also received six consecutive Emmy nominations, two additional Golden Globe nominations, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations.

In the film world, Poehler recently made her directorial debut in the buzzed-about Netflix comedy Wine Country, which she also starred in and produced. Her additional film credits include The House, Sisters, Wet Hot American Summer, They Came Together, A.C.O.D., Free Birds, Are You Here, Baby Mama, Blades of Glory, and Mean Girls. She lent her voice as the character Joy in Disney Pixar’s Oscar-winning smash hit Inside Out and could also be heard in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Monsters vs. Aliens, Horton Hears a Who!, and Shrek the Third.

Poehler’s first book, Yes Please, was released in October 2014 and debuted at #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list. The book went on to spend over 23 weeks on the list. Poehler co-hosted the Golden Globe Awards alongside Tina Fey for three consecutive years from 2013-2015, a role that was consistently met with critical acclaim. In January 2021, she returned as host with Fey for the special telecast.

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TINA FEY

  • Award-Winning Actor, Producer, and Writer

Tina Fey continues to be applauded for the iconic and groundbreaking seven-season run as the Executive Producer, head writer, and star of NBC's three-time (2007, 2008, 2009) Emmy Award-winning, one-of-a-kind comedy series, 30 Rock. Her performances as 'Liz Lemon' earned Fey an Emmy, two Golden Globes, four SAG Awards, and a People's Choice Award. In 2009, 30 Rock was nominated for a record 22 Emmy Awards, the most ever of any comedy series on television in a single season. From 2012 to 2013, 30 Rock received a total of 13 nominations for its final season, six of which were individual nominations for Fey.

Prior to creating 30 Rock, Fey completed nine seasons as head writer, cast member, and co-anchor of the "Weekend Update" segment on Saturday Night Live. Fey is an Emmy winner and two-time Writers Guild Award winner for her writing on Saturday Night Live and won an Emmy in 2009 for Guest Appearance by an Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Sarah Palin on the 2008-2009 season of SNL. Fey also made Emmy history in 2016 when she and Amy Poehler became the first joint winners of “Best Comedy Series Guest Actress” for their SNL co-hosting appearance.

Fey expanded to feature films in spring 2004 as both a screenwriter and an actress in the hit comedy, Mean Girls, which earned her a nomination for a Writers Guild Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. On the big screen, Fey starred opposite Amy Poehler in the film, Baby Mama, for Universal Pictures, which exceeded the $50 million dollar mark at the U.S. box office. In 2010, Fey starred in 20th Century Fox's film, Date Night, opposite Steve Carell and was a featured voice in the Dreamworks animated film, Megamind.

In April 2011, Fey released her first book entitled Bossypants, which topped the New York Times best seller list and remained for 39 consecutive weeks, and received a Grammy nomination for “Best Spoken Word Album”. Bossypants was released in paperback in January 2012 and has sold over 3.75 million copies thus far.

In 2015 Fey and writing partner, Robert Carlock, co-executive produced and created the hit Netflix original comedy, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, starring Ellie Kemper.  The series was nominated in the “Best Comedy” category for the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards, boasting four nominations for the talented cast, including a guest actress nod for Fey. After four successful seasons, the show wrapped the first ever comedy interactive special for Netflix, an exciting conclusion to the series.

In 2018, Fey's Broadway adaptation of Mean Girls opened at the August Wilson Theater. Directed by Casey Nicholaw, and with music written by her husband Jeff Richmond, the show received 12 Tony Award nominations, including best book by Tina Fey. 

Fey lives in New York with her husband, Jeff Richmond, and their two daughters.

 

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GARY COHN

  • Vice Chairman of IBM

Finance industry legend Gary Cohn brings unparalleled private and public sector leadership experience to offer an unmatched perspective on the forces impacting the global and U.S. economy, the intersection of finance and technology, and economic policymaking. Heralded by The Wall Street Journal as “an economic-policy powerhouse” and called a “go-to figure on matters related to jobs, business and growth” by The New York Times, Cohn is the current Vice Chairman of IBM and former chief economic advisor to the President of the United States. A pro-business and pro-growth champion, Cohn speaks on issues ranging from monetary policy to fiscal policy, trade to tech, regulatory policy to the legislative process, translating uncertainty into tangible takeaways for audiences worldwide.

Cohn’s expertise in the global financial system, tech advances, and the inner-workings of economic policy have him in-demand everywhere from the World Economic Forum to the Bloomberg New Economy Forum. Cohn is the former Director of the U.S. National Economic Council and served as President and Chief Operating Officer of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. from 2006-2016. Cohn brings both a CEO’s and White House insider’s point of view to each engagement, sharing prescient, tangible insights with an engaging sense of humor.

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STEVE MARTIN

  • Iconic Actor and Comedian

Beloved entertainer Steve Martin is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician. The multi-hyphenate creative rose to prominence on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (1967-1969). He has since delighted audience on screens through his standup on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and NBC’s Saturday Night Live alongside his iconic films: Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Roxanne, Parenthood, L.A. Story, Father of the Bride, Pink Panther, and many more. Also an accomplished musician, Martin has composed multiple award-winning, boundary-pushing bluegrass albums. As an author, Martin’s work includes the novel An Object of Beauty, the play Picasso at the Lapin Agile, a collection of comic pieces, Pure Drivel, a bestselling novella, Shopgirl, and his memoir Born Standing Up. His writing often appears in The New Yorker.

Martin’s Netflix special with Martin Short, An Evening You Will Forget For The Rest Of Your Life, received four Emmy nominations. Their tours, Now You See Them, Soon You Won’t, and The Funniest Show in Town at the Moment, were smashing successes showcasing Martin’s creative versatility. Martin and Short also star together in Hulu’s must-watch comedy series, Only Murders in the Building.

For his multi-medium work, Martin has won an Academy Award, five Grammy awards, an Emmy, the Mark Twain Award, and the Kennedy Center Honor. He has been welcomed to speak by hosts such as the Getty Research Institute, Center Stage Entertainment, the New Yorker Festival, and more. Audiences flock to Martin’s melodic performances, warm stage presence, and indelible humor.

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KEVIN HART

  • Superstar Comedian and Actor

Kevin Hart is Hollywood’s box office powerhouse, opening ten films as the number one movie opening weekend. He was recently named the highest grossing comedian for the second straight year by Forbes who described him as a “built-in marketing machine.” Per Entrepreneur magazine, “Kevin Hart is building a brand and an empire that will outlive his fame.”

Hart launched his digital network, the Laugh Out Loud Network, which serves as a platform for emerging comedians. He has started and runs his own production company, Hartbeat Productions, and has several successful brand partnerships with companies like Fabletics Men, Chase J.P Morgan, Hydrow, Brüush, Tommy John and Therabody. Hart is the Founder and CEO of HartBeat Ventures. HBV is Kevin’s VC, and its mission is to invest in disruptive companies, specifically companies that can help elevate underserved communities by providing a platform for everybody to thrive.

Kevin’s memoir, I Can’t Make This Up, debuted at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list and remained on the Top 10 Print Hardcover Bestsellers List for ten weeks straight. His new book, Markus Makes a Movie (Random House) is his first book for his younger audience, debuted at number 6 on the coveted list and remained on the list for three weeks. Hart’s first Audible original, The Decision, was nominated for an Audie award for “Best Original Audiobook in 2021.”

Hart is currently in production filming Sony’s action-comedy, The Man From Toronto, which he is starring in alongside Woody Harrelson and Kaley Cuoco. Hart can currently be seen starring in the feature film Fatherhood, he also produced through Hartbeat Productions. Based on the best-selling book, Two Kisses for MaddyFatherhood tells the story of a single dad navigating parenthood after his wife unexpectedly dies a day after giving birth. The movie has been watched by more than 61 million accounts globally making it one of the most successful original dramatic movies on Netflix.

In remarks that are empowering, inspiring, and downright hilarious, Hart discusses his life and career, and the lessons on resiliency, overcoming adversity, and success, he's learned along the way. 

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RYAN REYNOLDS

  • Acclaimed Actor, Comedian, Film Producer, and Screenwriter

Ryan Reynolds is one of Hollywood’s most diverse leading men seamlessly transitioning through varied genres of drama, action and comedy in his rich and ever evolving career.  He is equally as successful off-screen as a producer, screenwriter, entrepreneur, and marketing powerhouse.

He is the Golden Globe nominated star and producer of the 20th Century Fox billion-dollar franchise Deadpool.

Beyond acting, Reynolds is a successful entrepreneur and an award-winning marketer, creating breakthrough campaigns for Deadpool as well Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile and the Match Group. He is an owner of Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile, Wrexham Football Club, Chief Creative Officer of MNTN and a co-founder of Maximum Effort Productions. He has been recognized as one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company, The Hollywood Reporter, Wall Street Journal and AdWeek among others.

Reynolds is an in-demand speaker for engaging, insightful conversations about his storied career in Hollywood and significant business endeavors.

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TOM BRADY

  • Seven-Time Super Bowl Champion Quarterback

Seven-time Super Bowl champion, New York Times bestselling author, and entrepreneurial mogul Tom Brady has garnered accolades on and off the field as a leader and expert in peak performance. Brady has won 19 division titles, seven Super Bowls, three NFL MVP’s and three first-team all-pro awards, all while pioneering a holistic approach to preparation, performance, and recovery. Building on this honed expertise, in 2013 Brady and longtime body coach, Alex Guerrero, co-founded TB12, a health and wellness brand, to share his proven TB12 Method and holistic systematic approach to wellness. Brady’s motivational book, The TB12 Method: How to Achieve a Lifetime of Sustained Peak Performance, has gone on to become a New York Times #1 bestseller.

Brady’s serial ventures include his namesake next generation apparel brand BRADY and his global, multi-platform content company 199 Productions, which already boasts numerous high-profile projects including a partnership with ESPN, Disney, and Religion of Sports to produce the tentpole docuseries Man in the Arena, which won the 2022 Sports Emmy for Outstanding Documentary Series. Most recently, the company partnered with Paramount Picutres on the film 80 for Brady. He has long prioritized philanthropy, sustaining relationships with a number of non-profits including the TB12 Foundation, Best Buddies, Make-A-Wish and more. Among other notable achievements, Brady has been honored as ESPY’s “NFL Best Player,” Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsperson of the Year,” TIME’s “100 Most Influential People,” and being named to the NFL 100th Anniversary “All Time Team.” Brady shares personal stories of perseverance, leadership, and disruption as well as savvy business insights about the latest trends in impactful conversations for audiences of all kinds.

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SULLY SULLENBERGER

  • 'Miracle on the Hudson' Captain

Ambassador “Sully” Sullenberger has been dedicated to the pursuit of safety his entire adult life. He recently served as the U.S. Ambassador and Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations Specialized Agency, after being nominated by President Biden. As a global thought leader, he has now resumed his profession as a sought-after keynote speaker to audiences around the world and continues his advocacy for safety in global air travel.

Born in Denison, Texas, Sullenberger pursued his childhood love of aviation, learning to fly at 16. He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, and served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. He went on to be an airline pilot, instructor, and accident investigator. He still flies privately.

Sullenberger became internationally renowned on January 15, 2009, as Captain of US Airways Flight 1549, when he and his crew safely guided their disabled jetliner to an emergency water landing in New York City’s frigid Hudson River, during what has been called the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Sullenberger and his crew received international acclaim for their actions, including the passage of a Congressional resolution recognizing their bravery. Sullenberger was ranked second in TIME's "Top 100 Most Influential Heroes and Icons of 2009” and was awarded the French Legion of Honour.

Sullenberger is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Highest Duty: My Search For What Really Matters and also wrote Making a Difference: Stories of Vision and Courage from America's Leaders. Clint Eastwood directed the major motion picture about Sullenberger, titled SULLY, based on Highest Duty, with Tom Hanks in the lead role. The film was released to critical acclaim in September 2016. Highest Duty was republished that year as SULLY: My Search for What Really Matters.

Sullenberger is an international lecturer and keynote speaker on how to achieve the highest levels of performance, reliability, and safety through effective crisis management, continuous learning, leadership, and culture.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MOHAMED EL-ERIAN

  • Chief Economic Advisor at Allianz

Internationally respected economist and financier Mohamed El-Erian is a go-to voice around the world on how to decode the global economy, policies, and international markets – markets hang on his analysis and insight. With experience at the highest levels of business and government, El-Erian currently serves as the Chief Economic Advisor at Allianz, the corporate parent of PIMCO where he formerly served as Chief Executive and co-Chief Investment Officer. He is the President of Queens’ College, the University of Cambridge, Chair of Gramercy Fund Management, a columnist for Bloomberg View, and a contributing editor at the Financial Times. El-Erian receives resoundingly positive feedback for his events, such as: “In my thirteen years as an event producer, I have never received such positive feedback from a keynote speaker before. I can say with 100% confidence that this was a wise investment in our business.” (Information Management Network)

El-Erian has been named to Foreign Policy’s list of “Top 100 Global Thinkers” for four years in a row. Since 2014, he has been serving on the jury for the Financial Times/McKenzie Book of the Year award. He also served as Chair of President Obama’s Global Development Council from December 2012 to January 2017. He serves on two corporate boards and several advisory committees and non-profit boards. He has been a LinkedIn top influencer. Meeting planners share their praise for El-Erian’s ability to connect with audiences through a humorous laid-back style, and to clearly explain the complex issues of the global economy.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND

  • Political Strategist and Former CNN Political Commentator

Seasoned political strategist, former CNN political commentator, and author Symone Sanders Townsend is a gifted communicator with a passion for problem solving, social justice, and in-depth analysis of today’s most important issues. Sanders Townsend previously served as the national press secretary for U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign, the youngest person to ever hold that title. She served as a senior advisor for President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign and was appointed as a senior member of the Biden-Harris administration, and will now bring her nuanced and critical insight to MSNBC as the host of SYMONE, as well as serving as an anchor and hosting a show on The Choice, MSNBC’s digital streaming arm. In her book No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America, Sanders Townsend shares her take-no-prisoners approach to life, politics, and career success, advocating for a new generation to be powerful in their own right. A rousing call to leadership, Congresswoman Maxine Waters raved, “Symone’s honest and profound reflection on standing up and speaking out is sure to inspire young people across the country to become the change agents the world needs.”

Sanders Townsend is a highly sought-after commentator and speaker, from her TED Talk Stop asking permission!, to an invigorating conversation at SXSW, Politico’s 2019 Women Rule Summit, the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, and many more. She served as the National Chair of the Coalition of Juvenile Justice Emerging Leaders Committee, a member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice, and in her role as principal of the 360 Group, Sanders Townsend worked on leading-edge solutions to tough political and social problems. Sanders Townsend shares her expertise in communication and political strategy, in-depth analysis of key political issues, and the challenges and possibilities for radical change with authenticity, humor, and insight.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

STACEY ABRAMS

  • Political Leader, Voting Rights Activist, and Serial Entrepreneur

Political leader, business owner, and bestselling author Stacey Abrams is heralded for her candid insights on politics, leadership, entrepreneurship, social justice, and being a true force for change. A tax attorney by training, Abrams served eleven years in the Georgia House of Representatives, seven as Minority Leader, and became the Democratic nominee for governor in 2018 and 2022. She has launched multiple nonprofit organizations devoted to democracy protection, national and local voter engagement, tackling social issues, and building a more equitable future in the South.

An incomparable entrepreneur, Abrams has built a remarkably broad portfolio across nonprofit, political, and business sectors. She co-founded financial services firm NOWaccount Corp., Nourish, Inc. – a beverage company with a focus on infants and toddlers, and Insomnia Consulting to specialize in development, investment, and consulting for complex infrastructure projects, including transportation, waste-by-rail transfer, energy, facilities, and water. Abrams and her business partner published Level Up – a guidebook for entrepreneurs.

Abrams is also the CEO of Sage Works Productions, Inc., an entertainment production company. She conceptualized and produced the Academy Awards-shortlisted documentary All In: The Fight for Democracy and wrote the New York Times bestselling books Our Time is Now and Lead from the Outside. She is also the author of the political thrillers While Justice Sleeps and Rogue Justice, two children's books, and several romantic suspense novels, three of which are under development. She has been nominated for an Emmy and received the NAACP Image Award in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Sought-out to speak everywhere from TED, where her talk has almost 7M views and counting, to college campuses, to corporate board rooms, to the Commonwealth Club and Chatham House, Abrams is a powerful and passionate speaker. As TIME wrote of her, "People tend to remember the first time they heard Stacey Abrams speak, and it’s easy to see why."

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TINA BROWN

  • Award-Winning Journalist, Author, and Editor

Legendary editor, journalist, CEO, and New York Times bestselling author Tina Brown is an expert on leading through extreme disruption. Brown transformed Vanity Fair, increasing sales from 200K to 1.2M, reinvented The New Yorker, and pioneered online journalism as the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Beast. Now CEO of Tina Brown Live Media, she was the visionary Founder of Women in the World Summits and served as the CEO from 2010-2020. An engaging and talented speaker and moderator, Brown offers lessons on reinvention, shifting business models and market conventions, and taking risks.

Brown is the author of New York Times #1 bestselling biography The Diana Chronicles as well as The Vanity Fair Diaries: 1983-1992, which was named as one of the best books of 2017 by TIME, The Economist, Vogue, and more. Her new book The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor – the Truth and the Turmoil, which has been heralded as one of the most anticipated books of 2022, highlights Brown’s expertly observed insights into the world of the royal family. A leader in one of the most disrupted industries in our time, Brown was featured in CNBC’s documentary The Brave Ones, championing her leadership and legacy. Whether she’s sharing stories of triumphant turnarounds or offering concrete tools and inspiration for embracing risks, Brown is an engaging and powerful speaker who makes an impact with both individuals and organizations.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

PEGGY NOONAN

  • Pulitzer Prize-Winning Columnist for The Wall Street Journal

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and bestselling author Peggy Noonan has provided unique and thoughtful analysis of our nation and its leaders to millions of readers worldwide. Her Wall Street Journal column, Declarations, has run weekly since 2000. Forbes Magazine hailed her column as “principled, perceptive, persuasive, and patriotic.” She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary in 2017. Noonan has also served as a Special Assistant and speechwriter to President Ronald Reagan. In the Reagan White House, she worked alongside the President on speeches that span the 40th anniversary of D-Day, the Challenger disaster, and his Farewell Address. Noonan’s speeches are filled with humorous anecdotes and political insight, as entertaining as they are thought-provoking.

A current political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, Noonan provides unique and thoughtful analysis of our nation and its leaders. Noonan has spoken to groups as diverse as the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, World Affairs Council, the University of Charleston, the 92Y, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MIKA BRZEZINSKI

  • Celebrated Commentator on Current Events, World Affairs, and Women's Empowerment

The co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, founder of “Know Your Value,” and New York Times bestselling author, Mika Brzezinski is a celebrated, go-to voice on current events, world affairs, and women's empowerment.

Mika's “Know Your Value” is a nationwide movement in partnership with NBCUniversal to support an empowered and inclusive community that helps all women recognize, and be recognized for, their worth in business and in life. Mika is the author of seven bestselling books which serve as essential and inspiring guidebooks for empowering women, offering encouragement and practical advice on claiming and communicating their worth.

A former anchor of CBS Evening News Weekend Edition and CBS News correspondent who frequently contributed to CBS Sunday Morning and 60 Minutes, Mika has covered some of the most pivotal moments of the 21st century, from the September 11 attacks to multiple presidential elections. 

Mika offers empowering insights into women's equality and work-life balance as well as a dynamic perspective on the current political and media landscape.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MASAI UJIRI

  • Vice-Chairman and President, Toronto Raptors

Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors Masai Ujiri is a charismatic and visionary leader credited with driving his team to its most successful period in franchise history, including an NBA Championship. Having been named Toronto’s most influential person, he urges citizens to “believe in this city – believe in yourselves.” He has received numerous accolades for his executive leadership, and few speak as authoritatively about the strategy, teamwork development, and entrepreneurial mindset required to execute a turnaround the way Ujiri has done for several franchises as an executive, coach, and player. Ujiri's personal story reflects his entrepreneurial journey from Nigeria to being the most sought-after executive in the NBA.

A native of Nigeria, Ujiri speaks passionately about his development work in Africa, which is based on investment, not charity, and lifting up communities by empowering women and young people. Masai co-founded Giants of Africa, an organization which uses sport as a tool to enrich the lives of African youth and create opportunities for them on and off the court. Masai’s ethos is to “Dream Big,” and now GOA connects with youth – both boys and girls - in more than 17 African countries and territories. Ujiri has also served as the director of the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, and recently hosted the Moving Sports Forward: Turbo Charging Africa forum at the United Nations Unstoppable Africa Conference in New York City. 

A global citizen, Ujiri’s perspective is shaped by his executive and player experience around the world. He played professionally in Europe for six years, with stops in Belgium, Germany, England, Greece, and Finland. He has scouted all over the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Ujiri has also managed and coached the Nigerian junior and senior national teams. In 2020, Masai launched thatshumanity.org, inspired by his experiences and the lessons learned from leaders like Nelson Mandela. “For me,” he says, “it’s about seeing each other. Really seeing. Trying to understand what someone else is going through. And helping if we can. Even if it’s just a kind word. Some encouragement. That’s humanity.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JULIA GILLARD

  • 27th Prime Minister of Australia (2010-2013) & First Woman to Hold the Office

27th Prime Minister of Australia, world leader, and acclaimed author Julia Gillard offers fresh insights on geopolitics, the global economy, gender equality, and global health. The first woman to serve as Australia’s Prime Minister, Gillard received worldwide attention for her speech in Parliament on the treatment of women in professional and public life. Gillard is the author of three books: her memoir, My Story, Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons, co-authored by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, which analyzes the influence of gender on women’s access to positions of leadership, and Not Now, Not Ever: Ten years on from the misogyny speech, which explores the history and culture of misogyny and the roadmap for the future.

Gillard is a Distinguished Fellow with the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution in Washington and serves as an Honorary Professor at the University of Adelaide. She currently serves as Chair of beyondblue – one of Australia’s leading mental health awareness bodies, Wellcome – a global charitable foundation which supports science to solve urgent health challenges, and is the inaugural Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership – which is addressing women’s under-representation in leadership through research, practice, and advocacy. She previously led the Global Partnership for Education – the global funding body for education in developing countries. Gillard was appointed to lead South Australia’s Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care.

Named to Forbes list of “The World’s Most Powerful Women,” Gillard’s expertise in leadership, global and mental health, and gender equality has established her a global leader and key voice in today’s most important conversations.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GREG GUTFELD

  • Host, 'GUTFELD!' #1 Rated Late Night Show

Political satirist, libertarian, New York Times bestselling author, and hit TV host Greg Gutfeld has been called “outrageous and outspoken,” neither of which he denies. Greg is the host of the #1 rated late night show GUTFELD! on FOX News, where he parodies current events and tackles key issues with his trademark humor. One of the biggest stars of cable news, he also contributes to his own digital community The Gutter, where he covers every lifestyle topic imaginable with his unique comedic conservative-libertarian perspective. A gifted speaker, Greg delivers a custom tailored experience, enabling him to connect with every audience he meets, providing both a highly entertaining and thought-provoking event.

Greg is also a many-time New York Times bestselling author of The Joy of Hate, Not Cool, How to be Right, The Gutfeld Monologues, and The Plus: Self-Help for People Who Hate Self-Help. His next book, The King of Late Night, reveals how Greg took a throw-away time slot in the middle of the night and turned it into a cult classic, becoming who The Weekly Standard calls “the most dangerous man on television.” Greg consistently receives rave reviews, such as: “Greg was outstanding and the crowd loved him! People are still talking about how much fun they had and how funny and smart Greg was.” (Morris County Republican Committee)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KIZZMEKIA CORBETT-HELAIRE

  • Lead Scientist, COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Development

Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire was the scientific lead of the Vaccine Research Center’s coronavirus team at the U.S. National Institutes of Health where she studied coronavirus biology and vaccine development. Those 6 years of research led to the groundbreaking discovery that a stabilized version of a spike protein, which is found on the surface of all coronaviruses, would be a key target for vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her colleagues were central to the development of the Moderna mRNA vaccine and the Eli Lilly therapeutic monoclonal antibody, both of which were first to enter clinical trials in the world. As a result, her work is having a substantial impact on ending the worst respiratory-disease pandemic in more than 100 years. Dr. Corbett-Helaire is now an assistant professor in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her work now extends beyond the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines to the outlook of this pandemic and future viral pandemics.

Perhaps just as important as her scientific accomplishments, Dr. Corbett-Helaire has burst onto the public stage as the face of a diverse and rising generation of talented scientists who will transform the world. She is a stellar science communicator, explaining the vaccine and the virus in highly accessible ways to media outlets, two U.S. presidents, and audiences around the globe. 

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL

  • Member NBA Hall of Fame & 15-Time NBA All Star Player

Few individuals ever become iconic enough to be known by one name – Shaq. A cultural icon, Shaquille O’Neal is best known for an NBA career spanning nearly two decades and earning him the sport’s highest honors including membership in the NBA Hall of Fame. He electrifies the room with his larger-than-life personality and audiences always give him standing ovations for his motivational keynote speeches. When Shaq is at your event, every seat is filled and your event gets a lot of buzz. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

WHOOPI GOLDBERG

  • EGOT Award-Winning Actress and Comedian

Legendary artist and creator Whoopi Goldberg is one of an elite handful of entertainers and the first Black woman to achieve the EGOT status by winning an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, and a Tony Award. She has also won the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. She is also a prolific producer, and successful entrepreneur, and she is recognized worldwide for her humanitarian endeavors. Goldberg is a New York Times bestselling author of numerous books for children and adults, including The Sugar Plum Ballerinas series, Whoopi’s Big Book of Manners, and retrospective memoirs reflecting on her illustrious life and career. She is the moderator of ABC’s Emmy Award-winning The View.

Beyond her remarkable film, theater, and television career, Goldberg is equally well-known for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, the homeless, human rights, education, substance abuse, and the battle against AIDS. Among her many charitable activities, Goldberg is a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations. Her engaging stage presence, inspiring story, and signature wit have been sought out by 92Y, Kean University, DragCon NYC, Goodwin College, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA

  • Award-Winning Composer, Lyricist, and Performer

Award-winning composer, lyricist, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking and history-making Broadway shows have impacted and inspired audiences worldwide. 

The creator and original star of Broadway’s smash-hit musicals Hamilton and In the Heights, Miranda is the recipient of countless prestigious awards including the Pulitzer Prize in Drama, three Tony Awards, three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, a MacArthur Fellowship, and a Kennedy Center Honor.

 A passionate and dedicated philanthropist, Miranda has been instrumental in providing support for Puerto Rico and is a vocal advocate for equality nationwide. 

Funny, candid and inspiring, Miranda sheds light on the creative process and innovative thinking, his life and career, and the power of supporting the missions that matter to you. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE

  • Inventor of the World Wide Web

Named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Most Important People of the 20th Century,” one of the UK’s "100 Greatest Britons,” and one of the world's "Most Influential Thinkers”, Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the most powerful communication medium in the world — the World Wide Web — and gave it to the world for free. It is no exaggeration to say that Sir Tim’s visionary work has transformed every aspect of our lives. In these uncertain times, governments, organizations, and the public are all experiencing how invaluable the Web is to connect and solve problems together. Sir Tim’s genius is in understanding the next, new future. In his speeches, Sir Tim shares his insights about the unimagined potential of innovation, business, government and humanity with audiences who learn how to lay the groundwork for new technologies for competitive advantage and his thoughtful consideration about the how the future of the web will impact our recovery and how we can create the future we want.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOHN BOEHNER

  • Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2011-2015)

Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner has spent his political career working towards a smaller, less costly, and more accountable federal government. He took the gavel as Speaker of the House following a historic election in which Congressional Republicans, under Speaker Boehner’s leadership, picked up 63 seats in the U.S. House. Speaker Boehner represented the Eighth Congressional District of Ohio in the U.S. House for over two decades, serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, House Minority Leader, and House Majority Leader during his tenure. Boehner led the government through many pivotal historical moments, giving him a holistic view of politics, leadership, and decision-making.

For insight into what is happening behind closed doors in the current political landscape, turn to Speaker Boehner's firsthand perspective. His book, On the House: A Washington Memoir, recalls Boehner’s five years as Speaker of the House. Hosts such as Stanford University, Edison Electric Institute, the National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference, BMO Financial Group have sought his expert remarks.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JIM YONG KIM

  • President, World Bank Group (2012-2019)

12th President of the World Bank Group Jim Yong Kim is a global visionary devoted to improving the lives of people in developing countries and championing the cause of global health. Renowned for his pioneering approaches to tackling global health issues, education, and economic development at the World Bank, Kim re-defined the institution's work amplifying the voices of the world's poor, vowing to end extreme poverty by 2030.

Before his time at the World Bank, Kim served as President of Dartmouth College – becoming the first Asian-American president of an Ivy League institution – and as Executive Director and co-founder of the internationally renowned non-profit medical organization Partners In Health (PIH). At PIH, Kim helped launch a movement that changed global health forever, tackling some of the world's most difficult health problems, and proving experts wrong in what medical treatments and results are possible in communities of extreme poverty. Kim's work at PIH has now been replicated in 40+ countries and is chronicled in the award-winning documentary Bending the Arc and bestselling book Mountains Beyond Mountains. Kim also served as Chief of the Department of Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the World Health Organization's HIV/AIDS department. At WHO Kim led the groundbreaking "3 by 5" initiative, the first-ever global goal for AIDS treatment.

Sought-out to speak everywhere from TED to the World Economic Forum, Kim's ideas and efforts have changed the way the world thinks about global development. A physician and anthropologist, he is the recipient of a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship and has been recognized as one of America's "25 Best Leaders" by U.S. News & World Report, named to TIME's "100 Most Influential People in the World," and listed to Forbes' "World's Most Powerful People." Kim inspires people to change the world and provides eye-opening and empowering insights on just how we can do it

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ROBERT GIBBS

  • Executive Vice President & Global Chief Communications Officer, McDonalds (2015-19)

Top political advisor, communications expert, and trusted commentator Robert Gibbs offers audiences a unique perspective on today’s political, business, and media environment. A long-time senior advisor to President Barack Obama, Gibbs served as the White House Press Secretary from 2009-2011. After nearly a decade in Washington, he became Executive Vice President and Global Chief Communications Office of McDonald’s (2015-19). Following his departure, he became Senior Counsel at Bully Pulpit Interactive, where he focuses on executive communications, building social impact plans, and corporations’ responses to crises. Drawing on his experience as both a Washington insider and executive at one of the most recognizable companies in the world, Gibbs provides robust insights into everything from the economy and regulatory environment to healthcare reform.

With decades of communications experience at the highest levels, Gibbs brings a unique perspective to sought-after commentary and speaking engagements. He is a regular contributor for MSNBC and NBC News, as well as a co-host for the U.S. political podcast Hacks on Tap, alongside David Axelrod and Mike Murphy. Gibbs is uniquely positioned to lead brands, campaigns, and causes through times of immense change and strengthen reputations in a world which is constantly demanding more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JULIÁN CASTRO

  • Political Analyst, NBC News and MSNBC

Politician, author, and analyst Julián Castro has distinguished himself as a strong leader and successful public servant for nearly two decades. A former Democratic candidate for President, Castro served as the 16th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama from 2014 to 2017, and as mayor of San Antonio from 2009 to 2014. Today, Castro serves on the board of directors of the LBJ Foundation and is a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. Castro serves as CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, the nation’s largest Latino-serving foundation. From education to technology to safe and affordable housing, Castro has been at the forefront of some of the most innovative partnerships, programs, and achievements in the public sector.

His memoir, An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up from My American Dream, is a candid account of race and poverty in America. His views on equality, housing, and the future of America have been sought by America Votes, The National Association of Colleges and Employers, New York University, and more. In sharing lessons learned from the struggles and successes of his political journey, Castro gives audiences insight into how any group can make a significant change when it comes to America's most pressing issues.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHRIS CHRISTIE

  • Former Governor of New Jersey

55th New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is a high-profile figure in U.S. politics. He spent his two terms in office emphasizing the issues of fiscal responsibility, pension, health benefit reform, education reform, and the opioid crisis gripping his state and the nation. He also devised the state’s groundbreaking response to super-storm Sandy, leading the rebuilding of the state’s housing, infrastructure, and public schools, setting a bipartisan example for storm recovery. Gov. Christie is currently a Senior Legal and Political Commentator for ABC News and the Managing Member of the Christie Law Firm and Christie 55 Solutions, LLC. Previously, he served as Chairman of the Trump Presidential Transition Committee. He is the author of The New York Times bestseller Let Me Finish, detailing his life and career in New Jersey and as a candidate for President. In his book What Would Reagen Do?, Gov. Christie reflects on the past, present, and future of U.S. leadership. Lauded for his trademark charisma and candor, Gov. Christie provides an in-depth understanding of what is happening in the nation’s capital and what it means for your industry, organization, and employees.

Gov. Christie highlights achievable solutions and unrelenting leadership which will help move us forward and help solve the most pressing issues in Washington. Governor Christie currently serves on the Board of Directors of the New York Mets, appointed by owner Steve Cohen, Pacira Pharmaceuticals, and Saker Holdings. His insights have been sought by hosts such as Concordia, Motorola Solutions, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RIZ AHMED

  • Award-Winning Actor, Writer, Producer, Director, and Musician

Emmy award winner Riz Ahmed is a critically acclaimed actor, writer, producer, musician, director and activist.

Best known as the star of the explosively successful "The Night Of" on HBO, for which Ahmed became the first man of  Asian descent to win an acting award at the Emmys, Ahmed has graced the cover of TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” and earned inclusion in the "Variety 500."

As Riz MC, Ahmed came up in the London music scene as a rap battle champion, going on to write and perform both as a solo artist and with his band, Swet Shop Boy. A vocal activist and advocate, Ahmed has raised awareness and funds for Rohinya and Syrian refugees, and his award-winning piece in the Nikesh Shukla–edited collection of essays, The Good Immigrant, has been dubbed “essential reading.” 

Ahmed has been sought-out to speak everywhere from the British Parliament’s House of Common,  where he was an invited guest to speak on  diversity, to the BBC, where he’s spoken on harmful stereotypes and representation. He provides powerful remarks on diversity and inclusion, combating negative stereotypes, and harnessing creativity for good.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MAE JEMISON

  • First African American Woman in Space

American icon Dr. Mae C. Jemison broke more than the sound barrier in 1992 when she climbed aboard the space shuttle Endeavour – she became the first woman of color to travel into space. Dr. Jemison was NASA’s first Science Mission Specialist, performing experiments in material science, life science, and human adaptation to weightlessness. She now leads 100 Year Starship (100YSS), a bold, far reaching nonprofit initiative to assure the capabilities exist for human travel beyond our solar system to another star within the next 100 years. Dr. Jemison is a highly sought-after speaker on issues of health care, social responsibility, technology, education, STEM, and motivation.

Dr. Jemison is the Founder and President of The Jemison Group, Inc. (JG) – a technology consulting firm integrating critical socio-cultural issues into the design of engineering and science projects, as well as BioSentient Corporation - a medical devices and services company focused on improving health and human performance is such a company. An inductee of the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame, she is the author of Find Where the Wind Goes: Moments from My Life and editor of 100 Year Starship Canopus Award Anthology. Dr. Jemison is in demand with groups including DePaul University, MKTG, Girl Scouts of the USA, Qatar Foundation, among many others.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DICK COSTOLO

  • CEO of Twitter (2010-2015)

Time magazine named Dick Costolo one of the 10 Most Influential U.S. Tech CEOs. In his speeches, Dick Costolo calls on his experience as a digital entrepreneur, business executive, and surprisingly, his experience as an improvisational comedian to deliver entertaining, insightful speeches with a powerful message about the future of social media and the Internet. He is a digital entrepreneur who has launched a series of highly successful ventures, but when he became CEO of Twitter in 2010, he realized he was helping run more than digital platform. Twitter had become a tool to collapse regimes, a tool that gave a powerful voice for the unempowered, and created a new way for businesses to connect and news to be reported. More than ever before, social media was forcing ambitious and significant changes to politics, business, ethics, governance, democracy and inclusion. Twitter was enabling all of that while trying to grow revenue, manage rocket-speed growth, and court investors.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

URSULA BURNS

  • Former CEO & Chairman of the Board of the Xerox Corporation (2010-2017)

Ursula Burns made history as the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company when she became CEO of Xerox in 2009. Her journey from the lower east side projects, to earning two engineering degrees, and landing an internship at a company she would one day run, is a story that will inspire many. Burns is the author of Where You Are Is Not Who You Are: A Memoir, which received a rave review by the New York Times.

When Ursula took the helm at Xerox in 2009, she was tasked with turning around a company that was quickly becoming obsolete. Pushing for diversification and development of new products and services, and spearheading the largest acquisition in Xerox history, Ursula oversaw a monumental transformation and massive growth.

Ursula regularly appears on Fortune’s and Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful women. She helped lead the White House national program on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) from 2009-2016, currently sits as the Chairwoman of the Board at Teneo Holdings LLC and is on the board of Exxon Mobil, Endeavor, and Uber, and was previously on the board at Nestlé. She is also Co-Founder of Integrum Holdings, a private equity firm. Burns is on the Board Diversity Action Alliance, leading an effort to support diversity on corporate boards. 

An absolute force and American icon, Ursula shares her executive insights on leadership in a time of disruption, and instructs leaders how to answer the call to create more inclusive and diverse organizations. Her powerful and important conversations challenge and inspire audiences.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DAN SCHULMAN

  • Fmr. President & CEO of PayPal (2015-2023)

Visionary former CEO of PayPal and tech leadership expert Dan Schulman blends profit with purpose and focuses on improving the financial health of people, families, and businesses around the world. Frequently recognized by Fortune as one of the “Top 20 Businesspersons of the Year,” Dan encourages his audiences to embrace stakeholder capitalism, diversity, inclusion, and more, while prioritizing responsible and world class business practices. Prior to his role at PayPal, he served as Group President at American Express, President of the Prepaid Group at Spring Nextel Corporation following its acquisition of Virgin Mobile USA, Inc., where he led the company as its founding CEO for eight years, and President and CEO of Priceline Group, Inc. Dan is currently on the Board of Directors for both Verizon and Cisco. Dan has lead global brands through major periods of transition, consistently delivery results and building a reputation as a difference-maker. With his extensive experience in payments, e-commerce, and mobile technology, Dan is uniquely positioned to speak to the challenges and opportunities facing companies today.

Dan is consistently featured on “Best CEO” lists, including being named one of Glassdoor’s “Top 50 CEOs” and Fast Company’s “Top 100 Most Creative People.” Dan was also named one of Fortune’s “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” heralded for his willingness to step up and make the world better, inspiring others to do the same. Under his leadership, PayPal was named one of the top companies on JUST Capital and Forbes’ JUST 100 list, featuring “companies doing right by America.” PayPal was named to Morning Consult’s “Most Trusted Brands” list and has also been recognized as a Fortune Change the World company for its work to tackle the biggest challenges facing society today. In sought-after talks, Dan empowers audiences with his insights about the future of money, values-driven business, reimagining how merchants can continually strengthen their businesses, and innovative leadership.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SIMON SINEK

  • Renowned Leadership Expert

Simon Sinek is an unshakable optimist. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together. Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Sinek teaches leaders and organizations how to inspire people, foster cooperation, build trust, and effect change. 

The author of the global bestsellers The Infinite Game, Start With Why and Leaders Eat Last, Sinek is an ethnographer by training. Fascinated by the leaders who make an impact on the world and the companies and politicians with the capacity to inspire, Sinek's work focuses on the remarkable patterns in how such people and organizations think, act and communicate. 

With a bold goal to help build a world in which the vast majority of us wake up inspired, feel safe at work and return home fulfilled at the end of the day, he is leading a movement to inspire people to do the things that ignite their passion, creativity, and joy.

Sinek is posting videos and encouragement on LinkedIn for these challenging times. Here’s one of his gems: "It is rare for all humanity to have an opportunity to come together to help each other. This is one of those times."

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LORI GREINER

  • Shark on ABC’s 'Shark Tank'

Heralded as a legendary entrepreneur and inventor, Lori Greiner started with one idea and turned it into a multi-million-dollar international brand. Recognized as one of the most prolific inventors of retail products of our time, Lori has created and marketed over 1,000 products, holds 120 U.S. and international patents, and has a 90% success rate for new items launched. Lori is known for her impeccable negotiating skills and uncanny ability to know, identify, and launch emerging brands.

Lori is a leading Shark on ABC’s four-time Emmy-winning entrepreneurial business show, Shark Tank, where she invests in companies and helps turn peoples’ dreams into a reality. Lori has brought her engaging expertise on innovation, growth, and the world of business to groups including Verizon, Coldwell Banker, PayPal, IBM, Adobe, Chase, and many more.

At the heart of Lori’s success is the winning combination of her talent, hard work, and perseverance. A strong role model and true inspiration to many, she was honored with the Sherry Lansing "Woman of the Year" Award and by the Paley Center as an Important Woman in Television, listed as one of Success Magazine’s "Top 25 Personal and Professional Development Influencers to Follow," ranked by Business Insider Magazine as one of the "Top 30 Best Women Early-Stage Investors of 2023," and voted as a fan favorite on Shark Tank. Lori is a committed philanthropist and author of the international bestseller Invent It, Sell It, Bank It!. A force to be reckoned with in the business world and beyond, Lori delivers empowering insights and buzz-worthy takeaways, emboldening her audience to thrive in work and in life.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SERENA WILLIAMS

  • 23-time Grand Slam Champion, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Serena Ventures

Serena Williams has overcome insurmountable odds to win a staggering 23 career Grand Slams. Her remarkable tennis achievements, combined with her off-court success in business and fashion make her one of the most recognizable icons in the world and a powerful voice for women and mothers.

In March of 2022, Serena Ventures launched its inaugural $111M venture capital fund and currently maintains a portfolio of over 60 companies with a focus on diverse leadership. Williams’ fashion brand, S BY SERENA, celebrates body positivity and female empowerment. Her brand partnerships include Nike, Lincoln, Cash App, Just Egg, Gatorade, Michelob Ultra, Audemars Piguet, and Gucci.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

VENUS WILLIAMS

  • Legendary Tennis Champion: 7-Time Grand Slam Singles Champion, 5-Time Wimbledon Champion, 4-Time Olympic Gold Medalist

Legendary tennis champion, New York Times bestselling author, and entrepreneur Venus Williams has made a lasting impact on and off the court with her entrepreneurship, advocacy, and fight for equality. Venus has won 7 Grand Slam titles, 5 Wimbledon championships, and 4 Olympic gold medals, and was formerly ranked No. 1 in the world. One of the most accomplished and inspiring women in the history of sports, she has been a steadfast advocate for equal pay, women’s empowerment, and social justice. Venus is also the New York Times bestselling author of Come to Win. Venus shares her insights in motivational speaking events for groups including Capital One, Ernst & Young, Infor, Gannett, and many more.

Heralded for her innovative business acumen, Venus is the Founder of V Starr, a full-service commercial and residential design firm, and the fashion-forward activewear brand EleVen by Venus Williams. She has expanded her portfolio with the launch of her plant-based protein company Happy Viking. Venus recently served as the Executive Producer on the Academy Award-winning Warner Bros. biopic King Richard – which told the story of her father’s impact on her childhood and career as she became a tennis icon and changed the sport for generations to come. Venus has been honored with Variety’s “Power of Women” Award, as Glamour Magazine’s “Woman of the Year,” CARE Impact Award for Gender Equality, ESPN’s “WTA Player of the Year,” and one of Forbes’ “Celebrity 100.”

Venus consistently receives glowing reviews for her events, such as: “Venus was absolutely incredible. Everyone is still talking about her fireside chat. She was so gracious with her time and brought such amazing energy to the event.” (eXp World Holdings)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

AL GORE

  • Vice President of the United States (1993-2001)

Al Gore was referred to by TIME magazine as “a businessman who is out to change the world.” An environmental, business, and tech visionary recognized as one of the world's leading activists, Vice President Al Gore offers a unique perspective on national and international issues, including the threats of climate change and the future of tech. He is the Founder and Chairman of The Climate Reality Project, a nonprofit devoted to solving the climate crisis, and a co-founder of Climate TRACE.

Gore is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers An Inconvenient Truth and The Assault on Reason, the NYT bestsellers Earth in the Balance, Our Choice: A Plan To Solve the Climate Crisis, The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change, and most recently, The New York Times bestseller An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power. He is the subject of the documentary An Inconvenient Truth, which won two Oscars in 2006 - and a second documentary in 2017, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power. In 2007, Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, for “informing the world of the dangers posed by climate change.”

Consistently an active leader in technology, Al Gore is uniquely in touch with the opportunities and challenges in charting a new digital society. Vice President Gore’s status as a leader in global politics, technology and business influences his positions as member of the Board of Directors of Apple and a Senior Partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Silicon Valley’s preeminent venture firm. In addition, he is a Founding Partner and Chairman of Generation Investment Management, an asset-management company incorporating sustainability values into the financial-services world.

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DICK CHENEY

  • Vice President of the United States (2001-2009)

Across four decades of public life, American statesman Dick Cheney has served at the highest levels of the U.S. Government and private sector. As White House Chief of Staff in the aftermath of Watergate and America’s withdrawal from Vietnam, Wyoming’s Congressman and a member of the House Republican leadership during the Reagan years, Secretary of Defense as the Cold War ended and America defeated Iraq in Desert Storm, former CEO of Halliburton, and Vice President of the United States on 9/11 at the dawn of the Global War on Terror, Cheney has participated in many of the events that have shaped our nation for over four decades. Few Americans alive today can match the breadth and depth of his experience and service. As a statesman, policymaker, businessman, and politician Cheney’s insight, experiences and knowledge are unparalleled.

Cheney has been recognized by many as the most powerful and consequential vice president in American history, remaining steadfast to the ideals that define him and true to his principles. He continues to shape the future of the energy industry in profound ways as a board member of WellAware, a leading industrial Internet of Things Company that offers data analytics solutions for the oilfield industry. Cheney is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several books, including his memoir In My Time, Heart: An American Medical Odyssey, and Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America, which he co-authored with his daughter, Congresswoman Liz Cheney. In his writing as well as in virtual speaking engagements, Vice President Cheney shares his enduring political vision with courage and without compromise.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BOZOMA SAINT JOHN

  • Trailblazing Brand Marketing Executive

A trailblazing and genuine change-agent, Bozoma “Boz” Saint John is a Hall of Fame Inducted Marketing Executive, author, and entrepreneur who is worthy of the Harvard Business School case study written about her career, titled “Leading with Authenticity and Urgency.” Few people have the depth and breadth of experience that Boz has. Couple that with her remarkable success at Netflix, Pepsi, Apple, Uber, and the Endeavor brands (WME | IMG, Miss Universe, Ultimate Fighting Champion, Professional Bull Riders, and more) and you have one of the most effective marketers of any generation. On February 21, 2023, Viking Books published her memoir, The Urgent Life.

With almost 20 years of experience that spans multiple industries including digital music and entertainment, consumer packaged goods, fashion, sports and automotive, Bozoma is a leader heralded for her bold thinking and cutting-edge ideas. Prior to Netflix and Endeavor, she served as the Chief Brand Officer at Uber, where she was tasked with telling the stories of millions of riders and driver-partners across over 600 cities, and as the Head of Global Consumer Marketing for Apple Music and iTunes, where she built and launched Apple Music, as well as spearheaded campaigns geared towards growing consumer brand recognition, loyalty, and equity around the world. 

Recognized for her breakthrough work by both the industry and her peers, Boz is a member of the Billboard Hall of Fame, the American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievement and American Marketing Association Hall of Fame. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, named Forbes #1 Most Influential CMO in 2021, Executive of the Year by Billboard Magazine, and featured in lists such as Fortune’s "Most Influential CMOs," Fast Company’s and Ad Age’s "100 Most Creative People," and more. 

Hailed as the "coolest person to ever go on stage at an Apple event,” by Buzzfeed, Bozoma brings unparalleled energy, transformative thinking, and innovative ideas to each engagement.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MARCUS BUCKINGHAM

  • New York Times Best-Selling Author, Researcher, and Founder of the Strengths Revolution

Marcus Buckingham is a global researcher and New York Times bestselling author focused on unlocking strengths, increasing performance, and pioneering the future of how people work. He is the author of two of the best-selling business books of all time, First, Break All the Rules, and Now, Discover Your Strengths, and his tenth book, Love + Work (Harvard Business Review Press) is a WSJ bestseller and has been heralded by Forbes as one of the ten must-reads for career and leadership. Marcus’ 2019 Harvard Business Review cover article, "The Feedback Fallacy," was selected by HBR as one of the most influential articles of the last 100 years, and Marcus’ strengths assessments have been taken by over 10 million people worldwide.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MIKA BRZEZINSKI & JOE SCARBOROUGH

  • Hosts of MSNBC's 'Morning Joe'

Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski are morning television’s hottest political duo and the co-hosts of MSNBC's Morning Joe, one of the most popular and influential shows on politics because of who watches it – namely, every member of the Washington political ecosystem, from journalists and legislators to staffers and consultants.

An entertaining pair, they are as popular on stage as they are on TV. Tailoring their remarks to every audience, they can speak about the current political environment, current events, the current media landscape, and leadership and business news.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

EHUD BARAK

  • Prime Minister of Israel (1999-2001)

Few individuals have the breadth of political, economic and military leadership experience as former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, enabling him to speak with authority on a wide range of issues, including international diplomacy, global economic matters, and terrorism.

From an economic perspective, PM Barak served for many years as an advisor to hedge funds and private equity firms, and is currently a member of the CIFC— a NASDAQ credit manager with $14 billion under management. A respected voice on economic matters, PM Barak has offered his insight at the World Economic Forum, SkyBridge Alternatives (SALT) Conference, and to various international firms and businesses.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GLENNON DOYLE

  • #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of 'Love Warrior' and 'Untamed'

Author, activist, and philanthropist Glennon Doyle was anointed the “patron saint of female empowerment” by People Magazine. She is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller UNTAMED, a Reese’s Book Club selection which has sold over 3M copies. She is also the author of GET UNTAMED: THE JOURNAL; the #1 New York Times bestseller LOVE WARRIOR, an Oprah’s Book Club selection; and CARRY ON, WARRIOR.

Glennon currently hosts the WE CAN DO HARD THINGS podcast, which debuted at #1 on Apple’s podcast charts and was named the #1 New Podcast of 2021 on Apple Podcasts. She is the founder and president of Together Rising, an all-women-led nonprofit organization that has revolutionized grassroots philanthropy – raising over $50 million for women, families, and children in crisis. She brings her unmatchable energy, insightful analysis, and creative spirit audiences love to every live discussion.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ERIN BROCKOVICH

  • Iconic Environmental Activist and Consumer Advocate

Say the name Erin Brockovich and you think, strong, tough and stubborn. Erin is all that and more. A formerly-unknown legal researcher who became a 20th century icon overnight thanks to Julia Roberts Oscar-winning tour de force, Erin’s dogged persistence was the impelling force behind the largest medical settlement lawsuit in history. 

And she’s kept fighting for the people one town at a time. In her latest book, Superman’s Not Coming, she brings to light the stark truths of America today: resources are exhausted; corruption is rampant; infrastructure is outdated; water and health issues affect us all - rich and poor, Republicans and Democrats. Erin gives permission and empowers people to take action so that they can save their families, their communities, and the planet. 

Erin uses her life experiences to motivate and bring inspiration to audiences worldwide, providing lessons on her four steps to success, her motto for resilience and perseverance, and advocacy for the causes that matter. Her motto comes from famed biologist Rachel Carson: "We are challenged as mankind has never been challenged before to prove our maturity and our mastery, not of nature, but of ourselves." 

Erin teaches that it will be up to us, we the people, to change our course.  

HWA EXCLUSIVE

PETE DAVIDSON

  • Famed Comedian and Actor

Stand-up comedian, actor and writer Pete Davidson recently completed his seventh season as a cast member on Saturday Night Live.

Davidson, 27, is the first SNL cast member to be born in the 1990s. Davidson shot his first one-hour stand-up special for Comedy Central in 2016 and was named one of Forbes’ 2016 “30 Under 30.” In 2020, he released the stand-up special, “Pete Davidson: Alive From New York,” on Netflix.

Davidson co-wrote, executive produced and starred in the critically acclaimed film The King of Staten Island, released in 2020. He has also starred in the independent film Big Time Adolescence, Netflix’s Mötley Crüe biopic The Dirt, Netflix’s Set It Up and John Turturro’s The Jesus Rolls. He was most recently on screen in The Suicide Squad.

Davidson’s upcoming film projects include Meet Cute, I Slept With Joey Ramone, Worst Man and Bodies, Bodies, Bodies.

Davidson is from Staten Island, N.Y., and his birthday is Nov. 16.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

STEVE FORBES

  • Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Media

Steve Forbes is Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, and an internationally respected authority in the worlds of economics, finance, and corporate leadership. With the economy at the forefront of conversation on a global level, Mr. Forbes offers long-standing insights that capitalism, free markets, and a flat tax are essential to a healthy economy. This is a message Mr. Forbes has been delivering as editor of one of the world’s most successful business magazines for decades, and he continues to be one of the most sought-after speakers on this and other economic issues leading the economic debates around the world.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KARL ROVE

  • Foremost Conservative Commentator & Strategist

Iconic campaign strategist Karl Rove is one of the most sought-after political pundits of our time, widely respected for his robust knowledge of major political issues. Rove served as Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush overseeing the Offices of Political Affairs, Public Liaison, Intergovernmental Relations, Strategic Initiatives and as Deputy Chief, the White House Policy process. Before the White House, he ran Rove + Co., a public affairs firm that consulted on over 75 GOP campaigns for Senator, Governor, Congress, and statewide office. Rove writes a weekly op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, appears frequently on Fox News, and is the author of the New York Times bestseller Courage and Consequence and The Triumph of William McKinley. Conservative editor and columnist Fred Barnes called him “the greatest political mind of his and probably of any generation.”

From major international conferences and association meetings to college campuses and corporate events, Rove's shrewd analysis resonates with audiences. Diverse organizations including the National Association of Chain Drug StoresSinai Health SystemCignaYahoo!University of North Carolina-Wilmington, and more have sought out Rove as a speaker. Sponsors hosting Rove have reported his remarks "were extremely insightful and very helpful to our industry leaders"(Edison Electric Institute) and "provocative, lively and thoughtful" (Nomura) with audiences" often erupting in applause" (Wabash College) and for presentations praised as "one of the highest-rated" (The TriZetto Group). 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MICHAEL STRAHAN

  • Pro Football Hall of Famer, Broadcaster, & Entrepreneur

Two-time Emmy winner, Super Bowl Champion, and Peabody Award-winning journalist Michael Strahan is a business mogul with an ever-expanding portfolio. After a spectacular NFL career that earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame, Strahan joined the ranks of top sports broadcasters and co-hosted the hit talk show LIVE with Kelly and Michael and headlined FOX's Thursday Night Football Pregame Show. He currently co-hosts ABC’s Good Morning America, serves as an analyst for FOX NFL Sunday, in addition to hosting ABC’s game show favorite $100,000 Pyramid. Strahan’s New York Times bestselling book, Wake Up Happy: The Dream Big, Win Big Guide to Transforming Your Life, encapsulates the uplifting and inspiring energy he brings to his sought-after keynotes and conversations, for memorable events with audiences of all kinds.

Strahan is the Co-Founder of SMAC Entertainment, and the MICHAEL STRAHAN lifestyle brand encompassing clothing, lifestyle, skincare, and an NFL licensed apparel line. He made history as the first American News Anchor to go to space, participating in the Blue Origin spacecraft launch. Strahan is a committed philanthropist, donating his hands and heart to numerous charities including the USO, HELP USA, and Merging Vets and Players. Heralded for his highly sought-after perspective, Strahan talks about his storied career, how to overcome self-doubt to pursue your passion, and ‘Strahan’s Rules’ – a mix of mental discipline, positive thinking, and a sense of play – making a major impact with individuals and organizations.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CECILE RICHARDS

  • Co-Founder, Supermajority

Cecile Richards, Co-Founder of Supermajority and Former President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund (2006-2018), is a globally respected activist and social justice leader. Named to TIME’s “100 Most Influential People in the World”, Richards is celebrated for her vocal, dedicated and strategic leadership as well as her extensive advocacy experience at grassroots organizations, in the non-profit sector and in Washington. The author of a new book, and instant New York Times Bestseller, Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead, Richards offers powerful insights and sharp commentary on leadership, women’s rights, social justice, and politics. A dynamic and empowering speaker who has addressed audiences everywhere from Talks at Google to Harvard University, Richard motivates audiences to action.

In 2019, Richards launched Supermajority, a new home for women’s activism, training, and the mobilization of a multiracial, intergenerational community to fight for gender equality. While at the helm of Planned Parenthood, Richards led a federation of more than 600 health centers, providing high-quality health care to millions of people each year, and directed a staff of more than 500 in the national offices. Under Richard's leadership, Planned Parenthood expanded advocacy efforts to include fighting for access to health care, and she leaves Planned Parenthood with 12M supporters and counting, four times more than when she joined.

Before joining Planned Parenthood, Richards served as deputy chief of staff for House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. In 2004, she founded and served as president of America Votes, a coalition of 42 national grassroots organizations working to maximize registration, education, and voter participation. She began her career organizing low-wage workers in the hotel, health care, and janitorial industries throughout California, Louisiana, and Texas.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BEN SHERWOOD

  • Founder and CEO, MOJO sports tech and media company

Top media executive, New York Times bestselling author, and innovative tech entrepreneur Ben Sherwood offers game-changing insights on bold leadership in times of disruption. An award-winning journalist, Sherwood previously served as President of ABC News, as well as Co-Chairman of Disney Media Networks, and President of Disney|ABC Television Group. He is the author of multiple bestselling books, including the New York Times bestseller The Survivors Club, which explores the secrets and science of the world’s greatest survivors. Sought after for his masterful storytelling, Sherwood shares the secrets to unleashing creativity and innovation, and leading through disruption.

Consistently ranked in The Hollywood Reporter’s annual list of “Most Powerful People in Entertainment,” he is also the Founder and CEO of MOJO, a sports tech and media company on a mission to make youth sports fun, easy and accessible for everyone. Leveraging his experience managing a 12B business with Disney|ABC, Sherwood has pivoted to scale his startup within a year to high-profile partnerships with the NBA, MLB, NFL FLAG, and FC Barcelona, winning the 2021 Webby Award for “Best Sports App on the Internet” and recognition from Front Office Sports as one of the 30 Best Employers in the global sports industry. A compelling keynote speaker, Sherwood regularly receives rave reviews such as: “Ben's message is deep, highly relevant, and of great intrinsic value. He hit the ball deep into the seats.” (The Masters Forum)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RONAN FARROW

  • Pulitzer Prize-Winning Investigative Reporter and New York Times Bestselling Author

Ronan Farrow is a contributing writer to The New Yorker, where his investigative reporting has won the Pulitzer Prize for public service, the National Magazine Award, and the George Polk Award, among other honors. His stories for The New Yorker exposed the first sexual-assault allegations against the movie producer Harvey Weinstein and the first misconduct allegations against CBS executives, including then C.E.O. Leslie Moonves. He was also responsible for the first detailed accounts of payments made by the National Enquirer’s parent company in order to suppress stories about Donald Trump during the 2016 Presidential campaign. Farrow's latest book, Catch and Kill is a New York Times bestseller with a companion Peabody Award-winning podcast which has topped the Apple Podcast charts. Farrow is also currently producing documentaries for HBO. 

Before his career in journalism, Farrow served as a State Department official in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He is also the author of the New York Times bestseller War on Peace: The End of Diplomacy and the Decline of American Influence

Farrow has been named one of Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People" and one of GQ's "Men of the Year". His speeches have been selected among NPR’s “Greatest Commencement Speeches Ever” and Huffington Post’s "Top 10 Speeches of the Year".

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LAWRENCE SUMMERS

  • Economic & Financial Thought Leader

An expert on domestic economics and a leading authority on international finance, Larry Summers is one of the most distinguished voices on the issues and policy impacting the global economy. His frequent commentary is regarded as essential input to crafting economic policy, and he has remained for decades a well respected statesman of the American economy.

Prior to serving in the Obama Administration as Director of the National Economic Council, Dr. Summers was 71st Secretary of the Treasury during the Clinton Administration, President of Harvard University, and Vice President of Development Economics and Chief Economist of the World Bank. Dr. Summers’ tenure at the U.S. Treasury coincided with the longest period of sustained economic growth in U.S. history. He is the only Treasury Secretary in the last half century to have left office with the national budget in surplus. During his tenure in the Obama Administration, Larry Summers emerged as a key economic decision-maker and continues to be called upon as the number one resource for the most pressing economic debates of the day. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

AMY SCHUMER

  • Emmy Award-Winning Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer, and Director

Amy Schumer is an Emmy-winning and Golden Globe-nominated standup comedian, actress, writer, producer and director. She is the creator, star, writer and executive producer of the award winning Inside Amy Schumer, the popular Comedy Central television series, which premiered in April 2013 to the network’s highest season premiere ratings of that year.  Inside Amy Schumer won numerous awards including a Writers Guild Award for Best Comedy/Variety Sketch series, the first-ever Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sketch Variety Series, and the prestigious Peabody Award. In 2019, she was nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Writing For A Variety Special category for her comedy special Amy Schumer Growing. Schumer’s latest one-hour Comedy special titled The Leather Special is currently streaming on Netflix. 

Schumer’s first book, the #1 New York Times bestseller The Girl with The Lower Back Tattoo, is a refreshingly candid and uproariously funny collection of personal and observational essays.

Schumer is also known for her work in films, including Universal Pictures film Trainwreck, the mother-daughter comedy Snatched, which she also produced, and the drama Thank You For Your Service. In 2018, Schumer starred and produced the STX comedy, I Feel Pretty.

Often touring theaters and arenas all over the world, Schumer is the only female comic to headline Madison Square Garden. She is a proud founding member of Time’s Up. Her podcast, Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith premiered its fifth season on Spotify this past March.

In July 2020, Schumer’s three-part documentary series, Expecting Amy premiered on HBO Max. The docuseries takes viewers behind-the-scenes as Amy battles through an extraordinarily difficult pregnancy, while documenting the formation of her latest comedy special. She also premiered the second season of her cooking show, Amy Schumer Learns to Cook, with her husband Chris Fischer who is an award-winning chef on the Food Network this past August. Up next: Life and Beth, a comedy series via Hulu which Schumer will star in, write, direct and executive produce, and Stephen Karam’s The Humans that Schumer will star in.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TYLER PERRY

  • Famed Actor, Producer, Writer, and Director

Tyler Perry is an established American actor, director, screenwriter, producer, playwright, and author.  Born into poverty and raised in a household scarred by abuse, Tyler fought from a young age to find the strength, faith and perseverance that would later form the foundations of his work. 

Tyler started his career writing plays, many of which later became the inspiration for his film projects and included the introduction of the now-legendary Madea character, played by Tyler himself.  Tyler’s first feature film, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, debuted at number one nationwide. His ensuing films include Madea's Family Reunion, Daddy's Little Girls, Why Did I Get Married?, Meet The Browns, The Family That Preys, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, Why Did I Get Married Too?, For Colored Girls, Madea's Big, Happy Family, Good Deeds, Madea's Witness Protection, The Single Mom’s Club, Boo! and Boo! 2: A Madea Halloween, A Madea Family Funeral, Gone Girl, Vice and more.

With the historical official opening of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Perry is the first African American man to ever be at the helm of a major studio.

In conversation, Perry touches upon all of his experiences, ranging from his work in film and television to his activism on behalf of others and the journey it took for him to get where he is today.

HWA CO-EXCLUSIVE

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER

  • Governor of California (2003-2011)

California’s 38th Governor, Hollywood icon, and philanthropist Arnold Schwarzenegger is known globally for his impact in the worlds of sports, entertainment, environmentalism, and philanthropy. He continues to inspire global audiences as the #1 New York Times bestselling author of two books reflecting on his success: Be Useful: Seven Tools For Life and Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story. Gov. Schwarzenegger’s iconic life story, impeccable presentation style, and insightful takeaways leave audiences buzzing for weeks. The Association of Energy Engineers called him “an excellent speaker with an excellent message.”

Gov. Schwarzenegger champions a wide range of philanthropic causes. He advances solution-oriented policy at the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and environmental innovation at The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative. His perspective on global issues has been sought by hosts such as the Cardiovascular Research Foundation, the Association of Energy Engineers, and the Zero Emission Conference.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

STEVEN VAN ZANDT

  • Musician, Songwriter, Music and TV Producer, and Actor

Musician, producer, actor, activist, and historian Steven Van Zandt is internationally recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on rock and roll. After creating the “Jersey Shore” sound with the Asbury Jukes, he became a founding member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. He is the founder of Renegade Nation, Renegade TV, and Wicked Cool Records, and launched the internationally syndicated radio show Little Steven’s Underground Garage and its “country cousin” Outlaw Country. As an actor, Van Zandt co-starred in The Sopranos – the single most critically acclaimed TV drama in history. Van Zandt has been called “the ultimate rock and roll rebel” (Real Time with Bill Maher), “the coolest DJ in the country” (MTV), and “the planet’s most charismatic, dedicated, and visible crusader scrapping to preserve the dirty purity of Rock ‘n Roll” (BruceSpringsteen.net).

Van Zandt has organized and performed for political causes for four decades. He created the Rock and Roll Forever Foundation to support music education and help inspire kids to stay in school. Van Zandt became the first Ambassador for the Ronald McDonald House Charity, and has received countless awards and honors, including the We are Family Foundation’s Humanitarian Award for his continued fight against racism. An epic presence of insightful commentary and contagious humor, Van Zandt says:  I do believe Rock and Roll can change the world.  It’s about bands, and that for me suggests brotherhood, family, friendship, and community.”

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALEX RODRIGUEZ

  • Chairman and CEO, A-Rod Corp

Alex Rodriguez is a businessman and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A-Rod Corp, a broad-based investment firm that bets on world-class startups and partners with leading global companies across the real estate, health and wellness, technology, and sports & entertainment industries. While best known as one of the world’s greatest athletes (a 14x MLB All-Star and a 2009 World Series Champion with the New York Yankees), for more than 25 years, Alex leads a team of experts building high-growth businesses and enhancing the value of more than 30 companies in the A-Rod Corp portfolio.

Alex founded A-Rod Corp in 1995, purchasing a duplex apartment on the theory that investing his MLB earnings wisely would protect him from the kinds of financial struggles that afflict too many professional athletes. While he racked up extraordinary stats on the field (696 home runs and more grand slams than any other MLB player in history), Alex simultaneously assembled an impressive team at A-Rod Corp, bought apartment units across the Southeastern U.S., and built a fully integrated real estate and development company. In 2020, Alex joined CGI Merchant Group's hotel investment fund to acquire and develop properties across North America and the Caribbean.

Following his success in real estate, Alex has invested in a variety of sectors where he has expertise. He looks for long-term opportunities to provide financial capital, work alongside founders and leadership, and amplify the growth of each company.

In addition to leading A-Rod Corp, Alex is CEO of Slam Corp, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) with Antara Capital Chairman Himanshu Gulati as equal partner. Slam Corp is seeking to acquire a leader in the consumer tech, media, entertainment, and health and wellness sectors.

In 2021, Alex joined the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx ownership group. In addition to his ownership role, Rodriguez serves as a strategic advisor to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and is an investor in Blue Crow Sports. In the same year, Alex formed A-Rod Media, a strategic pillar within the organization to house all media activity. A-Rod Media offers scalable, multimedia capabilities, including original content creation, compelling narrative storytelling, and audience engagement across all marketing platforms.

Alex is an Emmy Award-winning MLB analyst for FOX Sports and ESPN. He has been a judge and investor on ABC’s Shark Tank, mentored financially distressed ex-athletes on CNBC’s Back in the Game, and co-hosted the podcast The Corp with Barstool Sports’ Dan Katz, interviewing CEOs, entrepreneurs, and sports legends. Committed to creating opportunities for young people to succeed, Alex serves on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of America and is in the National Alumni Hall of Fame, and the Boards of Trustees of the University of Miami. His gifts to the University of Miami and Florida International University have provided scholarships to dozens of students.

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LINDSEY VONN

  • One of the Most Successful Skiers of All Time

Olympic gold medalist and one of the most successful skiers of all time Lindsey Vonn also a New York Times bestselling author, sports broadcaster, and mental health advocate. Following a stellar career as an alpine skier, Vonn pivoted to lend her knowledge of the sport to NBC’s coverage of the Beijing Olympics, appearing on the Today Show, in the studio, and as an alpine analyst sharing her many insights. She is the New York Times bestselling author of several books, including Strong is the New Beautiful and her memoir, Rise: My Story. An elite athlete, Vonn is a clear example of how leadership and determination lead to winning results. She is the Founder of the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, an organization established to empower young girls, and launched "Lindsey Vonn's Virtual Career Day" which brings together young scholarship winners from the Lindsey Vonn Foundation with an expert in their intended field. Vonn speaks authentically about her career and her challenges, sharing insights and takeaways about resilience, risk-taking, and overcoming adversity that empower audiences of all kinds.

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MICHAEL EISNER

  • Chairman & CEO, The Walt Disney Company (1984-2005)

Michael Eisner teaches audiences how to develop corporate creativity and strategically invest in innovation, based on his experiences as CEO of Disney and as Founder of The Tornante Company, a fund to invest in and develop companies in the media and entertainment sector. Both Fortune 500 CEO and entrepreneur, Mr. Eisner knows that even large global companies can innovate and adapt to new markets, new economies and new technologies. Through his remarks, he not only inspires corporate innovation, he gives parameters for successful execution such as brand building, establishing strategic partnerships and employee work teams.

Under the leadership of Michael Eisner, Walt Disney Company revenues grew from $1.7 billion to more than $170 billion by focusing on the power of ideas, pursuing the innovative vision, and taking creative risks. As a leader in the media industry for four decades, Mr. Eisner has overseen organizations recognized for their inventiveness and innovation, experienced an explosion of technological advances that have impacted his business and led his companies through the advent of the next big ideas. In his presentations on leadership, he shares his insights on what it takes to run a company that must always grow and change.

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MARK WAHLBERG

  • Award-Winning Actor and Producer

Mark Wahlberg earned both Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominations for his standout work in the family boxing film, The Fighter, and Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed drama, The Departed. He has played diverse characters for visionary filmmakers such as David O. Russell, Tim Burton, and Paul Thomas Anderson. His breakout role in Boogie Nights established Wahlberg as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents.

Wahlberg’s remarkable film career began with Renaissance Man, directed by Penny Marshall, and The Basketball Diaries with Leonardo DiCaprio, followed by a star turn opposite Reese Witherspoon in the thriller, Fear. He later headlined Three Kings and The Perfect Storm with George Clooney and The Italian Job with Charlize Theron. Wahlberg then starred in the football biopic, Invincible, and Shooter, based on Stephen Hunter’s best-selling novel, Point of Impact. Wahlberg reunited with The Yards director James Gray and co-star Joaquin Phoenix for We Own the Night, which he also produced. In 2013, he teamed with director Peter Berg on military drama, Lone Survivor, and 2 Guns with Denzel Washington. The following year, he starred in Ted 2 with Seth MacFarlane and Daddy’s Home opposite Will Ferrell. Wahlberg’s additional credits include The Gambler, The Lovely Bones, The Other Guys, Pain & Gain, Contraband, Ted, and Transformers: Age of Extinction. Also recently, he starred in Deepwater Horizon, Patriots Day, Transformers: The Last Night, Daddy's Home 2, All the Money in the World, Mile 22, and Instant Family. He will soon star in the Netflix film, Wonderland.

An accomplished film and television producer, Wahlberg has produced Instant Family, Mile 22, Daddy's Home 2, Patriots Day, Deepwater Horizon, Entourage, The Gambler, Lone Survivor, Broken City, Contraband, The Fighter (for which Wahlberg was nominated for an Oscar® for Best Picture), and We Own the Night. For television, Wahlberg is executive producer of Emmy-nominated Wahlburgers on A&E and hit comedy Ballers on HBO. He executive produced HBO’s Entourage through its impressive eight-season run as well as Boardwalk Empire, How to Make It in America, and In Treatment. He recently executive produced three seasons of Shooter for USA Network. For his work in television, Wahlberg has received a BAFTA, a Peabody, seven Emmy nominations, six Golden Globe® nominations, and a Golden Globe® Award for Boardwalk Empire in 2011.

A committed philanthropist, Wahlberg founded The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation in 2001 to benefit inner-city children and teens. He was inducted into the Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s Alumni Hall of Fame in 2012. Additionally, he is the recipient of the Bob Hope Award from the Medal of Honor Society for his work to support our military.

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KATE MCKINNON

  • Emmy Award-Winning Comedian and Actress

Kate McKinnon won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2016 and 2017 and has been nominated every year from 2014 to 2020 for her work on Saturday Night Live. In addition, she earned a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series in 2016.

McKinnon’s recent roles include Jay Roach’s Bombshell opposite Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, Danny Boyle’s Beatles inspired romcom Yesterday, starring opposite Mila Kunis in the Lionsgate action-comedy The Spy Who Dumped Me, Paul Feig’s reboot of Ghostbusters, Rough Night opposite Scarlett Johansson, and Office Christmas Party with Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston. In addition, she has voiced roles in several animated projects, including Oscar-nominated Ferdinand, Angry Birds and Pixar’s Finding Dory.  She has also voiced several TV series, including The Magic School Bus Rides Again for Netflix, The Simpsons and Family Guy. She was nominated for a 2017 Daytime Emmy for her work on the PBS animated series Nature Cat and can be heard as ‘Queen Mortuana’ in the Audible medieval fantasy-comedy series, Heads Will Roll, which she co-created.

Upcoming projects include the Fox Searchlight/Hulu limited series The Dropout, where she’ll be portraying Theranos founder, Elizabeth Holmes and playing Carole Baskin in the UCP limited series, Joe Exotic, based on the Wondery podcast and characters made popular on Netflix’s doc series, Tiger King for Comcast/Peacock.

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JOHN MULANEY

  • Two-Time Emmy Award-Winning Writer and Comedian

John Mulaney is a two-time Emmy and WGA award-winning writer, actor, and comedian.

In 2018, he traveled the United States with sold out Kid Gorgeous tour, which was later released as a Netflix stand-up special and won the Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Variety Special; In 2015, he released The Comeback Kid, also a Netflix original, which The AV Club called the “best hour of his career;” In 2012, his Comedy Central special New In Town had Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly hailing him as “one of the best stand-up comics alive.” Starting March 2022, he’ll be touring with his newest hour John Mulaney: From Scratch.

Solidifying himself as a fan favorite, John Mulaney has been invited to host  Saturday Night Live  five times. He began writing for SNL in 2008 and created memorable characters such as ‘Stefon’ with Bill Hader and appeared as a “Weekend Update” correspondent. He has written for IFC’s Documentary Now! and Netflix’s Big Mouth, on which he voices the character of Andrew. John will star in the new reboot of Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers on Disney Plus this Spring opposite Andy Samberg.

He’s also starred on Broadway in the runaway hit written and performed alongside Nick Kroll in Oh, Hello On Broadway. The duo have since release a Netflix special of the same name, as well as Oh, Hello: The P’dcast, based off their characters Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland.

In December 2019, the critically acclaimed and Emmy nominated musical variety special John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch debuted on Netflix. It was recently announced that festivities will continue with a pair of holiday themed Sack Lunch Bunch specials coming to Comedy Central in the near future.

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RICHARD THALER

  • Winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences

Nobel laureate Richard H. Thaler is a preeminent behavioral economist studying decision-making in the intersection of economics, finance, and psychology. Thaler co-authored global bestseller Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness and authored Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics alongside numerous articles in prominent academic journals: The American Economics Review, The Journal of Finance, The Journal of Political Economy, and more. He is a regular contributor to the New York Times Economic View column. Thaler was honored with the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his outstanding contributions to behavioral economics.

Thaler is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences. He is a Founding Principal at Fuller and Thaler Asset Management. He was an informal advisor to the coalition government led by David Cameron, the Obama administration, several professional sports teams, and the Alliance for Decision Education. He has been invited to speak to the London School of Economics, Talks at Google, the Aspen Institute, and more.

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JOHN KRASINSKI

  • Famed Actor, Writer, and Director

John Krasinski has established himself as one of the most exciting talents as an actor, writer and director, engaging audiences on the big and small screen. Having first rose to fame as Jim Halpert in the award-winning television sitcom The Office, Krasinski has gone on to co-write, direct and star in the Academy Award-nominated A Quiet Place, star in Sony Pictures Classics film The Hollars, direct Brief Interviews with Hideous Men, and star in the current Amazon series Jack Ryan, among many other commercially and critically successful projects.  

Krasinski also produces a diverse slate of projects through his production venture, Sunday Night, which he formed with Allyson Seeger.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Krasinski created and hosts Some Good News, a Youtube web series entirely dedicated to good news. Operated from inside Krasinski's home, and featuring special guests from David Ortiz to the cast of Hamilton, the show has over 1.5 million subscribers, with multiple episodes going viral. 

In engaging, hilarious, and inspiring remarks, Krasinski shares lessons-learned over the course of his career, insights into the creative process, and how to use your platform for good. 

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WENDY DAVIS

  • Founder, Deeds Not Words - nonprofit for women's empowerment

Former Texas State Senator and Founder of the non-profit Deeds Not Words, Wendy Davis is renowned as a passionate advocate for women in social, economic and political spheres. After skyrocketing to near celebrity status through her historic 13-hour filibuster in the Texas Senate to stop a legislative effort that would have dramatically reduced women’s access to healthcare, Davis emerged as a leader in the national conversation surrounding women’s leadership and issues which threaten our individual opportunities. Long before she was a Texas State Senator and Texas’ Democratic nominee for Governor in 2014, Davis struggled with the same obstacles faced by women around the country. Determined to break the cycle of poverty she’d been born into, Davis fought to juggle school, career and single motherhood and uses those experiences to connect with others in order to shape perspective. Through Davis’ work at Deeds Not Words, for which she earned a spot on Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business,” she is shaping the next generation of leaders and directly working to foster diversity, inclusivity, and change at the highest levels of business and government.

At the podium, Davis combines the power of personal storytelling with her deep policy understanding to explain why equitable policies matter in the lives of women as well as the overall health and vibrancy of our economy, guiding organizations across industries toward a better understanding of the institutional value in creating diverse work environments, and key issues such as pay equity, family leave, and harassment policies. A living testament to the ability we each possess to rise above challenges and succeed, Davis demonstrates the power of each of our unique voices, and the value in raising them for what we believe in. Audiences are left inspired to utilize their individual strengths into meaningful contributions, and organizations are left with the tools and insights needed to advance positive change.

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JIMMY WALES

  • Founder, Wikipedia - world's 5th most visited website

Leading futurist and ground-breaking tech entrepreneur Jimmy Wales is one of the most sought after visionaries in business and technology. Wales is the Founder of Wikipedia, the 5th most-popular website in the world, which strive to create free access for all to the sum of human knowledge. The stunning feat of democratization of information celebrated it’s 20th anniversary, having become a cultural phenomenon and remaining a leader in the fight against the proliferation of false information online. The tech giant creator is also the Founder of WT.Social, a collaboratively editable social networking platform, which aims to change the way we digest news. Driven by his passion for innovation, disruption, and the endless possibilities in the future of tech, Wales is a compelling and motivational keynote speaker for audiences of all kinds.

Named one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential People, Wales has also been heralded by the World Economic Forum as one of the top 250 leaders across the globe for his accomplishments, his commitment to the society, and his potential to shape the future of the world. Audiences praise Wales for his optimism for the future as well as his masterful ability to speak on complex issues ranging from AI, trends in new media, disruption, and resiliency. He consistently receives rave reviews for his in-demand events, such as: "We were all so thrilled with Jimmy. He was so open and dedicated to share with us, McCann people, media, students and the keynote audience such inspiring stories about him, Wikipedia and basically about such a wide array of interconnected subjects. We were all inspired in such a fantastic way by his presence here." (McCann/Thiess)

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AUSTIN CHANNING BROWN

  • Leading and Inspired Voice on Racial Justice

New York Times bestselling author, media producer, and sought-after speaker Austin Channing Brown is a leading and inspired voice on racial justice in America. Austin is known for her New York Times bestseller I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, which was a Reese’s Book Club pick, and her adaptation with new stories for young readers, I’m Still Here: Loving Myself in a World Not Made for Me. I’m Still Here shot to the top 20 of Amazon’s bestsellers list, has been featured in all major publications, and received acclaim from Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and more. Austin’s workshops and talks are incisive, fun, disarming, and above all, transformative. She’s been sought-after by groups including Wells Fargo, Elon University, the Coalition of Black Social Workers, and many more.

Austin is also the Founder and CEO of Herself Media, and creates content that centers the experiences of Black women, dismantling the foundations of white supremacy. She is also the Executive Producer and Host of The Next Question – a web series that imagines how expansive racial justice can be. Her nationally-celebrated first season of TNQ featured MacArthur Genius Nikole Hannah-Jones, NYT bestselling authors Brené Brown, and Jasmine Guillory. In addition, Austin is a co-host of the Full Reset podcast. By using an intentional mix of humor, pop-culture, story-telling, and audience engagement, she awakens people to the current realities of systemic racism and the everyday actions which allow racism to thrive. Austin evokes thought, feeling, and action as she celebrates Blackness and the possibility of justice in our organizations and communities.

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AYỌ TOMETI

  • Human Rights Leader and Co-Founder, #BlackLivesMatter

Ayọ (fka Opal) Tometi is one of the most influential human rights leaders of the century according to TIME magazine. As one of the three women co-founders of Black Lives Matter digital platform and chapter-based network, her name is etched in history. Hailed as a feminist freedom fighter, Ayọ is respected for her track record of uniting communities, and for her thought leadership on race, immigration, and gender. In 2019 she completed nearly a decade of service as the Executive Director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), the first immigrant rights organization for people of African descent in the United States. Ayọ is a trusted advisor and serves on the board of  Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity and the International Living Futures Institute. She has graced the cover of magazines because of her achievements and received numerous recognitions including an honorary PhD, being named most influential women of the century by USA Today, TIME Magazine, and Most Influential People by Forbes, Marie Claire, Glamour and Cosmopolitan magazines. Ayọ was also honored by the City University of New York (CUNY) with a scholarship in her name to support immigrant students pursuing law degrees. In 2019 she also received the Coretta Scott King Center Award and Douglass 200 Award, and is currently featured in a video installation at the Smithsonian’s National Museum for African History and Culture for her contributions in thought-leadership for the betterment of the diaspora. As the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Ayọ has set her movement sights on an even bigger struggle: uplifting Black lives worldwide. In 2020 she founded Diaspora Rising, a new media and advocacy hub dedicated to strengthening the bonds amongst members of the global Black family. Additionally, she's focused on other social enterprises. With nearly two decades as a human rights champion, she still feels her work has only just begun.

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MAX BAUCUS

  • U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China (2014-2017)

Former United States Senator and Ambassador to China Max Baucus is a leading voice on business, public policy, and international affairs. As Montana's longest-serving senator, Baucus established himself as one of the Senate’s most productive and least partisan members, building a record of accomplishment on a broad range of policy issues both domestic and foreign. He held the position of Chair of the Senate Finance Committee for nearly a decade. In his years as an elected official and diplomat, Baucus was engaged in the most consequential issues of the past half-century and continues to provide counsel as co-founder of the Baucus Group. Baucus’s insights on all topics politics, policy, and trade are at the cutting edge of international understandings.

In-demand for his views on politics and industry, Baucus serves on the board of Ingram Micro and previously served on the board of advisors to the Alibaba Group and External Advisory Board to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. He now devotes much of his time to the Max S. Baucus Institute at the University of Montana, founded to give young adults opportunities in politics, government, and overseas studies. His influential voice has been sought by hosts such as Princeton University, AMG National Trust Bank, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, and more.

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PAUL TUCKER

  • Chair, Systemic Risk Council

Sir Paul Tucker is one of the most respected central bankers and financial policy makers of our time. He is Chair of the Systemic Risk Council, a Harvard University Fellow, and former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England. Tucker spent more than three decades in central banking, including experience in Asia, and was knighted for his reforms, which are creating a more resilient international banking system. Internationally, he was a member of the G20 Financial Stability Board, leading its work on “too big to fail, and a director of the Bank for International Settlements. Tucker’s most recent book, Unelected Power, examines the extraordinary powers central banks have wielded in the wake of the financial crisis, and what needs to be done to ensure they remain legitimate stewards for the common good. At the podium, Tucker reveals and unpacks key insights into everything from the future for monetary policy, the future of Europe, Brexit and international trade, to stability in the financial system, and the evolving role of central banks.

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SUNNY HOSTIN

  • 3x Emmy Award-Winning Legal Journalist

Sunny Hostin is a three-time Emmy Award-winning legal journalist, two-time New York Times bestselling author, and co-host of The View. She is a sought-after keynote speaker who earns rave reviews for her events. Hostin’s debut novel Summer on the Bluffs, first in her "Summer" trilogy, skyrocketed to #11 on the New York Times Bestseller List and is being adapted as the first major project for Sunny Hostin Productions alongside Octavia Spencer's Orit Entertainment. She recently released the second book in her acclaimed ‘Summer’ series, Summer on Sag Harbor. In the fall of 2020, Hostin released her memoir, I Am These Truths: A Memoir of Identity, Justice, and Living Between Worlds, with HarperOne. 

Hostin has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes Woman, Essence, The CUT, Latina, and Ebony, amongst others. A sought-after public speaker, she has spoken at and moderated panels for the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, Corporate Counsel Women of Color, the National Bar Association, and more. Hostin served as a witness at the Federal Judiciary’s Congressional Hearing for the Public’s Right of Access to the Courts, and was she was part of the groundbreaking ABC primetime newscast, “Soul of a Nation,” the first broadcast network newsmagazine aiming to put Black life in America front and center. An inescapable voice from the top echelons of news and entertainment, Sunny continues to use her platform to advocate for and give a voice to the marginalized.

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LAWRENCE O'DONNELL

  • Host, MSNBC's 'The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell'

Lawrence O'Donnell is an Emmy-winning producer and the host of MSNBC's The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell. Bringing his extraordinary background in politics, entertainment and news to the nightly program, O'Donnell provides the last word on the important issues and most compelling stories of the day. 

A sought-after speaker for his straight talking political commentary, O'Donnell has an uncanny ability to go beyond the headlines to provide audiences with prescient analysis.

Prior to his time as a political analyst, O'Donnell served as an executive producer for the acclaimed series The West Wing, a senior advisor on Capitol Hill, and a political columnist and writer.

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JANE PAULEY

  • Host, 'CBS Sunday Morning'

CBS Sunday Morning’s Jane Pauley is one of broadcasting’s most respected journalists and hosts. Prior to anchoring on CBS, Pauley spent over a decade on NBC's Today and co-hosted Dateline NBC for over a decade. Pauley is the recipient of multiple Emmys, the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, the Edward R. Murrow Award for outstanding achievement, and the Gracie Allen Award from the Foundation of American Women in Radio & Television. Pauley is a member of the Broadcast and Cable Hall of Fame. She is the author of two New York Times bestsellers: a memoir, Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue and Your Life Calling: Reimagining the Rest of Your Life. A familiar face on television, Pauley’s celebrity fills the room with optimism, and audiences often ask her to return, citing their audiences’ warm reception.

Pauley is praised by audiences for her relatable and personal inspirational message. She advocates for people 50+ starting different careers, making a difference, and pursuing their dreams. She is also a highly regarded advocate for mental health, children’s health, and education issues. Pauley has shared her inspiring message with hosts including the American Academy of Physician Assistants, National Association of Community Health Centers, California State Association of Counties, and more.

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CHARLES BLOW

  • Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times & MSNBC Analyst

Columnist, New York Times bestselling author, and MSNBC Analyst Charles Blow fearlessly tackles today’s most pressing issues with depth, nuance, and tremendous insight. Now an Op-Ed columnist at The New York Times, Blow previously served as the paper’s Graphics Director, leading The Times to significant awards. He has also worked as the Art Director of National Geographic Magazine and for The Detroit News. Blow is the New York Times bestselling author of Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which won a Lambda Literary Award, the Sperber Prize, and appeared on numerous “best of” lists. A memoir, the book was called “searing and unforgettable” by People Magazine and was adapted into a critically-acclaimed opera with a groundbreaking run at The Metropolitan Opera – the first performance of an opera there by a Black composer. His second book, The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto, draws on both his personal experience and observations of society to call for an end to systemic racism. Blow is a prolific and insightful commentator on politics, public opinion, and social justice, often challenging those in power with clarity and candor.

Heralded for his forward-thinking coverage of American politics and society, as well as his skill in graphic design to create powerful narratives with compelling visuals, Blow is also an in-demand speaker and gifted moderator. He has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, SalonTV, CBS News, and regularly as an analyst on MSNBC, and has been featured in The Washington Post, The Ringer, Oprah Daily, and more about his highly acclaimed work. An advocate for social justice and racial equity, Blow speaks about income inequality, xenophobia, and mental health, generating impactful conversations that resonate with audiences of all kinds.

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SEKOU KAALUND

  • U.S. Bank Executive Vice President and Head of Branch and Small Business Banking

U.S. Bank Executive Vice President and Head of Branch and Small Business banking, Sekou Kaalund has two decades of Wall Street experience spanning leadership in institutional and retail businesses, making him a highly regarded authority on strategic leadership and targeted, sustainable impact. A former leader at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as well as Citi, Kaalund has established key connections across client segments and industries, and is a highly sought-after speaker for his insights on strategizing growth, developing talent, and forming inclusive teams that have a major impact on organizations of all kinds. Prior to joining U.S. Bank, he spent the last 15 years at JPMorgan Chase in a variety of leadership roles across institutional and retail businesses, most recently serving as Head of Consumer banking for the Northeast division. While managing complex firmwide relationships, he launched Advancing Black Pathways, the first global corporate initiative that leveraged a data-driven strategic framework to develop scalable programs to reduce the racial wealth gap, which led to a historic five-year firm-wide $30B commitment to advance racial equity. He has offered riveting keynotes at the Milken Global Conference, National Urban League, the Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Conference, and many more, and has led engaging conversations at Chase Talks with Kevin Hart, Grant Hill, Dominque Wilkins, among many others.

Kaalund’s contributions have received numerous accolades including being named on Ebony’s “Power 100” list as a “Titan of Industry,” the SAID Institute’s Mark of Excellence award, World of Money’s Wall Street Legacy Award, and being named one of Face2Face Africa’s “30 Black Stars.” He has been featured in Forbes, Black Enterprise, Essence, and on the BBC, NBC, and CNBC. Kaalund has been honored by the All Stars Project for leadership and community impact, the Council of Urban Professionals, the Harlem YMCA, and the Boys and Girls Club of American inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 2011. He serves on several boards, and his leadership initiatives include the tech partnership “Advancing Black Entrepreneurs” StartupBus, a hackathon on wheels.

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GLORIA STEINEM

  • Iconic Visionary of the Women's Movement

Writer, political activist, and feminist organizer Gloria Steinem is an iconic visionary of the women’s movement. She founded New York and Ms. magazines, and is the New York Times bestselling author of The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off!, Revolution From Within, Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions, and My Life On the Road, which was named one of the “best books of the year” by both O: The Oprah Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar and became the basis for the biopic The Glorias, directed by Julie Taymor and starring Julianne Moore. One of the most visible symbols of the movement, Steinem continues to be an ever-present and sought-after speaker on all fronts of social activism.

Steinem is the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as the Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum. For her writing, Steinem has received the Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Society of Writers Award from the United Nations, among many others. Steinem co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Ms. Foundation for Women, the Free to Be Foundation, the Women’s Media Center, Equality Now, Donor Direct Action, and Direct Impact Africa. She produced Viceland TV’s WOMAN, a series exploring human rights and violence against women around the world. As an in-demand speaker, Steinem consistently receives glowing reviews such as: "Gloria was absolutely amazing. It was like an out of body experience to hear from her. Everyone was blown away." (The Robert Toigo Foundation)

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ASHLEY JUDD

  • Award-Winning Actress

Actor, activist, and New York Times bestselling author Ashley Judd is heralded for her unforgettable performances and tireless advocacy work. From starring roles in box office hits and award-winning independent films, Judd’s films tell very personal stories that tap into larger issues, and she brings this gift for storytelling to all her speaking engagements. A voice for the often voiceless, she shines an illuminating light on the vulnerable and the at-risk. Judd has traveled the world with her international public health work, from maternal health to child survival, human rights to disease prevention and treatment. She has been working with NGO’s, grass roots organizations, governments, and supranational bodies since 2004, and detailed her experience in her New York Times bestselling book, All That Is Bitter and Sweet. For her sought-after speaking engagements, Judd regularly receives glowing praise such as: “Ashley Judd walked onto the Ford Hall Forum stage and hit it straight out of the park from her first word to her last. She is not only incredibly intelligent and a top-notch presenter, but also thoroughly knowledgeable and committed... It was clear that the audience found Judd completely captivating and a true inspiration.” (Ford Hall)

Judd was named one TIME’s “Persons of the Year” for her role as a silence-breaker and change-maker of the #MeToo movement, shifting the culture and conversation around sexual abuse and harassment. She is a sought after public speaker and frequent OpEd author on topics as diverse as conflict mineral mineral mining and child marriage. She serves as the Global Goodwill Ambassador for UNFPA, the Global Ambassador for Population Services International, and is Chairperson of the Women’s Media Center Speech Project: Curbing Abuse, Expanding Freedom. She has received the Muhammad Ali Kentucky Humanitarian Award and her alma mater, the University of Kentucky, established the Ashley T. Judd Distinguished Gradate Fellowship in the Office for Policy Studies on Violence Against Women. Judd illuminates topics of women’s rights, mental health, the environment, and more with her indelible storytelling and global experience, and hosts rave about her impact: "Ms. Judd was the perfect choice for the closing keynote. She had obviously done her homework on the ATHENA leadership principles because she connected her remarks directly to them. She was intelligent, thought provoking, humorous, sincere, warm and extremely engaging. Conference attendees raved about her and she and her staff were delightful to work with. I would highly recommend her as a speaker." (Güd Marketing | Marketing That Matters)

Please visit ashleyjudd.com to learn more about Judd's latest projects and advocacy work.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY

  • Academy Award-Winning Actor

Academy Award-winning actor, New York Times bestselling author, and philanthropist Matthew McConaughey is a force of nature both onscreen and in business. He has appeared in over 40 feature films that have grossed over $1B. McConaughey’s first book, Greenlights, became an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and has sold over 3M copies worldwide. His second book, a children’ book titled Just Because, also debuted as an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. In 2019, McConaughey became a professor of practice at the University of Texas at Austin, as well as Minister of Culture/M.O.C. for the University of Texas and the City of Austin. McConaughey is co-owner of The Austin FC Soccer Club, co-creator of his favorite bourbon, Wild Turkey Longbranch, and co-founder of tequila brand Pantalones. McConaughey is heralded for his constant career reinvention, inspiring audiences globally to chase their dreams.

An outspoken advocate for public education, McConaughey founded the just keep livin’ Foundation to impart students with the tools to lead active lives and make healthy choices for a better future through after school fitness programs. McConaughey has spoken on empowerment, education, and achievement to AMC, Credit Suisse, the Texas Apartment Association, and many more. In engagements equally empowering and entertaining, McConaughey shares lessons from his life and career, the impact of his philanthropic efforts, and the importance of following passion.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RICKI LAKE

  • Actor, Producer, and Documentarian

Pop culture icon Ricki Lake has built an award-winning acting and producing career on her graciously candid sensibility and her authentic, relatable nature. A storyteller, talk show host, documentarian, and passionate activist, Lake has worked hard to make this world a better place through the use of her voice and platform. Lake’s legacy is undoubtedly her ability to share the truth on a wide variety of subjects through her unique lens.

Rising to fame at 18 years of age as the original Tracy Turnblad, in John Water’s Hairspray, she went to on make more than 20 films including Cry-baby, Serial Mom, and Mrs. Winterbourne among others. Ricki then went on to become the youngest talk show host in history at the age of 24. Her show was the voice of the younger generation and the success of her show was unprecedented and changed the genre of talk television forever.  

Lake’s award-winning documentary The Business of Being Born has become a national platform and tool for childbirth education in schools and hospitals, and is hailed as the “must see” film among mothers to be. In addition to other successful film projects, Lake also executive produced documentary film Weed the People, which examines the use of cannabis as medicine for children with pediatric cancer and its status as a Schedule I prohibited drug in the United States.

The author of Never Say Never: Finding a Life That Fits, Lake speaks to worldwide audiences, offering actionable advice for those struggling in their own skin. In empowering, impassioned conversations, Lake shares her journey from troubled childhood to weathering near-bankruptcy, an extremely difficult divorce, and the suicide of a deep love to ultimately finding success and happiness. In recalling the ups and downs of her experience, she reminds audiences that life always hands you the unexpected, so you should never say never. With her signature informative yet conversational delivery, Lake educates people on how to make informed choices when it comes to their health and inspires any group to let go of their own fears to find happiness within themselves.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KEVIN HASSETT

  • Managing Director at the Milken Institute, and the Brent R. Nicklas Distinguished Fellow in Economics at the Hoover institution. Stanford University.

29th Chairman of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) Dr. Kevin Hassett is among the world’s leading economists. Prior to becoming Chairman of the CEA, Hassett was an economist at the American Enterprise Institute, serving as a Director of Research. Dr. Hassett was a senior economist at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and an associate professor of economics and finance at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business of Columbia University. He has also served as a visiting professor at New York University’s Law School, a consultant to the U.S. Treasury Department, and an advisor to political campaigns. Sought out by numerous presidential candidates, Dr. Hassett served as an economic adviser to the presidential campaigns of George W. Bush (2004) and John McCain (2000, 2008).

With his finger on the pulse of today’s markets, Dr. Hassett currently serves on One River Digital Asset Management's Academic and Regulatory Advisory Council, Managing Director at the Milken Institute, and the Brent R. Nicklas Distinguished Fellow in Economics at the Hoover Instituion of Stanford University. Dr. Hassett remains a foremost voice in economic forecasting, advising major institutions and news outlets on policy, trends, and best practices.

While at the White House, Dr. Hassett was the top public spokesperson for the White House on economic policy and the state of economy, appearing regularly on FOX, FOX Business, CNBC, MSNBC, Bloomberg, CNN, and more, even running televised White House press briefings. Dr. Hassett has spoken to hosts such as TC Energy Corporation, the National Association of Realtors, Young America’s Foundation, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ELIZABETH NYAMAYARO

  • Humanitarian and Voice for Global Social Change

Elizabeth Nyamayaro is an award-winning humanitarian, author, and former United Nations Senior Advisor on gender equality. Born in Zimbabwe, Elizabeth has worked at the forefront of global development for over two decades improving the lives of underserved populations, and has been instrumental in fighting global inequalities, advancing social justice, and challenging the status quo to accelerate women’s rights around the world – through her leadership roles at the World Bank, World Health Organization, UNAIDS, UN Women and the United Nations World Food Programme. Elizabeth is the mastermind behind HeForShe, a United Nations global solidarity movement for gender equality that took the world by storm, generating more than 1.2B conversations on social media and galvanizing men in every single country in the world in just five days. With her TED Talk garnering more than 1M views in its first weeks alone, Elizabeth is a prominent thought-leader and has engaged at global forums such as World Economic Forum in Davos, Cannes Film Festival, Skoll World Forum, Harvard, Oxford, the British Parliament, among others.

Named as Apolitico’s "100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy" in 2018 & 2019, Elizabeth has been touted by The New York Times as “one of only two women transforming Davos.” She has been featured in Vogue, Fast Company, Wired, Fortune, Elle, BBC, and CNN. She has also served as a Glass Lions jury at Cannes Lions and has received the PR Council Trailblazer Award for Social Impact and the Feminist Majority Foundation’s Global Women’s Rights Award. A Political Scientist by training, Elizabeth holds a Masters of Science in Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science and leadership education from the Harvard Business School. Elizabeth wrote a memoir about her life and experiences, I Am A Girl From Africa.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ITZHAK PERLMAN

  • 16 Time Grammy Award-Winning Violinist

One of the only household names in classical music today, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, he is treasured by audiences who respond not only to his remarkable artistry, but also to his irrepressible joy for music-making and communicating with music lovers around the world. In his presentations, Mr. Perlman's joy of music is brought to life on stage as he uses his violin to demonstrate the power of music by emotionally connecting with his audience.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ELLIE KEMPER

  • Emmy Award-Nominated Actress and Comedian

Known for her television roles on the American version of The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Ellie Kemper is an actress, writer, comedian, and the author of My Squirrel Days, a collection of personal essays that detail her journey from adolescence to Emmy-nominated actress.

In conversations that are equal parts funny and inspiring, Kemper shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time on two of America’s most beloved modern shows; her rise from a struggling actor to a television star; the importance of mentorship in her career; balancing her acting career, publishing a book and having a child in the span of two years; how to keep a positive outlook when facing the challenges of the modern world; and how to effectively follow your dreams.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALEX MOFFAT

  • Actor, Comedian, and Writer

Actor, comedian, and writer Alex Moffat recently wrapped a six-season run on Saturday Night Live as a main cast member. He is best known for his impersonations of Joe Biden, Eric Trump, Mark Zuckerberg, Anderson Cooper, Joe Scarborough amongst others, as well as his prolific original recurring Weekend Update character ‘Guy Who Just Bought a Boat’. Alex has appeared in the indie film Susie Searches, which recently appeared at TIFF, as well as Holidate for Netflix, the live action hybrid feature Clifford for Paramount, Someone Great for Netflix and the indie Opening Act. On the television side Alex will appear in Bill Lawrence’s Bad Monkey for Apple, and can also be seen in Showtime’s Billions. Alex has lent his voice to Disney's sequel Wreck-it Ralph 2 as well as the upcoming Daria re-boot for Paramount.

Alex creates personalized, hilarious performances for any audience looking for an upbeat and lighthearted event. Moffat has been a hit with trade associations, corporate meetings, and college groups, adding levity to every program. Spending the earlier years of his career in Chicago, he was a regular performer at iO and The Annoyance Theatre as well as an official acro-dunker for the renowned Chicago Bulls. He played in the Celebrity All-Star game in February 2020. Both in character and as himself, he receives raves from in-person and virtual audiences, and is a gifted host, moderator, and emcee who leaves a lasting impression on any audience.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

VANESSA BAYER

  • Emmy-Nominated Comedian and Actor

Emmy Award-nominated actor, writer, comedian, podcaster, and author Vanessa Bayer is known for her seven seasons on Saturday Night Live, which garnered her an Emmy nomination and an American Comedy Award. Other notable projects include NBC’s Will and Grace, FOX’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, ViacomCBS’s Drunk History, HBO’s Crashing, and ABC’s Modern Family and Single Parents, and films include Trainwreck, DC League of Super Pets, and Ibiza, among many others. Bayer also co-hosts the interview podcast How Did We Get Weird? with her brother, and is the co-creator and star of Showtime’s I Love That For You, a comedy series inspired by her own story of overcoming childhood leukemia. One of Hollywood’s funniest actors working today, Bayer brings comedy and commentary to your next event and makes an impact for audiences of all kinds.

Bayer’s children’s book How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear? teaches children and adults how to support friends through long-term illnesses, inspired by her own battle with leukemia. For her advocacy raising awareness, she was honored with The Gilda Award from Gilda’s Club. Bayer is the Co-Creator, Executive Producer, and star of Showtime’s new series I Love That For You, which is inspired by her own story of overcoming childhood leukemia. Bayer shares with humor and candor insights from her rising stardom, her journey overcoming adversity, and how she cultivated resilience through comedy and storytelling in memorable keynotes and conversations.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

W. KAMAU BELL

  • Sociopolitical Comedian, Producer, and Documentarian

Sociopolitical comedian, Emmy- and Peabody-winning producer, and New York Times bestselling author W. Kamau Bell is a revered cultural commentator, using hilarity and profound insight to illuminate today’s biggest issues – and where we can go from here. He is the host and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning CNN docuseries United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell, in which he explores communities across America to understand the unique challenges they face. Kamau is known for his Netflix stand-up comedy special Private School Negro, his one-man show The W. Kamau Bell Curve: Ending Racism in About an Hour, and his FX & FXX comedy series Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. His first book, The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell: Tales of a 6' 4", African American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama's Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedian, is a humorous, well-informed take on the world today from “the most promising new talent in political comedy in many years” (The New York Times). Kamau is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Do the Work!: An Anti-Racist Activity Book, with Kate Schatz. In sought-after talks, Kamau leverages humor as a tool for transformative conversations.

Kamau serves on the advisory boards of Right To Be (formerly Hollaback!), Donors Choose, and is the ACLU Celebrity Ambassador for Racial Justice. He’s been nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards, a GLAAD award, and has been featured on Conde Nast’s “Daring 25” list. He has hosted three critically acclaimed podcasts: Kamau Right Now!, Politically Re-Active, and Denzel Washington is The Greatest Actor of All Time Period. Kamau is the director of the critically acclaimed documentary Cultureshock: Chris Rock’s Bring the Pain, and is the director and producer of the four-time Emmy-nominated docuseries We Need to Talk About Cosby. Kamau tackles some of the nation's most longstanding complex issues in accessible and empowering talks for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHARLES DUHIGG

  • New York Times Bestselling Author, 'The Power of Habit', 'Smarter Faster Better', and 'Supercommunicators'

Charles Duhigg’s The Power of Habit has spent three years on the New York Times Bestseller list. His new book, Supercommunicators: The Power of Conversation and Hidden Language of Connection, delivers a simple but powerful lesson: With the right tools, we can connect with anyone. Duhigg’s work explores why – and how – people and companies develop habits (and how to change them), and how we can communicate during some the most important, and most difficult, conversations in life.

In his two books, as well as Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business (2016) Duhigg explains that managing how you think—rather than what you think—can transform your life. Duhigg's journalistic accomplishments, including a Pulitzer Prize, have made him an in-demand speaker for organizations from the UCLA School of Management to Google and Microsoft to Fortune 500 companies and the National Association of Science Teachers. His presentations are filled with stories, case studies and actionable advice about how to communicate with anyone – and become the best versions of ourselves. He current writes for The New York Times Magazine and The New Yorker, and previously hosted the How To! podcast for Slate Magazine. He has received the Scripps Howard National Journalism Award, numerous other honors, and was a 2020-2021 Business News Visionary Award recipient

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ELIZABETH DUKE

  • Governor of the Federal Reserve (2008-2013)

Elizabeth “Betsy” Duke is a highly regarded banker with many firsts as a woman in banking. Although she has been a key decisionmaker in the boardroom of both the Federal Reserve and a major US bank, her commonsense view of the world was shaped in 30 years of community banking and small business lending. She joined the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in 2008, just as the financial crisis got underway. With her practical understanding of the banking industry, she was the Fed’s point person on housing, consumer and small business issues during the crisis and the recovery. She stepped up to chair the board of directors of Wells Fargo after the discovery of serious sales practices issues required that company to take a hard look at its culture. As Board Chair she oversaw a nearly complete replacement of the board and management team and maintained regular dialogue with investors and regulators.

Today, her understanding of the perspectives of both investors and public policymakers combines with her high-level experience and crisis-tested judgement to give color and texture to her remarks. Audiences appreciate that Duke has walked down Wall Street, Main Street, and Constitution Avenue. Her speeches and panel discussions highlight the interplay between the banking system and the economy with a focus on fiscal, monetary, and regulatory policy. With a conversational style, she approaches policy from the standpoint of the factors that shape it and the consequences that flow from it.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TIMOTHY SNYDER

  • #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of 'On Tyranny' and 'Our Malady'

Yale University historian of Nazism and communism Timothy Snyder was described by the New York Times as a "public intellectual unafraid to make bold connections between the past and present." His book On Tyranny was #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List more than two years after its publication, thanks to Snyder’s unique ability to distill practical guidance for action from the darkest chapters of history. It has been used around the world in defense of democracy.  

His newest book Our Malady is a short, urgent examination of healthcare as a human right which begins from Snyder's recent and nearly fatal illness. From his hospital bed, he rethinks the connections between the health we lack and the freedom we need. In a time of authoritarianism and pandemic, the timeliness of this book cannot be overstated. Both a cri de coeur and a data-driven argument, it shows the way towards an America that is both healthy and free.   

Snyder is also well known internationally for the prize-winning Bloodlands, which explains the most murderous events of the time of Hitler and Stalin in Europe. In his book Black EarthSnyder explains the Jewish Holocaust in ways that help us to better understand the basic predicaments of our own time. In The Road to UnfreedomSnyder charts the path from democracy to tyranny (and back). All five of these books were or are New York Times bestsellers.

A masterful presenter, Snyder is sought out by groups around the world to understand the direct line between big ideas of the past and our lives today.

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TOM BOSSERT

  • Former Homeland Security & Counterterrorism Advisor

Former Homeland Security Advisor to two presidents, Tom Bossert has been a leading voice on U.S. cybersecurity operations and policy for over a decade. During his time in the Trump Administration, Bossert was the Chief Advisor on global health security, cybersecurity, homeland security, and counterterrorism. In his 2017 talk at the Aspen Security Conference titled "The Next Pandemic," he offered a prescient warning to the world about the coronavirus, urging the administration and the global health community to invest in coordinated pandemic response. Prior to his role in the Trump Administration, Bossert served as Deputy Homeland Security Advisor under President George W. Bush and worked as a lawyer and risk management consultant in private practice. Bossert is now the president of Trinity Cyber, a fast growing, disruptive cybersecurity company, and sought after by businesses and global leaders alike for his insider's perspective on politics – both on domestic issues and America's place in the world – and the ways businesses can guard against foreign influence in their own networks.

Bossert is a National Security Analyst to ABC News, and his analysis has made headlines in virtually every major media outlet, including The Washington Post, Axios, and The New York Times, among others. He is a Senior Fellow at the Scowcroft Center for Strategy at the U.S. Atlantic Council, and was named one of The Washingtonian’s “500 Most Influential People” in D.C. Bossert has been an invaluable counselor to the likes of Disney Chairman Bob Iger, dozens of Fortune 500 companies, several of the nation’s largest university systems, and countless government entities and officials. Audiences are delighted by Bossert’s refreshing candor, and he is an engaging, well-armed speaker who leaves audiences with balanced and detailed understanding of what's ahead in politics, national security, and cybersecurity.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANDREW YOUNG

  • Civil Rights Activist & Former Executive Director, Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Ambassador, Congressman, Mayor, and Civil Rights icon Andrew J. Young has been serving and shaping our country for almost 70 years. Ambassador Young became active in the Civil Rights movement as leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to teach non-violent organizing strategies. Considered the diplomat among Dr. King’s community, he was a key strategist and negotiator in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Now a Patriarch in the Civil Rights movement, audiences look to Ambassador Young as a powerful voice honoring the legacy of Dr. King’s work and the future of human rights.

Ambassador Young became the first African American representative from the Deep South to serve in Congress since Reconstruction, and was appointed to serve as the first African American U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. He served as Mayor of Atlanta, worked with GoodWorks International to facilitate sustainable economic development in the Caribbean and Africa, and produced and hosted the Emmy Award-nominated docu-series Andrew Young Presents, exploring contemporary issues. He is the author of several books, including An Easy Burden: The Civil Rights Movement and the Transformation of America, which is being updated and re-released in a special edition commemorating his 90th birthday.

The veteran civil rights leader received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and France’s Legion d’Honneur, each representing the highest civilian honor for that nation, and was awarded the NAACP Springarn Medal, an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, and his portrait is in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. The Andrew J. Young Foundation, Inc. supports and promotes education, health, leadership, and human rights in the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean, building on his legacy and developing new generations of innovative leaders to tackle this era’s global challenges. Ambassador Young has been a powerful and active voice in the movement for Civil Rights for more than half a century, honoring the past and shaping the future, and shares a message of hope and humanity that uplifts and inspires audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KEN LANGONE

  • Co-Founder, The Home Depot

Iconoclastic entrepreneur and business legend Ken Langone is renowned as the co-founder of The Home Depot, where he was lead director and a member of the executive committee of its board since the company's founding, helping it expand to a national chain with over 2,000 locations and 400,000 employees. A pillar of corporate America for decades, Langone is the Founder and CEO of investment banking firm Invemed Associates LLC, served as CEO and President of Geeknet, Inc. (2011-2013), and was a director of the New York Stock Exchange. 

Langone's New York Times bestseller, I Love Capitalism!: An American Story, tells his compelling personal story rising up from a low-income family to becoming one of America's most successful businessmen. A passionate defender of the American Dream, Langone demonstrates that everyone is entitled to dream big and reach their maximum potential. Langone provides on-the-nose business insights, sharp analysis on the current political and economic climate, and real-life, empowering, inspiration on success and leadership. 

A world-class philanthropist, Langone's many contributions include a major gift to NYU's Medical Center, resulting in its renaming as the NYU Langone Medical Center. He also serves on the boards of Unifi, Inc., Micell Technologies, Relationship Sciences and Juice Press. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON

  • U.S. Senator (R-TX) (1993-2013)

For more than four decades, Kay Bailey Hutchison has leveraged her expertise in the public and private sectors. She served in the U.S. Senate for twenty years representing the state of Texas. As a member of Senate leadership, she was elected Vice-Chairman of the Republic Conference and later Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, the fourth-highest ranking Republican Senator. Then in 2017, she became the permanent Representative of the U.S. to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, where she held the alliance together and strategized the U.S. working relationships with Russia, China, and the rest of the world. Highly regarded for her commitment to bipartisan solutions, Ambassador Hutchison offers an insider’s perspective and practical, non-partisan insights to issues central to the national economy, homeland defense, and foreign affairs in her engaging talks.

Kay Bailey Hutchison was named one of the world’s 100 most powerful women by Forbes. She served two terms as Chairman of the Board of Visitors of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and previously worked as a prominent attorney at Bracewell, LLP, an established international law firm in Dallas, Texas. She is a Senior Adviser to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges, and is the namesake for the KBH Center for Energy, Law and Business at the University of Texas. Ambassador Hutchison is the New York Times bestselling author of three books, including Unflinching Courage: Pioneering Women Who Shaped TexasLeading Ladies: American Trailblazers, and American Heroines: The Spirited Women Who Shaped Our Country. With her breadth of experience, she is a masterful, knowledgeable speaker on national security, foreign policy and America's agenda on the world stage.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOY-ANN REID

  • Award-Winning Journalist

Award-winning political analyst, New York Times bestselling author, and MSNBC national correspondent Joy-Ann Reid is the renowned Host of MSNBC’s The ReidOut. Reid made history with her namesake show as the first Black woman to host a primetime cable news program. Prior to The ReidOut, she hosted the hit weekend morning news show AM Joy. Reid is the author of Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons, and the Racial Divide, We Are the Change We Seek: The Speeches of Barack Obama, which she co-edited, and the New York Times bestseller The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story. She also hosts two podcasts Reid This, Reid That, with Emmy-winning journalist Jacque Reid, and a books podcast What to Reid. MSNBC’s new special, The Culture Is, features Reid as co-host, moderator, and executive producer for the first episode, The Culture Is: Black Women. A sought-after keynote speaker, Reid is celebrated for her no-nonsense commentary and insights, taking audiences beyond the headlines in impactful engagements.

Reid has been featured in Washington Post, Forbes, The New York Times, Vogue, Black Enterprise, Fast Company, Ms., among many others, and her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Miami Herald, New York Magazine, and The Daily Beast. She was a 2022 NAACP Image Award winner for The ReidOut, 2003 Knight Center for Advanced Journalism fellow, and has received awards from the Women’s Media Center, the National Action Network, the National Association of Black Journalists, and been nominated for an Emmy, a GLAAD Media Award, and two prior NAACP Image Awards. Reid has taught at Syracuse University and is a Hearst Visiting Professor at Howard University, teaching a course on the impact of race and gender on political coverage. Drawing on her decades-long experience in politics and passion for addressing the intersections of race, justice, and culture, Reid offers in-demand analysis on today’s most important issues.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

OLYMPIA SNOWE

  • Bipartisan Leader in Congress

Olympia Snowe is recognized as a policy thought-leader in Washington. She is also an inspiration for the barriers she overcame to become one of the most powerful women in Washington. The Washington Post summed up Senator Snowe's powerful legacy as a politician, "with several historic distinctions to her name: She is the first woman in U.S. history to serve in both chambers of a state legislature and both chambers of Congress. She was the first Greek American woman to serve in Congress, the youngest Republican woman elected to the House and the first Republican woman to serve on the Senate Finance Committee." 

She made the decision not to seek a fourth term in the United States Senate when she arrived at a stark reality: that the excessive political polarization in Congress would not diminish in the short term.  As a result, she joined the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, to take her fight for bipartisanship in a different direction.  At the BPC, she serves as a Senior Fellow where she is able to harness her insider’s knowledge to promote change from outside of Congress.  

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOE LIEBERMAN

  • Advocate for Centrist Policies to Break Partisan Gridlock

Senator for 24 years and Democratic candidate for Vice President in 2000, Senator Lieberman is a voice of bipartisan reason in hyper-partisan times. Widely respected by Democrats and Republicans alike, he is known as a thoughtful, principled, and effective leader, advocating for centrist policies to break partisan gridlock. Throughout his service as Connecticut’s Independent representative from 1988-2012, Senator Lieberman established himself as a national leader – working across party lines to find common ground, building bridges, and facilitating mutually beneficial strategic agreements. He is a straight talker with a sense of humor, and an expert on topics ranging from the economy to international relations, national security, cybersecurity, and environmental protection.

After serving four terms in the U.S. Senate, Senator Lieberman has amassed impressive credentials in business and law. He went on to lead Kasowitz, Benson & Torres’ Government Affairs and Strategic Counsel Practice Group, providing strategic counsel to individuals, firms, non-profits and trade associations at the intersection of law, business and public policy. In sought-after and engaging talks, Senator Lieberman is uniquely positioned to shed light on what’s ahead for Washington as well as the challenges and opportunities of partisan politics. He regularly receives rave reviews, such as: “The program was marvelous. It was truly a pleasure. His remarks were poignant and extremely well-received,” (Anti-Defamation League) and “Everything with Senator Lieberman was fantastic. He was brilliant onstage and truly delightful to work with. Everyone at Stephens was thrilled and really enjoyed having him." (Stephens Inc.)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CLARENCE PAGE

  • Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist

Pulitzer Prize winner Clarence Page is one of the most nationally recognized and highly regarded syndicated columnists in the country. A member of the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board, Page is also a regular contributor of essays to The News Hour with Jim Lehrer and has been a regular on The McLaughlin Group, The Chris Matthews Show, Nightline and Lead Story news panel programs. 

A go-to voice on American culture and politics thanks to his sharp, thoughtful and moving analysis, Page has received lifetime achievement awards from the Chicago Headline Club, the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the National Association of Black Journalists. In his speeches, he decodes top political issues with clarity, balance and humor. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DEVAL PATRICK

  • Former Governor of Massachusetts (2007-2015)

Deval Patrick served two terms as the 71st governor of Massachusetts. An accomplished executive, passionate leader and gifted orator, Deval Patrick will capture—and hold—the attention of any audience.  Guided by the advice of his grandmother to “hope for the best and work for it,” he entered office in 2007, a first-time candidate propelled by an unprecedented grassroots campaign and lead the Commonwealth to top national rankings in education, health care, energy efficiency, economic competitiveness and more. Through a challenging economic environment, the Governor maintained a disciplined growth strategy of investment in education, innovation and infrastructure.

The Governor was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States where his platform included opportunity and economic growth, reforming our healthcare and criminal justice system, an accessible and functioning democracy, and collaborative global leadership for the 21st century.

His next step in public life is TogetherFUND, a political action committee to support progressive politics, candidates for the United States Senate and House in so-called "swing" states and districts, and grassroots groups working to drive turnout and engagement among disenfranchised and marginalized voters. The Governor will join the Harvard Kennedy School as a Professor of Public Leadership, the Roy E. Larsen Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and Management, and Co-Director of the Center for Public Leadership.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

STEVEN LEVITT

  • Bestselling Author, Freakonomics Series

New York Times bestselling Freakonomics co-author and University of Chicago scholar Steven Levitt is a brilliant but uncomplicated man who uses simple questions to reach startling conclusions. The Wall Street Journal has said “If Indiana Jones were an economist, he'd be Steven Levitt.”

Levitt works with businesses to apply his Freakonomics approach (combining data, economic theory, and unorthodox thinking) to the corporate world. He was the recipient of the American Economic Association’s prestigious John Bates Clark Medal, given to the country's best economist under 40. Levitt has been invited to speak to hosts including Microsoft, BMO Capital Markets, The Growth Faculty, and more.

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STEPHEN DUBNER

  • Bestselling & Award-Winning Author, 'Freakonomics' Series

Award-winning author, journalist, and media personality Stephen J. Dubner is best-known as co-author of the New York Times bestselling Freakonomics series, an instant international bestseller and cultural phenomenon. Hailed by critics and readers alike, it still appears regularly on The New York Times bestseller list. SuperFreakonomics followed to similar acclaim, and a documentary film version of Freakonomics was chosen as the closing film of the Tribeca Film Festival. Dubner is currently the host of the Freakonomics Radio podcast, which gets 5M downloads a month.

Dubner has appeared widely on television, including as a regular contributor to ABC News and as host of the NFL Network's Football Freakonomics, which was nominated for an Emmy. His journalism has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, TIME, and elsewhere, and has been anthologized in The Best American Sports Writing, The Best American Crime Writing, and others. He has been invited to speak to organizations including American Airlines, Xerox, Michigan State University, and more.

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JIM MESSINA

  • CEO, The Messina Group

Renowned Democratic strategist and international consultant Jim Messina is widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful political advisors. Messina is the mastermind behind former-President Obama and then-Vice President Biden’s 2012 re-election campaign, which Google’s Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt called “the best-run campaign ever.” The “Campaign Strategist of the Year” merged technology and politics and established the modern presidential campaign. While serving as the Obama-Biden administration’s Deputy Chief of Staff, he earned the nickname “The Fixer,” building bipartisan support for the historic Affordable Care Act, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the landmark repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” For over two decades, Messina served as Chief of Staff for various Senate and House offices, developing strong relationship on both sides of the aisle. Messina has gone on to elect over a dozen Presidents and Prime Ministers on five continents including: the UK’s Theresa May and David Cameron, Mexico’s Enrique Peña Nieto, Argentina’s Mauricio Macri, Italy’s Matteo Renzi and Spain’s President Mariano Rajoy, who he helped secure a surprising re-election win. Messina has upended the way that cutting-edge organizations think about strategy, and he delivers tangible takeaways with substance and some much-needed humor

Messina is an in-demand voice at the crucial intersection of politics, business, and technology. He is a fixture on news outlets such as MSNBC, CNN, FOX News, Bloomberg, BBC, and more, and serves on the boards of Blockchain.com, Fortera, Vectra.ai, LanzaTech, the United States Soccer Foundation, and the Montana Land Reliance. At the helm of The Messina Group as CEO, Messina provides strategic consulting to top businesses around the world, including Uber, Airbnb, Google, Delta Air Lines, Hutchison Whampoa, and over 300 others. Among the most sought-after legislative D.C. insiders, Messina provides illuminating, actionable insights on our political and business landscape.

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JENNIFER PALMIERI

  • Former White House Communications Director and Strategist

Renowned communications expert, political strategist, and writer Jennifer Palmieri has been on the frontlines of national politics for more than two decades. Author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Madam President, Palmieri served as White House Communications Director for President Obama and head of Communications for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign. With her unparalleled level of knowledge and experience in the West Wing, she is sought-after for her shrewd insights about crisis management, voter mindset, and the media environment impacting current events.

One of the most accomplished communications advisors in politics today, Palmieri was the co-host of Showtime’s Emmy-nominated political docu-series The Circus, pulling back the curtain with insightful analysis and a unique perspective on the role gender plays in electoral politics and the media. She is a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and hosted the podcast Just Something About Her. After losing her sister to early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2017, she has written and spoken about her family’s experience in an effort to aid other families facing the same disease. In moderated conversations and engaging point-counterpoint debates, Palmieri has been in demand for events with groups like Starbucks, Google Zeitgeist in London, the Center for American Progress, the Bloomberg MAKERS Women’s History Month event, and more.

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FELIPE CALDERON

  • President of Mexico (2006-2012)

Felipe Calderón is the 56th President of Mexico. Establishing economic reform as a top priority of his administration, Calderón implemented policies that catapulted Mexico into a powerful player in the global economy. Since leaving his post as President, he has focused his leadership and attention on the economic benefits of acting on climate change, and has positioned himself as a leading voice on this global issue. In 2022, he was named President of the Environment and Sustainability Commission for the International Automobile Federation. President Calderón has hosted and chaired the G-20 Summit of Leaders, the most important forum of heads of state and government. He also chaired the UN Conference on Climate Change COP 16, which marked a new era of cooperation in this field. He was named "Statesman of the Year" by the World Economic Forum and "Champion of the Earth" by the United Nations, and received the Teddy Roosevelt Award for the Environment, the GLOBE Award from the Global Legislators Organization for a Balanced Environment, the International Star of Energy Efficiency award, and TIME magazine has designated him as one of their top 100 influential people in the world. 

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OLIVIER BLANCHARD

  • Former Chief Economist, International Monetary Fund (2008-2015)

Olivier Blanchard is a renowned international economist and former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund. Since October 2015, he is the Fred Bergsten Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, in Washington. He is also the Robert M. Solow Professor of Economics emeritus at MIT.  

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WAYNE GRETZKY

  • National Hockey Legend

Hockey legend, beloved sportscaster, and entrepreneur Wayne Gretzky is widely considered to be the greatest hockey player of all time. Known as “The Great One,” Gretzky dominated on the ice for two decades unlike any player in history. After winning four Stanley Cup Championships, three Canada Cup tournament titles, and countless personal accolades, the NHL bestowed on the Hockey Hall of Famer the unique distinction of the retirement of his jersey number by all member clubs – “No. 99” will never be worn by another player. Gretzky was Head Coach and Executive Vice President of the Phoenix Coyotes, and was named Vice Chairman of the Edmonton Oilers from 2016-2021, in addition to serving in various leadership roles for Team Canada, guiding the Olympic Hockey Team to a gold medal win. He holds virtually every offensive record in the NHL and his tireless support of the game has contributed significantly to the popularity it enjoys today. His invaluable lessons in cultivating an athlete’s mindset and playing to your strengths resonate with audiences of all kinds.

Gretzky is the lead studio analyst for TNT’s hockey broadcasts, and the author of 99: Stories of the Game, an Amazon Editor’s Pick for Best Biographies & Memoirs. He is a serial entrepreneur, with a restaurant, winery, a new apparel line Greatness Wins, and a major partnership with EBay as the featured athlete in their first collection of NFTs.  In addition, The Great One teaches a MasterClass on the athlete’s mindset, inspiring audiences to aim for greatness in their own lives. A dedicated philanthropist, the hockey star created The Wayne Gretzky Foundation, serves as the Honorary Chairman of Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities in Canada, and is an Athlete Ambassador and Honorary Member of the Board of Trustees of Right to Play – an athlete-driven humanitarian organization. He is also a participant in “Hands That Shape Humanity,” a project for the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre.

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MARIA SHARAPOVA

  • International Tennis Icon

Powerhouse Maria Sharapova is known not only as an international tennis star, but also as an inspirational leader and successful entrepreneur. Sharapova became a professional tennis player at age 14. She went on to win five Grand Slam titles (the first, Wimbledon, at age 17), became the 7th female player to complete the career Grand Slam, and rank #1 in the world on five separate occasions. Sharapova chronicles much of her tennis career in her New York Times best-seller, Unstoppable: My Life so Far. In her live engagements, Sharapova gives insight into the upbringing, mindset, and tools that made her amazing success possible.

Outside of tennis, Sharapova is an active founder, CEO, and business investor. Sharapova paved the way for athlete founders, creating and scaling her own premium candy line, Sugarpova. She is widely respected for her business acumen currently serving on the boards of Moncler and Wolf & Shepherd, a successful early investor in companies like Bala Bangles and Supergoop!, and was a guest judge on Shark Tank. Sharapova has also served as an investor and advisor to Bala as well as a board member of Moncler and Wolf & Shepherd. Now, Sharapova is using her experience on-and-off the court to inspire and empower audiences to achieve elite performance in all aspects of their lives, particularly women in business.

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KAREN G. MILLS

  • Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (2009-2013)

Small business expert, author, and venture capitalist Karen G. Mills is a leading authority on U.S. competitiveness, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Mills is a Senior Fellow at Harvard Business School, served in President Barack Obama’s Cabinet as the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) from 2009 until 2013, and was a member of the President’s National Economic Council. During her tenure at the SBA, Mills took steps that led to record-breaking years for lending and investments in growth capital. Additionally, her efforts helped small businesses create regional economic clusters, gain access to early-stage capital, boost exports, and tap into government and commercial supply chains.

Mills is the author of Fintech, Small Business & The American Dream: How Technology is Transforming Lending and Shaping a New Era of Business Opportunity (second edition to be released in 2024), as well as numerous other publications on fintech, innovation policy, and the supply chain economy. She is a venture capitalist and the President of MMP Group, Vice Chair of Envoy, and a Director of several Churchill Capital entities. Mills is a trusted voice on how new technologies are revolutionizing how small businesses can leverage growth and economic opportunity, and how institutions large and small can be a catalyst for innovation and change.

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TOM COLICCHIO

  • Award-Winning Chef and Restaurateur

Tom Colicchio spent his childhood immersed in food, cooking with his mother and grandmother. It was his father, however, who suggested that he make a career of it. Tom taught himself to cook with the help of Jacques Pépin’s legendary illustrated manuals on French cooking, La Technique and La Méthode. At age 17, Tom made his kitchen debut in his native town of Elizabeth, New Jersey, at Evelyn’s Seafood Restaurant.

Colicchio then cooked at prominent New York restaurants including The Quilted Giraffe, Gotham Bar & Grill, Rakel, and Mondrian. During his tenure as executive chef of Mondrian, Food & Wine magazine selected him as one of the top 10 “Best New Chefs” in the U.S. and The New York Times awarded the restaurant three stars.

In July 1994, Tom and his business partner Danny Meyer opened Gramercy Tavern in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park neighborhood. Tom’s cooking at Gramercy Tavern won consistent recognition, garnering three stars from Ruth Reichl of The New York Times and earning him The James Beard Foundation’s 2000 “Best Chef-New York” Award.

In 2001, Tom opened Craft one block south of Gramercy Tavern. Soon after, The New York Times awarded Craft with three stars, deeming the restaurant “a vision of food heaven.” Craft was awarded The James Beard Foundation Award for “Best New Restaurant” in 2002. That same year, Tom received The Bon Appétit American Food and Entertaining Award for “Chef of the Year.” The New York Times revisited Craft in September 2011, ten years after its debut, upholding its three stars and stating that the restaurant is “as magical and delicious as it was when it opened.”

Crafted Hospitality, currently includes New York’s Craft, Riverpark, and Temple Court; Craft Los Angeles; Las Vegas’ Heritage Steak and Craftsteak; and Small Batch in Garden City, NY.

Tom has published three cookbooks to date. The first, Think Like a Chef (Clarkson Potter/Publishers, 2000), won The James Beard Foundation “KitchenAid” Cookbook Award in May 2001. Tom’s second cookbook, Craft of Cooking, was released by Clarkson Potter/Publishers in 2003. A sandwich book inspired by ‘wichcraft, was released by Clarkson Potter/Publishers in March 2009.

Since 2006, Tom has been applying his experience and expertise to cable television as the head judge on Bravo’s hit reality cooking series Top Chef. The Emmy-winning show is currently in its 18th season.

In May of 2010, Colicchio was awarded The James Beard Foundation’s coveted “Outstanding Chef” award, the culmination of his 30 years of hard work in the restaurant industry.

Tom appears in and served as Executive Producer on A Place at the Table, Participant Media’s documentary about food and security in America. It was produced and directed by Kristi Jacobson and Colicchio’s wife Lori Silverbush and premiered at the 2012 Sundace Film Film Festival. Magnolia Pictures released the film on March 1, 2013.

Tom and his restaurants give back to the community by supporting charities including Children of Bellevue, City Harvest, Alex’s Lemonade Foundation, United Way of New York, and Food Bank for New York City. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Lori Silverbush, and three sons.

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JOSEPH LUBIN

  • Founder and CEO, ConsenSys - a blockchain venture studio

Blockchain founder, CEO, and former VP of Technology at Goldman Sachs Joseph Lubin is the co-founder of blockchain computing platform Ethereum and founder and CEO of blockchain venture studio ConsenSys. ConsenSys is one of the largest and fastest-growing companies in the blockchain technology space, building developer tools, decentralized applications, and solutions for enterprises and governments that harness the power of Ethereum. Named to CoinDesk’s “Most Influential in Blockchain,” Lubin’s compelling keynotes reveal the transformative power of blockchain technology and his vision for a decentralized future.

Lubin focuses on the intersection of cryptography, engineering, and finance. He graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and worked in the Princeton Robotics Lab. He held positions as Director of the New York office of Blacksmith Software Consulting, and VP of Technology in Private Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs. Sought-out to speak at events ranging from The World Economic Forum to SXSW, Lubin is equal parts informative and inspiring, shedding light on how new technologies have the power to transform industries and how organizations can reap the benefits.

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PHILIPP HILDEBRAND

  • Chairman, Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank (2010–2012)

Not only is Philipp Hildebrand "a thinker and strategist," according to the Financial Times, "many economists and policymakers argue that his bold moves and non-bureaucratic mindset are just what is needed amid the economic turmoil." He is currently Vice Chairman of BlackRock Inc. He most recently served as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, where he was a strong advocate of the bank’s policy of capping the franc against the euro. He was also one of the first western central bankers to publicly demand tougher capital standards for banks in 2007, before the Lehman Brothers crisis in 2008. During the financial crisis, Dr. Hildebrand played a prominent international role as a member of the Financial Stability Board (FSB) and as the Swiss Governor of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

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PHIL LIBIN

  • Digital Entrepreneur & Venture Capital Investor

Digital entrepreneur and venture capital investor Phil Libin is an expert in using technology to enhance humanity, productivity, and business on a global scale. A serial tech entrepreneur, Phil is a co-Founder and the CEO of All Turtles – an Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup studio. He is also the co-Founder and former CEO of the global productivity tool Evernote, which created an epic transformation in workflow and has redefined the way individuals and teams work today. In addition, Phil recently launched mmhmm – a video presentation app that makes you more engaging on video calls and recordings. Sought-after as a leader on innovation, Libin provides audiences with an engaging look at what it takes to reinvent productivity at global scale.

Libin offers audiences an engaging look and insider perspective on new digital technologies and how to take advantage of automation and AI tools to take performance and productivity to the next level. He is also a sought-after visionary who helps people change the world through entrepreneurship and invention. When Phil speaks, he consistently receives rave reviews: Phil commands the room and it’s clear he knows what he is talking about” (APEC 020 Summit) and “We are very much satisfied with the work and the speeches of Phil Libin. Especially the fireside chat was very inspiring for the audience.” (Swiss Economic Forum)

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MARTIN SHEEN

  • Award-Winning Actor

Endeared to audiences nation-wide for his acting career which spans more than five decades, Martin Sheen uses his dynamic presence and celebrity status to lend an inspired voice to political and humanitarian causes around the globe.

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MORGAN DEBAUN

  • Founder & CEO, Blavity Inc.

Morgan DeBaun, a visionary leader in media and technology, serves as the Founder and CEO of Blavity Inc. Since its inception in 2014, Morgan has steered the company to become a global corporation serving multicultural consumers. Blavity Inc. is renowned for its diverse brands including AfroTech, Travel Noire, and Shadow and Act.

Recognized for her dedication to inclusive advertising and tech innovation, Morgan has been honored with several prestigious awards, such as the American Advertising Hall of Fame, Inc.’s Female Founders, and Forbes' "30 Under 30." Some of her recent clients include Nike, Microsoft, American Express, Capital One and Newell Brands. Her commitment is further exemplified through her influential role as an angel investor and a board advisor to American Airlines, Pepsico and the Black Economic Alliance. 

A proud alumna of Washington University in St. Louis, Morgan is an advocate for small business owners and workplace equity. She frequently speaks on global platforms, sharing her insights and inspiring change. Beyond her executive role, Morgan nurtures future leaders as a podcast host and advisor, focusing on elevating entrepreneurs.

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BILLIE JEAN KING

  • Sports Icon and Equality Pioneer

As one of the 20th century's most respected and influential people, Billie Jean King has long been a champion for social justice and equality. She has created new inroads for both genders in and out of sports during her legendary career and she continues to make her mark today, primarily through the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, which is dedicated to promoting equality and inclusion in the workplace.

King, who won an astounding 39 Grand Slam tennis titles during her career, blazed trails for women everywhere in 1970 when she became one of nine players to break away from the tennis establishment and accept a one dollar contract to compete in the newly created Virginia Slims Series. The revolt led to the birth of women's pro tennis and the formation of the Women's Tennis Association. King went on to star in one of the greatest moments in sports history when she defeated Bobby Riggs in the famous match dubbed “The Battle of the Sexes,” which was immortalized on the silver screen in the film of the same name. Her memoir, ALL IN: An Autobiography, published by Knopf in August 2021, is garnering rave reviews.

Named one of the "100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century" by Life, King is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award, and France's Légion d'honneur. King moves audiences with empowering lessons on leadership, inclusivity, equality, and finding your purpose.

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CARLI LLOYD

  • Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and Two-Time World Cup Champion

Two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time World Cup champion, and New York Times bestselling author Carli Lloyd is an iconic American soccer star heralded for her contribution to U.S. and world soccer history. Lloyd is the two-time recipient of the highest, most prestigious award in soccer: FIFA World Player of the Year. She played for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team for 17 years (2005-2021). Lloyd is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a bronze medalist. She is the only American player to score in four different Olympics and holds the record for All-time leading scorer in USWNT Olympic history with 10 goals. She also competed in four Women’s World Cup tournaments and is a two-time World Cup Champion. She became the first player in FIFA Women’s World Cup to score a hat trick in a World Cup final. She was awarded the Golden Ball (MVP) and Silver Boot at the 2015 World Cup. Carli has played in more World Cup (25) and Olympic matches (22) than any other USWNT player. She has scored 134 goals across in 316 games, ranking 3rd of all-time for men and women internationally. Carli currently runs her own CL10 Soccer Clinics. She is also a minority owner in her prior NWSL club, Gotham FC, making a splash in investing, entrepreneurship, and team ownership. Her own grit was proved yet again while winning FOX’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, proving toughness is a mindset. Lloyd’s career has been marked by consistent production over the course of her career, her extreme dedication to the game, and her relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

Carli is a role model who empowers and inspires others to be “Better Every Day” and to never give up on achieving their goals. The New York Times bestselling author of When Nobody Was Watching, Carli empowers audiences to find their own success with lessons from both in and beyond the world of sports. She has spoken to audiences at Golden Sachs, Bank of America, Cornell University, Microsoft, Intuit, and more.

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CAROLINE RANDALL WILLIAMS

  • Award-Winning Poet and Author

Award-winning poet, author, performance artist, and scholar Caroline Randall Williams is a change-maker and a catalyst. She rose to the international stage with her powerful New York Times piece You Want a Confederate Monument? My Body Is a Confederate Monument, a reckoning in the movement to dismantle systemic racism. A multi-genre writer, Caroline co-authored the NAACP Image Award-winning cookbook Soul Food Love with her mother, as well as The Diary of B.B. Bright, Possible Prince, which won the Harlem Book Fair’s Phyllis Wheatley Prize. Her debut collection of poetry, Lucy Negro, Redux, has been turned into a critically-acclaimed ballet by the Nashville Ballet, and she is currently working on her first non-fiction book, under the working title Body Politik, which will examine the stories written on and by the body, through the lens of her lived experience. Caroline will host Disney+’s Hungry for Answers, a new docuseries and revelatory cooking show focused on Black food history in America produced by Viola Davis. A highly sought-after speaker, Caroline speaks to the places where art, business, and scholarship intersect, moving people closer to their best lives and corporations closer to their ideal identities.

Caroline has been recognized by Southern Living as “One of 50 People Changing the South,” and she was named to The Root’s list of “The Most Influential African Americans in 2020.” She is the Writer in Residence in Vanderbilt University’s Medicine, Health, and Society Department, where she has been a Cave Canem Fellow and a Global Voices Fellow. Caroline has appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe and The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, Dr. Oz, among many others, and her writing has been featured in The Iowa Review, The Massachusetts Review, Essence, The New York Times, and more. Her recipes can also be found in the feature cookbook for Cherry Bombe, as well as Southern Living Magazine. Caroline regularly receives rave reviews of her speaking engagements, such as: “After you hear Caroline your life will never be the same! And if it is the same… you weren’t listening!” (Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission)

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HER MAJESTY QUEEN NOOR

  • Global Humanitarian & Activist

Her Majesty Queen Noor is an international public servant and advocate for cross-cultural understanding and conflict prevention and recovery issues such as refugees, missing persons, poverty, climate change and disarmament. Her peace-building work has focused on the Middle East, the Balkans, Central and Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa.

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JEAN-CLAUDE TRICHET

  • President, European Central Bank (2003-2011)

Former President of the European Central Bank (2003-11) and Chairman of the Bank of France (1993-2003) Jean-Claude Trichet is a global authority on financial markets and the economy. While at the helm of the European Central Bank, Trichet oversaw the Eurozone's handling of the Great Recession and European Debt Crisis in the aftermath of the 2008 financial collapse. Currently the Chairperson of the Board at Bruegel-- a leading European think tank focused on economic policy-- Chairman of the Group of Thirty, and European Chairman of the Trilateral Commission, Trichet offers razor shop analysis on risks and opportunities facing the global economy. 

Trichet has been named to the Financial Time's “Person of the Year” and “Fifty Faces that Shaped the Decade,” as well as listed on International Economy magazine's “Policy Maker of the Year,” Newsweek's “World’s Most Powerful” and TIME's “Most Influential People in the World.”

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BONO

  • Humanitarian & Philanthropist

Bono uses his rock star status to raise awareness about the crises in Africa: unpayable debts, uncontrolled spread of AIDS, and the unfair trade rules which keep Africans poor.  Bono co-founded DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) to raise public awareness of the issues in its name, and influence government policy on Africa. On behalf of DATA, Bono has lobbied U.S. Presidents and Congressional leaders, along with the heads of many other G8 nations. DATA is a founding member of the One Campaign to make poverty history, which is part of a global network of millions of people campaigning against extreme poverty.

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WOLF BLITZER

  • Emmy Award-Winning Journalist

One of the most insightful journalists in America today, Wolf Blitzer draws on his unique international breadth of experience and depth of understanding when discussing the issues facing Washington and the world today.

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RICK SANTORUM

  • U.S. Senator (R-PA) (1995-2007)

A passionate champion of America’s founding principles, Senator Rick Santorum's impressive presidential campaign positioned him as a leading voice of the Republican Party. Senator Santorum began his first presidential campaign as a dark-horse candidate, but with a victory in the Iowa caucuses, he became a center-stage challenger who went on to win another ten states, over 3 million votes, and claim the mantle of conservative alternative to the front-runner. In four years in the U.S. House of Representatives, 12 as U. S. Senator, Rick Santorum earned a reputation as a passionate fighter for conservative values and a vocal advocate for smaller government, cutting wasteful spending, a strong national defense, and a return to our country’s founding principles.

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BRET STEPHENS

  • Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times

U.S. foreign policy expert and highly awarded columnist Bret Stephens is renowned for his “incisive columns on American foreign policy and domestic politics, often enlivened by a contrarian twist.” Bret is an op-ed columnist for the New York Times after a long career with The Wall Street Journal, where he served as deputy editorial page editor and wrote the “Global View” foreign affairs column – for which he was awarded the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary. He is the author of America in Retreat: The New Isolationism and Coming Global Disorder and is currently working on a book about the future of the free world. Audiences value Bret’s timely insights and “breath of fresh air” delivery, and he has been in-demand with groups including the American Technion Society, the Chief Executives Organization, the Jewish Federations of Northeastern New York and Chicago, Community Advocates, Inc., and many more.

In addition to his work at The Times, Bret serves as Editor-in-Chief of Sapir – a Jewish quarterly published by the Maimonides Fund which offers ideas for a thriving Jewish future. Previously, he was Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post. Bret is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions, including three honorary doctorates and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. In 2022, the government of Russia banned him for life from visiting that country. He sits on numerous academic advisory boards and was a co-Founder of the Renew Democracy Initiative – an organization dedicated to advancing democratic principles throughout the world. Bret consistently receives rave reviews for speaking engagements, such as: “Bret was TERRIFIC last night. We had a large crowd, his talk was superb, and he was a pleasure to deal with. It couldn't have gone more smoothly. You have a lot of happy customers in LA.” (Community Advocates, Inc.)

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NATAN SHARANSKY

  • Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel

Natan Sharansky is a former Soviet dissident, political prisoner and a symbol of human rights who has spent his life championing democracy and freedom. As a member of the Knesset, he has served in different Israeli governments and various Cabinet positions, including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior, and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.

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GENO AURIEMMA

  • Legendary Head Coach, University of Connecticut Women's Basketball

Legendary Head Coach Geno Auriemma has redefined the meaning of success in his 34 years at the University of Connecticut. During his illustrious tenure, Auriemma transformed the women’s basketball program into the gold standard – both on and off the court. Under his guidance, the Huskies went from one winning season to 11 national titles, 20 Final Fours, have had six perfect seasons, and won 51 Conference titles. He also served as the head coach o the U.S. National Team, which won gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the 2016 Games in Rio. In his empowering remarks he shares lessons from on and off the court on teamwork, perseverance, finding motivation, and overcoming obstacles that resonate with any organization.

An inductee to both the Basketball Hall of Fame and Women Basketball Hall of Fame, and a recipient of numerous awards including 27 National Coach of the Year honors, Auriemma has set the bar not only in coaching – but also in team building, motivation, and a tested brand of everyday leadership that creates winning organizations. He shares his insights in a highly-rated MasterClass on 'Leading Winning Teams' as well as in sought-after speaking engagements, delivering motivational insights on building sustainable success.

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JANE LUTE

  • Cybersecurity & Homeland Security Expert

Jane Holl Lute has dedicated her career to preventing terrorism, enhancing global stabilty and security, and helping those in crisis. It says something about the times in which we live that Ms. Lute now focuses on cyberterrorism, the source of today's most menacing threats to nations, businesses and individuals. Audiences praise Ms. Lute for grounding her remarks about cybersecurity in her roots as a United Nations Peace builder and Assistant Secretary-General of the U.N. responsible for comprehensive on-the-ground support for humanitarian operations in crises. She has also served as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security where she was responsible for the day-to-day management of the Department's efforts to prevent terrorism and enhance security, secure and manage the nation's borders, administer and enforce U.S. immigration laws, strengthen national resilience in the face of disasters, and ensure the nation's cybersecurity.

Ms. Lute is currently strategic director for SICPA SecurInk, a privately held Swiss company that provides security solutions to protect the integrity of most of the world’s banknotes. Ms. Lute serves as director on the board of Union Pacific Railroad, Marsh McLennan Corporation, and Shell plc. Previously, Ms. Lute served as Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Internet Security, an operating not-for-profit organization and home of the U.S. Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) providing cybersecurity services for U.S. state, local, tribal and territorial governments. 

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HASAN MINHAJ

  • Peabody Award-Winning Comedian

Pioneering, two-time Peabody Award-winning comedian Hasan Minhaj is the creator of Netflix's comedy show, Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, which brought an inclusive and nuanced perspective to global news, politics and culture. 

As Host of The Daily Show Trevor Noah wrote in TIME: "Patriot Act is the manifestation of Hasan’s whip-smart commentary, charisma and sincerity. It’s also a consistent reminder that Hasan is America. And America is Hasan.”

Named to TIME's "100 Most Influential People in the World," Minhaj originally rose to prominence as a senior correspondent on The Daily Show. He has gone on to host the White House Correspondents' Dinner and air his own critically-acclaimed one-hour Netflix comedy special, Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King. 

A first generation American, Minhaj comes from a Muslim family originally from India. In his comedy and at speaking engagements, he draws on his personal history and the immigrant experience to explore the modern cultural and political landscape with depth and sincerity. 

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CASEY NEISTAT

  • YouTube Personality, Filmmaker, and Digital Creator

YouTube star, digital creator, filmmaker sensation, and multi-media leader Casey Neistat has redefined brand content on the internet, setting a new standard for the way brands interact with digital creators. He has worked with major brands including J. Crew, Mercedes-Benz, Samsung, and Nike, and pioneered the ‘daily vlog’ format in the early days of YouTube. Neistat, who got his start working as a dishwasher, is a self-taught filmmaker who attained commercial success with HBO’s The Neistat Brothers and the indie film Daddy Long Legs. Boasting over 14M subscribers, he has parlayed his success as a digital creator into advertising, tech, and startup ventures. He created a video-sharing app called Beme, which was acquired by CNN for $25M, and pivoted to launch 368, a collaboration workspace. Heralded for his motto, “Do What You Can’t,” Neistat empowers audiences to think outside the box and redefine their creative potential.

Neistat was named one of Fortunes’ “Creator 25,” a list honoring those charting unique territory in the world of social media, and was a Fellow of the prestigious New Frontier Artist Residency program at MIT. He has launched a filmmaking masterclass with online course platform Monthly, and his documentary Under the Influence premiered at SXSW to critical acclaim. Neistat is an investor in Angel City FC as well as the bitcoin-rewards startup Lolli, and is an advisor for Ponto, which provides financial infrastructure for Web3. In keynotes that are as engaging and humorous as they are informative, Neistat shares actionable lessons on innovation and creativity, as well as cutting-edge insight into how to level-up your organization’s brand and content strategy.

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LIZA DONNELLY

  • Award-Winning Cartoonist, The New Yorker

Award-winning author, writer, and cartoonist Liza Donnelly uses her creativity to draw (literally) connections between global events, feminism, and what’s funny. An innovator of digital visual journalism, Liza has live-drawn events including the Oscars, the Olympics, presidential debates, and White House Press Conferences. By disrupting how we make sense of everything from global politics to pop culture to gender equity, from history to the present, Liza invites audiences to shift their perspective, think differently, and innovate better.

Liza is known for her viral TED Talk “Drawing on humor for change,” which has been translated into 40 languages. She has written 18 books for adults and children, and is a contributor to The New York Times, Washington Post, Forbes, Medium, CNN, and CBS News. Liza’s most recent book, Very Funny Ladies: The New Yorker’s Women Cartoonists, is being developed into a documentary about women cartoonists globally. She teaches a virtual class with the 92Y on the history of the famous and beloved cartoons in The New Yorker and writes a wildly popular Substack newsletter “Seeing Things,” with an ever-growing readership. Liza’s unique and interactive programs enhance events, empower teams, and inspire innovation.

 

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LISA LING

  • Emmy Award-Winning Journalist

Emmy Award-winning journalist and bestselling author Lisa Ling has spent more than two decades focused on groundbreaking storytelling. Lisa is a contributor for CBS and previously served as the host and executive producer of the acclaimed series This is Life on CNN and Take Out on Max. Throughout her career, Lisa has reported from dozens of countries around the world, covering issues and highlighting voices that are too often ignored. For her sought-after events, Lisa consistently receives rave reviews: "Lisa was absolutely outstanding! She was so interesting and provided such great commentary on our questions. Feedback from our attendees was outstanding and we had great engagement with 15+ questions from the audience. Definitely one of our favorite speakers for this series!" (SAP NS2)

Lisa is the co-author of Mother, Sister, Daughter, Bride: Rituals of Womanhood, and Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and The Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home, which she penned with her sister Laura. She is an advisory board member for Fostering Media Connections, The Amani Project, and a Baby2Baby angel. Lisa has spoken for groups including American Express, the AARP Purpose Prize, Capital One, the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Independent Schools, and American Express, who said: “We had a great event with Lisa. She has such amazing energy and opened up in a very real and personal way. The feedback we received from colleagues was exceptional.”

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EDWARD NORTON

  • Award-Winning Actor, Screenwriter, Director and Producer

Edward Norton is an award-winning actor, screenwriter, director and producer. He is a visionary entrepreneur and committed social and environmental activist. Norton is a founding partner of CrowdRise, a web-based technology platform that changes the way organizations share their mission and involve those who support their causes. He speaks personally about his fundraising efforts and our responsibilities, particularly with regard to sustainability and natural resource management in our industrial economy.

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ANN CURRY

  • Emmy Award-Winning Journalist

Seven-time Emmy-winning journalist Ann Curry is a cornerstone of U.S. news and journalism. Her reporting is raw, bold, and deeply personal, fueled by human connections. She has appeared before the camera on some of America’s largest networks, including NBC News, PBS, TNT, and more. Her TED talks have been viewed around the world. Curry brings the same deep meaning, message, and sharp intellect to her speaking events as she does her iconic interviews.

Curry is recognized not only as a journalist but also as a humanitarian. Her work has garnered honors such as the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Global Citizenship, the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Medal of Valor, the NAACP's Excellence in Reporting Award, the Centre for Responsible Leadership's Truth in Media Award, the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award, and more. Hosts such as Colgate University, the Holocaust Memorial Center, the National Court Reporters Association and more have been captivated by her memorable stories.

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KEVIN WARSH

  • Member of the Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System (2006-2011)

Monetary policy expert and economist Kevin Warsh’s insights are sought by financial authorities globally. Governor Warsh served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (2006-2011). He was named the Federal Reserve's representative to the Group of Twenty (G-20), where he became Administrative Governor, managing and overseeing the Board's operations, personnel, and financial performance. Prior to his appointment to the Board, Warsh served as Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Executive Secretary of the White House National Economic Council (2002-2006). Previously, Warsh was a member of the Mergers & Acquisitions department at Morgan Stanley & Co. in New York, serving as Vice President and Executive Director. Warsh’s experiences across the private and public sectors give him a holistic understanding of global markets. As a speaker, Warsh draws on his decades of experience across financial institutions to advise organizations on the impact of ongoing fiscal policy rollouts.

Warsh currently sits on several boards and is a member of the Group of Thirty (G30). He is also a Shepard Family Distinguished Visiting Fellow in Economics at the Hoover Institution and lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Warsh’s deep expertise in the inner workings of major global financial institutions fuels his independent research in the field of economics. Central banks often seek his advice. Recently, British Parliament has adopted Warsh’s independent report to the Bank of England proposing reforms to the conduct of monetary policy in the United Kingdom. His authoritative and enlightening presentations on both domestic and international economic issues help audiences and corporations understand the impact of U.S. and foreign monetary policy.

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VICENTE FOX

  • President of Mexico (2000-2006)

A visionary leader with a deep understanding of the economic and social challenges facing Latin America, President Vicente Fox is one of the world’s most important voices on the contemporary geopolitical landscape and the role of business in the developing world. When elected to the presidency of Mexico in 2000, he broke the stranglehold that the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party had held on the State for seven decades. A charismatic reformer, he is credited as playing a vital role in Mexico’s democratization, and with strengthening the country’s economy. After leaving office in 2006, President Fox and his wife founded Centro Fox, a non-profit dedicated to discover, exercise, and harness the leadership qualities we all have inside of us. 

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AUTHORS OF FREAKONOMICS

  • International Bestselling Authors of Freakonomics Series

Since the remarkable success of the International Bestsellers Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics (more than 5 million copies sold worldwide), its much heralded authors, Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, have given more than 1,000 lectures, some to audiences as large as 10,000, and are still in high demand. The books have made economic analysis and "out of the box thinking" so accessible and interesting to the general population that the Freakonomics team has gained additional success, including: the Freakonomics blog, which receives 2 million page views per month; Freakonomics Radio, which is No. 1 on iTunes, with 5 million downloads per month, and broadcast on public-radio stations across the country; their Twitter feed has over 600,000 followers; their Freakonomics documentary, was a hit at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival, and a hit on iTunes, Netflix and....Showtime; and both Levitt and Dubner continue to have national media exposure. Levitt and Dubner offer story after story, with research backing each theory, that address ways to create behavior change and show which incentives work and don't work.

The duos most recent book successes include Think Like A Freak (2014), which became an instant New York Times bestseller, and  When to Rob a Bank (2015), which is a collection of the best Freakonomics.com blog posts.

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ALEXA VON TOBEL

  • Serial Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist

Renowned serial entrepreneur, CEO and founder, New York Times bestselling author, and podcast host Alexa von Tobel, CFP leads conversations that resonate with the full entrepreneur experience – everything from nuts-and-bolts operations to the craft of company-building. Alexa is the Founder and Managing Partner of Inspired Capital – a $500M+ venture firm focused on the entrepreneurs of the future. Prior to Inspired Capital, she founded LearnVest with the goal of helping people make progress on their money. After raising nearly $75M in venture capital, LearnVest was acquired by Northwestern Mutual in one of the biggest fintech acquisitions of the decade. Following the acquisition, Alexa joined the management team of Northwestern Mutual as the company’s first-ever Chief Digital Officer, and later assumed the role of Chief Innovation Officer, through which she oversaw the venture arm. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Financially Fearless and Financially Forward, and hosts the weekly podcast Inc. Founders Project with Alexa von Tobel, which features conversations with the best founders across the country. In sought-after talks, Alexa shares accessible and actionable insights about personal finance, entrepreneurial strategy, leading-edge industries, and more.

Alexa has appeared on the cover of Forbes, been interviewed on NPR’s How I Built This, and has been featured in a wide variety of publications from The New York Times to Vogue. She is a member of the 2016 Class of Henry Crown Fellows and served as an inaugural member of President Obama’s Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship. Alexa has been honored with numerous recognitions including: Fortune’s "40 Under 40", Fortune's "Most Powerful Women," Forbes’ "30 Under 30", IncMagazine's "30 Under 30,” and was named World Economic Forum's Young Global Leader. From her expertise in navigating a recession while staying connected to customers, to leveraging investor strategy in the fintech and Web3 arenas, Alexa’s high-impact talks will resonate with audiences of all kinds.

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ERICA KESWIN

  • Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, 'Bring Your Human to Work', 'Rituals Roadmap', and 'The Retention Revolution'

Bestselling author and workplace strategist Erica Keswin has spent the past twenty years working with some of the most iconic brands in the world as a consultant, speaker, writer, and professional dot-connector. Her book Bring Your Human to Work: Ten Sure-Fire Ways to Design a Workplace That is Good for People, Great for Business, and Just Might Change the World became a Wall Street Journal bestseller in its first week, serving as a powerful guide to a workplace revolution that honors relationships and puts people first. Her book Rituals Roadmap: The Human Way to Transform Everyday Routines into Workplace Magic is a #2 Wall Street Journal bestseller and an indispensable guide to taking your employee engagement to the next level. In Erica's game-changing keynotes, she highlights how relationships are the most powerful driver of success for individuals and companies striving to attract and retain talent and loyal customers.

Erica's newest book, The Retention Revolution: 7 Surprising (and Very Human!) Ways to Keep Employees Connected to Your Company, which is due out September 23, 2023, is a game-changing playbook filled with accessible and actionable case studies and research that will prove how transforming old ideas into new beginnings is good for people, great for business, and just might change the world.

Keswin and her work have been featured in Harvard Business ReviewForbesHuffington PostO Magazine, Better Homes and GardensMogul, and Conscious Company, among others. She is also the Founder of the Spaghetti Project, a platform devoted to sharing the science and stories of relationships at work. Leaving audiences deeply informed and engaged, Keswin reveals her tried-and-true, human roadmap for people seeking a more meaningful and connected work life, and provides actionable insights on everything from how to cultivate a work culture of diversity and inclusion, to how to connect with customers in an authentic way.

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J. CRAIG VENTER

  • Pioneering Scientific Researcher on the Existence of Life & Human Genome

Few speakers are able to answer, "What is the meaning of life?" more than just rhetorically, but J. Craig Venter helps his audiences understand the meaning at its scientific essence. He is regarded as one of the leading scientists of the 21st century for his numerous, invaluable contributions to genomic research and the study of life, and through his studies he has become a teacher and policy advisor on health, longevity and the environment.   He is co-founder of Human Longevity Inc. and a scientist of human existence—from sequencing the human genome to actually creating synthetic life.

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MATTHEW WALKER

  • Founder and Director, UC Berkeley's Center for Human Sleep Science

Preeminent neuroscientist and psychologist Dr. Matthew Walker is a celebrated sleep expert. A Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at UC Berkeley, Dr. Walker is also the founder and director of the school's Center for Human Sleep Science. Dr. Walker’s New York Times bestseller, Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, was hailed as an "important and fascinating book" by Bill Gates. Dr. Walker has received numerous funding awards from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health and is a Kavli Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences. In 2020, Dr. Walker was awarded the Carl Sagan Prize for Science Achievements. At the intersection of science and industry, Dr. Walker has served as scientific counsel for numerous technology companies, including Google, Hello, and Fitbit. Dr. Walker translates his work for any industry and audience, offering his insights to business leaders, technology firms, and medical and healthcare professionals.

Dr. Walker discusses the impact of sleep on human health and disease in a way that is digestible for any audience and provides tangible takeaways on wellness and peak performance. Dr. Walker has shed light on his groundbreaking research everywhere from Google to TED, where his talk "Sleep is Your Superpower" has 20M+ views. Dr. Walker has spoken about sleep to hosts such as the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, TED, Google Zeitgeist, and many more.

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DAVID KESSLER

  • Chief Empathy Officer, Empathy

David Kessler is the world’s foremost expert on grief and loss. His experience with thousands of people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a happy and fulfilled life, even after life’s tragedies. He is the author of six books, including the bestselling book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief. His books and work have received praise by so many, including Saint (Mother) Teresa.

David’s personal experience as a child witnessing a mass shooting while his mother was dying in a hospital helped him begin his journey. For most of his life, David has taught physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders about the end of life, trauma, and grief. He facilitates talks, workshops and retreats for those experiencing grief. However, despite his vast knowledge on grief, his life was turned upside down by the sudden death of his twenty-one-year-old son, which inspired his book, Finding MeaningDavid’s volunteer work includes being an LAPD Specialist Reserve for traumatic events as well as having served on the Red Cross’s disaster services team.

David is the Chief Empathy Officer of Empathy, an HR product companies offer to employees who are facing loss and grief. He is also the founder of www.grief.com which has over 5M visits yearly from 167 countries.

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BILL FRIST

  • Chairman of the Global Board, The Nature Conservancy

Uniquely qualified to discuss the challenges and solutions in health policy, Senator (and Dr.) Bill Frist is consistently recognized among the most influential leaders in American healthcare. He is Chairman of the Global Board of The Nature Conservancy, the nation's largest conservation organization. He is a nationally acclaimed heart and lung transplant surgeon, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader, and chairman of the Executive Council of the health investment firm Cressey & Company, as well as a founding partner of Frist Cressey Ventures. He is also the host of healthcare podcast A Second Opinion: Rethinking American Health (over 200 weekly episodes).

Senator Frist has also been a leader in community health, having founded NashvilleHealth, a collective impact organization that is creatively collaborating with business, academic, faith-based, and non-profit leaders to improve the health and well-being of all Nashvillians. As the Chair of the Global Board of The Nature Conservancy, he is also committed to preserving the health of our planet, recognizing that population health is empirically linked to healthy ecosystems.

Senator Frist has been at the forefront of many debates and government initiatives that have shaped a myriad of policies over the years, including the 2003 legislation that created the Medicare prescription drug plan and Medicare Advantage, as well as PEPFAR, the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history, saving 21 million lives from HIV/AIDS. He brings an experienced voice to the current issues of health reform, education, government policy, climate change, global health issues and volunteerism.

He is actively engaged in the business as well as the medical, humanitarian, and philanthropic communities.

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ALLYSON FELIX

  • Holder of 13 Global Titles, 10 U.S. Championships, 11 Olympic Medals, and a World Record

Athlete icon, entrepreneur, and advocate Allyson Felix is the most decorated Track & Field Olympian in U.S. history. An eleven-time Olympic medalist. Seven-time Olympic Champion. World Record Holder. She has won a mind-blowing thirty-one global medals at the Olympics and World Championships. Felix has redefined athletics as she continues to cement her iconic status on and off the track. She is an investor in multiple companies, serves as an advisor to a female-led and focused venture fund, and is the Founder of her own shoe company for women, Saysh. Sought after for her empowering insights about striving for greatness in business and in life, Felix has captivated audiences across industries.

Felix has been featured in major publications including Forbes, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Glamour, Essence, Self, O Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and Elle. She is passionate about her community and serves on the Board of Directors for &Mother, Right to Play, and others, and through partnerships with Voice in Sport, the Women’s Sports Foundation, and more. Felix has received numerous accolades for her athletics and her advocacy, including being named to TIME’s “100 Most Influential People of the Year” in both 2020 and 2021 as well as the Sports Illustrated ‘Unrelenting List’. In demand with groups such as Trellance, Princeton University, Paypal, and World 50, Inc., to name a few, Felix consistently receives rave reviews for her speaking engagements: “The event with Allyson Felix was a great success! She presented such a genuine, focused, inspirational story that displayed her journey of ups and downs; her great lessons and appreciation of what teamwork can bring. A true champion.” (ATG Global Entertainment)

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STEPHEN A. SMITH

  • Famed Sports TV Personality and Journalist

Legendary sportscaster, veteran journalist, actor, author, and podcaster Stephen A. Smith offers powerful and humorous lessons from the world of sports – and beyond – on overcoming adversity, leadership, building a personal brand, and ethics. After getting his start in journalism working for the New York Daily News and the Philadelphia Inquirer, Smith transitioned to TV and landed at ESPN in 2003. Known for his memorable catchphrases and thought-provoking analysis, Smith is a host on ESPN’s First Take, an NBA analyst and insider on SportsCenter, and hosts his own weekly NBA show, SportsCenter with Stephen A. Smith. Smith released his bestselling memoir, Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes, on January 17th, 2023. As he does in sought-after events, Smith shares his personal journey to becoming a giant of sports media, the adversities he has overcome, and how sports became his salvation.

Smith is set to host a new podcast, Know Mercy, with Cadence13/Audacy and featuring a range of notable guests and thought leaders. The fan-favorite commentator and ‘The Face of ESPN’ will offer his candid perspective on politics, entertainment, social issues, criminal justice, business, and of course, sports. He is a proud HBCU graduate, a brand ambassador for HBCU Week, and his Mr. SAS Productions is in development for Black Excellence, a documentary series examining the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Revered for speaking his truth and engaging audiences, Smith consistently receives rave reviews for his events, such as: ”Amazing! They loved him. He was the ultimate professional and inspiring at the same time. I’ve booked a lot of speakers, and I’d book him again and again. He knocked it out the park.” (Chrysler Minority Association)

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MARA BROCK AKIL

  • Trailblazing Screenwriter and Producer, 'Girlfriends' and 'The Game'

Groundbreaking Hollywood visionary and power player Mara Brock Akil is the writer and producer of nearly 400 episodes of television, truly leaving her mark on the industry. A trailblazer in many ways, Akil created the seminal television series Girlfriends-- a witty, intelligent and honest exploration of the many facets of black womanhood. Additionally, Akil developed the spin-off series The Game, which became the most-watched scripted-series premiere ever on ad-supported cable. The series continued on for a total of 9 seasons, earning praise throughout its run for its verisimilitude and, during the reality television boom, as one of the few shows on television that felt truly specific to its moment. Akil is also the creative force behind BET’s Being Mary Jane, which further cemented her ability to tell powerful and engaging stories that speak to women through honest, true-to-life reflections, The CW’s Black Lightning, and OWN’s Love Is___. Now, she is co-executive producing Netflix's adaptation of Ibram X Kendi's three anti-racism books, which will be a mix of a documentary and scripted features. 

A regular on the Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Power100, Akil is a leader in her field. She's been honored with the prestigious Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award; the American Black Film Festival's Industry Visionary Award, Essence magazine’s Visionary Award; named to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter’s Showrunner Power Lists; and been inducted into Northwestern’s Medill Hall of Achievement.  

As a passionate, dynamic, and empowering speaker, Akil has been sought-out to speak at Google, George Washington University, The Wing, and more. Akil shares remarks on self-growth and love, finding the power to be bold, loving life at every age, and breaking barriers in all facets of life. 

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MOHAMED ELBARADEI

  • Director General Emeritus, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

For the past two decades, Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei has played a key role in the most high-stakes conflicts of our time. Director General Emeritus of the International Atomic Energy Agency, he offers unparalleled insights from his 12 years at the agency's helm, which earned him and the IAEA a joint Nobel Peace Prize. A prominent voice for peace, freedom and democracy in the Arab and Islamic worlds, he comments on today's most pressing matters such as threats from Iran, Syria, Turkey and North Korea. Audiences look to Dr. ElBaradei to add context to the drastic and often dark headlines we read every day and guides audiences through his vision for stability and peace without terrorism.

 

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AMARYLLIS FOX

  • Former CIA Clandestine Service Officer

New York Times bestselling author, peace activist, and former CIA Clandestine Service Officer Amaryllis Fox has stopped at nothing to improve the world we live in. 

From interviewing Suu Kyi for the BBC while working with the Burmese democracy movement – which briefly landed her in prison – to spending time in Dili, East Timor, working to settle IDPs in the world’s newest country, Fox has spent years doing hands-on work to drastically enhance global communities. As a political and terrorism analyst for South East Asia, and then a Clandestine Service officer overseas, Fox was deployed as a spy under non-official cover--the most difficult and coveted job in the field. Her intensive training included everything from how to get out of flexicuffs while locked in the trunk of a car, to how to withstand torture, to the best ways to commit suicide in case of captivity. Her remarkable experiences spending a decade hunting the world’s most dangerous terrorists in sixteen counties-- all while getting married and giving birth to her daughter-- are chronicled in her New York Times bestselling memoir Life Undercover: Coming of Age in the CIA.

The book has been translated into 23 languages and was chosen by Time Magazine, the Washington Post, the New York Times and People Magazine as a notable book of the year. It is being adapted into a television series by Apple, featuring Brie Larson. She is the host of Netflix's hit documentary series The Business of Drugs, which ranked #1 in the United States on Netflix the week of its release. Her viral video about listening to our enemies has been viewed over 130 million times worldwide. Previously, she hosted History Channel’s American Ripper and starred in Freak Power, a feature film about Hunter S. Thompson's campaign for Sheriff of Aspen in 1970. Amaryllis has offered guest commentary on global events everywhere from FOX News to BBC.

Sought-out to speak at TED, Fox's remarks are equal parts informative and inspiring. She brings the conflict resolution, communication, and teambuilding techniques and strategies she learned during a career in counterterrorism to audiences worldwide, and shares invaluable insights on human nature and how to apply these findings to daily life, vastly enriching our relationships and unlocking the power to communicate, collaborate, and together achieve common goals. 

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KAREN HUGHES

  • Counselor to President George W. Bush (2001-2002)

One of the world's foremost communication strategists, Karen Hughes specializes in strategic messaging, crisis communications and executive positioning with clients ranging from global corporations to Fortune 500 CEOs. Hughes has also served as counselor to President George W. Bush and Under Secretary of the State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. For her work in Washington D.C., Hughes has been described as "the most powerful woman ever to serve in the White House" (Dallas Morning News) and "the most powerful public diplomacy czar in decades" (The Boston Globe). 

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MICHAEL NUTTER

  • 98th Mayor of Philadelphia - stewarded the city to an A credit rating for the first time in decades

Michael Nutter served as the 98th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, his hometown. He served 22.5 years as an elected official in Philadelphia, serving 14.5 years as a City Council member, and then 2 four year terms as Mayor, leaving office on January 4, 2016 due to term limits.

Mayor Nutter was considered one of the foremost leaders in innovation, tackling challenges of public safety, increasing funding for educating children, revitalizing the economy and spurring economic growth, restoring ethics and integrity to city government, ensuring fiscal discipline and making Philadelphia one of the great green and sustainable cities in America.

Known for keeping an active and engaged schedule as Mayor, Michael Nutter is doing the same as a private citizen. He's a Professor at Columbia University, a Senior Fellow with Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Program, Chair of the Mayors Advisory Board for Airbnb, and holds numerous Fellowships and Advisory positions in academic, political, non-profit and corporate entities. Mayor Nutter is actively engaged in the work of cities and trying to make them work better on behalf of their citizens.

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JOYCE BANDA

  • Africa's Second Female President; Former President of Malawi (2012-2014)

An entrepreneur, activist, politician and a philanthropist, Dr. Joyce Banda is the former president of Malawi, making her the country's first female president and Africa's second. Voted as Africa's most powerful woman by Forbes magazine and voted as one of the most powerful women in the world, she is a champion for the rights of women, children, the disabled and other marginalized groups. Continuing her tireless work encouraging women to enter political office and championing the rights of women and the disenfranchised, Dr. Banda has taken on a Distinguished Visiting Fellowship at the Center for Global Development, jointly with the Woodrow Wilson Center, where she brings her invaluable experiences as a leader in African politics. She is also a member of the United Nation's Council of Women World Leaders, and was recently named Honorary Chairperson of The Women Empowerment & Development Society in Asia-Africa.

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MATTHEW BERRY

  • Emmy Award-Winning Senior Fantasy Sports Analyst

Emmy Award-winning sports analyst and New York Times bestselling author Matthew Berry is universally regarded as “the face of fantasy football.” Berry, also known as ‘The Talented Mr. Roto’, is a fantasy football commentator and analyst for NBC across all platforms, including appearances on Football Night in America, Sunday Night Football Final, a daily audio and video podcast, and a weekly fantasy football show. Previously, Berry was the Senior Fantasy Sports Analyst for ESPN, where he hosted the award-winning Fantasy Football Show with Matthew Berry on ESPN+ and was the most-read weekly columnist on ESPN.com during football season. He won an Emmy for his work on ESPN2’s Fantasy Football Now, and is the author of the New York Times bestseller Fantasy Life, which spent many months on the list. His multi-award-winning podcast Fantasy Focus: Football regularly ranks in the top ten in the sports category. Berry brings his candid and entertaining perspective to memorable events for audiences of all kinds.

Berry was named Marketer of the Year by the Academy of Marketing Science (2013) for his leading role in fueling the national growth of fantasy football. He has also been named one of USA Today’s “NFL’s 100 Most Important People”, Sports Illustrated’s “Top 100 to Follow on Twitter,” and Mashable’s “32 Must Follow Accounts for NFL Fans,” boasting over 1.5M highly engaged social media followers. Berry was named FSTA “Analyst of the Year” by his peers (2017) and is one of only four people to be named to the Hall of Fame for both the Fantasy Sports Trade Association and the Fantasy Sports Writers Association.

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HOWARD DEAN

  • Chairman, Democratic National Committee (2005-2009)

Dean’s groundbreaking campaign for the U.S. Presidency and subsequent four years as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee provided him with both an insider's view and a reformer's commitment to the economy, foreign trade policy and international relations. His 12 years as Governor of Vermont and his Chairmanship of the National Governor's Association have given him a vast knowledge of domestic issues. Prior to entering the political realm, Dean was a physician and used that expertise during his political career as a champion of healthcare reform. Today, he uses his dual knowledge of politics and healthcare to speak on the current issues. 

His skillful stewardship of the party as Democratic National Committee chair began in 2005 and continued through the inauguration of President Barack Obama. As Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Governor Dean made the Democratic Party competitive in every race, in every district, in every state and territory, while integrating national and state party operations and standing up for Democrats' core values.

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R. GLENN HUBBARD

  • Chairman of the U.S. Council of Economic Advisors (2001-2003)

An economic advisor to Presidents, a well-respected Professor, leading Republican economist R. Glenn Hubbard has been the architect of policies that affect millions. Event planners invite Hubbard to speak at their events not only to offer their audiences shrewd economic commentary but also to ensure their program maintains the gravitas they've worked so hard to cultivate. Hubbard is that rare economic policy speaker who entertains as he delivers a complex message clearly and concisely - the same skills which have made him a familiar face on political and economic television news programs.

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RICHARD PHILLIPS

  • Hero of the High Seas & Real Life Inspiration for the Movie 'Captain Phillips'

Captain Richard Phillips became the center of an extraordinary international drama when he was captured by Somali pirates who hijacked his ship, the first hijacking of a U.S. ship in more than 200 years.  Amid the standoff, he offered himself as a hostage. Captain Phillips authored A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS, and Dangerous Days at Sea detailing his experience. This dramatic story was also transformed into an Academy-Award and Golden-Globe nominated film, Captain Phillips. President Barak Obama said, "I share the country's admiration for the bravery of Captain Phillips and his selfless concern for his crew. His courage is a model for all Americans."

Recognized as a national hero, Phillips now gives inspiring speeches on stepping up, finding courage within yourself, and putting your community first. He has been invited to share his message with hosts including General Mills, Constellation Brans, Houston Methodist Hospital, and more.

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ALAN DERSHOWITZ

  • Renowned Defense Attorney

Civil liberties lawyer, law professor, and bestselling author Alan Dershowitz has been called one of the “most distinguished defenders of individual rights, “the best-known criminal lawyer in the world, and “the top lawyer of last resort. Dershowitz, a graduate of Brooklyn College and Yale Law School, joined the Harvard Law School faculty at age 25 – the youngest in the school’s history -- and became an Emeritus professor after 50 years of teaching and 10K students. Dershowitz continues to represent numerous defendants and takes half of his cases pro bono. In his speeches, he challenges audiences with thought-provoking perspectives on today’s foremost social, legal, and ethical issues.

Dershowitz is a vocal defender of civil liberties and the constitution. He is the author of many fiction and non-fiction books, including seven bestsellers. Dershowitz’s widely circulated column for The Hill, as well as his frequent appearances on major news outlets including the New York Times, Forbes, FOX News, and CNN, reflect his position as a leading voice on civil liberties and make him an in-demand speaker. His voice has been sought by Purdue University, Elon University, the Center of the American Experiment, the Institute for Policy Innovation, and Jewish Federations around the world, among countless others.

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MOIRA FORBES

  • President and Publisher, ForbesWoman

As the Executive Vice President of Forbes Media, Moira Forbes is responsible for driving new business initiatives across the company’s diverse media platforms, and branding Forbes events worldwide. She is also the President and Publisher of ForbesWomen, a multi-media platform dedicated to successful women in business and leadership. Apart from hosting "Success with Moira Forbes," a video series on the Forbes Video Network featuring candid, one-on-one interviews with today’s top women leaders and "The Takeaway with Moira Forbes," a video series on Forbes where Moira interviews bold leaders weekly, she also writes a dedicated leadership column for Forbes.com profiling today’s most dynamic business leaders. In 2013, Moira launched the annual Forbes Women’s Summit in New York City, which brings together 250 female leaders to discuss and solve the world’s most intractable issues.

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ALEX GUARNASCHELLI

  • Acclaimed Chef and Recipe Developer

Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli is a world-renowned chef and one of Food Network’s top stars. Guarnaschelli first appeared on the network in 2006 and has since been part of hundreds of episodes of programming on the network, including as a judge on Chopped, co-host of The Kitchen, host of Supermarket Stakeout, and star of Alex vs America. As a competitor, she beat nine rival chefs to win The Next Iron Chef: Redemption, joining the ranks of Kitchen Stadium Iron Chefs. She also hosts the award-winning digital series, Fix Me a Plate, and is the author of the cookbooks Old-School Comfort Food: The Way I Learned to Cook (2013), The Home Cook: Recipes to Know by Heart (2017), and most recently Cook with Me: 150 Recipes for the Home Cook (2020)

Guarnaschelli attended La Varenne Culinary School in Burgundy, France and began her international culinary journey training in Paris and New York with some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs including Guy Savoy and Daniel Boulud. In 2003, Guarnaschelli was given the opportunity to expand her repertoire and become the executive chef at Butter in New York City, where she has since created her own eclectic American and green-market inspired menu. In sought-after keynotes and live demonstrations, Guarnaschelli provides lessons from a life steeped in culinary education and adventure, her own travels, and experiences as a mother and in world-renowned kitchens.

Guarnaschelli is regularty a guest on national television shows such as Today, Good Morning America and Live with Kelly & Ryan and has also been featured in The Wall Street JournalThe New York Times and Food & Wine. A popular mainstay on social media and Head of Twitter’s Food Council, Guarnaschelli also premiered her one-woman live comedy show Busting My Chops at Caroline’s on Broadway. A passionate and dynamic speaker, Guarnaschelli enjoys serving as an emcee and provides engaging cooking demonstrations to the delight of audiences.

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MARCUS SAMUELSSON

  • James Beard Award-Winning Chef and Restaurateur

Acclaimed chef, restaurateur, New York Times bestselling author, and beloved TV host Marcus Samuelsson inspires audiences with his powerful storytelling and engaging cooking demos. Samuelsson is the chef behind many renowned restaurants worldwide, including Red Rooster Harlem, Red Rooster Shoreditch, and Marcus B&P. He was the youngest person ever to receive a three-star review from The New York Times, and has won multiple James Beard Foundation Awards including “Best Chef: New York City.” Samuelsson is also the author of multiple books including the New York Times bestselling memoir Yes, Chef – which The New York Times called “one of the great culinary stories of our time,” Make It Messy, The Red Rooster Cookbook, and his latest groundbreaking cookbook The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food. Through his insightful conversations and thoroughly delightful live demos, Samuelsson offers uplifting, entertaining, and though-provoking experiences that resonate with audiences of all kinds.

Samuelsson was crowned champion of the TV shows Top Chef Masters and Chopped All-Stars, and served as a mentor on ABC’s The Taste. His PBS series No Passport Required celebrates the wide-ranging diversity of immigrant traditions and cuisine woven into American food and culture. A committed philanthropist, he co-produces the annual week-long festival Harlem EatUp!, which celebrates the food, art, and culture of Harlem. Samuelsson serves as a UNICEF Ambassador, a member of the U.S. State Department’s Chef Corps, and as the co-chairman for the organization Careers Through Culinary Arts Program. He was selected as a guest chef at the White House under the Obama Administration, where he planned and executed the administration’s first state dinner honoring Prime Minister Singh of India. For his sought-after programs, Samuelsson receives consistent rave reviews: ”Wow! You were utterly amazing. Added such depth and perspective. We can't thank you enough! Hope you'll join another at some point in the future” (Crain’s New York Business) and ”Marcus was thoughtful, personable, and left us wanting more!” (Kraft Heinz Company)

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GUY FIERI

  • Award-Winning Chef and Restaurateur

Chef, restaurateur, and Emmy Award-winning television host Guy Fieri is one of the world’s most recognizable, influential culinary stars. Fieri began his culinary career selling soft pretzels from a three-wheeled bicycle and washing dishes in local restaurants in his early teens. In 2006, Guy won the television competition Next Food Network Star and has been a nonstop presence on the network ever since. With a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he is best known as the “Mayor of Flavortown” and face of Food Network favorites Diners, Drive Ins & Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games, and Tournament of Champions. His thriving brand empire has grown to include over 80 restaurants worldwide, a 175-location food delivery service, and a diverse portfolio of brands. Fieri’s cultural and culinary preeminence brings a unique star power fueled by his electric personality to all of his endeavors.

Fieri’s enthusiasm for food is matched only by his passion for helping others. He founded the Guy Fieri Foundation to support culinary education as well as provide financial resources to aspiring chefs and feeds frontline workers, first responders, and military personnel. He has been invited by Morgan Stanley, the Foodservice Equipment Distributor’s Association, and more to speak on his many personal and business endeavors. Fieri’s events ignite and inspire any audience with his infectious energy and passion.

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DAVID CHANG

  • Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur, and Founder of Momofuku

David Chang is the founder of Momofuku and Majordomo Media. Since opening his first restaurant, Momofuku Noodle Bar, in 2004, he has been named one of “the most influential people of the 21st century” by Esquire, received six James Beard Awards, recognized as GQ’s Man of the Year and a Time 100 honoree. He is the creator of Ugly Delicious on Netflix and Secret Chef on Hulu, and is the host of The Dave Chang Show and Recipe Club podcasts. His cookbooks Momofuku and Cooking At Home as well as memoir Eat A Peach are all New York Times bestsellers. This season, David joined the Amazon Thursday Night Football as a culinary contributor. 

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ADAM SAVAGE

  • Hollywood Special Effects Designer

Beloved science communicator Adam Savage has spent most of his life gathering skills to build his dreams into reality. Over his career, his work has appeared onscreen to the delight of millions. While best known as a co-host of the Discovery Channel’s flagship show, MythBusters, Savage has worked on a number of iconic titles behind the scenes. His fabrications appear in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, The Matrix Reloaded, and more. Savage currently hosts Tested, a YouTube channel exploring the intersection of science, pop culture, and emerging technology.

Savage is a natural fit to engage audiences in explorations of creativity, imagination, and science. In his New York Times bestseller, Every Tool’s a Hammer: Life Is What You Make It, Savage shares his golden rules of creativity, problem solving, and much more. He sits on the boards of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the Center for Policing Equity and is an advisor to the California Academy of Sciences. From finding what inspires you to following through on making an idea a reality, Savage encourages audiences to push the boundaries of what's possible. Speaking to audiences around the world, Savage challenges and inspires people to turn curiosity into creation.

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ROBIN ARZÓN

  • Vice President of Fitness Programming & Head Instructor, Peloton

Robin Arzón is Vice President of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor at Peloton. She believes that sweat transforms lives, and her story is living proof. Formerly a corporate lawyer, Arzón left behind a successful law career to embark on new adventures in the health and wellness space and has since reinvented herself into a 27x marathon and ultra-marathon runner, MasterClass instructor, GMA contributor, highly-sought after keynote speaker, Editor-in-Chief of The Pivot by Robin, 2x New York Times bestselling author, and author of Welcome, Hustler: An Empowerment Journalpublished in September of this year. Most recently, Robin founded Swagger Society, a lifestyle membership club for those looking to architect their next level and develop a relentless growth mindset. 

Organizations such as American Family Insurance, KPMG, Google, BetterUp, Wells Fargo, Cisco, and Salesforce have sought out Robin’s voice to inspire, motivate, and transform. In 2020, she was named one of the most influential people on Fortune "40 Under 40" list. Audiences leave Robin’s engagements feeling energized and ready to conquer their goals.

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DAPPER DAN

  • Legendary Fashion Innovator

A New York Times bestselling author and global fashion icon with a remarkable rags to riches story, Dapper Dan pioneered streetwear in the early 1980s with his eponymous store on 125th Street. Co-opting luxury branding to design original garments with high-end detail, Dapper Dan first drew powerful New York City hustlers as clientele, who flocked to him thanks to his strong street reputation as a legendary professional gambler and dandy. He then went on to outfit the world’s top entertainers and celebrities, all leading to his notoriety. 

Dapper Dan’s incredible personal journey from a hungry boy with holes in his shoes, to a teen who gambled drug dealers out of their money, to a beloved legend in the worlds of Harlem, fashion, and hip hop, is chronicled in his New York Times bestseller, Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem. It’s also a story that inspires and resonates with audiences worldwide, and is now being developed into a premium drama series and a documentary series. In his empowering and riveting remarks, Dapper Dan highlights the importance of tenacity, curiosity, and determination to make ones wildest dreams a reality.

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DR. DAVID KATZ

  • Founding Director, Yale Prevention Research Center

Weight management expert Dr. David L. Katz, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P.M., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.L.M., is a specialist in Internal Medicine, Preventive Medicine/Public Health, and Lifestyle Medicine, with expertise in nutrition. For two decades, he was the founding director of Yale University’s Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center. He is also a past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, founder of the non-profit True Health Initiative, and Founder and CEO of Diet ID, Inc. Dr. Katz has been honored with numerous awards for teaching, writing, and contributions to public health, including a James Beard Foundation Award nominee in health journalism, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Doctors’ World Gala and three honorary doctorates.

Recognized globally as a topical expert, Dr. Katz is frequently invited to speak on longevity and wellness. He holds multiple US patents; has over 200 peer-reviewed publications; and has authored/co-authored 19 books to date including multiple editions of leading textbooks in nutrition, preventive medicine, and epidemiology. Dr. Katz has been invited to speak to prestigious hosts including the MIT Colloquium, Yale School of Management, Merrill Lynch, the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and more.

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JOE LOCKHART

  • Strategic Communications and Media Expert

Joe Lockhart is widely recognized as one of the top communications and public affairs professionals in the world, and offers strategic communications counsel to CEOs, C-suite executives, and Washington's most powerful leaders.  He knows how to handle a crisis and regain control of a narrative, honed through decades of experience in public affairs, corporate communications, administration, and political campaigns. Lockhart is perhaps best known for his service as White House Press Secretary under President Bill Clinton from 1998 to 2000. He has also worked for the National Football League (NFL) as executive vice president, overseeing communications, government affairs, social responsibility and philanthropy, and for Facebook as vice president of global communications. Lockhart's current role is to advise corporations and organizations on their communications strategies and vulnerabilities. He was vice chairman for public affairs at Edelman; he was also previously the founding partner and managing director of the Glover Park Group, and was executive vice president at Bozell Sawyer Miller. 

An award-winning journalist, he is also a frequent contributor to CNN and reflects on the week's news with Katie Barlow as they co-host the Words Matter podcast

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JUDITH JAMISON

  • Legendary Dancer and Choreographer

American dancer, choreographer, and artistic director Judith Jamison is one of the most impactful figures shaping the world of performing arts today. A former dancer of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the most respected dance companies in the world, Ms. Jamison quickly distinguished herself onstage as the most stellar female performer in modern dance. During the 1970s and 80s, she appeared as a guest artist with ballet companies all over the world, starred in the hit Broadway musical Sophisticated Ladies, and formed her own company, The Jamison Project. She returned as Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, chosen by and succeeding Alvin Ailey himself. In the subsequent two decades, she further solidified the company’s place in the upper echelons of performance institutions, leading two historic engagements in South Africa and a 50-city global tour to celebrate the Company’s 50th anniversary. Ms. Jamison is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, among them a prime-time Emmy Award, an American Choreography Award, the Kennedy Center Honor, a National Medal of Arts, a “Bessie” Award, the Phoenix Award, and the Handel Medallion. She was also listed in “TIME 100: The World’s Most Influential People” and honored by First Lady Michelle Obama at the first White House Dance Series event. Ms. Jamison was the 50th inductee into the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Dance. Audiences respond to her passionate, electric remarks and carry with them the truth of their own potential.

Ms. Jamison’s autobiography, Dancing Spirit, was edited by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Ms. Jamison continues to dedicate herself to asserting the prominence of the arts in our culture, and she remains committed to promoting the significance of the Ailey legacy – using dance as a medium for honoring the past, celebrating the present and fearlessly reaching into the future. Ms. Jamison has been invited to speak at World 50, The Wall Street Journal, TIME Magazine, Bucknell University, and many more.

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MARGARET I. CUOMO

  • Board-Certified Radiologist

Dr. Margaret I. Cuomo is a foremost leader in the fight against cancer. She is a board-certified radiologist, teaching professional, and national advocate for the prevention of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Her book, A World Without Cancer: The Making of a New World and the Real Promise of Prevention, presents a provocative and surprising look into the ways that profit, personalities, and politics obstruct real progress in the war on cancer. A trusted expert on health and wellness who empowers people to make lifestyle decisions to tangibly improve their health, Dr. Cuomo explores the ways in which lifestyle decisions not only promote general health and well-being but can also be used to treat and prevent a wide range of diseases.

A fearless advocate for the health of all people worldwide, Dr. Cuomo also addresses the power and necessity of STEM education and provides people with the tools and inspiration needed to transform their lives. She has spoken to the Houston City Council, Newark Academy, St. Vincent Hospitals, and many more.

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KURT ANDERSEN

  • Peabody Award-Winning Host, Public Radio's 'Studio 360'

Kurt Andersen–a brilliant analyst and synthesizer of historical and cultural trends, bestselling novelist, groundbreaking media entrepreneur, and host of public radio’s Studio 360– takes a smart and refreshingly hopeful approach to our culture and politics. A bestelling author of many social and political commentaries, most recently, Evil Geniuses: How Big Money Took Over America, Andersen provides audiences with a fascinating examination of America’s culture that brilliantly displays how we’ve gotten to where we are today, and where we are going.

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MICHAEL CHERTOFF

  • U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (2005-2009)

Michael Chertoff is a renowned security expert whose extensive experience includes serving as the second Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  He founded the Data Equilibrium Project to explore data protectionism and the gap between privacy and national security.  He is also co-founder and executive chairman of The Chertoff Group, a security and risk management firm where he provides high-level strategic counsel to corporate and government leaders on issues from risk identification and prevention to preparedness, response and recovery.

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DESIREE ROGERS

  • CEO and Co-Owner, Black Opal Beauty and Fashion Fair Cosmetics

An influential business leader, Desiree Rogers has helped major organizations reinvent business models and reach new and more diverse audiences with tangible results. The first black CEO and Co-Owner of Black Opal Beauty and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, and a former CEO of Johnson Publishing Company, Rogers is heralded for her uncanny business acumen and innovative approach to marketing and brand development. Beyond her experience in the private sector, Rogers was appointed by President Obama as White House Social Secretary, re-positioning the White House as the “People’s House” and implementing innovative events.

Named to the "50 Most Influential People in the Multicultural Market" by WWD, "Top 25 Women to Watch" by Crain's Chicago Business, and "Top 50 Most Powerful African American Business Women" by Black Enterprise, Rogers offers insights on everything from how to make marketing work in a digital and global age, to how to talk about race and foster a positive, inclusive work environment. Sought-out to speak at TED, Rogers has the unique ability to connect with her audience, energize and inspire teams, and illuminate new strategic pathways and operational approaches.

"If you are afraid, there is no way to be open. Reach beyond, take a chance, be respectful, and always think of what you can do for others." - Desirée Rogers, TEDx Speech, 2016

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STEVEN ROBERTS

  • Renowned Journalist & Leading Political Pundit

Steve Roberts has been a journalist for almost 50 years, covering some of the major events of his time, from the antiwar movement and student revolts of the 60s and 70s to President Reagan's historic trip to Moscow in 1988 and twelve presidential election campaigns. 

A well-known commentator on many Washington-based TV shows, Roberts also appears regularly as a political analyst on the ABC radio network. 

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MICHAEL MOSS

  • #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, 'Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us'

Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist and author of the New York Times bestsellers Hooked: Food, Free Will, and How the Food Giants Exploit our Addictions and Salt Sugar Fat, Michael Moss is a leading expert on the food industry, health and wellness, and marketing. Taking audiences on an eye-opening journey deep inside some of the world's biggest and most successful companies, he offers audiences an illuminating and surprising look at the researchers, marketers, strategists, and CEOs who seduce us with their products. Moss brings to vivid life the creative ways food manufacturers use the science of human behavior, biology and marketing to hook us. Using humor, case studies, and insight gleaned from investigative reporting that won him a Pulitzer Prize, he shows how companies get consumers to buy, often at the expense of their health.

Informative, engaging and often hilarious, Moss also offers lessons on the new world of health food, smart marketing strategies regardless of industry, and the state of journalism today. Hailed as "extraordinary" (University of the Sciences), "powerful" (Epicure) and "riveting" (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), Moss tailors his remarks to every audience, ensuring they leave deeply informed and with actionable takeaways. 

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CODY KEENAN

  • White House Director of Speechwriting for President Barack Obama (2013-2017)

Cody Keenan wrote alongside President Barack Obama for 14 years, rising from a campaign intern in Chicago and deputy pirate to become Obama’s chief speechwriter at the White House and his post-presidential collaborator. He’s been named the “Springsteen” of the Obama White House, even though he can’t play an instrument, and Obama calls him “Hemingway” for reasons that have little to do with his talent or seasonal beard (ask him sometime). Even British GQ once named Cody one of the “35 Coolest Men under 38 (and a Half),” ahead of Ryan Gosling, but behind Tom Hardy. 

Together, Keenan and Obama crafted some of the most unforgettable speeches of our time. From Tucson to Newtown to Charleston, Cody helped Obama fill his role as Consoler-in-Chief. From a sermon in Selma to Obama’s Farewell Address, the two redefined the essence of the American creed and charted an inspiring, optimistic course for a new generation’s active citizenship. Their collaborations have been compared to the work of Abraham Lincoln, described as “the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech for the 21st century,” and categorized even by prominent Republicans as “speeches every child should read in school.” 

A sought-after expert on politics, messaging, and current affairs, Cody is now a partner at leading speechwriting firm Fenway Strategies and teaches a popular course on political speechwriting to undergraduates at his alma mater Northwestern University. His first book, GRACE: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America, became an instant New York Times Bestseller.

Cody’s commencement addresses at NYU in 2015 and Northwestern in 2018 were highlighted as some of the year’s best, and in 2020, Northwestern’s graduating class of seniors chose him over all other professors to deliver their “Last Lecture.” He has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Morning Joe, The Today Show, Showtime’s The Circus, and often live in studio after State of the Union Addresses, and he continues to be a sought-after speaker for events with audiences of all kinds.

With his humor, unparalleled insight, and aversion to cynicism, Cody regularly receives rave reviews from his hosts, like this one from Hilton Hotels: “Cody stole the show at our global corporate affairs gathering. He brought his warmth, richness of experience, and incredible sense of humor together to give us the guidance we needed to cultivate authentic storytelling at Hilton. I was not surprised to see that he rated the top speaker in our program.”

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ELLIOTT ABRAMS

  • U.S. Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela at the Department of State (2020-2021)

An expert on U.S. foreign policy around the globe and a top White House adviser on Middle Eastern issues, Elliott Abrams has served in major foreign policy positions for three Republican U.S. Presidents, George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and Donald Trump. He is a Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C.   

He served as Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for Democracy, Human Rights, and International Operations (2001–2002), Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for Near East and North African Affairs (2002–2005), Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy National Security Advisor for Global Democracy Strategy (2005-2009), and most recently, as the U.S. Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela at the Department of State (2020-2021). 

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DAVID MAKOVSKY

  • Expert on U.S. Policy in the Middle East

Washington Insider, author, U.S.-Middle East policy expert David Makovsky is one of America’s leading commentators with deep knowledge about this region developed over decades. He delivers informative presentations on topics concerning today’s news, scholarship, and geopolitics in the Mideast. 

Makovsky is currently a distinguished fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and Director of the Koret Project on Arab-Israel Relations. Makovsky previously served as a senior advisor to the U.S. Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations in the Office of Secretary of State. He is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, as well as the International Institute for Strategic Studies. He brings his experience as a senior adviser as well as his keen analysis of the current situation to accessible, engaging conversations about the past, present, and future of U.S. policy in the Middle East and the Arab-Israeli peace process, shedding light on challenges and opportunities.

Makovsky is a sought-after commentator. He has spoken about Israel and the Mideast across over 175 American campus visits. Many have seen him on the PBS Newshour for decades. He is often quoted in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and other leading publications. His op-ed commentary has appeared in those and other key media outlets. A veteran journalist, Makovsky previously served as the Executive Editor of the Jerusalem Post. He was also the diplomatic correspondent for Ha’aretz, as well as contributing editor to U.S. News and World Report. He was awarded the National Press Club’s Edwin M. Hood Award for Diplomatic Correspondence.

Makovsky’s experience speaking nationally on the hardest topics of today positions him to thoughtfully address any audience. The Wilsher Boulevard Temple says, “David was dynamite! His energy, his intelligence and his humor all fill the room as he covers the tough subjects of the Middle East peace process… He responded thoughtfully and warmly to challenging questions.”

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DANIEL GORDIS

  • Senior Vice President and Koret Distinguished Fellow, Shalem Center

Award-winning author Daniel Gordis is a revered scholar and commentator on matters pertaining to Israel. Gordis is the author of twelve books, including Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn – which received the 2016 National Jewish Book Award as “Book of the Year.” Of his book We Stand Divided, Ambassador Michael Oren wrote, “Impassioned, brilliant, and riveting… the essential book for understanding American Jewish-Israel relations.” Gordis’ newest book, Impossible Takes Longer: 75 Years After Its Creation, Has Israel Fulfilled its Founders’ Dreams? is due out in April of 2023. In his writing as he does in his talks, Gordis offers a balanced perspective and a deft and multifaceted assessment of Israel. Leonard Fein has written that Gordis is “perhaps the single most popular speaker on Israel to American Jewish audiences.”

Alan Dershowitz has called Gordis “one of Israel’s most thoughtful observers,” and his writing has appeared in The New York TimesThe New Republic, New York Times MagazineAzure, Commentary, and Foreign Affairs, while his books have received numerous awards. Gordis is a sought-after speaker who consistently receives rave reviews for his speaking engagements, such as: "Dr. Gordis was over the top fabulous. Warm, friendly, and brilliant. Roundtable, cocktail receptions, and program… he nailed every tier of our event. Articulate, knowledgeable and passionate. You could hear a pin drop during his keynote address. Our audience was completely engaged." (Tampa Jewish Federation)

 

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HADASSAH LIEBERMAN

  • Inspiring Speaker on Issues of Health, Women & Judaism

Hadassah Lieberman charms audiences with stories from her extraordinary life, focusing on women’s health issues, assisting nonprofit organizations, and promoting international understanding. Ms. Lieberman successfully tailors her remarks to fundraising objectives that enable an organization to reach their goals.

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JONATHAN SARNA

  • Leading Commentator on Jewish History, Religion and Life

Dr. Jonathan Sarna is the Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History and Chair of the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University, as well as Chief Historian of the new National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia.

Dubbed by the Forward newspaper in 2004 as one of America’s fifty most influential American Jews, he was Chief Historian for the 350th commemoration of the American Jewish community, and is recognized as a leading commentator on American Jewish history, religion and life. 

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DAVID HOROVITZ

  • Founding Editor, The Times of Israel

David Horovitz is the founding editor of The Times of Israel, the Jerusalem-based current affairs website that launched in February 2012.  The Times of Israel, which provides independent coverage of Israel, the region and the Jewish world, is the fastest-growing news site in the Jewish world, and now also publishes in French, Arabic and Persian.

Horovitz was previously editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post (2004-2011). Before that, he was editor and publisher of the award-winning news magazine The Jerusalem Report.

He has written from Israel for newspapers around the world, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Irish Times and (London) Independent, and is a frequent interviewee on CNN, the BBC, Sky, Fox News, NPR and other TV and radio stations.

Horovitz lectures widely in Israel, the United States and Europe on Israeli current affairs, regularly giving the introductory briefing on Israel to Congressional delegations brought to Israel under the aegis of AIPAC.

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DAN GILLERMAN

  • Chairman of Blackstone Israel

Ambassador Dan Gillerman is Chairman of Blackstone Israel, Senior Advisor to the Blackstone Group, and a Member of Blackstone’s International Advisory Board. He is the Chairman and CEO of Gillerman Global, a Global Strategic Consulting firm. He served as Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations from 2003-2008 and was elected Vice President of the General Assembly in 2005.

 

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JOSEPH TELUSHKIN

  • Widely Acclaimed Authority on Judaism & Ethics

Joseph Telushkin, once named by Talk magazine as one of the 50 best speakers in the United States, is one of America’s leading ethicists. His book, Words that Hurt, Words that Heal, inspired Senators Joseph Lieberman’s and Connie Mack’s Senate Resolution #151 to establish a National Speak No Evil Day in the United States, a day in which Americans would go for twenty-four hours without saying anything unkind or unfair about, or to, anyone. An invaluable sourcebook of tools for businessmen, Words that Hurt, Words that Heal, contains suggestion after suggestion of how and when to criticize, how to keep a disagreement from turning into a quarrel, and the one technique that will keep you, even when angry, from ever saying something that can destroy a relationship.

His newest book building on the groundbreaking title, Words That Hurt, Words That Heal: How the Words You Choose Shape Your Destiny, was released in January 2019. 

 

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MATT ISEMAN

  • Emmy Award-Winning TV Host and Comedian

Emmy-winning TV host, comedian, physician, and cancer survivor Matt Iseman is beloved for his energetic, charismatic style and empowering message of overcoming obstacles. When Matt quit medicine to pursue stand-up comedy, his dad – a world-renowned physician – gave him the advice that still guides him today: “Life is short, do what makes you happy.” Renowned as the host of the four-time Emmy-nominated American Ninja Warrior, Matt combines his winning sense of humor, unique experience, and perspective as a doctor-turned-comic to deliver high-impact events. He shared his medical expertise and health and wellness insights on Hallmark’s Home & Family, won an Emmy for his hosting on Style’s Clean House, has hosted numerous live specials including The Macy’s 4th of July Special for NBC and Evel Live for History Channel and can be seen frequently as the in-house game show host for The Kelly Clarkson Show. Matt talks ninjas, tells jokes around the world and, in general, proves laughter is the best medicine.

Matt shares his inspiring story of battling Renal Cell Carcinoma and has become a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. His ongoing battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis transformed him into a strong supporter of the Arthritis Foundation – for his work over the past decade and a half, Matt was named the 2018 “Arthritis Warrior of the Year.” Matt also supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and serves as an Ambassador for the Armed Services Arts Partnership. Sought after for events of all kinds, he is an in-demand speaker for both medical and business events including Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Feather River Hospital, Edwards Lifesciences, and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, who raved: “Matt was fantastic! The audience really enjoyed his talk and he created the type of buzz we were looking for! He was also a pleasure to work with very energetic, kind, personable, and relatable. He hit all of the emotions, which was great!” His dynamic remarks cover everything from battling cancer, to overcoming obstacles, to the paramount importance of following your dreams.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LAURA BLUMENFELD

  • Prize-Winning Middle East Correspondent

Bestselling author, prize-winning journalist, and researcher Laura Blumenfeld has dedicated her life to analyzing conflict in the Middle East.

Blumenfeld previously served in the U.S. State Department as senior policy advisor for the Middle East Peace Process. She spent two decades as a reporter for the Washington Post covering the Middle East, national security, and presidential politics. She has also been a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund and a public policy fellow at the Wilson Center, where she worked on the project of “U.S. Responsibility to Lead.” Blumenfeld’s memoir, Revenge: a Story of Hope, recounts her global travels in search of the terrorist who shot her father in cold blood. She is currently a Middle East analyst at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

Blumenfeld has written on peace in the Middle East for The New Yorker, New York Times Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, and more. Her perspectives on politics and conflict in the region have been sought by AIPAC and AJC, alongside JCCs and Jewish Federations across the country.  

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DANIEL KURTZER

  • Critical Voice on the Middle East, Israel & Egypt

Public policy and diplomacy expert Daniel Kurtzer is a uniquely qualified speaker on the Middle East, offering a distinct perspective on geopolitics formed through firsthand experience. In over three decades in the U.S. Foreign Service, Ambassador Kurtzer served as the United States Ambassador to Israel (2001-2005) and as the United States Ambassador to Egypt (1997-2001). After retiring from the State Department, he served as a member of Secretary of State John Kerry’s Foreign Affairs Policy Board and as an advisor to the bipartisan Iraq Study Group. Ambassador Kurtzer’s hands-on experience with diplomacy and clear, engaging breakdown of the major regional issues leads to informative talks with practical takeaways.

Ambassador Kurtzer currently teaches diplomacy and conflict resolution at Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs. He is also the co-author of Negotiating Arab-Israeli Peace: American Leadership in the Middle East; co-author of The Peace Puzzle: America’s Quest for Arab-Israeli Peace, 1989-2011; and editor of Pathways to Peace: America and the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Ambassador Kurtzer’s well-researched opinions, history-first understandings, and experience speaking on the Middle East ensure a nuanced conversation that leaves audiences feeling more connected to the issues of discussion.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHRISTOPHER WYLIE

  • Data Scientist and Social Researcher

Best known for his role in setting up – and then taking down – the cyberwarfare firm Cambridge Analytica, Christopher Wylie has been called “the millennials’ first great whistleblower.” Wylie sparked a global conversation when he gave The Guardian and The New York Times documents detailing the secret workings behind the company's alleged unauthorized possession and misuse of personal data from millions of Facebook users. Wylie’s revelations exposing the rampant misuse of data rocked Silicon Valley, forced Fortune 500 companies to overhaul cybersecurity and user privacy practices, and led Congress to hold its first-ever hearings on the impact of social media on democracy.

When Chris speaks out about the future of technology, governments around the world listen – he has testified before the United States Congress five times, as well as at the parliaments of the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada. He has been named to TIME 100, Forbes’ “30 Under 30,” Politico’s “50 Most Influential People in Politics,” and Business Insider’s “100 Coolest People in Tech.” Wylie is currently the Director of Research for H&M – the largest global fashion brand – and his work on quantifying fashion style and supply chain with AI systems is having a major impact on the fashion sector. He is the bestselling author of Mindf*ck: Cambridge Analytica and the Plot to Break America.

With his signature neon hair and brutally honest candor, Wylie engages audiences around the world and makes AI, weaponized algorithms, and the future of cyber crime and resilience compelling, understandable, and actionable.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MIKE MUSE

  • Music Executive & Co-Founder, Muse Recordings

Former record label co-founder and change agent Mike Muse is a pop culture and political expert who uses his platform to create social change. An industrial engineer turned media entrepreneur and tech entrepreneur, he is a co-Founder of LawChamps - advocates for access to justice, social, and legal reform. Mike is host of SiriusXM’s award-winning show, The Mike Muse Show, co-host of Sway in the Morning, and was recently named ABC News Contributor for ABC News Live and the Good Morning America family. Mike has given two TED Talks, and is in demand for his dynamic, funny, and insightful talks about policy as lifestyle and leveraging AI for social good.

Mike served as a member of President Barack Obama’s National Finance Committee and was appointed to serve in the United States Small Business Administration as My Brother’s Keeper Millennial Entrepreneurial Champion, as well as the U.S. SBA's Federal Commission for the Council of Underserved Communities as the Millennials in Business Representative. His passion is tech – the future of AI and algorithmic inclusion – and he is one of Google’s NextGen Tech Policy Fellows. In addition to speaking tours with Meta and Chevrolet, Mike has given numerous keynotes for Disney, Google, Verizon, Harvard Law School, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CATHY O'NEIL

  • Big Data Scientist

Data skeptic and New York Times bestselling author Cathy O’Neil is a thought leader exploring the realities and dangers of social networking, the consequences of algorithm design, and defending human dignity in the context of predatory capitalism. A prolific voice in academia and the private sector, O’Neil is the New York Times bestselling author of Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy, which was a semifinalist for the National Book Award. She is also a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion, a renowned blogger, and her expertise was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary The Social Dilemma. O’Neill is the Founder of ORCAA, a consultancy providing algorithmic auditing services focused on safety, fairness, and principled use of data, and launched the Lede Program in Data Journalism at Columbia University. Her latest book, The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation, investigates how shame functions as a tool across sectors including government, the healthcare system, and the wellness industry. With a mathematics Ph.D. and background in finance and AdTech startups, O’Neil offers unparalleled insight and analysis about the challenges that lie ahead for individuals and businesses in our increasingly algorithmic world.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MICHAEL MIGNANO

  • Technology Entrepreneur, Executive, and Investor

Technology executive and entrepreneur Michael Mignano is passionate about building products that change the world. After serving as VP of Product for Aviary, and growing the photo editing platform’s audience to over 100M creators before an acquisition by Adobe, Michael co-founded Anchor which was acquired by Spotify in 2019 for $170M and is the world’s largest podcasting platform. His work on Anchor transformed podcasting from a niche medium into a universal form of creative expression adopted by millions worldwide. After Anchor was acquired by Spotify, Michael served as Head of Talk Audio for Spotify, where he lead the podcast, live, and video businesses for the world’s leading audio streaming platform. Michael has joined Lightspeed Venture Partners, a venture capital firm, as a partner.

Michael has been recognized by Fortune on their “40 Under 40” list, and he is an angel investor and advisor to more than fifty of the world’s most promising early-stage technology companies, including Cameo, Coda, The Infatuation, Parade, Pipe, and Stir. His career has been focused on building world-changing products that scale to hundreds of millions of users and empower people to express themselves creatively across mediums. In compelling keynote and conversations, Michael shares insights on shifting global culture through powerful ideas, leveraging your passion into an impactful career, and maximizing productivity through communication at work and in life.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

NIREN CHAUDHARY

  • Chairman of the Board, Panera Brands

Global CEO, innovator, and philanthropist Niren Chaudhary is a visionary leader. He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Panera Brands. Prior to becoming Chairman in 2023, Chaudhary served as CEO of Panera Brands and Panera Bread. Previously, Chaudhary served as Chief Operating Officer and President of Krispy Kreme, where he created a path for enterprise value growth of 3x over 5 years. Prior to that, he spent over two decades at Yum! Brands serving in global leadership positions including Global President of KFC and President of Yum! India. Chaudhary is hailed for his commitment to innovation and often provides insight into how large organizations can stay agile.  

Chaudhary is guided by his deep passion for serving others and building future leaders. He lectures at Columbia Business School and University of Delhi. His insights and voice have been sought by PWC, Harvard University, and London Business School, to name a few. He dedicates his personal time to serving on the Tufts Medical Centre Board and as an advocate for DKMS, a leading non-profit with the world’s largest stem cell donor registry. Chaudhary’s warm energy extends to his keynotes and moderated conversations alike, connecting with audiences on both an intellectual and personal level.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GABRIELLE BERNSTEIN

  • Spiritual Teacher

Renowned spiritual teacher and #1 New York Times bestselling author Gabby Bernstein has been hailed as a “new thought leader” by Oprah Winfrey. Bernstein is the author of nine bestselling books including The Universe Has Your Back, Super Attractor, and her latest New York Times bestseller, Happy Days: The Guided Path from Trauma to Profound Freedom and Inner Peace. Her empowering perspective and compassionate insights inspired The New York Times to call her, “a role model for a new generation of spiritual seekers.” In 2023, she launched the innovative gabby coaching membership app allowing her to be your spiritual coach—anytime anywhere. In her weekly podcast, Dear Gabby, she connects with her community and offers insightful, real-time coaching, straight talk, and BIG LOVE. Through her presentations and generous Q&A sessions, Bernstein makes a major impact on individuals and organizations alike, and she has been sought-after by groups such as Google, the AOL Build Series, TED Talks, Oprah’s SuperSoul Sessions, and many more.

Bernstein frequently appears on Today and Good Morning America, among others, to share her expertise in meditation, manifestation, and cultivating inner peace. She co-hosted the Guinness World Records’ largest guided meditation with Deepak Chopra, and was named to Oprah’s “SuperSoul 100” – a dynamic group of trailblazers whose vision and life’s work are bringing a higher level of consciousness to the world. Bernstein is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, offering a profound message of peace that resonates with audiences of all kinds.

For more, visit gabbybernstein.com

HWA EXCLUSIVE

EVA LONGORIA

  • Award-Winning Actress, Producer, and Director

Award-winning actor, serial entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author Eva Longoria is paving the way for future women and minority producers, directors, and industry leaders in Hollywood and beyond. Since her rise to fame in ABC’s Desperate Housewives, Longoria has established herself as an in-demand director for television and a media trailblazer through her UnbeliEVAble Entertainment production company, which focuses on purposeful projects that accurately represent stories of the Latinx and other underrepresented communities. Longoria is also a partner in The MACRO Episodic Lab Powered by The Black List, which seeks to discover, support, and empower storytellers of color who typically do not have access to the traditional Hollywood system.

A dedicated philanthropist and activist, Longoria was named one of People Magazine’s “Women Changing the World.” She lends her voice to issues from immigration to reproductive rights, co-founded the nonprofit Eva’s Heroes, and established the Eva Longoria Foundation to help Latinas build better futures through educational programs, scholarships, mentorship, and entrepreneurship. Longoria is a co-founder of the Latino Victory Fund, a movement building political power in the Latinx community, and She Se Puede, a digital lifestyle community and media platform. Her cookbook Eva’s Kitchen is a New York Times bestseller. Longoria empowers audiences of all kinds with stories of her personal journey and insights about fearless, values-driven leadership.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MEGHAN, THE DUCHESS OF SUSSEX

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex is a feminist, champion of human rights and gender equity, and global role model. Her lifelong advocacy for women and girls remains a constant thread she weaves through both humanitarian and business ventures. She is noted as one of the most powerful and influential women in the world, topping lists such as TIME Magazine’s Most Influential People, The Financial Times’ 25 Most Influential Women, Variety Power of Women, and British Vogue’s Vogue 25. 

She and her husband, Prince Harry have also been the recipients of the NAACP President’s Award as well as the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award. Meghan’s global impact, and strong stance on resilience, equality, and compassion through action, have made her one of the most iconic public figures of this generation.

Born and raised in Southern California, Meghan attended Los Angeles based all-girls Catholic School, Immaculate Heart, which she continues to support as an alumna, before moving to Chicago to attend the prestigious Northwestern University. While there, she double majored in Theater and International Relations, and went on to intern at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as to study abroad in Madrid, Spain. After graduation, Meghan turned her focus to the entertainment industry, landing her big break as a lead actor on the hit series, ‘Suits’ which she starred in for seven seasons. During her time off between filming, Meghan travelled to Rwanda, India, and across the globe working on humanitarian missions, and serving in key roles such as: UN Women’s Advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership, a World Vision Global Ambassador, and a leading Counsellor to One Young World, where she inspired youth and women around the world through her passionate advocacy and hands-on approach to being of service. She also travelled to support the military community on a USO Tour, visiting six military bases in seven days including Bagram, Afghanistan.

In 2018, Meghan married Prince Harry, becoming The Duchess of Sussex.

An accomplished writer, she has contributed pieces to publications in the UK, US, and Ireland, and parlayed that skill into the creation of the successful lifestyle website, ‘The Tig’, where her thoughtful and inspiring op-eds cultivated a global fanbase. The Duchess of Sussex was the first guest editor in the history of British Vogue for their July Issue in 2019, which was the fastest selling copy in the history of the publication.

She and Prince Harry founded The Archewell Foundation in 2020 to support communities in need at a micro and macro level, in both moments of crisis as well as for long term aid. At The Archewell Foundation, they hold the value that charitable work should not simply be ‘a handout, but rather a hand held’, a phrase which Meghan first coined when supporting UK charity Smart Works, of which she is patron, that uplifts and prepares underserved women to enter the workforce. Meghan and her husband also founded and oversee production company, Archewell Productions and podcasting arm, Archewell Audio.

In 2022, Meghan launched ‘Archetypes’, a record-breaking podcast exploring the labels that try to hold women back; ‘Archetypes’ debuted at Number 1 in The US, UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, and topped the charts as the Number 1 podcast in 47 countries, demonstrating her unparalleled global reach. After its first season, Archetypes was awarded The People’s Choice Award in the podcast category.

She is a NY Times Best Selling author, publishing her highly celebrated children’s book, ‘The Bench’, and “Together: Our Community Kitchen” a publication she spearheaded with the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen in the UK, who were displaced after the tragic Grenfell Fire. True to her character, The Duchess of Sussex mobilized to turn pain into purpose, working alongside this dynamic group of women to help them heal, grow, and develop their own business enterprises in the face of adversity. In addition to topping the NY Times Bestsellers list, “Together,” also debuted as number one on the UK’s Sunday Booklist, with proceeds going to the Kitchen.

Meghan’s influence in fashion has been coined “The Meghan Effect” with items selling out within hours of her wearing them. Her ‘effect’ has transcended fashion, shifting cultural conversations as seen with her op-ed for the NY Times “The Losses We Share.” The piece detailed a heartbreaking personal loss which spiked the conversation surrounding miscarriage to the highest it had been spoken of in over two decades at the time of publishing. 

Meghan is a passionate advocate for mental health and family care, the holistic support of women and children’s rights, and the immeasurable value of one’s self worth. Her core belief that representation matters, and her connection to community through the lens of learning, healing, and inspiring have helped define her as a cultural catalyst for positive change.  

Meghan resides in California with her husband and their children Prince Archie Harrison and Princess Lilibet Diana, and their three dogs.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ROBERT IRVINE

  • World-Class Chef and Host, 'Restaurant: Impossible'

World-class chef and television host and author Robert Irvine is a dedicated advocate for veteran’s issues. A veteran of the British Royal Navy, Robert learned to cook for a huge numer of people under intense pressure. The experience served him well when he took the Food Network by storm with his first show, Dinner: Impossible. His hit show Restaurant: Impossible has filmed twenty one seasons and Robert is the author of four cookbooks. His most recent book, Overcoming Impossible: Learn to Lead, Build a Team, and Catapult Your Business to Success is a one-of-a-kind guide to achieving goals and finding success in business and in life.

In addition to being a world-class chef, business leader, and fitness authority, Robert seeks to inspire people to live better through all his endeavors. A tireless supporter of our veterans, he gives back to those who defend our freedoms. He created the Robert Irvine Foundation to support wounded servicemen and their families and he frequently tours with the USO, visiting our troops around the globe. For his efforts, he has been named an Honorary Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy and received the Medal of Honor Society’s Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment and the U.S. Department of the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Award.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DR. JESSICA B. HARRIS

  • A Leading Authority on the Food of the African Diaspora

Dr. Jessica B. Harris is one of the ranking authorities on the culture, cuisine, and community of the African Diaspora. Her New York Times bestselling cookbook, High on the Hog, winner of 2 NAACP Image Awards, was the basis for the acclaimed Peabody Award-winning Netflix series of the same name. Dr. Harris led the Culinary Institute of America’s African Diaspora Foodways Initiative, conceptualized the award-winning cafeteria of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture, and served as lead curator for the exhibit African/American: Making the Nation’s Table presented by New York’s Museum of Food and Drink. Dr. Harris was a professor at Queens College/CUNY in New York for five decades and is currently professor emerita at that institution while consulting internationally. Dr. Harris’s unique depth of expertise and brilliant intellect inspire every audience member’s thirst for knowledge

Dr. Harris’s work has been honored with the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award, and her books were inducted into the James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame. She was named to the TIME Most Influential People list and is the winner of the 2023 IACP Award for Culinary History. As a speaker, Dr. Harris has been sought by Sysco, Rutgers University, Adobe, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOANNE LIPMAN

  • No. 1 Bestselling Author, 'That's What She Said' and 'Next! The Power of Reinvention in Life and Work'

Powerhouse journalist Joanne Lipman has transformed newsrooms across the country – and now she’s turned her keen eye to transforming work and life in the post-pandemic era. In her blockbuster new book, Next!: The Power of Reinvention in Life and Work (March 2023), she offers a deeply reported, delightfully readable look at how to change your life, your workplace, or your career -– and how to inspire innovation in others. It follows her No. 1 bestseller That’s What She Said, about achieving gender equity at work and at home, inspiring men as well as women to join together to promote diversity, innovation and excellence.

One of the nation’s most prominent journalists, Lipman is the former editor-in-chief of USA Today and the USA TODAY Network, Conde Nast Portfolio, and The Wall Street Journal Weekend Journal, leading those organizations to six Pulitzer Prizes. Dubbed “innovator in chief” by The New York Times and “star editor” by CNN, Lipman began her career at The Wall Street Journal, where she rose to become the highest-ranking woman in the paper’s history. Lipman has been in-demand with groups such as Motorola, Google, Aetna, Chevron, NBC Universal, among many others.

Lipman is sought after for her insights, appearing on ABC, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, and CBS, and is an on-air contributor at CNBC. Her work has appeared in publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, TIME, Fortune, and Harvard Business Review. She teaches a popular Yale University course on Media & Democracy, focused on issues including polarization and combatting misinformation. A lively and entertaining speaker, Lipman offers action-oriented insights and critical analysis into issues ranging from workplace culture, to personal and business growth and transformation, to fostering diverse and equitable organizations, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JUDIT POLGÁR

  • Chess Grandmaster & World Chess Hall of Fame Member

Chess Grandmaster Judit Polgár is the best female player in chess history. At the age of 12, Polgár took the lead in the adult women’s world ranking, which she would hold for the next 26 years. By 14, she was already a two-time Women's Chess Olympic Champion (1988, 1990). Polgár won two further silver medals as member of the Hungarian men's team. At the age of 15 years and 4 months, she became a male international grandmaster, breaking Bobby Fischer's age record. In October 2005, Polgár ranked 8th in the absolute world ranking, as the first and, to date, the only female top 10 chess player. Polgár gave the informative and entertaining TED Talk “Giving checkmate is always fun,” and her talks on breaking the glass ceiling and strategic decision-making have delighted audiences worldwide.

Since retiring, Polgár has focused on the international promotion of the sport of chess, writing, and the Judit Polgár Chess Foundation. The World Chess Hall of Fame inductee has authored many books on chess, including Chess Palace, the Best European Learning Materials award-winning program now used by 40K children daily. Polgár has been an expert commentator at major international tournaments. Polgár has spoken at TED Conference, Morgan Stanley, CITI Bank, Exxon, the Warwick Economics Summit, and McKinsey: “We collectively think the speech Ms. Polgar gave during her presentation at our Executive event in September was excellent.”

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHARLIE DAVIES

  • Former Olympian and International Professional Soccer Player

Olympian, CBS sports analyst, and philanthropist Charlie Davies is passionate about uplifting others through inspiration and positive reinforcement. Davies has had an international career spanning twelve years, playing in Sweden, France, Denmark, and MLS, and represented the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team at the 2008 Olympics. He currently serves as a broadcast analyst for CBS Sports, Major League Soccer, and the New England Revolution. Davies also co-hosts Call It What You Want, a U.S. soccer podcast for CBS. Davies is the Director of The ‘Quin Impact Fund, The ‘Quin House’s philanthropic arm. Leveraging his passion for creating a spark for change, he directs the club’s fundraising initiatives, programming, and fosters relationships with nonprofits and corporations. Davies is a motivating speaker on the topics of the power of a positive mindset, overcoming adversity and finding resilience, and philanthropy and the impact of giving back.

Passionately immersed in community service, Davies is a U.S. Soccer Foundation Ambassador, a New England Revolution Club Ambassador, focusing on sponsorships, fundraising, and community relations. He is a survivor of liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer, and is a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society’s “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign. He serves as a member on the Philanthropic Board of Advisors at Boston Children’s Hospital, on the boards of Beacon Academy, Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art, in addition to volunteering with a myriad of organizations including The Steve Nash Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, Horizons for the Homeless, and many others. In sought after engagements, Davies shares his personal story overcoming obstacles to become an Olympian, and how he uses his platform to make a difference.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MERRYL TENGESDAL

  • First and Only African American Woman USAF U-2 Pilot

Groundbreaking aviator, author, and retired Colonel Merryl Tengesdal made history as the first and only African American woman USAF U-2 Pilot. For over two decades, Tengesdal served as a Naval Aviator and Air Force Combat Pilot, deploying worldwide in support of combat and military operations and piloting the “Dragon Lady” high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. She has extensive command and senior leadership experience, most recently serving as the Director of Inspections for the Air Force Inspector General overseeing a program for 860K Airmen, and was the first woman selected to be Commander of Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Detachment 2, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar testing program. Tengesdal’s remarkable journey is chronicled in her memoir, Shatter the Sky: What going to the stratosphere taught me about self-worth, sacrifice, and discipline, and her riveting storytelling leaves audiences feeling motivated, inspired, and ready to reach new heights.

Tengesdal starred on CBS’ Tough as Nails, promoting increased minority involvement in the Trades. She has also appeared as a commentator on PBS’ UNLADYLIKE2020: The Bessie Coleman Story, as a technical consultant on Bridge of Spies, and as a featured contributor for Smithsonian Channel’s Air Warrior. Tengesdal was inducted into the 2019 Gathering of Eagles Foundation as an aviation pioneer and is a dedicated advocate for increasing women and children of color in STEM. In sought-after events with groups like Lockheed Martin, Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence, the Transportation Leadership Forum, and more, Tengesdal shares her experiences and insights on leadership as a woman and person of color in spaces where women and people of color are underrepresented, maximizing physical and mental health, and applying military leadership to business enterprises and everyday life.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOHN R. MILES

  • Expert on Intentional Behavior Change, Leadership, and Personal Mastery

Former U.S. Navy officer, Fortune 50 senior executive, entrepreneur, author, and award-winning podcast host John R. Miles is a recognized expert on intentional behavior change, leadership, personal mastery, and the transformative power of "mattering." Founder & CEO of Passion Struck®, his globally renowned podcast, Passion Struck with John R. Miles, has garnered tens of millions of downloads and consistently holds the title of the #1 alternative health podcast worldwide, securing its place among the top 100 on Apple Podcasts. His syndicated national radio show, "Passion Struck with John R. Miles," is heard by millions weekly. John has interviewed David Rubenstein, Seth Godin, Susan Cain, Gretchen Rubin, Robin Sharma, Daniel Pink, Rachel Hollis, Jim Kwik, Arthur Brooks, & countless others. In a world where success is often measured by influence and impact, Miles has earned his place among the world's foremost thought leaders, leaving an indelible mark as a beacon of inspiration and change.

With over 25 years of leadership experience, Miles is frequently sought after as an advisor by many of the world's top companies and their executives. His leadership has been credited with generating billions of dollars in sales and advising two unicorn startups. However, his true passion lies in coaching and mentoring individuals to live a passion-struck life in every area. The story of his journey as a U.S. Naval Academy graduate exemplifying the principles of leadership and personal growth are a part of his debut book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life (due out in early 2024). Passion Struck was chosen as one of February 2024's "Must-Read Books" by the Next Big Idea Club.

For more information, visit www.passionstruck.com or www.johnrmiles.com.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DR. LUANA MARQUES

  • Global Speaker, Author, Executive Coach

Researcher, clinician, and author Dr. Luana Marques radiates an energetic blend of personal charisma and scholarly depth. Dr. Luana has emerged as a powerful force in the global speaking circuit, with former hosts including the Harvard Club of the United Kingdom, Moody's Shared Services, NAMI, and more. She is known for her captivating presence and dynamic storytelling that weaves together the threads of her personal journey and professional expertise to inspire transformation in her audiences.

Dr. Luana’s personal story of overcoming adversity, trauma, and poverty while growing up in Brazil provides authenticity and depth to her message. Today, as an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, Past President of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and bestselling author, Dr. Luana is a paragon of resilience, determination, and boldness. Through decades of work, Dr. Luana has been relentless in her goal of equipping everyone, everywhere, with skills to thrive. Everyone who attends her events leaves with a personalized plan to overcome challenges and make their next bold move toward what matters most. Dr. Luana’s hidden superpower comes through during Q&A’s, where she meets people where they are and provides them with tools to get unstuck in real-time. Dr. Luana’s commitment to actionable insights sets her apart, leaving her audiences inspired and armed with science-backed tools for change.

Dr. Luana's influential work has been recognized in numerous high-profile platforms, including The Washington PostWall Street Journal, BIG THINK, ForbesThe New York TimesGood Morning America, and Face the Nation. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book Bold Move, A 3-Step Plan to Transform Anxiety into Power – a testament to her ability to translate complex scientific insights into actionable strategies. Whether she's addressing a roomful of CEOs, community leaders, or corporate teams, she empowers them with science-backed tools that they can implement immediately to catalyze change.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

NIKKI AND BRIE GARCIA

  • Famed Former WWE Superstars and WWE Hall of Fame Inductees

WWE Hall of Fame Inductees, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and New York Times bestselling authors Nikki and Brie Garcia – The Garcia Twins – are legendary for fearlessly breaking barriers and building a global brand based on hard work, authenticity, and kindness. Nikki and Brie joined the WWE main roster in 2008 and became one of the best tag teams in the history of WWE and the first female twins to rise to international acclaim, earning a Divas Title reign apiece in 2011 and 2012. As sought-after motivational speakers as individuals and a tag team, The Garcia Twins bring a dash of ‘Twin Magic’ to every event, making a major impact with audiences of all kinds.

Brie became Divas Champion in 2011, and was named Diva of the Year in 2013, entertaining millions around the world with her athleticism, confidence, and genuine personality as a star on FOX’s The Real Dirty Dancing. Nikki, who earned the accolade Longest Reigning Divas Champion and the fan title ‘Fearless Nikki’, was seen as a judge on NBC’s America’s Got Talent Extreme, and is set to host the upcoming celebrity competition show Barmageddon for NBC. The Garcia Twins starred on E!’s hit reality TV show Total Divas, and executive produced and starred on six seasons of their spinoff series Total Bellas.

Their dual debut memoir, Incomparable, became an instant New York Times bestseller and revealed their journey to the pro-wrestling ring, the obstacles they overcame, and how they broke the glass ceiling in their sport to push female performers from divas to superstars. The Garcia Twins share their humor and uncensored insights with their massive audience as hosts of The Bellas podcast. Nikki and Brie are the founders of Birdiebee, Nicole + Brizee Beauty, Bonita Bonita Wine, and serve as investors and collaborators for Colugo. With their expertise in entrepreneurship, excelling in a male-dominated industry, and commitment to testing the limits, Nikki and Brie inspire audiences to dominate in their own lives and never give up.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DESHAUNA BARBER

  • Former Miss USA

The first Miss USA to be crowned while serving in the U.S. military, human rights advocate Deshauna Barber is an award-winning international speaker with a bold approach to inspiring and encouraging her audience. Deshauna is a STEM graduate who worked as an IT Analyst for the U.S. Government and was a logistics commander in the U.S. Army Reserve. She is the Vice Chair of Service Women's Action Network, the nation's leading nonprofit organization advocating on behalf of all servicewomen and women veterans in the country. Deshauna is a sought-after motivational keynote speaker for many groups including Fortune 500 companies like Google, Verizon Media, and Coca-Cola, among others, offering impactful lessons on diversity and inclusion, women and youth empowerment, mental health awareness, and more.

As Miss USA, Barber advocated for our men and women in uniform by encouraging our government to provide additional support for soldiers who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). During her Army Reserve commitment, Captain Barber served her country for over 11 years and worked as a cadet instructor at Howard University's Bison Battalion. She has a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University, and holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University. Deshauna has appeared on The Steve Harvey Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Fox, and Friends, The Chelsea Show, Good Morning Washington, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Daily Show, Live with Kelly, Good Morning America and in Glamour and Diversity Magazine, among many others.

Barber has made it her life goal to encourage, inspire and strengthen the people around her, and her engagements regularly receive rave reviews such as: "Deshauna is phenomenal!... She is moving, inspiring and powerful. She is also very approachable and personable..." (NAJA); and "We are all still flying high from today’s keynote. I couldn’t be more impressed! I’ve seen thousands of keynotes and that was one of the best ever!" (National Association for the Education of Young Children)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KRISTI YAMAGUCHI

  • Olympic, U.S., and World Hall of Fame Figure Skater

Olympic Gold Medalist, two-time World Champion, and U.S. and World Hall of Fame figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi is a powerful force of nature both on and off the ice. Yamaguchi has appeared as an NBC Olympics broadcast analyst for NBC’s Universal Sports Network, a special correspondent for the Today Show, and was the celebrity champion of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Throughout her career, Yamaguchi has been a highly sought-after corporate spokesperson, working with Kellogg’s and the American Lung Association, Celanese Acetate, as well as serving as the Goodwill Ambassador for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, performing at the opening and closing ceremonies. She has been invited to speak to Marriott International, Illinois Libraries Present, Philips Oral Healthcare, and many more.  

Yamaguchi’s philanthropic passions include promoting early childhood literacy through her Always Dream, which finds innovative ways to improve access to books, technology, and family engagement strategies for children of historically and intentionally excluded communities. Yamaguchi authored the New York Times bestselling children’s books Dream Big, Little Pig! and It’s a Big World, Little Pig!, among other titles. She has received the Inspiration Award from the Asian Excellence Awards, the Women's Sports Foundation Flo Hyman Award, the Heisman Humanitarian Award, and the USPOC Jessie Owen’s Olympic Spirit Award. Yamaguchi’s commitment to excellence, clear vision, and uplifting message provide inspiration to all audiences.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SEEMA HINGORANI

  • Founder and Chair, Girls Who Invest

As Founder and Chair of Girls Who Invest and Managing Director at Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM), Seema Hingorani is a powerhouse in the investing sphere who is revolutionizing the industry by creating opportunities and increasing representation and diversity. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Hingorani was the Founder and CIO of SevenStep Capital, an opportunistic investment platform focused on seeding women portfolio managers, as well as serving as CIO for the New York City Retirement Systems, which had assets of $160B, and Head of Public Equities & Hedge Funds for the pension funds, which was named Hedge Fund Manager of the Year (Large Public Pension Plans) by Institutional Investor under her leadership.

While working at the highest levels in the public and private sector, Hingorani saw few faces like her own, and leveraged her experience and industry connections to solve this ‘pipeline’ problem by founding Girls Who Invest, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership in the asset management industry. Since founding the organization in 2015, she has raised over $25M to fund summer programs for over 2,500 diverse college women across the U.S. that offer training, mentorship, and internships with over 100 leading asset management firms in the U.S., U.K. and Canada, creating the next generation of leading investors.

Hingorani has worked with several organizations focused on issues concerning women and girls, and has garnered numerous accolades for her groundbreaking work: receiving the insignia of the Chevalier of the National Order of the Legion of Honor from France in 2021, listed as one of Barron’s“100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance” as well as The Bloomberg’s 50’s “Ones To Watch,” and Traders “Wall Street Women Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2015. She served as a member of the National Finance Committee of Secretary Clinton’s 2016 Presidential Campaign, is an active member of The Economic Club of New York and 100 Women in Finance, and is a prolific speaker on the topic of a more robust inclusion of women in the corporate sector.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SERENA POON

  • Certified Nutritionist and Celebrity Chef

Serena Poon, CN, CHC, CHN is a globally recognized longevity expert and entrepreneur who has run successful businesses for over two decades in the wellness and longevity spaces. She is the CEO of Serena Loves LLC, a lifestyle brand and wellness product company, founder of Just Add Water®, a line of super nutrient foods and supplements, and President and co-founder of Fully Aligned Co. LLC, a company focused on services and consumer products in the longevity space.

Serena is known for her method of Culinary Alchemy®, a combination of education, integrative nutrition and healing energy. In 2022, she co-founded Fully Aligned Co, LLC with Dr. David Sinclair, a conscious company backed by research, with the intentions of “Bridging the Science and Soul of Well-being™." She sits on the advisory boards of EdenRoc Sciences, Delavie Sciences, and Ziva Health and has been featured in Forbes, Vogue, Elle, The Wall Street Journal, TODAY, The New York Times, Health Magazine, The Doctors, and NBC and is a regular health and wellness contributor on KTLA News.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANDREW REA

  • Chef and YouTube Personality, 'Babish's Culinary Universe'

Andrew Rea is the creator and star of the hit YouTube show, Binging with Babish. Despite only being online since 2016, the show has an astounding 4.8 million fans and counting, making it one of the most popular web-based cooking shows of all time. New videos routinely receive 1 to 3 million views, with some being watched a staggering 12 million times. He is one part chef, one part filmmaker, and a generous dash of irreverent YouTube personality. His passion for teaching and experimenting in the kitchen is rivaled only by his love of film and television, both of which he endeavors to share from his New York City kitchen. Rea is also the author of Eat What You Watch and the New York Times Bestseller, Binging With Babish.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BUDDY VALASTRO

  • TV Personality and Host, 'The Cake Boss'

Celebrity baker from numerous hit TV shows and New York Times bestselling author Buddy Valastro is best known as the beloved Cake Boss. Buddy – a fourth-generation baker – learned the ins and outs of his family’s bakery working alongside his father, Buddy Sr. His incredible cakes and entrepreneurial spirit are showcased on his numerous shows, including Cake Boss – the #1 hit TLC series that skyrocketed him to international acclaim. An outrageously affable and uplifting speaker, Buddy is an audience favorite for his inspiring family-centered message, his light-hearted baking demos, and his impeccable business insights.

Buddy is also the New York Times bestselling author of Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia, Baking with the Cake Boss, Cooking Italian with the Cake Boss, and The Essential Cake Boss, and more – sharing his passion for food that brings families together to make lasting memories. From the beloved Hoboken bakery, Buddy and the famiglia have expanded the business to a 100,000 square foot baking facility, over a dozen bakeries in the U.S. and several more abroad, Buddy V’s – a string of Italian family restaurants, and 50 automated retail machines – offering 30-day shelf-life for a piece of cake. A world-renowned CEO, Buddy motivates audiences to embrace challenges, take innovation to the next level, and stay connected to purpose and passion.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

EDEN GRINSHPAN

  • Chef and Host of 'Top Chef Canada'

Chef, funny mom, and Host of Top Chef Canada Eden Grinshpan is the author of Eating Out Loud: Bold Middle Eastern Flavors for All Day Every Day. With her relatable, sincere, and humorous personality, Eden is loved for her approachable cooking and entertaining videos. While pregnant with her daughter, Eden created a viral social media trend by posing with outrageous food stacked on her baby belly. She became an advocate for women, mothers, and breastfeeding, posting multiple videos of dancing while pumping breast milk. Eden has built a strong connection with her dedicated followers through her positive, inclusive, and high-energy approach, spreading joy and laughter while showcasing delicious food and fun lifestyle content.

Eden has been featured on the Forbes' "30 Under 30" List, and has been highlighted by various media outlets, including ElleCosmopolitanCherry Bombe, parents.com, GlamourThe Daily Mail, and many others. She has cooked in restaurants across Europe, India, Southeast Asia, and Israel, and co-founded DEZ – a Middle Eastern fast-casual restaurant in the heart of NYC, inspired by her Israeli heritage. Her debut cookbook, Eating Out Loud, is an Editor’s Pick on Amazon and was named one of the best cookbooks of the year by Delish and Library Journal. Eden is currently working on her second cookbook, set to release in the Spring of 2025.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

EMERIL LAGASSE

  • Famed Chef and Restaurateur

Emeril Lagasse is the chef/proprietor of 8 restaurants, including three in New Orleans (Emeril’s, Meril, and Emeril’s Table at the MSY Airport); two in Las Vegas (Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House and Delmonico Steakhouse); one in Miramar Beach, Florida (Emeril’s Coastal); and his most recent and his first restaurants at sea, Emeril’s Bistro 1396 on Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras and Emeril’s Bistro 1397 on Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration.

As a national TV personality, he has hosted more than 2,000 shows on the Food Network and was a food correspondent for ABC's "Good Morning America." Most notably, Amazon launched an original series featuring Lagasse called Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse. The series received five daytime Emmy nominations and won Outstanding Culinary Program.  The series was also a James Beard semifinalist in the category Outstanding Personality of Host. Lagasse has appeared as a guest judge in five seasons of Bravo’s hit food series, “Top Chef,” and two seasons of “Top Chef Jr”.  He was named a co-host on three seasons of the “Rachael Ray Show.” Most recently, The Roku Channel released two original series, "Emeril Tailgates" and "Emeril Cooks."  Lagasse is the bestselling author of 19 cookbooks, the latest titled Essential Emeril: Favorite Recipes and Hard-Won Wisdom from My Life in the Kitchen.

In 2002, Lagasse established the Emeril Lagasse Foundation to support children’s educational programs that inspire and mentor young people through the culinary arts, nutrition, healthy eating, and important life skills. To date, the Foundation has distributed over $18 million in grants benefitting children’s charities in New Orleans, Las Vegas and on the Gulf Coast. In 2013, Lagasse was named the Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation for his dedicated efforts to further the culinary arts in America, as well as his philanthropic work supporting children’s educational programs through his Foundation.

Lagasse's restaurant company, The Emeril Group, is located in New Orleans and houses culinary operations and a test kitchen for recipe development. For more information visit emerilsrestaurants.com.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MATTY MATHESON

  • Internationally Recognized Chef and Restaurateur

Internationally recognized chef, TV personality, author, and entrepreneur Matty Matheson has been breaking barriers since his cooking debut back in 2003. He has authored back-to-back New York Times bestselling cookbooks, Matty Matheson: A Cookbook and Home Style Cookery. After achieving fame as host of the cooking shows Dead Set on Life and It's Suppertime! on Viceland, Matheson decided to launch his self-produced, wildly successful YouTube series Just A Dash. A celebrity chef for the digital age, Matty has cemented his place as a heavyweight in the YouTube ecosystem, amassing over 100M views. Whether he’s engaging your audience in a captivating fireside chat, or leading the audience through a high-energy cooking demo, Matheson generates buzz and brings positivity, humor, and cogent business advice to every event.

In addition to five highly successful restaurants, Matheson has leveraged his brand awareness into partnerships with RVCA, cookware manufacturer Castor Design, food company McCain Canada, and launched Rosa Rugosa – a clothing line centered around durable, well-fitted, and Canadian-made workwear. Matty also played a major role in the hit FX series The Bear – serving as co-producer, culinary lead, and playing a small roll not as a chef, but a beleaguered handyman. A recent New York Times profile described Matheson as “an irresistible – and unexpected – celebrity” and Fast Company’s glowing profile was titled “How Matty Matheson is not-so-quietly building the indie food-media empire we all need.” In high-octane motivational events, Matheson shares his insights which represent a case study in discipline, brand-awareness, and impeccable entrepreneurial instincts.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JEREMY FALL

  • Award-Winning Restauranteur and Celebrity Chef

Award-winning restaurateur and celebrity chef Jeremy Fall is an innovator across mediums and industries who is redefining what it means to be a “cultural icon.” The only child of a French Afro-Caribbean mother and a Tunisian Jewish father, he grew up in the restaurant business and opened five successful eateries by the time he was twenty-seven years old, including Nighthawk Breakfast Bar, Nighthawk AM, Easy’s, Tinfoil Liquor & Grocery, and Paperboy. By age twenty-nine, he was on Forbes’ “30 Under 30 List” and had sold his successful restaurant group. Credited as the first chef and restaurateur to sign with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Fall recently coproduced and costarred in the Facebook Watch show Beats for Breakfast with singer-songwriter Miguel. Bringing together leading edge thinking from multiple industries, Fall’s insights have been sought after by groups including ZipRecruiter, Cameo, Apple, W3BX, NFTNYC, UCSB, Facebook, and more.

In addition, Fall is the creator of media company Probably Nothing, an online NFT education platform that aims to bridge the gap between metaverse-savvy early adopters and the masses. His project ‘golden egg club’ is at its core – an art collection featuring hand-drawn elements by Fall, which celebrates his career milestones and may expand to reflect future accomplishments. The collection will act as a private membership, providing a space for Fall to cook exclusive meals for the group, inspire creative collaborations, brand partnerships, and more. Fall and Probably Nothing have partnered with Warner Records on the launch of a Web3 record label, expanding Fall’s impact. When it comes to the Web3 space, Fall continues to act as a conduit for the dynamic conversations about how food, technology, and culture intersect now and in the next iteration of the future.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHRISSY TEIGEN

  • Television Personality & Social Justice Advocate

New York Times #1 bestselling author, Cravings founder, and TV personality Chrissy Teigen is an enduring icon in American food and culture. Her first cookbook, Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want To Eat, was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and the first cookbook to debut at #1 on USA Today’s bestseller list. Teigen’s highly anticipated second cookbook, Cravings: Hungry for More, launched alongside her kitchen and tabletop collection, Cravings by Chrissy Teigen. Teigen’s third cookbook Cravings: All Together: Recipes to Love was an instant New York Times bestseller. Previously a judge on NBC’s comedy competition show Bring the Funny and co-host of Paramount’s Lip Sync Battle, Teigen is an entertainment tycoon. She is the founder of Huntley Productions, through which she executive produced Roku’s Chrissy’s Court, HBO Max’s The Way Down, and Fries! The Movie, a documentary which premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. Teigen was named to the Variety500 list as an influential business leader for her work with Cravings and Huntley Productions. Teigen shares insights from her multi-faceted career with humor and authenticity.

Beyond her iconic persona and warm presence, Teigen is engaged in active work uplifting communities. She has been a voice for social justice and women’s rights and is actively involved in several charities. In 2018, Teigen was awarded the “Heart of the City” award by City Harvest, a non-profit food rescue organization, for her fundraising efforts. Teigen once helped raise $1M for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in just two days. Teigen has been listed as one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People,” as well as The Hollywood Reporter’s “20 Most Powerful Players in Food Media.” Teigen’s breadth of achievements inspires any audience, connecting with her warm energy.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TIFFANI THIESSEN

  • Creator and Host of 'Dinner at Tiffani's' on Food Network

Famed actress and author Tiffani Thiessen got her breakout as America’s Sweetheart Kelly Kapowski on the hit NBS series Saved by The Bell. She catapulted to stardom appearing in over 400+ episodes of television spanning a career from 1989 to present. She starred in the USA hit series White Collar for six seasons, with the show earning 11 awards nominations. Most recently, Tiffani starred in the Netflix series Alexa & Katie, earning a coveted Daytime Emmy Nomination for her role.

As an innovator and entrepreneur, Tiffani channeled her love for cooking by creating and hosting the hit series Dinner at Tiffani’s. The series ran for three seasons on the Food Network, finishing every year as "one of the most watched shows on the network." Tiffani currently hosts MTV’s viral sensation Deliciousness, which recently premiered its third season. She is the author of the critically acclaimed cookbook Pull Up A Chair, which Publisher’s Weekly called “inspiring” and “a celebration.” Her highly anticipated follow up Here We Go Again, exploring the magic of leftovers, will be published on September 26, accompanied by a national media rollout.

As an artist and influencer, Thiessen has also successfully participated in campaigns for various Fortune 500 brands such as: GLAD, Hershey’s, Quaker, 3M, Albertson’s, Carnival Cruise, Coke, Crest, H&M, Heinz, and Nokia. Tiffani is a warm and engaging speaker, delighting audiences with her insights in keynotes and moderated conversations.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MELISSA KING

  • Winner and Fan-Favorite, 'Top Chef: All Stars'

Trailblazing chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Melissa King is a proud Chinese American and queer chef who is also a creative entrepreneur outside of the kitchen. King (she/they) is the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars: Los Angeles (Season 17) and the winner of All-Star’s Fan Favorite. With more challenge wins than any other competitor in the history of Top Chef, King has gone on to serve as a culinary judge on the series as well as The Food Network’s The Julia Child Challenge. Known for her technical precision and ability to blend modern California cuisine with Asian flavors, King has helmed several Michelin starred kitchens in San Francisco and has cooked for notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Al Gore, and curated the menu for the 2022 Met Gala alongside Anna Wintour. Called on as a creative consultant for companies around the world, Chef King is a sought-after motivational speaker supporting women’s empowerment, sustainability, food education, and entrepreneurship

King has been recognized as “one of the best female chefs in San Francisco,” and was named FSR Magazine’s “40 Under 40: Rising Star.” They launched a company focused on partnerships and culinary experiences, as well as a brand of small-batched sauces called King Sauce, an apparel line, and virtual cooking classes. Chef King is passionate about cultural inclusivity, media representation, environmental sustainability, and social justice – working with groups such as Stop AAPI Hate, The Trevor Project, and World Central Kitchen, among others. She is the face of IBM Research’s “5 in 5” series, focused on five innovations that will change our lives within five years. King is a featured chef in the Williams-Sonoma’s Chefs’ Collective. They have performed at food & music festivals from Coachella, Outsidelands, BottleRock, and more, and spoken for groups including Google, Facebook, Chase, and Capital One.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JEN HATMAKER

  • New York Times Bestselling Author of 14 Books

New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcaster, and community creator Jen Hatmaker inspires audiences to show up genuinely for their own lives – and believes this will change the world. Jen is the author of 14 books including the NYT bestsellers For the Love, Of Mess and Moxie, and Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire. Her latest book, Feed These People: Slam Dunk Recipes for Your Crew, is jam-packed with easy recipes, big flavors, and Southern wit. Jen is the founder and delighted curator of the Jen Hatmaker Book Club, host of the award-winning For the Love podcast, and she leads a tightly knit online community where she reaches millions of people each week.

Jen is a co-founder of Legacy Collective, a giving organization that grants millions of dollars towards sustainable projects around the world. A highly sought-after motivational speaker, Jen shares uplifting messages about leadership, well-being, authenticity, and finding yourself that resonate with an audience of millions

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BOBBY FLAY

  • James Beard Award-Winning Chef

Award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, and media personality Bobby Flay offers high-energy, dynamic insights on business success, perseverance, food and lifestyle, and balancing the many flavors in our work and lives.

The first chef to ever receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Bobby Flay is behind famed restaurants in New York City, Las Vegas and beyond, such as Gato, Amalfi, Bobby Flay Steak, and Bar Americain. He also several outposts of his fast-casual concept, Bobby’s Burgers, across the United States. He's the author of 16 best-selling cookbooks, an Emmy award-winning star of countless Food Network programs, and both a James Beard and Rising Star of the Year Award-winner.

A powerhouse in the kitchen, on-screen, and at events, Bobby has been sought-out to speak (and do cooking presentations) everywhere from Google to The New York Times. He leaves audiences energized and empowered to improve the way they live and work.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MICHAEL SYMON

  • Acclaimed Restaurateur

Michael Symon cooks with soul, having grown up in a Greek and Sicilian family. The Cleveland native shares his exuberant, approachable cooking style and infectious laugh with viewers as an Iron Chef on Food Network and as a co-host on ABC’s The Chew. 

Michael is the chef and owner of more than 18 restaurants, including Lola and Mabel’s BBQ in downtown Cleveland, locals of B-Spot Burgers throughout the Midwest, and Angeline at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. He is also the author of five cookbooks, including the New York Times bestseller Fix it with Food a guide to managing inflammation and pain with 125+ recipes proving that you don’t need to sacrifice delicious food to eat healthfully and be pain free.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANDREW ZIMMERN

  • Emmy & 4x James Beard Award-Winning Chef and Cultural Anthropologist

Emmy and four-time James Beard Award winner Andrew Zimmern is a TV/Media personality, chef, writer, and social justice advocate. He is the creator, executive producer, and host of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods franchise, MSNBC’s What’s Eating America, and the Emmy-winning The Zimmern List as well as 7 other television series.  Zimmern has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance, and understanding through food.

Zimmern is the founder and CEO of Intuitive Content, an award-winning production company that has been named a Realscreen Global Top 100 company for the last 3 years in a row. Zimmern is also the founder and CEO of Passport Hospitality, a restaurant and food service development company. As a philanthropist and social justice advocate, Zimmern is an ambassador for the International Rescue Committee, the United Nations World Food Program, The Nature Conservancy, and sits on the board of several prominent foundations including EXPLR Media and The Giving Kitchen. Zimmern uses his platform to fight against global hunger, food waste, and for sustainable systems to help our planet survive and flourish. He is the co-founder of the Independent Restaurant Association and the Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture. He is a special advisor to the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream.

Zimmern has spoken at Google, The Near Future Conference, SXSW, the TIME 100, The Welcome Conference, and many more on the intersections of food, culture, and the future. As one of AdWeek’s “50 Most Influential Voices in Food,” and one of Fast Company’s “Top 30,” Zimmern is well positioned to analyze trends, educate audiences, and tell fascinating stories about his personal journey of resilience, and how food connects to the global community.

He is highly sought after for his unique and entertaining approaches to both lighthearted and serious topics. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

STEPHANIE IZARD

  • Award-Winning Chef and Restaurateur

Stephanie Izard, James Beard “Best Chef: Great Lakes” recipient 2013, and 2011 Food & Wine “Best New Chef,” is the Executive Chef and Owner of five Chicago restaurants: Girl & the Goat, Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat, Cabra, as well as bakery Sugargoat, and two Los Angeles restaurants - Girl & the Goat LA and Cabra LA. Izard also won the coveted title of “Iron Chef” in 2017 and was the 4th winner of Bravo’s Top Chef in 2008.

A 2011 James Beard “Best New Restaurant” nominee, Girl & the Goat has been praised by high-profile publications such as Saveur, New York Times, Food & Wine, and Better Homes and Gardens. Little Goat, Stephanie’s highly successful follow-up to Girl & the Goat, features classic, Americana cuisine in a diner setting. In March 2016, Stephanie opened her third restaurant, a Chinese-inspired concept called Duck Duck Goat in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. In 2019, Stephanie’s Peruvian-inspired eatery, Cabra, opened on the rooftop of The Hoxton, Chicago and in 2020 Izard opened Sugargoat, an imaginative sweets shop and bakery. Most recently, Izard opened her first two restaurants outside of Chicago: Girl & the Goat and Cabra, both in downtown Los Angeles. 

Izard also created a retail product line called “This Little Goat,” consisting of globally inspired cooking sauces, spice mixes, and crunches for home cooks and currently ships her sweets from Sugargoat nationwide in partnership with Goldbelly. Izard’s first book, Girl in the Kitchen, was released in 2011 and her second book Gather & Graze was released in April 2018.

More information on Stephanie Izard can be found at www.stephanieizard.com or follow her on Instagram at @stephanieizard.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALTON BROWN

  • Cook, Author, and Filmmaker

Peabody Award-winning cook, bestselling author, filmmaker, and TV personality Alton Brown is the beloved host of culinary classic shows like Iron Chef America and Cutthroat Kitchen. He created, wrote, and hosted Good Eats as a leader of the first Food Network generation, revolutionizing culinary programming. The king of culinary competitions will return to Netflix’s reboot Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend. Brown is known for numerous bestselling cookbooks, including I’m Just Here for the Food, Alton Brown: EveryDayCook, as well as his Good Eats series – the fourth installment Good Eats: The Final Years became an instant New York Times bestseller. A consummate showman, Brown has created elaborate cooking and musical variety shows like The Edible Inevitable Tour, Eat Your Science, and most recently Beyond the Eats, playing sold-out tours nationwide. Inspired by both the science and the heart of good cooking, Brown’s programs are informative, endlessly entertaining, and customized to make a major impact with audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KARDEA BROWN

  • Chef and TV Personality

Celebrated chef, author, and beloved TV personality Kardea Brown is a contemporary Southern cook who shares mouthwatering recipes and insights about cooking, culture, and coming together. She is the host of Food Network’s Delicious Miss Brown, her eponymous show, as well as Cupcake Championship and The Great Soul Food Cook-Off. Brown is of Gullah/Geechee descent, a term used to describe a distinct group of African Americans living in the coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia who have managed to preserve much of their West African language, culture, and cuisine. Brown is the creator of the pop-up restaurant and social destination New Gullah Supper Club, where the menu pays homage to the dishes her grandmother and mother passed down to her.

Brown has appeared on Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped Junior, Cooks vs. Cons, Family Food Showdown, and Farmhouse Rules. She has released her first cookbook, The Way Home: A Celebration of Sea Islands Food and Family with over 100 Recipes, which is already the #1 New Release in Amazon’s ‘African Cooking, Food and Wine’ category and #1 in the ‘Soul Food Cooking, Food and Wine’ category. Brown’s engaging and interactive events are sought-after for memorable programming for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

EITAN BERNATH

  • Chef, Author, and Entrepreneur

Culinary personality, entrepreneur, and Gen Z social media influencer Eitan Bernath is best known for his viral cooking videos on social media showcasing his captivating presentation style. The multifaceted entertainer debuted on the first ever kid’s episode of the Food Network’s Chopped and has since amassed 6M+ followers across his social media empire. Bernath is also the Principal Culinary Contributor for The Drew Barrymore Show on CBS as the first TikTok star to expand into a recurring role on daytime television. His popular debut cookbook, Eitan Eats The World: New Comfort Classics to Cook Right Now, built on his work as a contributor to The Washington Post, Food & Wine, Saveur, and Delish. Eitan helps audiences of all kinds lean into what makes them unique, identify their passion, and leave them with the tools and inspiration to pursue their goals.  

A pioneer in digital media and content development, Eitan Bernath is the CEO of Eitan Productions, the eponymous entertainment studio overseeing his media ventures. Heralded as a master of quick-cut content, he has been profiled by nearly every prominent media outlet in the country including Vanity Fair, Forbes, and more. His brand partners include Walmart, PayPal, Whole Foods Market, DoorDash, Spotify, TikTok, and KitchenAid. With his entertaining delivery across platforms, Bernath can connect to any audience that likes to eat. Tastewise's CMO, Jacques Botbol, described his keynote speech at the Tastewise Generative AI Food Pioneer’s Summit as “a masterpiece of adaptability, charisma, and professionalism that left an indelible mark.”

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CANDACE NELSON

  • Founder, Sprinkles, Pizzana, CN2 Ventures; Guest Shark, Shark Tank Season 15

Candace Nelson is the Founder of Sprinkles and Pizzana, a New York Times bestselling author, and an expert in turning one’s passion into a profitable business. Her initial venture Sprinkles grew from ‘the world’s first cupcake bakery’ to one of the most successful cupcake brands ever, and led to the New York Times bestselling The Sprinkles Baking Book and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe to Turn your Passion into Profit. Nelson followed with the launch of Pizzana, a growing chain of Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded pizzerias, and continues to expand her portfolio: co-founding the children’s sensory learning centers Play 2 Progress and launching CN2 Ventures with her husband, Charles Nelson, to invest in early stage consumer companies. She is a highly sought-after speaker on topics such as building a breakthrough brand, harnessing purpose to create a great company culture, and cultivating a community of brand loyalists.

Nelson’s book, Sweet Success, published by HarperCollins Leadership is a guide to entrepreneurship. With her characteristic warmth and humor, Candace leverages her entrepreneurial expertise to offer inspiration and practical strategies for individuals looking to spark creativity, build resilience, cultivate innovation, and build a brand that customers adore. Nelson is also a contributor to The Wall Street Journal, where she writes on the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners today. Candace has appeared on Good Morning AmericaTodayThe ChewThe TalkShine On With Reese Witherspoon, Nightline and a Guest Shark on Season 15 of Shark Tank. She has also been featured in Inc., O MagazineVanity Fair, Bon AppetitFood and WineThe New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times. Candace was the star of the syndicated Food Network hit show Cupcake Wars, an Executive Producer and star on Netflix’s Sugar Rush, and is an Executive Producer on the upcoming Hulu show, Best in Dough, featuring Pizzana’s Executive Chef.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DR. LISA DAMOUR

  • New York Times Bestselling Author of 'Untangled', 'Under Pressure', and 'The Emotional Lives of Teenagers'

Three-time New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and thought leader Dr. Lisa Damour is known for her critically acclaimed books UntangledUnder Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, which have been translated into twenty-three languages. She co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and is recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Damour is a regular contributor to The New York Times and CBS News and the creator of Untangling 10to20, a digital library of premium content to support teens and those who care for them. Dr. Damour’s compassionate and actionable talks on adult mental health, managing anxiety and chronic stress, cultivating well-being, family life, and more have positively impacted audiences worldwide.

Dr. Damour serves as a Senior Advisor to the Schubert Center for Child Studies at Case Western Reserve University and has written numerous academic papers, chapters, and books related to education and child development. She maintains a clinical practice and also speaks to schools, professional organizations, and corporate groups around the world on the topics of child and adolescent development, family mental health, and adult well-being.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LILLY SINGH

  • Award-Winning Entertainer, Actress, Producer, and Writer

Lilly Singh is an Emmy-winning entertainer, actress, producer, New York Times best-selling author, gender equality advocate, and President of Unicorn Island. A leading force in pop culture, she has pivoted her successful online career to the big and small screens. Up next, Lilly’s first feature film, DOIN’ IT, will premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival. She co-wrote, produced, and stars as the lead in the comedy. During the Festival, Lilly will also receive the “Comedy Crossover” Award at Variety’s Power of Comedy honors. She is also partnering with AAVRANI, an Ayurvedic science-backed beauty brand, to launch the hair care collection she helped create alongside founder Rooshy Roy, inspired by Indian cultural rituals.

Most recently, Lilly starred in the Emmy-winning Disney+ comedy series The Muppets Mayhem, DreamWorks Animation action-comedy THE BAD GUYS, and voiced the lead in her animated series, The Mindful Adventures of Unicorn Island, now available on YouTube. She currently hosts CTV’s Battle of the Generations, a primetime quiz show that she also executive produces, and is a judge on Canada’s Got Talent. She is the author of two international chart-topping books, How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to ConqueringLife and Be a Triangle: How I Went from Being Lost to Getting My Life Into ShapeWith every innovative project, business endeavor, and keynote, Lilly is redefining the rules – breaking norms that led to exclusion – and leading us toward a richer and more inclusive future.

Through her Unicorn Island Productions company, its non-profit arm Unicorn Island Fund, and her Lilly’s Library book club, Lilly continues to blaze new paths in storytelling, spotlighting underrepresented voices and challenging social norms to transform the way the world sees, values and invests in girls and women. In her live events, Lilly offers empowering insights about building her career, creating equity, leading with authenticity, and more, and always with her signature blend of humor, vulnerability, and keen observation.

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BRIAN GRAZER

  • Academy, Golden Globe, Emmy, and Grammy Award-Winning Producer

Hollywood legend Brian Grazer is an entertainment mogul with an empowering story of resilience and ingenuity. Coming from modest means and growing up with dyslexia, Grazer is an Academy, Golden Globe, Emmy, and Grammy award-winning producer as well as a New York Times bestselling author. Behind iconic films and shows including A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, Splash, 24, and Arrested Development (just to name a few), Grazer's work has been nominated for 43 Oscars and 195 Emmys. Named to TIME’s “100 Most Influential People in the World,” Grazer co-founded Imagine Entertainment along with his longtime friend and business partner Ron Howard in the 1980s, quickly growing it to become one of Hollywood's most prolific and successful production companies. With a unique flair for telling fascinating stories and decades of experience as a Hollywood icon, Grazer offers insight into themes such as leading through times of disruption, unleashing curious creativity, innovating in a fast-changing world, and the future media landscape.

The secrets to Grazer's success and distinct outlook are chronicled in his #1 New York Times bestseller, A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life. Sought-out to speak with hosts including Google, Goldman Sachs, SXSW, and the Aspen Institute, Grazer has helped everyone from parents to CEOs to artists to young graduates hone the mindset, philosophy, and skills needed to thrive at every phase of life.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DUSTY BAKER

  • Legendary Baseball Player & Future Hall of Famer

Legendary baseball player and retired manager Dusty Baker shares his love and skill with sport for all. The future Hall of Famer dedicated 50 seasons to Major League baseball, 19 as a player, 5 as a coach and 26 as a manager. Over 26 seasons with the Houston Astros, he became the oldest manager in MLB history to take a team to and win the World Series as well as the first African-American manager to have 50 post-season wins. Dusty has been named to the All-Time Los Angeles Dodger team as a player and the All-Time San Francisco Giants team as a manager. The first MLB manager to reach the playoffs with five different teams, Dusty shares his expertise in motivational leadership, coaching a high-performing team, and winning under pressure.

Dusty is also a entrepreneur, media personality, and philanthropist. Credited with popularizing the high-five, Baker is highly influential both on and off the field. He is the founder of both Baker Solar Team and Baker Family Wines. He was a TV commentator and broadcast analyst for TBS. A survivor of an aggressive cancer diagnosis, Dusty has helped raise over $1.5M for cancer research and is a passionate advocate for cancer survivors everywhere. He has spoken for countless groups including Houston Methodist Hospital, California State Automobile Association, General Motors, SBC Global Services, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TREY EDMUNDS

  • NFL Player - formerly with the New Orleans Saints & Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL running back Trey Edmunds is a member of a legacy football family and an authority on overcoming setbacks, creating a positive mindset, and motivation. Trey and his brothers, Terrell and Tremaine, made history as the first squad of three brothers to play in the NFL at the same time since 1927, and their father Ferrell was a two-time Pro Bowler himself. While playing college football at Virginia Tech and Maryland as a four-star recruit, Trey suffered multiple career halting injuries, and overcame those obstacles through his positive mindset. After going undrafted in 2016, he doubled up on his determination and won a place on the New Orleans Saints lineup, playing in all 18 games. Then Trey was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers, reuniting with his brother Terrell for several successful seasons. In motivational talks, Trey inspires audiences with insights about how to find the way to best serve your team, organization, or community.

Trey has been sought-after for motivational events with audiences of all ages, from the Dairy Alliance Fuel Greatness Event for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons celebrating Communities in Motion, to the Saints Touchdown Club, for which he offered an inspiring keynote and connected with the crowd. Trey is passionate about giving back to his community and serving as a positive mentor in the lives of young people after experiencing so much support himself. In addition to hosting an annual sports camp in his hometown, he also speaks out about mental health awareness. Trey’s story of grit and resilience leaves audiences feeling empowered to achieve their dreams.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

AMANDA KNOX

  • Exoneree & Innocence Network Advocate

Exoneree, journalist, and New York Times bestselling author Amanda Knox spent four years in an Italian prison and eight years on trial for a murder she didn’t commit. The scandal made headlines for nearly a decade, as Amanda – dubbed “Foxy Knoxy” – was exploited by the media and judged by the masses on a global scale. Though she was exonerated by Italy’s highest court, she was sentenced to life by the court of public opinion, forever branded as a killer despite her innocence. Since her exoneration, Amanda has fought to reclaim her identity and to find meaning in those stolen years and unjust incarceration, all while advocating for a more just legal system and a more ethical media.

Thoughtful, passionate, and revelatory, Amanda Knox has captivated audiences across the country and abroad, sharing the wisdom she learned the hard way about how to find resilience in the face of tremendous adversity. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Waiting to Be Heard, and co-host – with her husband Christopher Robinson – of the podcast Labyrinths, which delves into stories of getting lost and found again through compassionate interviews, philosophical rants, and playful debate with fascinating people. Amanda sits on the board of the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice, serves as an Innocence Network Ambassador, and is an advocate for criminal justice reform and media ethics.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANITA ELBERSE

  • Award-Winning Professor of Business Administration

World-renowned, award winning professor of business administration Anita Elberse is acclaimed for her publications on products in the entertainment, media, sports, and other creative industries, using econometric modeling techniques and case studies to examine media-industry problems. Professor Elberse teaches an MBA course covering the "Businesses of Entertainment, Media, and Sports," which ranks among the most sought-after courses at HBS and chairs an eponymous executive education program. Professor Elberse has published her case studies on dozens of entertainment companies, personalities, and other entities across major industry publications, such as the Harvard Business Review, Marketing Science, the Journal of Marketing, and several other journals. Several of her case studies are described in her bestselling book, Blockbusters: Hit-making, Risk-taking, and the Big Business of Entertainment.

Professor Elberse is acclaimed for her work on furthering equality in sports media. She chairs a semester-long mentoring program, "Crossover Into Business," specifically designed for professional athletes and leads the Summer Venture in Management Program for college students from minority backgrounds. Poets & Quants named her one of the "World's Best Business School Professors Under the Age of 40," and she has received teaching awards on multiple occasions from both students and Harvard Business School itself. Professor Elberse provides actionable takeaways for organizations to effectively manage products and talent in media, reflecting her fruitful work on digital-media strategies. As a speaker, Professor Elberse provides insightful stories, commentary, and case studies unpacking the best of sports, media, and pop culture.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

WILL REEVE

  • TV Personality and ESPN Broadcaster

Media personality, philanthropist, and disability advocate Will Reeve offers a message of courage, perseverance, hope, and the power of giving back. Reeve is a passionate advocate for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, an organization dedicated to curing spinal cord injury, honoring the legacy of his late parents. He is an ABC News Correspondent, appearing on all platforms and shows including Good Morning America, World News Tonight, and Nightline, after previously serving as a commentator with ESPN. With humor, authenticity, and gifted storytelling, Reeve leaves audiences of all kinds feeling inspired and empowered to overcome obstacles and make a difference.

Reeve serves on the Board of Directors for the Reeve Foundation and acts as the captain of Team Reeve – the Foundation’s athletic events-related fundraising arm – recruiting individuals around the country to join and support the Foundation’s community. His father – famed actor Christopher Reeve – experienced spinal cord injury, which gives him unique insight into the challenges face by the 5.4M Americans living with paralysis and empowers his work on the Foundation’s dual mission: Today’s care. Tomorrow’s cure. Reeve is also the recipient of the Experience Camps Champion for Children Award for his work in creating a more "grief-smart" culture for bereaved children. Reeve offers candid and inspiring remarks, garnering praise such as: "Our event with Will Reeve was wonderful! Will was so great and the crowd responded to him so well. He brings such humor and honesty and he was just the perfect keynote this year.” (Bo's Place)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DEMI-LEIGH TEBOW

  • Miss Universe and Miss South Africa

Entrepreneur, influencer, model, and philanthropist Demi-Leigh Tebow utilizes her platforms as Miss South Africa and Miss Universe to educate and inspire on a global scale. While traveling the world and representing South Africa on an international stage, she witnessed the universal need for every individual to be heard, loved, and valued. Always a community-minded leader, Tebow aims to leverage her platform to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. After surviving an attempted carjacking, she founded the #Unbreakable Campaign to educate, uplift, and empower women by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to be able to handle dangerous situations. Tebow shares her passion for living a values-driven life, her purpose inspired by her faith in God, and her insights about making an impact in sought-after keynotes and conversations.

Demi-Leigh lends her philanthropic vision to the Tim Tebow Foundation, working to raise awareness for the fight against human trafficking, providing support to children with medical needs, among other impactful mission work. Demi currently serves on the board for several organizations worldwide focused on supporting survivors of human trafficking and empowering them to find lasting independence. She is also an entrepreneur with a passion for supporting businesses that have ethical practices and use their platforms for impact. Tebow offers practical takeaways for those entering the entrepreneurial space, navigating their current careers, and audiences of all kinds looking to combine their business ventures with moral excellence.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SCOTTIE PIPPEN

  • Six-Time NBA Champion and Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist

Basketball icon Scottie Pippen is one of basketball’s most talented, versatile, and successful players. An incredible come-up story, Pippen walked onto the team at an NAIA school after a slew of Division 1 rejections and was drafted fifth overall in the 1987 NBA Draft. Quickly establishing himself as leading talent, he played a critical role in elevating the Chicago Bulls into a championship team, effectively reigniting worldwide passion for the NBA during the ‘90s. Over 17 seasons in the NBA, Pippen won 6 NBA championships, 2 Olympic gold medals, and was named one of the NBA’s “50 Greatest Players of All Time.” He is also a two-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. After retiring, Pippen released his instant New York Times bestseller, his memoir, Unguarded. Beloved both by his community and basketball fans across the world, Pippen is a leading figure providing motivation, promoting sportsmanship, and sharing the story of his unlikely success.

Scottie Pippen is regarded as one of the best players in the NBA not only for his skill on the court, but also for helping build one of the first and most dominant basketball dynasties in the last half century. Pippen’s perspectives on teamwork, grit, and resilience have been sought by hosts including IMG Academy, Strategic Education, Johnson & Johnson, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALONZO MOURNING

  • Founder of the Mourning Family Foundation

Former NBA player turned philanthropist Alonzo Mourning focuses his energy on empowering others through advocacy, education, and enrichment. Mourning founded the Mourning Family Foundation, which has raised more than $25M for various programs that aid in the development of children and their families. He further contributes to family wellness as a member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. He continues his involvement with basketball as Vice President of Player Programs and Development with the Miami Heat and Chair of the McDonald’s All-American Game Advisory Committee. A seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Mourning has been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Shortly after winning an Olympic gold medal, Mourning was diagnosed with Focal Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare genetic kidney disease and underwent a successful kidney transplant. In addition to his philanthropy, Mourning is a highly respected business leader and has numerous business development projects in the Miami area. A leader in all his pursuits, Mourning’s inspiring story encourages audiences to dream big.

Consistently recognized for his charitable efforts, Mourning has received numerous awards, including the NBA’s Community Assist Award, National Urban League’s Outstanding Community Service Award, Silver Medallion Community Service Award by the National Conference for Community and Justice, and NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Sportsmanship Award, The Children’s Trust Excellence Award for Public Policy, and more. Mourning has been sought after as an orator to inspire audiences ranging from sales teams to nephrologists.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MICHAEL 'KILLER MIKE' RENDER

  • Grammy Award-Winning Rapper and Songwriter

Atlanta’s favorite son Killer Mike gets recognized as many things - a rapper, an advocate for the disenfranchised, an entrepreneur, a Bernie Sanders whisperer, and for his widely lauded advocacy work on political and social causes - which yielded him Billboard’s inaugural 2020 Change Maker Award. Most recently his critically lauded 2023 album MICHAEL earned him three Grammy Awards (Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song & Performance for “SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS”) for its complex portrait of Black southern masculinity. The honors marked his first awards from the Academy since taking home the Grammy for Best Rap Performance Duo or Group for his 2001 collaboration with Outkast, “The Whole World.”

While Killer Mike has been an active solo artist for over 20 years, releasing numerous studio projects while also collaborating with some of the biggest names in hip-hop (including Outkast, Jay-Z, Big Boi, T.I., Black Thought, and more), he is also widely renowned as half of the popular hip-hop super duo, Run The Jewels, with whom he has released four studio albums alongside his partner in rhyme EL-P. Their most recent, 2020’s RTJ4, soared to the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 and was met with widespread critical acclaim, landing at #1 on NME’s "The Best 50 Albums of 2020" list. Named the 2020 Spin Magazine Artist of the Year, Run The Jewels have won eleven Libera Awards, including the 2021 A2IM Humanitarian Award, took home four Clio Awards, including two Gold-winning Music Marketing campaigns, and received a 2018 Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song.

In addition to his success as a musician, Killer Mike has gained wide recognition beyond the industry. He has acted in several films, including Baby Driver, Idlewild, and ATL and showed up TV cameos on Ozark and Billions. He also provided voiceover for the 2021 Netflix film America: The Motion Picture and is the host of multiple series including the Emmy Award winning PBS show Love & Respect with Killer Mike, Facebook’s Roll’N with Killer Mike, and Netflix’s Trigger Warning with Killer Mike, while also turning in regular speaking appearances on Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Real Time with Bill Maher.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JIMMY KIMMEL

  • Host & Executive Producer, ABC’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live"

American television host, comedian, writer, and producer Jimmy Kimmel is best known as an iconic late-night host. As the host and executive producer of ABC’s longest-running late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel has hosted some of the biggest events and moments in pop culture. Kimmel began working in radio during high school, then pivoted to on-screen hosting. Previously, Kimmel hosted and produced several comedy series, including Comedy Central’s The Man Show and Win Ben Stein’s Money, for which he won an Emmy award for Best Game Show Host. Kimmel has hosted three Primetime Emmy Awards and four Academy Awards. Through his work as a moderator and host, Kimmel has undeniably become a household name.

Kimmel has been named one of Time’s “The World’s 100 Most Influential People” for his work in the media and entertainment industry. He teamed up with four other superstar comedians to create the chart-topping Strike Force Five to support television writers nationally. Known for his clean, honest humor, Kimmel can make any audience laugh.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JEFF BENEDICT

  • Expert on Leadership and the Mindset of a Champion

New York Times bestselling author, producer, and commentator Jeff Benedict is a sports journalist and expert on leadership and the mindset of a champion, whose storytelling power has captivated audiences across mediums. Jeff has written seventeen non-fiction books and many feature stories about some of the most iconic figures in sports history. He has been tapped as executive producer and writer for documentary adaptations of his books, including a 10-part series based on his bestseller The Dynasty, the definitive inside story of the New England Patriots, with Imagine Entertainment for Apple TV. In 2021, he co-produced a documentary for HBO based on his #1 bestselling biography Tiger Woods. He is an executive producer on a Netflix documentary for his book Poisoned, co-produced the feature film adaptation of his book Little Pink House, and was a writer for the NFL Films documentary based on Steve Young’s biography QB. Jeff is a sought-after commentator for his unmatched ability to get to the heart of a historic moment or figure, sculpt a narrative, and look for the untold story.

Jeff has been a special-features writer for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, and The Hartford Courant, and his essays have appeared in The New York Times. His stories have been the basis of segments on 60 Minutes, CBS Sunday Morning, HBO Real Sports, Discovery Channel, The Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20, 48 Hours, NFL Network, and NPR. His latest book is the instant New York Times bestseller LeBron, the definitive biography of basketball superstar LeBron James.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

STEPHEN COLBERT

  • Host, Executive Producer, and Writer, CBS' Four-Time Emmy Award-Winning 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'

Emmy and Peabody Award-winning comedian, writer, political satirist, and New York Times bestselling author Stephen Colbert offers unparalleled and often hilarious commentary on politics, culture, and the biggest issues of today. After appearing as a correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, Colbert went on to co-create and host the political satire The Colbert Report, which received two Peabody Awards, five Emmy Awards, and thirty-seven total Emmy nominations. He currently executive produces, writes, and hosts CBS’s Emmy-nominated The Late Show. Colbert is the author of five books including New York Times bestsellers I Am America (And So Can You!) and America Again: Rebecoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t, which also won a Grammy Award for “Best Spoken Word Album.” He has acted in and voiced characters for numerous projects for TV, film, and stage, and hosted the Kennedy Center Honors and the Primetime Emmy Awards. Known for his legendary characters, expansive interests, and deep insights about the state of the world, Colbert is a memorable and impactful guest for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOHN DICKERSON

  • Chief Political Analyst and Senior National Correspondent for CBS

Political analyst, Senior National Correspondent for CBS, and New York Times bestselling author John Dickerson is a veteran journalist and trusted voice to interpret current events. He is the host of CBS Primetime with John Dickerson. Previously, Dickerson was a correspondent for 60 Minutes, co-anchored CBS This Morning, anchored Face The Nation, and served as Chief Washington Correspondent for CBS News. He is currently the Chief Political Analyst for CBS News, a Senior National Correspondent, and a CBS Sunday Morning contributor. Dickerson started his career at TIME, covering economics, Congress, and the presidency, worked as Slate’s chief political correspondent, and is a contributing writer to The Atlantic. An expert and thoughtful interviewer, he co-hosts Slate’s Political Gabfest podcast and hosts the Whistlestop podcast. Dickerson is the author of On Her Trail, about his mother’s trailblazing work as CBS News’ first female correspondent, as well as the New York Times bestsellers Whistlestop: My Favorite Stories from Presidential Campaign History and The Hardest Job in the World: The American Presidency. Dickerson is an in-demand speaker for his insider insights about politics, the role of journalism in an increasingly partisan culture, and finding meaning through adversity.

Dickerson has moderated presidential debates, covered the last seven presidential campaigns, and delves into the skills needed to be a successful leader. He is the recipient of the Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency and the David Broder Award for political reporting. Dickerson is highly sought after for keynotes and moderated Q&A sessions, covering a range of topics from Washington’s inner workings to practical takeaways for cultivating the attributes of impactful leadership.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DR. ELISA HALLERMAN, PHD, JD

  • Founder and CEO of First-Ever Recovery Management Agency

Founder, author, and soul-centered wellness innovator Dr. Elisa Hallerman, PhD, JD is the CEO of the first-ever Recovery Management Agency (RMA). After graduating from New York Law School and passing the bar, Elisa entered the entertainment business. Over the next decade she went from the talent agency mailroom to becoming partner and head of the talent department at United Talent Agency, later becoming a partner at William Morris Endeavor. Sober from drugs and alcohol for years, Elisa's interest in the recovery field drew her to take classes in drug and alcohol counseling at the University of California, Los Angeles. She uses her knowledge of depth psychology and her personal experience as a recovering addict to help audiences reconnect with soul, find meaning, and live with purpose.

Elisa is the Founder of Recovery Management Agency – the world’s first agency devoted to helping addicts heal their addictions by reawakening their souls. She holds a doctorate in Depth Psychology and Somatic Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute, with a focus on neuroscience and trauma. She is the author of Soulbriety: A Plan to Heal Your Trauma, Overcome Addiction, and Reconnect with Your Soul, which was released to critical and popular acclaim. Elisa is a member of The Institute for Functional Medicine and was a visiting professor at Chapman University for film and media arts. Leveraging her expertise in crisis management, resilience, and personal transformation, Elisa shares her message of ‘Soulbriety’ with audiences looking to lead a meaningful and purposeful life.

"In this vividly written, page-turner of a memoir, Dr. Elisa Hallerman depicts how neither drugs nor glittering Hollywood glamour could satisfy her spirit’s longing for true freedom. With unsparing honesty, she chronicles her own soul’s journey home to itself from the depths of trauma and addiction, now enabling her to guide many others on their own path to liberation." Gabor Maté MD, author of The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture

“Dr. Hallerman’s book is unflinching raw storytelling and experience, strength and hope honed by her deep seeing and learning. What I have learned and been helped by Dr. Elisa Hallerman to learn, is that in the end, it's about our Soul... Hallerman is a crucial voice for these unprecedented times,” Actor and Author, Jamie Lee Curtis 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

AMANDA MONTELL

  • Linguist and Expert in Language & Contemporary Culture

Critically acclaimed author, linguist, and podcast host Amanda Montell is the author of two bestselling nonfiction books, Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism and Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language. Cultish was named a best book of 2021 by NPR and is currently in development for television. She is also the creator and co-host of the hit podcast, Sounds Like A Cult, which won "Best Emerging Podcast" at the iHeart Radio Podcast Awards, and has been praised by The New York Times, Vulture, Wired, Esquire, Marie Claire, and more. Amanda has given keynotes all over the world for book festivals and library series, universities and high schools, corporate events and consulting, and TEDx.

Amanda is an expert in language and contemporary culture, able to speak with accessibility and enthusiasm on timely topics from how cult language secretly shows up on social media and in the workplace, to how to make your company language more gender inclusive, to cognitive biases in the modern age. She is currently at work on her third book, The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality (to be published by OneSignal, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, in 2024). The book is an exploration of contemporary delusion — how cognitive biases show up in our personal lives, on social media, and in public policy.

HWA CO-EXCLUSIVE

SAM KASS

  • Former White House Chef & Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition

Nutrition expert, author, and entrepreneur Sam Kass served as the Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition in the Obama administration, Executive Director of Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” Campaign, and the Obama family chef. Following his time at the White House, Kass has continued to innovate in the nutrition and wellness spaces as an entrepreneur. He founded TROVE, a strategy firm focused on working with corporations who are serious about transforming our health, climate, and planet through food, and is a partner in Acre Venture Partners, a capital fund investing in the future of food with a mission to improve human and environmental health in the food system. Kass shares his passion for health, disruptive investing strategies, and overall sustainability in invigorating keynotes and conversations.

Kass is a James Beard Leadership Award Winner, one of Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People,” and author of Eat a Little Better: Great Flavor, Good Health, Better World. The World Economic Forum named him to its 2017 Class of Young Global Leaders, recognizing people “pushing boundaries and rethinking the world around them.” Kass is a sought-after speaker offering leading insights about health and sustainability.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TIFFANY D. CROSS

  • Journalist and Former Host, MSNBC's 'The Cross Connection'

Celebrated journalist, bestselling author, and revered political analyst Tiffany D. Cross delivers every time in motivational, insightful, and thought-provoking events. She is the current co-host of iHeart Media’s Native Land Pod, which debuted in 2024 on Apple as the number one downloaded podcast in America across all categories. Cross also hosts ACross Generations, a broadcast show and podcast with Will Packer Productions and iHeart Media, where she focuses on a variety of topics from a multigenerational perspective. Cross previously hosted The Cross Connection on MSNBC, averaging 4.6M viewers a month. She is a longtime cultural commentator, having previously served as the D.C. Bureau Chief for BET Networks, an Associate Producer for CNN, and freelancer. She is also the founder of The Beat DC, a platform that provides critical analysis of national politics, policy, business, and media, highlighting their impact on and relationship with communities of color. An influential voice in the discourse of the moment, Cross is in-demand with groups including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., the Society of Social Work Research, TriNet, Santa Cruz Nutritionals, Howard University, and more.

A 2020 Resident Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics, Tiffany has spent time on the campaign trail covering and working on numerous local, state, and federal campaigns. She is the bestselling author of Say It Louder: Black Voters, White Narratives, and Saving Our Democracy, which Kirkus Reviews hailed as “a compelling exploration of how Black voters have the power to shape the country's future.” Cross regularly receives stellar feedback for her events, such as: ”Tiffany was superb. A joy to work with, engaging and fully invested in making the event a stand-out” (Robert Toigo Foundation Annual Gala) and ”The event was absolutely wonderful and well received! Tiffany Cross was outstanding and prolific.” (Society for Social Work Research)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DR. ABDUL EL-SAYED

  • Physician, Epidemiologist, Public Health Expert, and Educator

Physician, epidemiologist, public health expert, and author Dr. Abdul El-Sayed leverages evidence-driven narratives to unite teams, build institutions, and move public policy. Abdul is a commentator at CNN and a Contributing Editor at the New Republic. His newsletter, The Incision, cuts into the trends shaping our moment. Abdul is the author of Healing Politics: A Doctor’s Journey into the Heart of Our Political Epidemic and co-author of Medicare for All: A Citizen’s Guide. He is the host of America Dissected, a podcast by Crooked Media, which goes beyond the headlines to explore the intersection between health and society. In 2018, Abdul ran for governor of Michigan on an unapologetically progressive platform, with a bid endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, The Nation, and Current Affairs. He was the youngest health official in a major U.S. city when he was appointed Health Director in the city of Detroit and led one of the fastest municipal public health turnarounds in American history. Across his roles in politics, media, government, and the academy, Abdul combines storytelling and evidence-driven analysis to make a major impact with audiences of all kinds.

Abdul is an internationally recognized expert in health policy and health inequalities. He was awarded “Public Official of the Year” by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and “40 under 40” by Crain’s Detroit Business. Abdul is a Towsley Foundation Policymaker in Residence at the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and a Senior Fellow at the FXB Center for Health & Human Rights at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Abdul holds a doctorate in Public Health from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, as well as a medical degree from Columbia University, where he was a Medical Scientist Training Program Fellow and a Soros New Americans Fellow. He is a proud member of the National Writers Union, AFT Local 455 and 6244, SEIU Local 500, and the AAUP. In riveting and engaging talks, Abdul speaks with compelling insight about the intersection of public health, public policy, and politics, sought after for events with groups including Teach for America, TriNet, New Tech Network, and Princeton, among many others.

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LUCY KALANITHI

  • Widow of the #1 NYT Bestselling Author of 'When Breath Becomes Air'

Physician and activist Dr. Lucy Kalanithi, MD, FACP is a public advocate for healthcare value, meaning in medicine, patient-centered care, and end-of-life care. She speaks at the cross-section of her career as a medical professional and her personal experience standing alongside her husband during his life, diagnosis, treatment, and death. Dr. Kalanithi is the widow of the late Dr. Paul Kalanithi, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir, When Breath Becomes Air, for which she wrote the epilogue. Dr. Kalanithi’s humanistic approach to the heaviest discussions in healthcare showcases her empathy, drive, and commitment to stellar patient care.

Dr. Kalanithi explores issues of medicine and mortality in her Gravity podcast, where she shares personal reflections, poetry, and deep conversations. She has appeared on PBS NewsHour, NPR Morning Edition, and Yahoo News with Katie Couric, and has been interviewed for People, NPR, and The New York Times. Dr. Kalanithi has stepped forward as an advocate for end-of-life care, drawing on both her professional expertise and personal experiences to improve care access for patients worldwide.

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ROHINI KOSOGLU

  • Former Deputy Assistant to President Biden & Domestic Policy Advisor to Vice President Harris

Nationally-recognized policy expert and leader Rohini Kosoglu has been at the forefront of driving transformative change and shaping critical policy discourse in the areas of technology, social, and economic policy. Kosoglu is a Venture Partner at Fusion Fund – focused on early-stage technology and health care investments. Kosoglu has served the last two decades as a senior White House official, chief of staff in the United States Senate, and organizational leader on multiple presidential campaigns. As the first South Asian American woman to hold the roles of both Domestic Policy Advisor to the Vice President and Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate, Kosoglu promoted domestic policies to lift up the middle class, invest in American innovation, and strengthen our nation’s democracy. Vice President Harris praised Kosoglu as “a brilliant and trusted leader” who “brought vision, strategic judgement, and a depth of experience as our Administration has addressed some of the most urgent challenges facing our nation.”

Kosoglu is also a Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) and Director of Innovation Policy at the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign. Her career in Congress included over a decade of leadership positions designing policy initiatives, leading negotiations on bipartisan laws around social and economic policy, technology, and health care. Kosoglu offers unique insight on the perspectives driving politics and policy today, and reveals how the potential outcomes will effect individuals and industries.

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EMILY OSTER

  • Expert on Health Economics

Economist, academic, and New York Times bestselling author Emily Oster brings a data-driven focus and champions a strategic approach to today’s most important questions. Oster holds a PhD in Economics from Harvard University, and is a Professor of Economics at Brown University. Known for her New York Times bestselling books The Family FirmExpecting Better, and Cribsheet, Oster proposes a classic business school framework for making decisions thoughtfully and deliberately – which she says is less about a specific answer and more about taking the right approach. She is a highly sought-after speaker for events with groups like Spotify, Athena Health, Capital One, and more.

Oster’s thought leadership is featured in her twice-weekly newsletter ParentData, which has over 100K subscribers on Substack, as well as her contributions to The Atlantic. She is an in-demand voice on health economics and statistical methods, and has been featured in The New York TimesWall Street JournalSlateThe Cut, and others. Oster was named to TIME’s list of “The 100 Most Influential People of 2022, and the profile by Steven Pinker described her work saying: “Oster shows how ‘data’, a scary word, can be a humanizing force.” Though her approach discusses parenting specifically, her talks offer a smart and winning guide on how to think clearly – and with less stress – about any key decisions in life, for both organizations and individuals.

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DAVID SINCLAIR

  • World's Foremost Expert on Human Longevity

Leading researcher on aging and bestselling author, Professor Dr. David Sinclair is regarded as the world’s foremost expert on human longevity. A professor in the Genetics Department at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Sinclair heads a leading research lab that has discovered why we age and how to control it. He is the inventor on more than 50 patents, has published over 180 papers that have been cited 83,000 times, and is the author of the New York Times bestseller Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don't Have To, which The Wall Street Journal called “brilliant and enthralling.” Dr. Sinclair is a serial entrepreneur who has co-founded more than a dozen successful companies including MetroBiotech, EdenRoc Sciences, Tally Health, and Life Biosciences. An expert communicator of complex medical and scientific material, Dr. Sinclair is a highly sought-after speaker for his cutting edge innovations, insights about the influence of science on our lives and lifespans, and more.

Dr. Sinclair and his work have been featured on 60 Minutes, Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fortune, and Newsweek, among others, and has been named to TIME’s lists of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” as well as the “Top 50 People in Healthcare.” He has received more than 40 awards for his research and scientific breakthroughs, including Innovator of the Year, NIH’s Pioneer Award, and an appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia – the equivalent of a knighthood – for his work in scientific communication and national security. His podcast Lifespan is one of the world’s most popular in the health and fitness category. Dr. Sinclair holds board seats on for-profit and non-profit organizations, co-founded the scientific journal Aging, as well as Fully Aligned LLC, which works to democratize access to knowledge and tools to enhance mind and body wellbeing.

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DANA PERINO

  • Former White House Press Secretary, Political Commentator, and Journalist

Former White House Press Secretary, political commentator, podcaster and New York Times bestselling author Dana Perino is a revered voice on current events, politics, and foreign policy. Perino served as White House Press Secretary, the second woman to hold that position and the first to do so in a Republican administration. She is a mainstay of Fox News programming, previously anchoring The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino, now co-hosting The Five as well as co-anchoring America’s Newsroom with Bill Hemmer & Dana Perino, is a featured panelist for election coverage, and is known by fans as “The Voice of Reason.” Perino, who was born in Wyoming where her family still ranches, offers unique insights from her time in the White House and as a journalist about message management during times of crisis, cultivating the qualities of powerful leadership, and the key issues facing companies and organizations in today’s political climate, and skillfully moderates thoughtful conversations that get to the heart of the matter.

Her book And the Good News Is… Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and espouses her values of determination, optimism, and restoring civility to our personal and political conversations. Her latest book Everything Will Be Okay: Lessons for Young Women (from a Former Young Woman) is a no-nonsense how-to guide for reframing thinking, finding confidence, and learning to take risks, and became the basis for her podcast Everything Will Be Okay, in which she interviews experts that make a difference in the lives of others. Perino is passionate about individual and economic freedom for women, and founded Minute Mentoring, a program that connects young women with mentors. She was nominated by former President Barack Obama to serve on the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

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ANUPAM B. JENA

  • Physician-Economist

Dr. Jena is an economist, physician, and professor at Harvard. As one of a small group of physician-economists in the world, and one of the most creative and prolific social scientists in medicine, Dr. Jena is uniquely positioned to explore where the worlds of medicine and economics collide, based on his experiences as a practicing physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and his unique training as an economist. 

His creative use of natural experiments – chance occurrences that we are exposed to, but often unaware of, in our lives – help us understand how health care works, the subject of his 2020 TEDMED talk. He is the host of the popular Freakonomics, M.D. podcast, where he tackles questions at the intersection of medicine and economics, including questions from his own research on why mortality rates rise in cities on the days that they host large marathons, why cardiac patients do better when cardiologists are out of town at national cardiology conferences, and why kids with summer birthdays are more likely to be diagnosed with A.D.H.D. Dr. Jena’s book, Random Acts of Medicine: The Hidden Forces That Sway Doctors, Impact Patients, and Shape Our Health, will be published by Doubleday in the summer of 2023.

Dr. Jena’s work is frequently featured in the media, including The New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal.

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ALEXIS MCGILL JOHNSON

  • President & CEO, Planned Parenthood

Respected political and cultural organizer Alexis McGill Johnson is the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Planned Parenthood, which provides vital health services to 2.4M people each year through more than 600 health centers across the country, offers a vision of a world of equity: where sexual and reproductive rights are basic human rights; where access to health care doesn’t depend on who you are or where you live; and where every person has the opportunity to choose their own path to a healthy and meaningful life. Alexis, a researcher by training, co-founded and co-directed the Perception Institute, which creates solutions that reduce bias and discrimination and drive equity and belonging. Alexis is a thought leader on brain science and narrative change, has written and spoken extensively on equity, race, and culture, and is sought-after for events with groups like Viacom, SXSW, MAC World AIDS Day, the United Nations Global Compact Gender Equality Summit, and more.

A tireless advocate for reproductive freedom, Alexis has served in Planned Parenthood’s leadership for more than a decade. She also serves on the boards of Color of Change and is the Founder of The Culture Group. Alexis is uniquely positioned to offer in-depth analysis, actionable insights for individuals and organizations, and shares an affirmative vision of protecting and expanding reproductive health care.

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MIKE MURPHY

  • Famed Conservative Political Media Consultant

Famed conservative political media consultant Mike Murphy is a widely quoted pundit, longtime Senior Analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, and co-host of the popular Hacks on Tap podcast. One of the Republican party’s most successful consultants, he has served as a top campaign advisor to John McCain, Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush, Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with dozens of other GOP Senators, Governors, and Members of Congress. Murphy has spoken for groups including the Council of State Restaurant Associations, Simpson College, Friess Associates of Delaware, the California Chamber of Commerce, America’s Health Insurance Plans Association, Goldman Sachs, NY Life, and John Hancock, among many others.

Murphy advises several Fortune 500 corporations, as well as Hedge Funds and Trade Associations. He has written columns and op-ed pieces for TIMEThe Washington PostThe New York Times, and the Bulwark, and the LA Times. He is currently co-director the University of Southern California’s Center for the Political Future and served as a longtime senior fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, focusing on the intersection of domestic politics and national security decision making.

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WENDELL POTTER

  • Preeminent healthcare system thought-leader shaping discourse about its reform

Renowned healthcare system thought leader and advocate for healthcare reform, WENDELL POTTER provides fresh, high-caliber insight that shapes conversations and U.S. policy. His influential views are frequently cited in The New York Times and Washington Post, and as a news commentator on CNN, NPR and MSNBC among other media outlets. Potter’s level of understanding of American health insurance companies, one of the largest and most important industries in the world, is unique in its level of inside insight into how insurers play their game.

Potter's career trajectory from investigative reporting to the communications helm of a major health insurance corporation took a remarkable turn when he chose to blow the whistle on the industry's business practices as a Congressional expert witness. His courageous exposure of profit-driven decisions that often compromised patient well-being became a turning point, marking him as an individual committed to transparency, ethics, and a fundamental reevaluation of the healthcare landscape.

 

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BROOKE BALDWIN

  • Respected Journalist & Peabody Award Finalist

Veteran journalist, Peabody Award finalist, and bestselling author Brooke Baldwin has covered some of the biggest breaking stories in the U.S. and around the world, and is a champion for women’s empowerment. Brooke hosted her own live daily news show CNN Newsroom with Brooke Baldwin for more than a decade, and was renowned for her versatility, authenticity, and humanity at the news desk. During her time at CNN, the widely respected journalist had the privilege of meeting Presidents and interviewing former first ladies, members of Congress, scientists, teachers, nurses, astronauts, actors, activists, rock stars, and ordinary Americans in extraordinary circumstances from surviving mass shootings to hurricanes to COVID-19. Brooke is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book Huddle: How Women Unlock Their Collective Power, redefining the ‘huddle’ to explore how women lean on one another to provide support, empowerment, inspiration, and the strength to enact meaningful change. In addition to the book being a WSJ bestseller, Huddle is also included in Amazon’s Top Ten Books in Biz & Leadership.

Brooke is a highly sought-after speaker and a gifted moderator for events with groups Women in the World, 92nd Street Y, Buick x TOGETHXR, Commonwealth Club of California, Acronis #CyberFit Summit, among many others. She and her writing have been featured in The Atlantic, Fast Company, Self, Fortune, and she is currently traveling the country hosting “huddles” in partnership with media and commerce company Togethxr, along with corporate sponsor Buick, to elevate women’s voices, particularly around sports. From her experience reporting on the most important issues of today with a front row seat to history, to her work amplifying and advocating for women around the world, Brooke makes a lasting impact on audiences of all kinds with her unique insights on current events, transformational workplace strategies, and authentic motivation.

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RAHUL JANDIAL

  • Dream Specialist, Neuroscientist & Brain Surgeon

Dual-trained brain surgeon and neuroscientist Rahul Jandial, MD, PhD, is a Sunday Times bestselling author with books translated into over ten languages. Jandial undertakes complex cancer operations and oversees groundbreaking science at the Jandial Lab in Los Angeles. He is also the Founder of International Neurosurgical Children's Association, where he leads teams to teach and perform pediatric brain surgery in charity hospitals throughout Central and South America, and Eastern Europe. Jandial’s first book, Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon, became a Sunday Times Bestseller. His next book, This Is Why You Dream, will be published in 25 countries and in 20 translations. 

Jandial is a long-term contributor at KTLA-TV in Los Angeles and for the TODAY Show in Australia. He hosted Brain Surgery Live on Nat Geo with Bryant Gumbel for international broadcast and was on FOX’s primetime non-scripted Superhuman as a panelist. Jandial has been called "world's most dashing neurosurgeon" (Variety), “the real Dr. McDreamy” (ABC News), and VICE refers to him as the 100 percent emoji-human version. He has been featured in The Times of LondonThe TelegraphCosmopolitanMr. Porter, and GQ, and is an expert for Guardian Masterclasses. Jandial is a compelling speaker who combines masterful storytelling and relatable neuroscience on topics including trauma, resilience, brain training for peak performance, awe, creativity, and more.

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ROBIN DIANGELO

  • New York Times #1 Bestselling Author, 'White Fragility' and 'Nice Racism'

Robin DiAngelo is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism, which has been on the NYT bestseller list since June 2018 and translated into multiple languages. White Fragility is widely considered an essential guide for white people seeking to understand and challenge racism. Her newest book, Nice Racism: How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm picks up where White Fragility left off and dives deeper into the conversation. Her research has been the subject of conversations taking place in business and organizations worldwide and has influenced the international dialogue on race. In her talks, Dr. DiAngelo, an academic, author, and facilitator, explains systemic racism with clarity and accessibility. She has the exceptional ability to speak directly about what has traditionally been a deeply challenging and taboo conversation in a way that opens and engages her audience. In so doing, she provides the questions and perspectives needed to develop more racially-just practices.

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ALAN YANG

  • Emmy Award-Winning Writer and Executive Producer

Alan Yang is and Emmy Award-winning writer, director and producer. 

Shortly after college, where he wrote for Harvard's comedic magazine The Lampoon, he moved to LA to pursue a career as a writer and some of his earliest jobs were writing on the late night show Last Call with Carson Daly and the television series South Park. Those jobs eventually led to a position as staff writer on the hit series Parks and Recreation where he met his Master of None co-creator, Aziz Ansari. Now a seasoned writer and producer who is responsible for series like Amazon Prime's Forever and Apple TV's Little America and produced Netflix's Free Food for Millionaires, Alan is also the writer and director of his feature film, Tigertail, loosely based on his family's immigration story from Taiwan.

Today, Yang uses the tools of his trade to advocate for Asian Americans and immigrant communities. Yang is a powerful storyteller, usually finding the funniest way possible to connect to the heart of the character, and he created some of the most beloved shows of recent years. Yang sees his works as a way to build empathy during a time when America is divided, and helps us understand the humanity that exists outside of our own inner-circles. Awards Daily calls his work "a necessary viewing experience": He "succeeds brilliantly— telling rich, complex, heartfelt stories."

Audiences describe Yang as open and funny, honest and sincere, and upbeat. Although he already has an Emmy award, Yang is just getting started, and we have a lot more to hear, see...and feel...from this young, ambitious, and inspiring writer and director.

 

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EZRA FRECH

  • Youngest Member of the U.S. Paralympic Track & Field Team

An accomplished athlete and sought-after motivational speaker, Ezra Frech was born with congenital limb differences, missing his left knee and left shin bone, and with only one finger on his left hand.  Now 17 years-old, Ezra has used a prosthetic leg since he was 11 months and a running blade since he was 4 years old. 

In 2016, Ezra was 11 years old watching his friends and mentors compete on the world’s stage at the Rio Paralympic Games when he told his mother, “I want to go to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games” and immediately started training.  Fast forward to June 2019 when Ezra made the US Paralympic Track and Field Team as a 14 year-old and competed in three international events, including the Junior World Para-Athletics Championships, where he won three medals, the Para-Pan American Games where he won two silver medals, and the World Para-Athletics Championships, where he placed in the top 8 in all three of his events and was the youngest athlete out of 1,400 competitors. 

Ezra continued to train through the pandemic before finally getting back on the track in January 2021 at his school to began a regimented training program, all the while being a full-time 10th grader. In the spring of 2021, Ezra performed well at the U.S. Paralympic Track and Field Trials, where he become the T63 National Champion in the 100M and Long Jump, set an Americas record in the long jump, and punched his ticket to Tokyo in the high jump by hitting the A Standard of 1.8 meters.  Ezra competed in the T63 Long Jump (making the finals and earning 8th place) and the T63 High Jump (placing 5th) at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Ezra has been featured on dozens of radio and network television shows, including the Ellen DeGeneres Show and Good Morning America, sharing his story and raising awareness and understanding for the physically challenged.  Since he was 4 years old, Ezra has done motivational speaking at schools, hospitals, companies, and leadership conferences, bringing his message that “Being Different is OK.”  Ezra’s motto is “You can Dream it, You can Hope for it, or You can Make It Happen.”  and he believes you should “Focus on What You Have Versus What You Don’t Have.”

Ezra is the inspiration behind and co-founder of Angel City Sports, a high-growth, high-impact non-profit organization dedicated to providing the joy of sports to children and adults with physical disabilities. 

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JEMAR TISBY

  • Founder, The Witness, Inc.

Dynamic, significant, and prophetic, Jemar Tisby is a public historian with the ability to explore racial justice solutions and cultural conversations that compel listeners to action. Tisby is the founder of The Witness, Inc. and a Professor of History at Simmons College of Kentucky. He is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the Church's Complicity in Racism. He is also the author of How to Fight Racism, which won the 2022 ECPA Christian Book Award for Faith & Culture and is an Editor’s Pick for “Best Nonfiction” on Amazon. His latest book, How to Fight Racism Young Reader's Edition: A Guide to Standing Up for Racial Justice, was published in January 2022. In addition, Tisby is a co-host of the Pass The Mic podcast, and writes the Footnotes Substack newsletter, and helps audiences across mediums become lifelong advocates for racial justice.

Tisby received his PhD in History at the University of Mississippi studying race, religion, and social movements in the twentieth century, and in his sought-after engagements he brings history to bear with contemporary relevance. His writing has been featured in The Washington PostThe Atlantic, and The New York Times, among others. He is a frequent commentator on outlets such as NPR and CNN's New Day program. Tisby provides audiences with richly-informed explorations, unflinching moral insight, and clear paths forward to meaningful conversation and action for more anti-racist workplaces and communities. He has spoken for groups including Cisco Systems, Lakeside Chautauqua, and Alteryx, a data analytics software company, where attendees raved: “This is the best approach I’ve experienced yet on digging into deeper feelings and perceptions – Dr. Tisby is gifted” and “Thank you for this incredible and forever impactful session.”

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KATIE SOWERS

  • First Openly LGBTQ+ Coach in the NFL

The first woman and openly gay coach to coach in a Super Bowl, former San Francisco 49ers Offensive Assistant Coach Katie Sowers paves the way for equality in the workplace. Coach Sowers is Defensive Coordinator and Director of Operations of the Ottawa University women’s flag football program and Ottawa’s Director of Athletic Strategic Initiatives. She is the Offensive and Defensive Scheme Advisor for the Ottawa Braves, coaching them to a national championship. She also coached a year with the Kansas City Chiefs under the Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowship.

Through hard work and dedication, Katie has found success in a male-dominated industry and is creating an environment that welcomes all types of people, no matter their race, gender or sexual orientation.

In her authentic talks for groups including Mercedes, Paypal, Verizon, Advance Auto Parts, Putnam Investments, and more, Katie encourages audiences to find their “why” and become an irreplaceable asset to their team. An inspiration to anyone afraid to pursue their passions, she shows how it’s possible to break down barriers and make dreams come true.

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LINSEY DAVIS

  • Two-Time Emmy Award-Winning Journalist

Linsey Davis is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, ABC News and ABC World News Tonight Radio correspondent, and bestselling author whose timely and balanced reporting have earned her many honors including two Emmy Awards and a regional Edward R. Murrow Award. Davis is renowned for her tough but fair moderating skills in the arena of political debate, as well as insightful interviews with major influential figures, including Hillary Clinton, Mike Pence, and Dr. Anthony Fauci. She is a sought-after moderator, having led the first roundtable discussion with Black female mayors of Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Baton Rouge, and Tacoma, as well as a series of interviews with the spouses of presidential candidates in a series called Running Mates. In addition to her wave-making reporting, Davis is the bestselling author of books for children: The World is AwakeOne Big HeartStay This Way Forever, and How High is Heaven. As a speaker and moderator, Davis’ voice is in-demand on a dynamic array of subjects and audiences are energized by her presence.

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PHILLIP PICARDI

  • Award-Winning Journalist and Editor of Teen Vogue, them, and Allure

Award-winning journalist, editor, and author Phillip Picardi is known for his role in revolutionizing Teen Vogue, Allure, and Out Magazines. Under Picardi’s leadership, the digital audience of Teen Vogue grew from just 2M unique visitors per month to over 12M, making the Condé Nast title the fastest-growing women's magazine in America for two years running. He was then appointed by Anna Wintour to oversee the digital operations of Allure, where he concepted “The End of Anti-Aging,” an industry call to action for brands to eradicate the shame and stigma around getting older. Dubbed “the prince of Condé Nast” by The New York Times, Picardi went on to launch a community-driven platform for LGBTQ+ youth called them. From building empowered and diverse teams to generating disruptive and out-of-the-box ideas, Picardi’s speaking engagements offer an abundance of insights.

Picardi went on to rebrand and relaunch Out Magazine, the largest and most influential publication for the queer and trans community. An expert in building empowered teams, he assembled and led the most diverse staff in the brand’s history. During Picardi’s career, he has been a sought-after consultant for clients like Levi's, Ralph Lauren, Lego, Burberry, and Nike. He is also the recipient of multiple awards, including Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People, the Forbes 30 Under 30, the AdWeek Hot List, a GLAAD Award, and more. Picardi recently graduated from Harvard Divinity School, where he was one of eleven students selected for the inaugural Masters of Religion and Public Life program. His studies inspired a podcast about religion and spirituality from Crooked Media called Unholier Than Thou, and his Substack newsletter Religiously Blonde. He is currently working on his forthcoming memoir based on his thesis, “Is Jesus Kinda Hot?” In motivational events, Picardi shares his expertise that resonates with corporate leaders as well as college audiences, and moderates powerful conversations with cultural luminaries.

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EDDIE NDOPU

  • Award-Winning Humanitarian and Renowned Disability Justice Practitioner

Described by TIME Magazine as “one of the most powerful disabled people on the planet,” Eddie Ndopu is perhaps best known for his human rights advocacy with respect to advancing disability justice at the forefront of the international development agenda. An award-winning and internationally acclaimed humanitarian, storyteller, public intellectual, and disability practitioner, Eddie is a thought leader and advocate for social equity, sustainability, and disability-based innovation. Ndopu describes himself as a queer, Black, disabled individual, fighting for social equity and the environment, and his influence is felt worldwide. A Global Changemaker, Eddie actively champions climate justice, fights global poverty and demands equity for the world’s most marginalized segments of society in his capacity as one of the UN Secretary-General’s 17 official advocates for the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Ndopu is a highly in-demand speaker for his insights about the intersections of disability, sustainability, and how we can best work together to make meaningful change for our planet’s future.

Ndopu is the Founder of A Billion Reasons, a groundbreaking social impact incubator established in partnership with the World Economic Forum to tackle the U.N.’s SDGs through a lens of universal design and disability-based innovation. Eddie serves on several global Boards, including as a member of the board of directors of the United Nations Foundation. He also sits on the advisory boards of The Valuable 500, IMAGINE and Verizon’s Global Advisory Board for Accessibility and Disability Inclusion. He formerly served as a member of both the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council for the New Agenda for Social Justice and the World Economic Forum’s Partnering for Racial Justice in Business Initiative. Eddie’s debut memoir, Sipping Dom Pérignon Through a Straw, which chronicles his challenging experience as a disabled student attending Oxford University, is slated for global release on August 1, 2023.

Featured in a profile by TIME, and recognized as one of Pacific Standard’s “Top 30 Thinkers Under 30,” Ndopu receives rave reviews after speaking events, and is sought-after for keynotes and conversations at venues such as Facebook, Amazon, Discovery Health, the COP26 Climate Change Summit, The World Economic Forum, the GlobalCitizen Summit, and Salesforce’s Dreamforce event, where he was described as, “one of the most powerful voices on the planet right now.”

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LISA WARDELL

  • Chairman and Former CEO & President, Adtalem Global Education Inc.

Business executive Lisa Wardell has more than 25 years of experience managing business strategy, operations, finance, and mergers and acquisitions, while driving shareholder value, stakeholder engagement, and company mission. Lisa currently serves as the Chairman of Adtalem Global Education Inc. – which aims to empower students to achieve their goals, find success, and make inspiring contributions to our global community. Lisa previously served as Adtalem’s President and CEO, then CEO & Chairman, and Executive Chairman. During her tenure as CEO, Wardell oversaw the strategic repositioning of Adtalem’s portfolio, and was the only African American woman CEO in S&P’s MidCap 400 Index. Under her leadership, gender and ethnic diversity has increased at the Adtalem board to 67%. Wardell has also led the higher education sector in implementing new standards in transparency and financial literacy, and in cultivating quality partnerships to fill critical global workforce needs. With expertise in business strategy, mission-driven growth, fostering diverse workforces, higher education, and advancing equity in healthcare, Lisa has been sought-after for her perspective by groups including Bloomberg, ASU+GSV Summit, Executives Breakfast Club, and more.

Prior to her work with Adtalem, Wardell was the Executive VP and COO for The RLJ Companies, a Principal at Katalyst Venture Partners, and a Senior Consultant for Accenture. She has also worked extensively in the media, entertainment, sports, gaming, and hotel industries, including assisting with the founding and management of Our Stories Films Studio and the now Charlotte Hornets. Lisa serves as the Vice Chair on the executive committee of The Business Council, and as Vice Chair of the Kennedy Center Corporate Fund. She also serves on the boards of American Express and GIII Apparel Group, Ltd., has served on the Adtalem board since 2008, and previously served on the Lowes Home Improvement board. A fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion and access to education at scale across diverse communities, Lisa also is a member of the board of the Economic Club of Chicago, the Executive Leadership Council, CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Fortune CEO Initiative. Lisa has been featured on CNBC and Cheddar as well as in The Wall Street JournalWashington PostBusiness InsiderBlack Enterprise, and other publications.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

QIAN JULIE WANG

  • New York Times Bestselling Author, 'Beautiful Country: A Memoir'

Civil rights litigator and New York Times bestselling author Qian Julie Wang uses her unique gift for storytelling to transcend the business, legal, political, and literary worlds and focus on the humanity at the heart of these issues.

Qian Julie’s debut Beautiful Country: A Memoir became an instant New York Times bestseller, and was heralded as “an incandescent debut from an astonishing new talent.” Lauded as an “essential book for our times” and named one of the New York Times Book Review’s “Notable Books of 2021,” Beautiful Country is a poignant and heartrending literary memoir that intimately retraces Qian Julie’s childhood footsteps where at age seven, she moved from China to Brooklyn, New York with her parents, and overnight went from being the daughter of professors to being deemed “illegal.” As a litigator, Qian Julie has been praised by clients as "exceptionally talented" and "exemplary.” For a decade, she has represented Fortune 500 corporations, governmental entities, and individuals in complex civil litigation. Qian Julie is now a managing partner at Gottlieb & Wang LLP and is dedicated to advocating for marginalized communities' education and discrimination rights.

Qian Julie’s writing has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Cut, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and she has appeared on PBS Newshour, ABC News, NPR, BBC World Outlook, C-SPAN, The TODAY Show, among many others. A highly sought-after keynote speaker, Qian Julie is in demand for events with groups like the Association of Small and Rural Libraries, Datadog, the Nantucket and Savannah Book Festivals, Sentara Healthcare, and Central Synagogue, to name a few. For her open heart and strong passion for advocacy and bringing awareness to marginalized communities, she regularly receives rave reviews, such as: “Thanks to Qian Julie for a tremendous program last night. She gave such a beautifully crafted, powerful talk that had the audience alternatively chuckling, nodding, wiping their eyes, and occasionally even startled… Qian Julie is a supremely talented writer and thinker, and I am sure she will continue to challenge the world with her sharp and nuanced insights. And she couldn’t have been nicer and more gracious to staff and guests and trustees alike." (Museum of the City of New York)

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RICHARD LAPCHICK

  • Internationally Recognized Expert on Racial Equality in Athletics and Human Rights Activist

Human rights activist, pioneer for racial equality, author Richard Lapchick has leveraged his standing in the sports world to advocate for inclusion, encouraging players to speak out against injustice for more than 50 years and consulting with companies as an expert on managing diversity. He has received countless awards and honors, including the Arthur Ashe Institute Leadership Award in 2021 in recognition of his trailblazing work and dedication to diversity and social justice, the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2021 (watch his acceptance speech here >>), and he was included on Beyond Sport's Inspirational 50 people (living and passed) who used sport to change the world along with Billie Jean King, Muhammad Ali, and Nelson Mandela. He has also been honored with the John Carlos and Tommie Smith Social Justice Champion Award and the 2023 Stuart Scott Enspire ESPY Award. Lapchick imparts meaningful insights about building thriving, inclusive teams and creating a culture of equality in sport, in our companies, and in life.

Lapchick believes sport can be an effective instrument of positive social change, and launched the DeVos Sports Business Management Program, which SportsBusiness International called one of the top programs in the world. A prolific author, Lapchick has published 17 books and is a regular columnist for ESPN.com and The Sports Business Journal. Considered among the nation’s experts on sport and social issues, he has spoken in the United States Congress, at the United Nations, the European Parliament, and the Vatican, most notably. He is a board member of the Women’s Sports Foundation, the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, United Abolitionists, and the onePULSE Foundation. He founded the Hope for Stanley Alliance and Shut Out Trafficking.

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RACHEL CARGLE

  • Public Academic, Writer, and Lecturer

Public academic, writer, entrepreneur, and philanthropic innovator Rachel Cargle is a thought leader in the spaces of social justice and equity, intersectionality, mental health awareness, and accessible learning through ground-breaking social ventures. Cargle is the Founder and President of The Loveland Foundation, Inc., a non-profit offering free therapy to Black women and girls. Under her umbrella company, The Loveland Group, she has created The Great Unlearn, a self-paced donation-based learning community, The Great Unlearn for Young Learners, an online learning space for young folks launching in 2022, and Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre – an innovative literacy space designed to amplify, celebrate, and honor the work of writers who are often excluded from traditional cultural, social, and academic canons. As a keynote speaker, Cargle is highly sought-after for her insights on the history of race and its present-day impacts, intersectional and inclusive feminism, and values-based goal setting for individuals and organizations.

Cargle and her work have been featured in The New York TimesInStyleGlamourHuffington PostThe Washington Post, The New Yorker and Forbes. She is a regular contributor to The Cut, Atmos, and Cultured Magazine. In addition to her TEDx Talk Coming to Terms with Racism’s Inertia: Ancestral Accountability, Cargle has appeared on TIME100 Talks, Red Table Talk, NBC News Now, and more. Her signature public lecture Unpacking White Feminism has been featured on campuses around the country including American University, Yale, and Harvard, and Cargle has spoken at Apple, Spotify, and Facebook. Her book A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir & Manifesto on Reimagining is a deeply personal and insightful testament to the power of reimagining to dismantle the frameworks and systems that no longer serve us while building new ones that do.

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HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR.

  • Emmy and Peabody Award-Winning Filmmaker, Literary Scholar, Journalist, Cultural Critic, and Institution Builder

Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, literary scholar, and journalist Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is an acclaimed cultural critic and institution builder. Professor Gates is the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University. Among his dozens of books are the recent New York Times bestsellers Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow and The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song. He has also produced and hosted an array of documentary films. The Black Church (PBS) and Frederick Douglass: In Five Speeches (HBO), which he executive produced, each received Emmy nominations. His latest history series for PBS is Making Black America: Through the Grapevine. Finding Your Roots, Gates’s groundbreaking genealogy and genetics series, has completed its ninth season on PBS and will return for a tenth season in 2024.

Professor Gates has received countless awards and honors, including a George Polk Award for his social commentary in The New York Times, a MacArthur Fellowship, the Chicago Tribune Literary Award for lifetime achievement, and the prestigious Gold Medal from the National Institute of Social Sciences, among many others. His filmmaking has received Emmy, Peabody, and NAACP Image Awards, as well as an Alfred I. duPont Columbia University Award. Professor Gates serves on the boards of many notable institutions, including: the New York Public Library, the Aspen Institute, the Brookings Institution, and is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations. A consummate scholar and esteemed public intellectual, Professor Gates is a highly sought-after keynote speaker for his riveting addresses to audiences of all kinds.

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ABIGAIL HING WEN

  • AI Expert & Intel's Former Senior Director of Emerging AI Tech

Woman-in-tech leader, New York Times bestselling author, and filmmaker Abigail Hing Wen has been called “one of the voices of her generation” by Pop Culturalist and “one of the most respected voices in fairness and AI” by Forbes. Abigail was the host of Intel’s Artificial Intelligence Podcast, featuring leading industry experts including Andrew Ng, META's Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun, The World Bank, Google Deepmind, Genentech, and U.S. Congresswoman Kelly. In her career in tech, she has negotiated multibillion dollar deals on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley, advised members of the C-suite and government officials on AI, and worked in venture capital.

Abigail is a frequent speaker on topics of artificial intelligence, leadership, equity, representation, ethics, and creative careers, including Talks at Google, the California Commonwealth Club, recurring talks at META/Facebook AI, a virtual talk with Lea Salonga, Pinterest, Adobe, Target, Twitch, LinkedIn, the Barnes & Noble podcast, as well as Stanford, Harvard, Columbia, Dartmouth, and Berkeley among other venues. Abigail serves on the board of Harvardwood.

A New York Times bestselling author, Abigail served as executive producer for the Paramount Plus film Love in Taipei, the first film adaptation of her bestselling novel series, Loveboat, Taipei. Abigail is passionate about democratizing access to and information about artificial intelligence and has written multiple books and articles on the subject.

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BEN WALLACE

  • UK's Longest Serving Conservative Defense Secretary

Heralded as the United Kingdom’s most experienced Minister in the fields of Defense, Security, and Foreign Affairs, Rt. Hon. Ben Wallace offers extensive expertise in geopolitics and global affairs. Most recently, Wallace occupied the position as NATO’s longest-serving Defense Secretary. His time in office saw Wallace steer both the domestic and international response to Ukraine, Afghanistan, the Salisbury poisoning, the WannaCry cyberattacks, as well as NATO and defense reform. Wallace’s comprehensive experience is sought after by financial institutions, government organizations, and leaders across industries seeking a thorough examination of how geopolitical realities will impact decision-making now and in the future.

Wallace has witnessed first-hand the emergence of new technologies in Defense and the impact on our security. During his tenure as the UK’s longest-serving Conservative Defense Secretary, Wallace published the UK’s first Defense AI strategy as well as established the National Cyber Force. Wallace has worked alongside the Pentagon and the CIA across two U.S. Presidential administrations and was a key facilitator in AUKUS – the U.S./UK/Australian nuclear and technology alliance. Before serving as Defense Secretary, Wallace served as Security Minister, led on counterterrorism, cyber security, counter espionage, and economic crime. A decorated former army officer, Wallace brings first-hand personal experience to global issues. Wallace also brings substantial knowledge of the Middle East and the Pacific theatre, providing an unmatched geostrategic outlook from a European perspective.

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KEECHANT SEWELL

  • SVP of Security & Guest Experience, The Mets at Citi Field

Leadership and security expert Keechant Sewell is currently the Senior Vice President of Security and Guest Experience for the Mets at Citi Field. Previously, Sewell was a U.S. police officer and administrator who served as the 45th New York City Police Commissioner, where she oversaw a comprehensive strategy focused on the safety of New Yorkers and improving core features of the NYPD. During her tenure, Sewell launched the Innovation Steering Committee, which made nearly 250 recommendations for improved data analytics, community engagement, technology, officer safety, and more. She has also leveraged technology to better connect to the public and keep officers and the city safe, in addition to a myriad of crime-reduction strategies. Sewell has forged meaningful and lasting relationships between the Department and communities, businesses, elected leaders, and government agencies. Sewell’s innovative leadership has resulted in a more diverse workforce, measurable results, and community initiatives. Sewell brings a unique perspective to topics including innovative leadership, manager effectiveness, teambuilding, and public safety.

Sewell has the distinction of becoming the first sitting NYPD Commissioner to be named “PBA Person of the Year” and recognized with the first annual Torch Award from MovementForward Inc., among numerous other awards and accolades. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, where she was selected to give the commencement address. To learn more on transforming institutions through innovation both human and digital, turn to Sewell’s expertise spanning both the private and public sectors.

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MARK HYMAN, MD

  • 15-Time New York Times Bestselling Author

Practicing family physician and many-time bestselling author Mark Hyman, MD is an internationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of Functional Medicine. Dr. Hyman is the founder and director of The UltraWellness Center, founder and Senior Advisor for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, and Board President for Clinical Affairs for The Institute for Functional Medicine. He is a fifteen-time New York Times bestselling author of The Pegan Diet, Food Fix, and most recently Young Forever – an instant #1 NYT bestseller. Through his writing and in his sought-after talks, Dr. Hyman offers a revolutionary, practical guide to creating and sustaining health – for life.

Dr. Hyman is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Function Health and the founder and chairman of the Food Fix Campaign – dedicated to transforming our food and agriculture system through policy. He is the host of one of the leading health podcasts, The Doctor’s Farmacy, which has over 200M+ downloads. Dr. Hyman is a regular medical contributor to CBS This MorningToday, Fox, CNN, Good Morning AmericaThe View, and CNN.

Through his work to change policy for the betterment of public health, Dr. Hyman has testified before the Senate Working Group on Health Care Reform on Functional Medicine. He has consulted with the surgeon general on diabetes prevention and participated in the 2009 White House Forum on Prevention and Wellness. Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa nominated Dr. Hyman for the President’s Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health. With topics ranging from food as medicine, to disruption in the healthcare system, to how technological advancements like AI will impact our approach to health, Dr. Hyman is an informed, engaging advocate who motivates his audiences toward lasting change.

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WILL HURD

  • Cybersecurity Executive

Cybersecurity & AI expert, former U.S. House Representative, and former CIA officer Will Hurd is a leading voice for bipartisanship, inclusivity, and finding unity in the face of divisive issues. Prior to his work in politics, Hurd served as an undercover officer in the CIA. His service left him with an insider’s understanding of current national security concerns and the future of cybersecurity as the next domain of conflict. He helped build FusionX to combat cyber adversaries. While serving in Congress, Politico named Hurd “the Future of the GOP.” He was renowned for his ability to put policy ahead of politics – getting more substantive legislation signed into law in three terms than most lawmakers achieve in decades. Always forward-thinking, Hurd wrote the first national strategy on AI, held the first Congress hearing on AI, and published the first Presidential Plan for AI. As a presidential candidate for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, he introduced innovative AI and border policies. In his book, American Reboot: An Idealist’s Guide to Getting Big Things Done, Hurd provides a vision for leadership that is values-based and inspiring for audiences of all kinds. Hurd is celebrated as a transformative leader, dedicated to securing a better future for everyone. 

As renowned cybersecurity expert, Managing Director at Allen & Company, a board member of OpenAI, and a trustee of the German Marshall Fund, Hurd was at the center of technology, national security, and public policy. Offering insights informed by his time in the CIA and politics, Hurd helps organizations and individuals put threats into context and directs focus toward unifying strategies for policy, economic empowerment, and America’s technological future.

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MARGARET HOOVER

  • Host of PBS' 'Firing Line with Margaret Hoover'

Political commentator, bestselling author, and gay rights activist Margaret Hoover is the host of PBS’ Firing Line with Margaret Hoovera smart, civil, and engaging contest of ideas. Firing Line is a public affairs, multi-platform program that engages in long-form interviews and a rigorous exchange of ideas with the guiding principle that civil discourse is a civic responsibility. A CNN contributor, Ms. Hoover has served in The White House under President George W. Bush, in the Department of Homeland Security, on Capitol Hill and on two presidential campaigns. A gifted analyst and moderator, Ms. Hoover connects with a broad audience to amplify bipartisan solutions to the pressing challenges facing American businesses and individuals.

Ms. Hoover is the bestselling author of American Individualism: How a New Generation of Conservatives Can Save the Republican Party, and her writing has appeared in The New York TimesThe Wall Street JournalThe New York Daily NewsThe Daily BeastCNN.com, and FoxNews.com. She is the President of American Unity Fund – a political organization focused on achieving full freedom and equality for LGBT Americans. Ms. Hoover serves on the boards of Stanford University's Hoover Institution, the Hoover Presidential Foundation, the Belgian American Educational Foundation, The Markle Foundation, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. A persuasive and impassioned speaker, Ms. Hoover brings a unique perspective to topics including individualism, the future of politics, and more.

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BECKY HAMMON

  • Six-Time WNBA All-Star and Olympic Medalist

Two-time Olympian and Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Becky Hammon made history when she became the first woman to coach full-time in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs. Hammon had a successful career as a player, including two Olympic appearances, an Olympic medal, a six-time WNBA All-Star, and being named one of the leagues “Top 15 Players of All-Time.” No stranger to breaking barriers in the sports world, Hammon joined the Spurs in 2014 in a leadership role as assistant coach. When Head Coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in the second quarter of a Spurs game, she made history again as the first woman head coach to lead an NBA team in a regular season game. Hammon is now the Head Coach of the WNBA Las Vegas Aces, back to back WMBA Champions. She is the first rookie WNBA coach to be named "WNBA Coach of the Year." She is joining ESPN as an Analyst, and will contribute to the network’s signature NBA shows, including Get Up, First Take, SportsCenter and NBA TodayHammon offers her unique perspective as the first female coach in a men’s league, offering takeaways for those looking to become game-changers at work and in life.

Hammon has been inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, and named to the Sports Illustrated “Unrelenting List,” the most powerful, influential, and outstanding women in sports right now. She is included on The W25, a list of the 25 most influential players in WNBA history. In impactful keynote speeches and moderated conversations, Hammon shares her journey to the NBA, revealing vital leadership lessons and inspiring audiences to pursue their dreams relentlessly and stand up for what they believe in.

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JEFF KOONS

  • Renowned Contemporary Artist & Sculptor

Iconic contemporary artist and sculptor Jeff Koons is one of the most prominent artists working today. Koons is known for challenging limitations while engaging viewers in a dialogue about the present moment and our historical past. For four decades, Koons has created works that explore themes of self-acceptance and transcendence. He is widely known for his bold paintings and sculptures, including Rabbit, Michael Jackson and Bubbles, Puppy, and Balloon Dog. Koons was the first artist to place a sculpture on the moon. The smooth, mirror-finished surfaces of his iconic stainless-steel sculptures reflect and affirm viewers and their environments. Since his first solo exhibition in 1980, Koons’s work has been shown in galleries, museums, and cultural institutions throughout the world.

Koons has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his cultural achievements. He has been a board member of The International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) since 2002 and co-founded the Koons Family International Law and Policy Institute with ICMEC for the purpose of combating global issues of child abduction and exploitation and to protect the world’s children.

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LINDA YVETTE CHÁVEZ

  • Critically Acclaimed Screenwriter, Director, and Producer

Award-winning Chingona and Xicana Hollywood creative Linda Yvette Chávez uses storytelling to create a more inclusive world. Linda has emerged in the entertainment industry as a powerful voice, bringing fearless, inclusive and impactful stories to the big and small screens. She is the co-Creator, co-Showrunner, Director, and Executive Producer of the hit Netflix series Gentefied. Gentefied’s first season was nominated for a Peabody Award, and recently received seven Imagen Foundation award nominations, including “Best Comedy Series” and Best Directing for Linda's directorial debut. Linda is adapting the New York Times bestselling book I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter into a feature film for MACRO and Anonymous Content, which will be directed by America Ferrera. Named by Glamour as one of the top Latinas changing the game for representation in television, she wrote Eva Longoria’s directorial debut, the Searchlight Pictures feature film Flamin’ Hot. In sought-after talks, Linda shares her insights from the entertainment industry, as well as impactful takeaways about creating more diverse and equitable teams, workplaces, and communities.

Linda has been highlighted by Variety as part of their Comedy Impact Report alongside comedy heavy hitters like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Dave Chapelle. She has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Wired, and AdWeek, among many others. She and her Gentefied co-Creator graced the cover of the Writers Guild of America 2020 Summer Issue of Written By Magazine, and she recently inked a multi-year overall deal with 20th Television to develop new series for Disney’s many platforms. Linda has been in demand for events with groups like AACI, Qualtrics, and United Ways of California, who raved: ”Linda was a fantastic speaker at the 2022 United Way Western Regional Conference. Through the power of her storytelling, she inspired our United Way audience with her authenticity and the need to organizationally look like the people we serve every day. We are so grateful to her.”

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MJ ACOSTA-RUIZ

  • Emmy Award-Winning Sportscaster

Emmy Award-winning journalist and trailblazing sportscaster MJ Acosta-Ruiz is an acclaimed host and feature correspondent for the NFL Network. Acosta-Ruiz is the first ever Afro-Latina and woman of color to host a show at the NFL Network, Total Access, and as she is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, contributes across multiple platforms for NFL Mexico and NFL Español. She has covered sports, entertainment, and breaking news for over a decade, while advocating for representation and equality. Acosta-Ruiz recently co-hosted NBC Sports’ On Her Turf podcast, which highlights amazing women and allies who motivate people to be the best versions of themselves, and co-hosts NFL Network's El Huddle podcast - which celebrates Latino influence in the NFL. In her reporting, moderating, and as a keynote speaker, she shares her insights on overcoming obstacles, embracing your authentic self as part of the path to success, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities to create a more just world.

In addition to her work as an award-winning journalist, Acosta-Ruiz works as an advocate for women’s empowerment and representation and equity for marginalized communities. She works closely with A Seat at the Table, a mentorship community for young women interested in careers in sports. Acosta-Ruiz is a sought-after speaker, sharing her inspirational journey and takeaways about strategizing for success, embracing what makes you different, and breaking barriers in her empowering talks

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JANELLE MONÁE

  • Award-Winning Musician and Actor

Multi-talented and award-winning musician, actor, activist, fashion icon, and bestselling author Janelle Monáe is a uniquely original artist whose work examines questions of identity, power, and belonging. Monáe is known for her acclaimed albums The ArchAndroid, The Electric Lady, and Dirty Computer, as well as starring roles in Hidden Figures, Homecoming, Antebellum, and the Best Picture Oscar-winner Moonlight, to name a few. Heralded for their artistry and activism, Monáe is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and social movements toward justice and the end of systemic prejudice and racism. Their debut book, the Afrofuturist story collection The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories from Dirty Computer, became an instant New York Times bestseller and captures Monáe’s mesmerizing gift of storytelling and boundless creative voice.

Monáe has received countless Grammy nominations, and has won an MTV Video Music Award, the ASCAP Vanguard Award, Billboard’s Women in Music Rising Star Award as well as the Trailblazer of the Year Award, and a Hugo Award nomination for the short film for her album Dirty Computer. She has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Amanpour, Washington Post Live, and many more. They will star highly-anticipated upcoming film, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. A global icon, Monáe is sought after for captivating and profound conversations about artistry, activism philosophy, challenging the status quo, and the future.

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MARTIN SHORT

  • Celebrated Comedian, Actor, and Writer

Martin Short is a beloved Canadian-American actor, comedian, singer, and writer. Short has won fans and accolades in television, film, and theater since his breakout season on Saturday Night Live. Initially a professional stage actor, Short first appeared in a Toronto production of Godspell. He then joined The Second City improv company, making his Emmy-winning television debut on the Second City Television Network before joining Saturday Night Live as up-and-coming talent. Short made his film debut in Three Amigos!, a success followed with roles in globally-renowned films such as Clifford, Madagascar 3, Frankenweenie, and the Father of the Bride series, among others. Short has won a Tony award, Theatre World Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award for his work on Broadway in shows such as Little Me, The Goodbye Girl, and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me.

Short’s Netflix special with Steve Martin, An Evening You Will Forget For The Rest Of Your Life, received 4 Emmy nominations. Their tours, Now You See Them, Soon You Won’t, and The Funniest Show in Town at the Moment, were smashing successes reflecting Short’s ability to connect with audiences worldwide. Martin and Short also star together in Hulu’s must-watch comedy series, Only Murders in the Building.

Short has been awarded the Order of Canada, a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame, and a Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award from the Governor-General of Canada. Short’s memoir, I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend, was a New York Times bestseller. A legendary performer with decades of blockbuster projects under his belt, Short speaks to a life of perseverance, dedication, and humor.

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HOPE JAHREN

  • Award-Winning Scientist

Award-winning scientist and internationally bestselling author Hope Jahren is an expert on global climate change who helps us see our interconnectedness and interdependence with the world around us. Jahren’s New York Times Notable book Lab Girl won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography among other accolades. In a review of her book The Story of More: How We Got to Climate Change and Where to Go from Here, Nature called Jahren “the voice that science has been waiting for.”

Jahren is the recipient of three Fulbright Awards and is one of four scientists, and the only woman, to have been awarded both of the Young Investigator Medals given within the Earth Sciences. While a tenured professor at the University of Hawaii, she built the Isotope Geobiology Laboratories, with support from National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the NIH. She currently holds the J. Tuzo Wilson professorship at the University of Oslo, Norway.

For her sought-after keynote speeches, Hope receives consistent praise: “The presentation was flawless” (Medical Library Association), “Hope was absolutely brilliant” (Merwin Conservancy), and “Hope’s entire visit was a HOME RUN for us… She set a high bar for future presenters” (Howard Hughes Medical Institute).

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DANIEL JAMES BROWN

  • #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of 'Boys in the Boat', 'Facing the Mountain', and More

Author Daniel James Brown is one of America’s most beloved narrative nonfiction authors. His #1 New York Times bestseller The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics captured the world's attention and quickly skyrocketed to the top of bestseller lists. The Boys in the Boat served as the inspiration for the PBS documentary The Boys of ‘36. Brown's other books include Under a Flaming Sky: The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894, The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of a Donner Party Bride, and his second New York Times bestseller, Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War ll. In his captivating presentations, Brown shares the remarkable stories covered in his work, bringing history to life and leaving audiences inspired.

Brown’s primary interest as a writer is in bringing compelling historical events to life as vividly and accurately as he can. Brown has shared history with hosts including Bailard, Arts & Letters, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and more.

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EDWARD ENNINFUL

  • Trailblazing Fashion Icon

Regarded as one of the most influential voices in fashion, Edward Enninful OBE has helped bring widespread distinction to the British and global fashion industry. Enninful has spent over three decades promoting minority and ethnically diverse talent, striving to eliminate ethnic exclusion in the industry by uplifting and giving regular exposure to underrepresented topics, talent, and models. Enninful was the youngest-ever fashion director for an international publication, i-D, at age eighteen. By 1998, he became a contributing fixture at Vogue Italia, catapulting him into world recognition as a leading stylist and cultural contributor. Here, as an advocate for diverse voices, Enninful spearheaded the landmark, transformative publication of “The Black Issue.” From Vogue Italia, Enninful continued to use his voice to make a positive impact in the industry with roles at American Vogue, W Magazine, and most recently British Vogue. Enninful is the only Black person in the history of Vogue globally to serve as Editor-in-Chief. Upon his appointment, the CEO of Condé Nast International called Enninful “an influential figure in the communities of fashion, Hollywood and music which shape the cultural zeitgeist.”

In addition to his editorial work, Enninful has helped shape some of the most influential international fashion houses as a stylist, through his creative input coordinating fashion shoots for magazines, catwalk shows, reinventing brands, and high-profile advertising campaigns. Enninful’s dedication to diversity in the fashion industry was honored with a presentation of an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Enninful has also received the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator and the Trailblazer Award at the British Fashion Awards. The Powerlist 2024 named him the U.K.’s “Most Powerful Black Person.” His experiences are compiled in his memoir, A Visible Man and a SHOWstudio film, The Seven Deadly Sins of Edward Enninful. Enninful’s decades of driving culture provide a unique perspective on culture, creativity, and diversity, insights vital to any individual or organization.

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NIGEL SYLVESTER

  • Professional BMX Athlete

Professional BMX athlete, creative, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Nigel Sylvester is one of the most culturally relevant cyclists today. Sylvester was catapulted to the forefront of the sports world due to his progressive riding style, innovative content creation, and one-of-a-kind artistic expression and style. He has been a Jordan Brand signed athlete, featured in countless global and digital campaigns. Sylvester created ‘GO Ride,’ hosting a first-of-its-kind transatlantic 30-mile bike ride in London and New York City in honor of World Bicycle Day. His drive to give back led him to start the Nigel Sylvester Foundation, dedicated to transforming the lives of underserved youth, uniting diverse communities, and more. Today, Sylvester is one of the most widely recognized athletes in the world.

Sylvester is known for his outspoken advocacy, grit, and innovative creativity. Sylvester was featured in ESPN’s ‘Body Issue’ and included in Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30” list. Sylvester has spoken to Nike, Samsung, Chase, UNLOQ, Fashion Tech Forum, eBay, StockX, Complex, Gillette, Oakley about his many achievements across sports, business, and media.

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LAURA BARRÓN-LÓPEZ

  • White House Correspondent, PBS ‘Newshour’

White House Correspondent and political analyst Laura Barrón-López is an expert on current U.S. politics. She is the White House Correspondent for the PBS NewsHour, where she covers the Biden administration for the nightly news broadcast. She is also a political analyst on CNN. Her expertise in U.S. government affairs reflects over a decade of covering breaking news in politics. Previously, Barrón-López was a White House reporter for POLITICO, where she covered the national Presidential election. She has led the Washington Examiner’s coverage of the Democratic Party, coverage of Congress for HuffPost, and coverage of environmental policy for The Hill. Barrón-López’s sharp analysis, compelling storytelling, and engaging presentation style captivate audiences globally.

Barrón-López is an expert on the hottest political issues on voters’ minds today. Her voice has been sought by UVA’s Miller Center, the Texas Tribune Festival, the Atlantic Festival, the Professional Women in Advocacy Conference, and more. Pairing personal stories from her time as a reporter with her in-depth knowledge of current events, Barrón-López leaves audiences feeling inspired and informed.

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DR. RAE WYNN-GRANT

  • Renowned Wildlife Ecologist, Conservationist, and Storyteller

Renowned wildlife ecologist, equity and justice advocate, and storyteller Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is a trail-blazing conservationist whose insights about STEM, equity, and the power of nature inspire audiences of all kinds. As an active scientist, Dr. Wynn-Grant researches how human activity influences the behavior of wild animals, spending long periods in the wilderness tracking and observing black and grizzly bears in the Western U.S. and African lions in rural Kenya and Tanzania. Her wildlife exploration and media work has taken her to six of seven continents and over 25 countries. A native Californian, Dr. Wynn-Grant attributes her interest in wildlife and conservation from the nature shows she watched on television as a child, and today she uses media to increase representation of Black scientists and explorers. Dr. Wynn-Grant is the Host of a new NBC series, Wild Kingdom - a new version of the iconic wildlife show premiering Fall 2023.

Dr. Wynn-Grant envisions a near-future where the outdoors is a safe, equitably accessible, and positively transformative space for all people, and she shares her passionate insights in riveting keynotes and conversations. Dr. Wynn-Grant is a faculty member at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at University of California at Santa Barbara, serves on the Golden Gate regional board of NatureBridge, and is a National Geographic Explorer. Her PBS podcast, Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, takes listeners deep into the heart of the world’s most remote jungles, savannas, tundras, mountains, and deserts with her as she studies wild animals in their natural habitats. A phenomenal leader in her field and a compelling speaker, Dr. Wynn-Grant uses the power of storytelling to make science accessible, emphasizing the importance of creating equitable opportunities for young people to experience nature first-hand.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MATT MEDVED

  • Co-Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of nft now - Award-winning web3 digital media platform.

Founder of nft now and digital economy expert Matt Medved has worked to bridge the worlds of music, culture, and technology to uplift artistry for nearly a decade. Medved is the Co-Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of nft now – an award-winning web3 digital media platform building the future of tokenized media to combat AI disinformation and pioneer a community-centric media model. Since launching in 2021, nft now has become a leader in leveraging AI to power its content strategy, and has brought to market innovative web3 products like the Now Pass and industry-leading events like The Gateway and NFT100.

Previously, Matt served as the SVP of Content at Modern Luxury and the EiC of SPIN, where he directed the iconic music and culture title’s 2019 rebrand. Before leading SPIN, Matt founded Billboard Dance in 2015 and grew the vertical into the leading dance/electronic music publication in North America. Medved is the co-creator of nft now's NFT Marketing Bible and has helped numerous Fortune 500 brands successfully enter and navigate web3 while understanding and harnessing its benefits for business.

An early adopter of web3 and AI, Medved has spoken for groups including Harvard Business SchoolSXSWNFT NYCNew York Media FestivalSyracuse UniversityBillboard Live Music Summit, and Institute for Public Relations. He previously conducted human rights field research and wrote $2M in funded grants to the U.S. Department of State and USAID as a consultant for conflict resolution NGO Search for Common Ground in Nigeria — where he also reached more than 6M listeners as a guest DJ at Africa’s largest radio station. Medved is a multihyphenate creative who taps into the business case for new technology in a way that is relevant, accessible, and actionable for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KATY BOHINC

  • Poet & Artist

Artist, founder, and mathematician Katy Bohinc is an award-winning data scientist and visionary polymath Fortune 500 marketer. Bohinc began her career as a data scientist for leading marketing agencies, operationalizing big data adoption. Her work garnered Assembly Media (now Assembly Global) Ad Age’s Agency of the Year award. She has published three books of poetry, along with two edited volumes. Bohinc served as Director of Tender Buttons Press (2013-2020). Her latest endeavor as founder & CEO of The Ratio – an AI startup which applies data science to the ancient traditions of astrology – marks her as a leading creative and scientific mind.

Bohinc is a captivating, visionary speaker, bringing her highly acclaimed poet's voice to a powerful and unique weaving of cultural, technological, and marketing insights. Her voice draws from her incredibly diverse background across data science and AI, literature and the arts, world history, and marketing. She has spoken on the intersections of arts, science, and futurism at MoMa Ps1, LACMA, Princeton University, Cambridge University, Ezra Pound’s Castle, and hundreds more. Bohinc's insightful ability to connect seemingly disparate intellectual disciplines into a case study of the human experience opens audiences' minds to new avenues of creativity. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ROB LOWE

  • Hollywood Icon, Actor, Producer, and Director

Hollywood icon, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and philanthropist Rob Lowe is a passionate advocate for resilience in the face of adversity and leverages his platform to make an impact on the world. Known for his decades-long career in film, television, and theater, Lowe has been nominated for numerous Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, winning two. Notable roles include St. Elmo’s Fire, About Last Night, The Outsiders, The West Wing, and Parks and Recreation, as well as directing The Bad Seed and serving as executive producer for Holiday in the Wild and 911 Lonestar. He shares his complicated path to stardom in two New York Times bestselling memoirs, Stories I Only Tell My Friends and Love Life. With his signature wry humor, candor, and moving personal anecdotes, Lowe is an in-demand speaker about his work in the fight against cancer, his journey to three decades of sobriety, and for his insights about overcoming obstacles, developing resilience, and finding joy.

Lowe hosts FOX’s Mental Samurai, a mental challenge competition, and two highly acclaimed podcasts: Literally! With Rob Lowe, on which he interviews leaders in the world of entertainment, and Parks and Recollection, co-hosted with showrunner Alan Yang, which takes a behind-the-scenes look at the hit TV show. He is a gifted host, moderator, and keynote speaker, and regularly receives rave reviews such as: ”Everyone was THRILLED! Rob was warm, funny, gracious and a pleasure to work with. Thanks for making this so memorable.” (Memorial Sloan Kettering)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DAVID MCRANEY

  • Science Journalist

Science journalist, podcaster, and internationally bestselling author David McRaney is an expert in the psychology of reasoning, decision making, and self-delusion. His wildly popular blog became the international bestselling book You Are Not So Smart, revealing and celebrating our irrational and thoroughly human behavior. His second bestseller, You Are Now Less Dumb, gives readers a fighting chance at outsmarting their brains. His most recent book, How Minds Change, is a brain-bending and big-hearted investigation into the science of belief, opinion, and persuasion. An in-demand speaker, McRaney shares his insights about popular science, psychology, and how we think, offering analysis that resonates in today’s most important conversations.

McRaney’s work has been featured in PoliticoSalonBoing BoingThe Atlantic, and many others. He hosts the podcast You Are Not So Smart, interviewing scientists who study the psychology of reasoning. He also created and hosted Exploring Genius: In-Depth Study of Brilliant Minds, an audio documentary for Himalaya, and is working on a TV series about how to better predict the psychological impact of technological disruption. McRaney's diverse body of work was honored with The Society for Personality and Social Psychology's Excellence in Science Journalism Award. McRaney is an inspiring thought leader, and his science-backed and practical takeaways make a major impact on audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

EMMA GREDE

  • CEO and Co-Founder of Good American

Self-made mogul, CEO, and Founder Emma Grede is a groundbreaking and globally successful executive known for building incredible teams and beloved brands. Emma is the CEO and co-Founder of Good American, the first fully inclusive fashion brand that celebrates all dimensions of female power. She launched Good American alongside Khloé Kardashian and they engineered the largest denim launch in history. Their brand is now an iconic inclusive fashion line, and has expanded to ready-to-wear, swim, shoes, and activewear. Emma is also a founding partner of SKIMS, a solutions-oriented brand creating the next generation of underwear, loungewear, and shapewear, and co-Founder of Safely, the plant-powered cleaning brand delivering chemical-free cleaning products to the masses. Emma’s passion for bettering the world through socially responsible and conversation-advancing decisions is consistently reflected in the culture of her teams and the businesses she builds, and she shares her actionable insights in sought-after keynotes and conversations.

Emma is a recurring Shark on ABC’s critically acclaimed Shark Tank, making history as the first Black woman to serve as an investor on the show. She joins the upcoming season of the BBC's Dragons' Den, set to air in 2024. As an activist as well as an investor, Emma has used her wealth of experience to identify and invest in groundbreaking entrepreneurs and start-ups rooted in inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability. She was named one of “America’s Richest Self-Made Women” (2022 & 2023) and “America’s Richest Self-Made Women Under 40” by Forbes, and sits on the Glamour Women of the Year Advisory board. Emma serves as Chairwoman of the Fifteen Percent Pledge and also as a board member of Baby2Baby. As an immersive leader, she continues to advocate for inclusive representation across industries, while finding opportunities to foster real change. Emma’s leadership perspective is in-demand at notable events such as Forbes Women’s Power Summit, Hubspot INBOUND, MediaSlopes, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Summit, Stanford Black Leadership Conference, among others.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHELSEA CLINTON

  • Advocate and Public Health Expert

Chelsea Clinton is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, advocate, and public health expert.  As Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation, Dr. Clinton provides vision and expertise to flagship programs like the Clinton Global Initiative, Too Small to Fail, and the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U), a global program that empowers student leaders to turn their ideas into action. Dr. Clinton also serves as the vice chair of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, which has helped over 11M people in more than 70 countries access critical HIV/AIDS medications and works across more than 125 countries around the world to build and strengthen sustainable health systems. 

In addition to her Foundation work, Chelsea teaches at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. She has written several books for young readers, including the bestselling She Persisted series. She is also the co-author of The Book of Gutsy Women with her mom Hillary Rodham Clinton, and the two star-in and executive produce the adapted, critically-acclaimed series GUTSY on Apple TV+. Chelsea consistently receives rave reviews for her speaking engagements, such as: ”Chelsea was an incredibly generous speaker. The audience raved about her and she drove her message home in a very compelling manner. She was honest and personal and all around a huge hit. It was both a pleasure and an honor to interview her on stage.” (Business and Creativity Conference)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KEVIN GRIFFIN

  • Singer, Songwriter, and Producer Known as the Frontman for Better Than Ezra

Hit songwriter, Better Than Ezra front man, bestselling author, and philanthropist Kevin Griffin has produced, written, and co-written albums and songs that have sold over 30M copies and songs that have been streamed over a billion times. Griffin has produced and written songs performed and recorded by artists such as Taylor Swift, Train, Dierks Bentley, Barenaked Ladies, and James Blunt among others. He is the founder of the Better Than Ezra Foundation, which has raised more than $4M for charities, many of which are devoted to children and the arts around New Orleans and the gulf coast. Griffin is the author of The Greatest Song: Spark Creativity, Ignite Your Career, and Transform Your Life, a bestselling, creative nonfiction book with lessons for every profession and industry. Griffin has also served as adjunct professor and writer-in-residence at NYU’s Clive Davis School of Recorded Music.

In addition to songwriting and performing, Griffin is involved in artist management, publishing, and lectures on the subject of keeping a creative and competitive edge to groups and companies such as Live Nation, Disney, Nike, WPO, and Salesforce. He is a founder and partner along with Justin Timberlake in Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, which is a two-day event located in Franklin, TN. After its inaugural year, Rolling Stone commented that Pilgrimage had “an A-list lineup (arguably the best curated of the year)” and “established itself as a festival to watch.” An in-demand and entertaining keynote speaker, Griffin has spoken for groups including NovationWhichWichGoogle, and Young Presidents’ Organization on topics of investing in your potential, sparking creativity, and leadership.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

STEVEN LIM

  • Award-Winning Digital Media Creator

Entertainment entrepreneur, YouTube personality, and viral storyteller Steven Lim offers uplifting and entertaining talks about following your dreams, AAPI representation, and the power of food to create world peace. Lim is a former chemical engineer who worked at Procter & Gamble and went home from work to create virally popular YouTube videos. He was tapped by Buzzfeed to join their staff, and worked his way up to become an Executive Producer. Lim is known for creating and hosting Buzzfeed’s biggest food show, Worth It – a Webby winner and three-time Streamy Winner that has racked up billions of views and reshaped food criticism.

Lim is the CEO and co-Founder of Watcher Entertainment, a digital media studio that creates television-caliber, unscripted series that aim to bring joy, inspire curiosity, and genuinely connect with our audience. An advocate for diverse representation in media, Lim is passionate about amplifying diverse voices and creating a space where all stories – and storytellers – matter. Sought after for uplifting and relevant conversations with groups like Georgia Tech, SMU, University of Michigan, and more, Lim’s presentations, keynotes, and moderated conversations leave audiences with a feeling of connection and hope.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LINDSEY STIRLING

  • Award-Winning Violinist, Composer, and Dancer

Lindsey Stirling is one of the biggest artist development breakthrough stories in recent years. An acclaimed violinist from Gilbert, Ariz., Lindsey has entered a futuristic world of electronic big beats and animation using her classical violin training to leap through the music industry with almost 13 Million YouTube subscribers, 3 Billion+ views on her YouTube channel, 2 Billboard Music Awards, Billboard chart-topping hits and albums, as well as sold out tours worldwide. She’s created a new music world where modern classical meets the infectious energy of dance and electronica. Lindsey Stirling embodies the true spirit of today’s independent recording artist whose symbiotic relationship with her fans has led to a worldwide audience filled with positivity. By using her own story to show young adults that confidence in the very thing that makes you unique is the key to success, she continues to be a light in today’s entertainment scene and brings her own brand of ‘Magic’ to the many lives she has touched.

Since the release of her 2012 self-titled debut, the electronic music impresario, violinist, dancer, and artist quietly and humbly became one of the 21st century’s most innovative stars by clinging to her groundbreaking vision of cinematic violin-driven electronic music. She has continued to build an impressive fan base that stretches across all demographics forging her own path for future young artists to emulate. 

Lindsey’s musical talent and success on YouTube also launched a successful career into television. Driven by a strong international fan base, Lindsey was runner-up on Season 25 of ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars with her partner Mark Ballas and did a stint on NBC’s America’s Got Talent as well.

Her highly anticipated fifth-studio album, Artemis, released in 2019 to critical acclaim and debuted at #1 on the Dance/Electronic Album Chart. In the wake of the cancellation of her 2020 tours due to COVID-19, Lindsey funded and directed a virtual livestream concert that received over 100,00 unique viewers. She started the 2021 year with the release of “Lose You Now”, a single featuring Artist/Producer Mako that reflects on loss. 

A motivational speaker in her spare time, recently through various podcasts and live audio chats, Stirling uses her own story to show that you’ve got to have confidence in the very thing that makes you unique – then wait for the world to catch up.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DAN RUNCIE

  • Founder of 'Trapital' - a media company that's home for the business of hip-hop

Digital media expert and entrepreneur Dan Runcie is the Founder of Trapital, a media company that’s home for the business of hip-hop. Leveraging his background in business, Runcie pivoted to focus his analysis on the innovative strategy of hip-hop executives who are some of today’s most successful business leaders. Runcie and Trapital cover hip-hop’s influence in leading edge business development, early-adoption of the latest in tech from the advent of streaming to the mainstreaming of NFTs, among other key issues. Through Trapital’s newsletter (16K subscribers), the podcast Trapital, which Runcie hosts, as well as in-depth case studies, Runcie offers vital insights about corporate leadership, entrepreneurial inspiration, and collaboration that make a major impact across industries.

Runcie has been featured in The New York TimesThe Wall Street Journal, NPR's All Things ConsideredBBC World News, and other publications. He has appeared on countless podcasts and panels, and has been sought after to speak to groups including YouTube, SoundCloud, Sony, the National Association of Black Journalists, and more. Runcie unpacks major themes and strategies from the hip-hop world and shares actionable takeaways for companies looking to develop innovative strategies, improve creativity, and upgrade their media strategies.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TINX

  • Digital Creator and 'TikTok's Big Sister'

Digital creator, advice expert, and podcast host Christina Najjar – popularly known as Tinx – possesses an effortless ability to capture the cultural zeitgeist. Described as ‘TikTok’s Big Sister’, Tinx has developed a devoted fanbase of those who come to her for expert advice and to have a great laugh at the same time. From her satirical ‘Rich Mom’ content and takes on pop culture, to her theories on sex, dating, and relationships, to her honest reviews and recommendations for everything from food and restaurants to beauty, fashion, and lifestyle products, Tinx has her finger on the pulse of pop culture. Her wit and candor have established her as a resounding voice for women, with her unique engaging and empathetic approach to content resonating with millions.

Tinx launched her podcast and live call-in radio show with SiriusXM, It’s Me Tinx, sharing everything her followers have come to know and love about her content while offering an intimate glimpse into her life. Her undeniable impact on social media earned her the distinction as one of Forbes’ Top Creators 2022. With her insights on entrepreneurship, female empowerment, and managing career changes and relationships, Tinx makes a major impact with college and university audiences, and with groups of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RYAN BERGARA

  • Actor & Media Entrepreneur

Actor and media entrepreneur Ryan Bergara is a self-described “ghost hunter,” known for creating beloved viral content across platforms for years. Bergara is the co-Founder of Watcher Entertainment, a digital media studio that creates television-caliber, unscripted series that aim to bring joy, inspire curiosity, and genuinely connect with our audience. Bergara hosts shows such as Ghost Files, Mystery Files, Puppet History, and Are You Scared. He is the creator and host of the BuzzFeed Unsolved franchise – which has amassed over 998M views and 187M hours (over 2,140 decades) watched. Bergara leverages a wealth of experience at every level in the media industry to share insights on creativity, creating viral content, and how to connect with your ideal audience.

Bergara is a sought-after speaker for groups including University of Pittsburgh, Chapman University, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, University of California – San Diego, University of California – Riverside, University of California – Irvine, and more. Bergara brings star power and entertaining insights to any audience.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

EUGENE LEE YANG

  • Producer, Actor, Director, and Writer

Producer, actor, director, and writer Eugene Lee Yang is one of today’s most recognizable queer Asian-American performers, with his work as a digital producer receiving billions of views, distinguishing him as a preeminent culturally influential YouTube creator. A multi-hyphenate creative in the visual space, Yang’s work is mission-driven, leveraging his colossal platform for philanthropic goals – his viral video I’m Gay raised $150,000 for The Trevor Project, and his documentary We Need to Talk About Anti-Asian Hate raised over $600K for GoFundMe’s Stop Asian Hate campaign. The expertise of Yang’s storytelling prowess enables him to dip into comedy and vulnerability, sharing insights about creativity, connection, and how telling our unique stories can change the world.

A prolific creator, Yang is known as a vital member of Buzzfeed’s comedy quartet ‘The Try Guys’, who launched an independent production company that has led to significant projects: the New York Times bestselling book The Hidden Power of F*cking Up, an international live tour, and an upcoming Food Network series. Yang has spoken to spellbound audiences at events for The Trevor Project, Korean American Story, and the Human Rights Campaign, who honored him with their Visibility Award.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GALEY ALIX

  • Interior Designer and Viral Content Creator with 4.7M Followers

Home renovation expert, 10-year Goldman Sachs Executive, and viral content creator Galey Alix has curated a unique approach to reinvention that is winning over audiences. After a tough life experience, Galey decided to take a hiatus from social media and prioritize her mental health and wellness. When she logged back on several months later, she discovered her home makeover videos had gone viral, and seized the opportunity to found Galey Alix Design. As the CEO of her own company, Galey surprises deserving families with weekend home renovations – which has earned her 4.7M followers online. She is the Host of MAX's Home in a Heartbeat with Galey Alix. Galey is in-demand for her insights about finding your purpose, balancing professional opportunities with personal goals, and building a values-based business.

Galey and her work have been featured in Business InsiderForbesVogueCosmopolitan, on The Today Show, Rachael Ray ShowTamron Hall Show, the BEHIND THE BOSS Podcast, and more, and she has been ranked the 4th most influential designer in the world by Vogue. Beyond her wildly popular projects reinventing spaces, Galey is also an advocate for mental health and resilience, sharing her journey of overcoming an eating disorder and how she handles the cyberbullying she has faced as a viral content creator online. In powerful keynote speeches and conversations, Galey shares her message of the power of asking for help and the importance of prioritizing kindness no matter the obstacles you’re facing.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TAYLOR CASSIDY

  • Viral Content Creator on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube

Spearheading social media, Taylor Cassidy is a content creator on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube teaching millions of unsung Black history figures accompanied by her quick wit and strong passion. Seen in her series Fast Black History and Black Girl Magic Minute, she uses her platform to advocate for inclusion, representation, and love for one’s culture.

By creating an open environment for discussion around self-esteem, and mental health, she’s earned a Streamy Creator Honor from Liza Koshy and listed as TikTok’s 2020 Top 100 under "Voices of Change: Most Impactful Creators." Generous with sharing her story on Black identity and finding her creative voice, she is passionate about encouraging others to dream bigger for themselves.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KAHLIL GREENE

  • Yale's First Black Student Body President

Kahlil Greene uses his unique leadership experiences and Gen-Z perspective to provide a youthful, forward-looking, and much-needed intervention to commonplace and antiquated DE&I strategies. He has authored op-eds about organizational equity in the LA Times and Washington Post; and his article “Dear CEO’s: A Gen Zer’s Open Letter to His Future Employers” was published in the Harvard Business Review. As a junior in college, Greene completed a summer internship with McKinsey and Company and later earned a Hall of Fame designation from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington for his fundraising and support of the nonprofit.

Prior to this, Kahlil Greene was elected the first Black student body president in Yale's 318-year history. At the end of his year and a half-long term--which lasted through the COVID-19 pandemic--his administration’s successes included grassroots fundraising over $57,000 for racial justice organizations in one week; launching six affinity networks to increase racial, socioeconomic, and gender representation on the Council; and kickstarting a walk-in mental health counseling program for students. Greene stayed true to his campaign promises to be direct in critiques of Yale’s administration and actively supportive of student-led movements and protests--a hallmark of his presidency.

Today, Greene is also a New York Times featured social media influencer who is verified on Instagram and has over 440k followers and 12mm views on TikTok. Both Instagram and Facebook, Inc. have collaborated with and sponsored Greene’s work directly. He often engages in political discourse with social media influencers and users from all backgrounds, and now uses his influence to generate awareness around social issues as they arise in real-time.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JIMMY DARTS

  • Content Creator with Over 17M Followers

Content creator and philanthropist Jimmy Darts always felt drawn to a hospitality mindset and a love of people. While traveling the world after high school, he fell in love with serving others. Today, he partners with companies to showcase their generosity and use the power of social media to inspire all generations to live selflessly across the street and around the world. Boasting over 17M followers across platforms, Jimmy overwhelms his viewers with kindness and generosity, combining his lifelong passions of serving others and creating compelling content.

Jimmy created The Jimmy Darts Foundation to showcase love through larger acts of giving. The Foundation’s mission strives to uplift those facing homelessness, combat the impact of childhood bullying, and empower children with resources to live better childhoods to empower the next generation. The foundation offers not just immediate help but a path to lasting restoration through impactful grants and partnership with effective organizations in each space through practical aid, and diverse, lasting support. In uplifting events, Jimmy motivates his audience to make a difference through kindness on an immediate and personal scale and through their capacity to create worldwide change for the better.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

VIC BLENDS

  • Entrepreneur and The World's Most Famous Barber

Motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and barber Victor Fontanez – known by his social media handle Vic Blends – is the most famous barber in the world and the leading motivational voice of the new generation. Vic started cutting hair in his mother’s garage his senior year of high school, and this side hustle quickly turned into passion, then passion turned into purpose. Within five years Vic has amassed more than 18M social media followers and has risen to international success. Beyond his success on TikTok, he became the lead talent in Rockstar’s Latinx Equity Campaign which aired during the NBA Finals. Vic is passionate about making a social impact and shares an empowering message of personal growth, mental health awareness, social change, and more.

Giving back to his community and leaving a legacy are two major pillars for Vic, which prompted him to launch Vic Blends Academy – an online curriculum for the next generation of barbers. Thousands of inspired fans and students have already signed up. Building on his passion for bettering the community has grown from there, when Vic announced the launch of the first licensed barber schools in California Prison history. This program will give incarcerated people the opportunity to obtain their barbers licenses with hopes of setting them up for success upon release. He also funds and hosts an annual giveback to his hometown of Fayetteville – giving thousands of families supplies they need during the holidays. In honor of this monumental project, he received the key to the city of Fayetteville from its mayor. An effusive and energizing voice in conversations about social changing and impact, Latinx culture, and anti-bullying, Vic shares his inspiring insights worldwide.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KENDALL TOOLE

  • Top Peloton Fitness Instructor - "Never Knocked Out"

Athlete, community builder, and mental health advocate Kendall Toole is a lightning rod of energy and natural-born fighter who knows how to harness the collective attention in any room. A top Peloton fitness instructor, Kendall is also a content creator and lifestyle entrepreneur on a purpose-driven mission to empower others. Kendall is passionate about destigmatizing mental health and is an ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and considers her own mental health journey a part of what makes her powerful.

Kendall spent time as a multi-sport athlete, amateur boxer, and actress, and realized her drive to change culture and empower communities, particularly women, to step into their light. This ultimately led Kendall to her role at Peloton, which has catapulted her into pop culture stardom and viral reach on social media. Kendall has quickly become one of the most influential names in health & fitness and has amassed a loyal fanbase through her ability to stay “Never Knocked Out.” Through her in-demand classes, content, and speaking engagements, Kendall leaves a positive mark on her audiences by motivating those around her to find their voice and believe in their inner strength.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

VIVIAN TU

  • Wall Street Trader-Turned-Expert Educator

Former Wall Street trader-turned-expert, educator, and entrepreneur Vivian Tu is on a global mission to make the financial industry less "male, pale, and stale.” Tu is the founder and CEO of financial equity phenomenon, “Your Rich BFF” – making the rules of personal finance accessible and digestible to non-experts and marginalized communities. Tu has earned cross-platform fame and notoriety, garnering 6M followers and spots on Forbes “30 Under 30 – Social Media” and the inaugural “Top Creators” lists. Tu’s debut book, RICH AF: The Winning Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life, is the definitive book on personal finance for a new generation.

Tu is the host of her top-charting podcast Networth and Chill – a first-of-its-kind podcast offering accessible advice and lessons in finance, featuring Vivian alongside notable experts, professionals, and famous faces to break down the economics of our lives. Her affinity for turning finance into an approachable topic has transformed her into one of today’s most desirable public speakers, and she has given panels and keynote presentations at events including SXSW, Snapchat’s Financial SeminarForbes’ Top Creator eventBuzzFeed’s Content Creators Showcase, Glow Recipe’s Empowerment SummitNextShark’s AAPI College Readiness Conference, and Her Campus Media’s Her Conference, to name just a few.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MISSY FRANKLIN

  • Four-Time World Record Holding Swimmer

Olympian Missy Franklin was one of the best swimmers in the world. She began swimming competitively at the age of 5 and competed in her first international event at the age of 14. At 16, she launched to international fame when she won 5 medals, 3 gold, at the 2011 FINA World Championships. Franklin’s precocious success was followed by her appointment to the U.S. National Team, with whom she won 5 Olympic gold medals. After winning 6 more gold medals at the 2013 FINA World Championships, Franklin became the most decorated female swimmer in history. Franklin has been inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame for her outstanding successes in the pool. Touch the Wall, a documentary following her life and preparation for the Olympics, was released with two thumbs up from swimmers and non-swimmers alike. Franklin’s story has inspired millions globally.

Recognized for her bright smile and engaging personality, Franklin has been named “World Swimmer of the Year" and "American Swimmer of the Year" by Swimming World Magazine and earned the ESPYs for Best Female Olympian and Best Female College Athlete. Franklin now speaks on teamwork, excellence, and success while supporting awareness and fundraising efforts for genetic diseases.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

STACY SCHIFF

  • Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author of 'The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams', 'Cleopatra: A Life', and 'The Witches: Salem 1682' Among Others

Pulitzer Prize-winner Stacy Schiff is the author of multiple award-winning bestsellers and an acclaimed historian. The Wall Street Journal called her “perhaps the most seductive writer of nonfiction prose in America in our time.” Her book The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal, and Hysteria in 1692 Salem was hailed by The New York Times as “an almost novelistic, thriller-like narrative.” Joseph Ellis deemed Schiff’s the finest account to date of the witch trials; David McCullough declared the book “brilliant from start to finish.” Schiff’s #1 bestseller Cleopatra: A Life was published to great acclaim – it appeared on numerous year-end “Best Book” lists, including The New York Times “Top Ten Books of 2010,” has been translated into more than 30 languages, and won the PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography. She is the author of Pulitzer Prize-winner Véra (Mrs. Vladimir Nabokov), Pulitzer Prize finalist Saint-Exupéry: A Biography, and A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America, winner of the George Washington Book Prize. All New York Times Notable Books. Apple TV produced a TV series based on A Great Improvisation starring Michael Douglas. In engaging moderated conversations Schiff captivates audiences with her power as a storyteller, drawing connections between the past and the most important issues today.

Schiff has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities and was a Director’s Fellow at the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library. Among other honors, she was named a 2011 Library Lion by the New York Public Library, a Boston Public Library Literary Light in 2016, and in 2017 received the Lifetime Achievement Award in History and Biography from the New England Historic Genealogical Society. She received the 2019 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award. In 2018 she was named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture. Awarded a 2006 Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, she was inducted into the Academy in 2019. Schiff has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New York Review of Books, The Times Literary Supplement, and The Los Angeles Times, among many other publications. Her most recent book, The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams, is already a bestselling revelatory biography, and Ron Chernow has hailed it as “a glorious book that is as entertaining as it is vitally important” and The Wall Street Journal declared it a "tour de force."

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALEXIS COE

  • Presidential Historian

Presidential historian and New York Times bestselling author Alexis Coe is heralded for her lively, genre-defying, myth-busting essays, books, documentaries, and podcasts. Both of Coe’s books were critically acclaimed: Alice+Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis was praised by the New Yorker as having “the liveliness of a novel,” and her instant New York Times bestselling biography of George Washington, You Never Forget Your First, made every major publication’s Best Books of 2020, including TIME Magazine’s 100 Books To Read and an NPR Concierge “Best Book of the Year.” Coe has been sought-after for speaking engagements at Columbia, West Point, Georgetown, Sarah Lawrence, NYU, The New School, the University of San Francisco, and many others, and has given talks sponsored by Hulu, Chanel, and Madewell.

Coe regularly contributes to the New York Times, the New Yorker, the New Republic, Paris Review, Elle, and many others. She has appeared on CNN, the History Channel, C-SPAN, and CBS. Coe served as a consulting producer on the History Channel’s three-part series on Washington, hosted The Wing’s award-winning podcast No Man’s Land, and co-hosted Audible’s Presidents Are People Too! podcast, which recasts each of the American presidents as real-life people, complete with flaws, quirks, triumphs, scandals, and bodily ailments. Known for her engaging, informative, and charismatic delivery, Coe consistently receives rave reviews: "Alexis was a delight, and gave us important context for today's events at both of her talks” (Enoch Pratt Free Library) and "We had a terrific event.  Alexis Coe was amazing.” (Muskingum County Library System)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SEAN EVANS

  • Emmy Nominated Host & Co-Creator of 'Hot Ones'

Emmy-nominated Hot Ones host Sean Evans has two superpowers: interviewing celebrities and eating extremely spicy foods. Against the odds, he's managed to combine the two into the massively popular YouTube show Hot Ones on First We Feast. Each week, Evans shares a plate of progressively spicier chicken wings with his celebrity guests, eliciting some of the most hilarious and honest answers you've ever seen from stars like Kevin Hart, Gordon Ramsay, and Jennifer Lawrence. Hot Ones has spawned a worldwide base of 8M+ YouTube fans and has racked up almost 60M views.

Despite his extreme tactics, Hot Ones guests respect Evans' deeply researched questions and commitment to his craft. The Chicago native grew up studying heroes like David Letterman and Howard Stern – and gaining an appreciation for extra-hot salsa from his dad – before cutting his teeth as a Complex News host. His interviews with the likes of Allen Iverson and Manny Pacquiao made him a favorite on the sports-media circuit, and his willingness to try just about anything – including a day of The Rock's diet and fitness regimen – helped propel his online profile. Evans has been nominated for and won several Webby Awards and was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show host in 2021.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

NATE BERKUS

  • Award-Winning American Interior Designer

Nate is one of the world’s most influential designers. Since his first appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2002, his elevated yet deeply personal approach to design has cultivated a loyal following. Nate’s expertise, approachability and signature style have made him a beloved household name and a trusted authority for almost three decades.

Nate’s design philosophy has inspired popular product collections and his work has been featured in Architectural Digest, New York Times, WSJ, Harper’s BazaarVOGUE, and People, among many others. He is included on the ELLE DÉCOR “A-List” of the world’s top designers and the AD100 list. Audiences have followed Nate through his own TV shows, including The Nate Berkus ShowAmerican Dream Builders on NBC, and most recently The Nate & Jeremiah Home Project on HGTV. He is the author of two New York Times bestselling books, Home Rules and The Things That Matter

Throughout his career, Nate has used design to truly empower people to live beautifully. He is also sought after for his insights on entrepreneurship, his incredible 30-year career journey, as well as his inspirational perspectives on love, grief, and life. Berkus has engaged and uplifted audiences across the globe for groups including Soaring Spirits International, American Express and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOHN LEGEND

  • EGOT Winner: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony

EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum singer-songwriter John Legend has garnered 12 Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award, among others. Legend is the first African-American man to earn an EGOT and one of only fifteen people in the prestigious EGOT club. Legend has released seven celebrated albums over the course of his career and is also a coach on The Voice.

Beyond his music career, John, along with partners Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius, is a principal of Get Lifted Film Co. Most recently, Get Lifted produced David E. Talbert’s acclaimed holiday film Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey for Netflix, the HBO, IDA Award-winning docu-series Atlanta's Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children, the IFC and AMC comedy series Sherman's Showcase and Sherman's Showcase: Black History Month Spectacular, and Rhythm + Flow for Netflix. Get Lifted and Erik Feig’s PICTURESTART formed Picture LIFT, a joint venture focused on developing, producing and financing multiple films in the $10M range, featuring diverse filmmakers and inclusive casts. 

From a young age, Legend aspired to use his position in the entertainment industry as a platform for social change. Throughout his career, Legend has committed his time, energy, and resources to social justice and equality. His philanthropy and advocacy has focused on building just, equitable, and thriving communities. Legend initiated the #FREEAMERICA campaign in 2015 to change the national conversation surrounding our country’s misguided criminal justice policies and to end mass incarceration. In 2007, Legend started The Show Me Campaign, to give every child access to a quality education as well as address systemic issues in our criminal justice system that disproportionately impact the poor, minorities, and disadvantaged.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RICHIE JACKSON

  • Award-Winning Broadway, TV, and Film Producer

Richie Jackson is the author of Gay Like Me: A Father Writes to His Son published by HarperCollins. He is an award-winning Broadway, television, and film producer who most recently produced the Tony Award-nominated Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song on Broadway. He executive produced Showtime’s Nurse Jackie (Emmy and Golden Globe nominee for Best Comedy Series) for seven seasons and co-executive produced the film Shortbus, written and directed by John Cameron Mitchell. 

As an alumnus of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, he endowed a fellowship program at his alma mater in 2015 to assist graduates in the transition from academia to a lifelong career in the arts called The Richie Jackson Artist Fellowship. He and his husband, Jordan Roth, were honored with The Trevor Project’s 2016 Trevor Hero Award.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LINDSAY GOTTLIEB

  • Head Coach, USC Trojans Women's Basketball Team

On May 10, 2021, the USC Trojans announced the hire of Lindsay Gottlieb to lead the Lady Trojans Basketball program to restore the glory that once defined the program. Gottlieb’s basketball acumen, passion, and authenticity are widely recognized across the sports world and have not only greatly contributed to her success, but to her reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.

Gottlieb, who is no stranger to being a top coach in the Pac-12 conference, previously coached the Cal Bears women’s team to 7 NCAA tournaments, including a Final Four appearance in 2014. Her accomplishments and dominance in college basketball ultimately led her to become the first NCAA women’s head coach to join an NBA staff in 2019 when she was hired as an Assistant Coach by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019. With this landmark hire, Gottlieb has continued to push boundaries and redefine what is possible for women in sports.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MAX LUGAVERE

  • Health and Science Journalist

Health and science journalist and New York Times bestselling author Max Lugavere shares the secrets of wellness through nutrition and boosting mental health to achieve extraordinary performance. Lugavere is the author of the New York Times bestseller Genius Foods: Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive While Protecting Your Brain for Life, a cutting-edge guide to supporting peak performance through dietary and lifestyle choices, which has been published in numerous languages. His book The Genius Life: Heal Your Mind, Strengthen Your Body, and Become Extraordinary focuses on strengthening mental wellness and resilience, and his new cookbook Genius Kitchen was an instant Wall Street Journal bestseller and has been featured in Forbes and on PBS NewsHour. Lugavere leverages his background as a creative to spread his powerful message of health literacy, and he is an internationally sought-after speaker, giving talks for groups like SXSW, TEDx, the New York Academy of Sciences, the Biohacker Summit in Stockholm, Sweden, and many others.

Lugavere appears regularly on The Dr. Oz ShowThe Rachael Ray Show, and The Doctors, and has been featured on NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, and in The New York Times and People. He has contributed to Medscape, Vice, Fast CompanyCNN, and the Daily Beast, and he is the creator and host of the #1 iTunes health podcast The Genius Life. Lugavere offers practical takeaways and inspiring insights for brain health, developing resilience, and making health-positive choices in one-of-a-kind events for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MICHAEL SMITH

  • Journalist and Commentator

Michael is one of the sports industry’s most versatile, creative, and accomplished storytellers. He’s currently the co-host of the new Peacock show, “Brother From Another.” In 15 years at ESPN, he served in a variety of roles and worked across all of the network’s platforms – including as a reporter, commentator, host, and anchor. Respected from locker rooms to owners’ boxes and beyond, Smith brings a long list of both sports and entertainment industry relationships throughout his stellar 20-year career in media. Prior to joining ESPN, Michael was a reporter for the Boston Globe, serving as the paper’s NFL and New England Patriots beat writer.

Michael began his journalism career while a student at Loyola University in his hometown of New Orleans, serving as a sports reporter and copy editor for the New Orleans Times-Picayune and sports columnist for the award-winning Loyola Maroon. Michael received his BS in mass communication from Loyola in 2001. He lives in Connecticut with his wife and three children. Michael is a member of the 2017 Class of Henry Crown Fellows within the Aspen Global Leadership Network at the Aspen Institute.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ADRIANA TRIGIANI

  • New York Times Bestselling Author of 20 Books Including 'The Good Left Undone'

Filmmaker, television writer, and producer Adriana Trigiani is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty books of fiction and nonfiction, including her latest, The Good Left Undone. Her work is published in 38 languages around the world, and her screen credits include writer/director of the major motion picture of her debut novel, Big Stone Gap, the adaptation of her novel Very Valentine, and director of Then Came You. Her novels have been chosen by Book of the Month Club, UK's Richard and Judy Book Club twice, USA Today Book ClubPeople’s Book of the Week seven times, Lifetime Book Club, as well as other renowned national and international book clubs. Adriana has been profiled in The New York TimesUSA TodayBritish VoguePublishers WeeklyRed Magazine, Writer’s Digest, Hallmark MagazineItalian America Magazine, among others. She was featured in The New York Times 'By the Book', regularly contributes to the Richmond Times-Dispatch op-eds, and wrote the advice columnist ('Agony Aunt') for the Irish Independent. Adriana is in-demand as a guest speaker with organizations and universities, including New York University, the Women’s Fund of East Tennessee, The New School for Social Research, the New York City Italian Welfare League, and Fordham University, to name a few.

Adriana serves as one of the first-ever authors contributing to Meta’s Bulletin column in conjunction with her international Facebook Live show, Adriana Ink, of which Adriana has hosted over 400 bestselling authors and counting with a reach of 1.4M viewers. She has appeared on The Today Show for 22 years, CBS Sunday MorningCBS This Morning, The ViewGood Morning America as a featured summer read, and regularly appears on Good Day New YorkPBS and NPR, making her one of the most sought-after speakers in the world of books today. She is also a popular host and emcee for galas, fundraisers, and large venue engagements around the country, including the Audie Awards, Poets and Writers Gala, New York City ArchCare Gala, and serves as the permanent host of the Erma Bombeck Arizona Women’s Board Authors Luncheon, the Charleston Post & Courier Book and Author Luncheon, and the Library of Virginia Literary Awards. With her swath of knowledge in storytelling, filmmaking, and the Italian American experience, Adriana offers enlightening and lively presentations, discussions, and workshops that challenge audiences to lead creative and impactful lives, and she does it with comedy.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

AFUA HIRSCH

  • Award-Winning Writer, Journalist, and Filmmaker on Issues of Race and Equality

Award-winning writer, journalist, lawyer, and filmmaker Afua Hirsch is known for her work on Black culture, history, identity, and culture in the African diaspora and worldwide. Hirsch is the author of the Sunday Times bestseller Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging, which won the Royal Society of Literature Jerwood Prize, and Equal to Everything, a children’s book about the U.K. Supreme Court. She served as a judge for the 2019 Booker Prize. She was a correspondent, social affairs editor, and anchor for Sky News, and founded the media entertainment company Born In Me Productions. In partnership with Fremantle, Born In Me specializes in telling stories from truly diverse perspectives and underrepresented voices that appeal to an international audience. Hirsch presents the BBC’s documentary series African Renaissance: When Art Meets Power, which has just been renewed for a second season, as well as Samuel L. Jackson’s Epix series Enslaved about the history of the transatlantic slave trade. In sought-after keynote speeches and moderated conversations, Hirsch delves into how communities and organizations can explore identity and find belonging.

Hirsch is a regular contributor to The New York Times and The Guardian, and has written multiple cover stories for Vogue and TIME. She has appeared on Amanpour & Co., CNN, among many others. A journalist since age fourteen, Hirsch currently serves as the Wallis Annenberg Chair of Journalism at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and is the co-founder of the fashion brand Sika. She was named to the BBC’s Powerlist 2021, which honors “the most powerful people of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage in the U.K.,” and was named Advisory Chair of the prestigious Edinburgh TV Festival. Hirsch regularly receives rave reviews, such as: “It all went fantastically well! Afua was really inspiring and generous with her time, we have received lots of excellent feedback on her keynote speech.” (Transport for London)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

AJA BROWN

  • Mayor, City of Compton (2013-2021)

Trailblazing community leader Mayor Aja Brown made history as the youngest mayor ever to serve the City of Compton. Leveraging her expertise as an urban planner, an economic developer, and community servant, Brown quickly became known for her pragmatic 12-Point Vision for Compton revitalization strategy, deploying evidence-based initiatives and attracting new record levels of reinvestment from the private sector. Prior to her ground-breaking tenure as mayor, she co-founded Compton Community Development Corporation, a non-profit emphasizing education programming, scholarships, and small business loans. Brown is a strong and consistent leader in the movement for equity and justice, lending critical support to actionable policy changes, and has joined with mayors around the country committed to guaranteed income, launching the largest city-based guaranteed income program in the country, The Compton Pledge. Brown is an inspiring changemaker, motivating audiences of all kinds through her visionary leadership and commitment to community-driven change.

Brown has been profiled in Vogue, Elle, ESSENCE, TIME, and many more. She participated in Policy Link and ESSENCE’s All-In Cities Initiative, which brings Black women mayors around the country together to share, ideate, and then build better communities. Brown is highly sought-after for keynote speeches as well as moderated conversations, and regularly receives rave reviews, such as: “The event was wonderful!!! She was a hit. Everyone had nothing but positive feedback on her and said it was probably one of THE best lunch and learns we have ever had! So kudos to the Mayor! She is really delightful and inspiring” (Intuit Inc.).

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALANIS MORISSETTE

  • Award-Winning Musician and Singer-Songwriter

Award-winning musician, singer-songwriter, actor, and activist Alanis Morissette is an enduringly popular artist whose celebrated body of work stems from a fierce commitment to authenticity. Her breakthrough album Jagged Little Pill – which earned four Grammys and sold more than 30M records – spawned a worldwide fanbase and became a hit Broadway musical, earning fifteen Tony Award nominations. As an actor, Alanis’s film and TV projects include Dogma, Sylvia, De-Lovely, Sex and the City, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Weeds, among others. On stage, she has starred in The Vagina Monologues and The Exonerated.

Beyond the entertainment world, Alanis is an avid supporter of mental health, women’s empowerment, as well as spiritual and physical wellness. She supports numerous causes that focus on empowerment, art, and environmental causes, and touches on these important issues in her insightful events. Alanis is the recipient of the Global Tolerance Award from the United Nations and Rock the Vote’s Patrick Lippert Award for her dedication to making the world safer for young people. Her uplifting keynotes have connected with audiences at events including the Wisdom 2.0 Festival, UCLA, The Embodiment Conference, and the Engendering Love Summit, where the host raved, “It was a delightful conversation, and I got tons of good feedback how much people appreciated it and Alanis’s insights. Please pass my deep heart felt gratitude to Alanis.”

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALIE WARD

  • Emmy Award-Winning Host, 'The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation with Mo Rocca'

Emmy Award-winning science correspondent, host, and podcaster Alie Ward is an expert in curiosity, engaging audiences across mediums with her explorations in science, inventions, and food. Alie won a Daytime Emmy Award for her work as a correspondent for CBS’s The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation with Mo Rocca, hosts Did I Mention Invention? on the CW, and appears on Netflix’s Brainchild and 100 Humans, and the Science Channel’s How to Build Everything. She is a Consulting Producer for the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions on their Netflix shows Ada Twist, Scientist and Waffles & Mochi, making STEM and cooking fun and accessible for young audiences. Alie is best-known for her podcast Ologies, a comedic science podcast that consistently ranks among the top five science podcasts, captivating audiences and making us think outside the box.

Alie is a culinary host, appearing on the Cooking Channel’s Food: Fact or Fiction and Unique Sweets. She also created the Cooking Channel series Tripping Out with Alie and Georgia. Alie was a staff writer and editor for the Los Angeles Times, an on-air contributor for KTLA, and is a co-founder of the science communication collective Nerd Brigade. In 2022, Ologies won Best Science Podcast at the iHeart Awards, and continues to top "best of" lists in numerous publications. With her fascinating background and witty point of view, Alie inspires audiences to find and follow their passion, try something new, and let curiosity reign.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

AMNA NAWAZ

  • Peabody and Emmy Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist

Peabody and Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Amna Nawaz currently serves as co-anchor of PBS NewsHour. Her diligent reporting and skillful moderation have shaped coverage of some of the most important events in recent history. Amna’s portfolio is broad, delving into politics, foreign affairs, education, climate change, culture, and sports to great acclaim, with her NBC News Special ‘Inside the Obama Whitehouse’ earning her an Emmy Award. From her distinguished position as NBC’s Islamabad Bureau Chief & Correspondent to her Peabody Award-winning work for NewsHour’s 'Global Plastic Problem', Amna’s signature thoughtful and thorough analysis establish her as one of the foremost voices in journalism today.

Leading notable panels such as the Aspen Ideas Festival and the RespectAbility #ADA30 Summit 2020, Amna’s insightful moderation elevates conversations. In a ground-breaking moment, she co-moderated a 2019 Democratic Primary Debate, becoming the first Asian American and first Muslim American to do so. Amna has interviewed international newsmakers, influential voices in the arts, and travelled from border towns to Appalachia covering vital issues and enriching national and international dialogue.

Amna’s work has appeared on ABC NewsNightlineNBC NewsNBC Nightly NewsThe Today ShowDateline NBCMSNBC, and MSNBC.com. Nawaz was a Fall 2021 Fellow at Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service and she is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Asian American Journalists Association, the South Asian Journalists Association, and the Inter-American Dialogue. Amna consistently receives rave reviews for her speaking engagements, such as: “Amna was outstanding! Gracious, delightful, simply perfect. The tone of her speech hit the spot. Everyone loved it.” (Greenwich Academy)

HWA CO-EXCLUSIVE

ANA NAVARRO

  • Political Analyst for CNN, CNN en Español, and Telemundo

Republican strategist, analyst, and TV personality Ana Navarro is a vital voice in political media today. The Miami New Times named her a “Republican power-consultant,” and the Tampa Bay Times called her “a sought-after voice in Republican politics and an adviser for any presidential hopeful.” Navarro is respected on both sides of the aisle for her straight shooting and candor.

Navarro first served as ambassador to the United Nation’s Human Rights Commission, a special advisor to the government of Nicaragua, and one of the primary advocates for NACARA (Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act). Navarro then transitioned to the private sector. She has also played a role in several federal and state races in Florida. She served as the national Hispanic co-chair for Governor Jon Huntsman’s campaign and the national co-chair of John McCain’s Hispanic Advisory Council. She served on Governor Jeb Bush’s transition team and was his first director of immigration policy.

Navarro frequently appears in the media, sought after by Meet the Press, Bill Maher’s Real Time, Anderson Cooper 360, and more. She is a co-host of ABC’s The View. From both her media work and political insider perspective, Navarro is in touch with the political issues of today. In presentations, Navarro discusses the latest hot button issues in politics, giving audiences an insider’s view of the upcoming elections and a roadmap for where the country is headed.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANDY GRAMMER

  • Multi-Platinum Singer-Songwriter

Multiplatinum recording artist and Emmy-winner Andy Grammer has brought inspiration and a deep sense of empathy to people across the world for over a decade. A former street performer, Andy shot to fame with pop hits like the quadruple platinum ‘Honey, I’m Good’, and platinum singles ‘Keep Your Head Up’, ‘Fine By Me’, gold single ‘I Found You’, and many more. Recognized as the #1 streaming artist in the world in the category of Happy/Pop, Andy takes audiences on an inspirational journey of music that nourishes the soul, heartwarming personal stories, and an authentic conversation about mental health and finding your true self for an unforgettable event.

Andy has earned a Sports Emmy for “Outstanding Music Direction” and a Clio Award for his song ‘Don’t Give Up On Me’, which was featured in ESPN’s Annual V Week for Cancer Reach. His music has been featured on TV and in films like Five Feet Apart. Andy has electrified TV audiences with performances on The TODAY Show, Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, Good Morning America, American Idol, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Late Show with James Corden, in addition to appearing as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. Through interactive musical events, keynotes, and as a consummate host, Andy makes an impact with his empowering message of grounded optimism and finding your true self.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANNA MALAIKA TUBBS

  • NYT Bestselling Author, 'The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation'

New York Times bestselling author, sociologist, and advocate Anna Malaika Tubbs holds a Ph.D in Sociology and a Masters in Multidisciplinary Gender Studies from the University of Cambridge, in addition to a Bachelors in Anthropology from Stanford University. Her research, writing, and talks are centered on gender and race issues in the U.S., especially as these relate to the erasure of Black women. Tubbs is the author of The New York Times bestseller The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation, a New York Times Editors’ Choice and an Amazon Editor’s Choice book, among many other accolades. She is currently working on her first fiction, and recently sold her next two non-fiction books. Tubbs’ TED Talk How Moms Shape the World has already garnered over 1.4M views, and she is highly sought-after for her focus on feminism, intersectionality, and inclusion, offering profound insights that make an impact with audiences of all kinds.

Tubbs has been published in TIME, New York Magazine, The Guardian, CNN, and Motherly, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, The Washington Post, and more. She has appeared on MSNBCCBS, C-Span, and NPR, among others. Tubbs previously served as the First Partner of Stockton, CA, and co-authored the first ever “Report on the Status of Women in Stockton” to help guide policy decisions with the experiences of diverse women in mind. As a result of her work while in Stockton, she was named one of six pivotal powerbrokers in the Bay Area by San Francisco Magazine in 2019. Tubbs has given compelling keynotes for groups including Cisco, Wells Fargo, Proctor & Gamble, Blavity, Yale University, Goldman Sachs, Google, and the Enoch Pratt Free Library, and many more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANNIKA SORENSTAM

  • Hall-of-Fame Golfer

Hall of Fame golf legend, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Annika Sorenstam is regarded as one of the greatest female golfers of all time, and has shifted her competitive edge to building a business empire. During her fifteen year career at the top of her sport, she amassed over 90 worldwide victories, including 72 on the LPGA and 11 Major Championships. Sorenstam is a ground-breaking player, and continues to change the way women’s golf is played, viewed, and covered. Notably, she received international media attention when she became the first woman in 58 years to play in a PGA Tour men’s event. After stepping away from the course, she has founded numerous businesses under her ANNIKA brand, including a collection of high-end apparel, a wine label, a fragrance, a golf academy, as well as her golf course design business, through which she continues to break barriers and challenge stereotypes. Called the “First Lady of Golf” by the PGA, Sorenstam is an in-demand speaker for her insights from her legendary golf career, business ventures, and staying at the top of your game in any field.

Sorenstam has been profiled in Forbes, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, and received numerous awards, including a Presidential Medal of Freedom, becoming the first female golfer and only the third female athlete to receive the honor. She holds a record eight Rolex Player of the Year awards, six Vare Trophies for the lowest scoring average in a season, and is the only female golfer to break 60 in an official event, earning her the moniker ‘Ms. 59’. Sorenstam created the ANNIKA Foundation, which provides golf opportunities at the junior, collegiate, and professional levels while teaching young people the importance of a healthy lifestyle. An ambassador for her sport, Sorenstam is a powerful advocate for equal opportunity, an entrepreneurial mogul, and an expert in developing a champion’s mindset, building a brand with integrity, and overcoming obstacles to exceed expectations.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BILL SELF

  • Head Men's Basketball Coach, University of Kansas

University of Kansas Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Self has cemented the Jayhawks as one of the best basketball programs in the country. In his eminent 19-season tenure at Kansas, Self has led Kansas to 556 victories (and counting), eighteen straight NCAA Tournaments, eleven Sweet 16 appearances, nine Elite Eight berths, four Final Four runs, and two National Championships in 2008 and 2022. Self’s acumen, authenticity, and endless pursuit of excellence has instilled a culture and work ethic that is unparalleled in college basketball, and resonates across industries.

Self has also won an array of individual accolades, including two AP National Coach of the Year awards (2009, 2016), the 2012 Naismith and Adolf Rupp National Coach of the Year award, and eight conference Coach of the Year awards, among numerous others. He was enshrined as a first-ballot honoree in the Class of 2017 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and is the only active coach to have won multiple NCAA titles. Self’s unprecedented program at Kansas is a testament to his leadership, passion, and undeniable determination to succeed, and he shares his inspiring takeaways with audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BLAIR BRAVERMAN

  • Dogsledder and Adventurer

Adventurer, dogsledder, and author Blair Braverman is a riveting storyteller and expert in perseverance. She and her team of dogs have traveled through thousands of miles of wilderness in Alaska, the Yukon, and Scandinavia, and completed the famed Iditarod race. Braverman is the author of Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube, which was called “stunning and sharp” by The New York Times Book Review, and Dogs on the Trail: A Year in the Life. She shares epic stories and practical takeaways about developing a practice of grit and courage, working as a team to thrive in high-pressure situations, and breaks down common misconceptions about what makes a powerful leader.

Braverman is a contributing editor for Outside magazine, and her writing has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, and on the This American Life podcast. She and her dog team have been featured on The Today Show and in O: The Oprah Magazine, The Washington Post, TIME, Teen Vogue, and on NPR. An in-demand speaker on cultivating bravery and embracing the unknown, Braverman regularly receives rave reviews such as: “My team at Microsoft was incredibly impressed with Blair’s passion, her depth of knowledge, and her storytelling. Over a year later, we still quote Blair about how there is always a way to get something done. She inspired the team in ways I had not predicted.” (Microsoft)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BILL COURTNEY

  • Football Coach and Subject of the Academy Award-Winning Documentary 'Undefeated'

Football coach and entrepreneur William B. Courtney is renowned for his inspirational lessons on teamwork and resiliency. 

Bill began volunteering at Memphis’ inner city Manassas High School in an effort to turn its underperforming football team around. When Bill started, the team had 19 players with a dismal 4-95, 10-year record. Within five years, the team’s record improved to 18-2, with 75 players. The story was so compelling that a Hollywood film—Undefeated—was produced about it. It won an Academy Award for Best Feature Length Documentary. Bill's book, Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love, shares his convictions on the fundamental tenets of character, commitment, service, leadership, civility, and others that, in his decades of success as an entrepreneur and educator, have proven to be the keys to a winning and meaningful life and career.

Inducted into Bridge Builders for leadership in diversity, community, and justice, Bill is the recipient of numerous awards including the Liberty Bowl’s Harry Zinn Spirit of 1776 award for distinguished citizenship, the Carnival Memphis’ King’s award for outstanding achievement in Business and Industry, and the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Memphis chapter’s award winner for The Distinguished American for Contribution to Amateur Athletics.

Bill is also the founder of Classic American Hardwoods, Inc. Today he serves as the company's President and CEO. The company employs 120 people with a 45 acre manufacturing facility and domestic sales offices in Memphis, TN and international sales offices in Shanghai, China, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A winner of the Memphis Business Journal’s Small Business of the Year Award, Classic American Hardwoods is based on a commitment to community service.

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BOB ODENKIRK

  • Emmy Award-Winning Actor and Writer

Award-winning writer, actor, and New York Times bestselling author Bob Odenkirk is known for playing slippery lawyer “Saul Goodman,” a character he originated on AMC’s Breaking Bad and went on to play in the hit spinoff Better Call Saul. He has been nominated for numerous awards for his work, including Emmys, Golden Globes, and has won the Critic’s Choice Award twice. As an actor, Odenkirk has also appeared in The Larry Sanders Show, Oscar-nominated film Nebraska, the Sundance hit The Spectacular Now, and Netflix original Girlfriend’s Day, which he also co-wrote. From his cult status as a comedy writer, to his reinvention as an award-winning actor in drama and an action-film star, Odenkirk shares his journey in engaging and hilarious events.

A legend in the comedy-writing world, Odenkirk has won Emmys and acclaim for his world on Saturday Night Live, Mr. Show with Bob and David, and many other seminal TV shows. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Vice Magazine, and Filter Magazine, among other publications. Odenkirk is the author of A Load of Hooey, which resembles nothing so much as a hilarious sketch comedy show for your mind, and the New York Times bestseller Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama: A Memoir. His memoir, which is an Editor’s Pick on Amazon, has been called “essential” (Entertainment Weekly) and “hilarious” (AV Club). In memorable moderated conversations, Odenkirk opens up about the highs and lows of his career and shares his trademark unflinching drive, inspiring audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BRIAN KELLY

  • Founder of The Points Guy

The Points Guy (TPG) Founder Brian Kelly the leading voice in loyalty programs, points, miles, credit cards and travel. Kelly has been helping travelers and other consumers navigate the increasingly complicated loyalty universe for over a decade and has grown TPG to be a powerhouse travel and lifestyle media platform that reaches over 11M unique monthly visitors around the world. Kelly has found a unique way to reach his audience and inspire millions to live their best lives through his supercharged personality, deep industry knowledge and extensive worldwide travel.

Kelly has been recognized with awards and accolades, including AdWeek’s "Young Influentials" list in 2019 and Forbes’ #1 travel influencer. His long-standing knowledge and expertise has garnered the trust of the nation’s top morning shows, with appearances on TODAY ShowCBS This MorningGood Morning America, and Kelly & Ryan, among others. Kelly’s passion for travel is shared by a belief in using travel as a global force for good, and he currently serves as a Committee Member for Rainbow Railroad, Global Ambassador for PeaceJam, Co-Chair of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Leadership Council, Goalkeeper for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and member of PTTOW.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CANDACE PARKER

  • 3x WNBA Champion, WNBA Finals MVP, 2x WNBA MVP, and 2x NCAA Champion

Entrepreneur, activist, sports analyst, and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Candace Parker is one of the most influential athletes of this generation and one of the most decorated women’s basketball players of all time. A legendary basketball star, Parker has won two WNBA MVP Awards, is a two-time NCAA Champion, as well as a three-time WNBA Champion, leading both the Los Angeles Sparks and the Chicago Sky to victories. She is the only player in WNBA history to win three championships with three different franchises. She is also the first woman and WNBA player to appear on the cover of an NBA 2K game, for the WNBA 25th Anniversary Special Edition, and became the first active player to serve as an in-game analyst in the 2K broadcast booth. A rising star in the broadcast world, Parker works as a sports analyst and commentator for the NBA on TNT, NBA TV, and NCAA Tournament coverage. Off the court, she hosts the podcast Moments with Candace Parker, which celebrates the victories, messy failures, and brave decisions of parenthood. Parker is a highly sought-after speaker offering bold and inspiring thought leadership and passionate insights about the importance of women’s rights, voting rights, mental health awareness, racial justice, and Black Lives Matter.

Parker was the first woman to join the Social Change Fund, which invests in organizations working to make a greater impact in underrepresented communities of color. She was featured in the Disney+ docuseries Becoming, profiles for The New York Times, Forbes, and more, and was named to TIME's list of the "100 Most Influential People in 2022." Parker launched her media company Baby Hair Productions, and has produced a documentary exploring the impact of Title IX. Expanding her entrepreneurial portfolio, Parker and her daughter became co-owners of the Angel City FC National Women’s Soccer League expansion team. Parker gave an electrifying TEDWomen Talk How to break down barriers and not accept limits that went viral instantly with over 1M views, sharing her journey as a trailblazing sports icon, what it takes to break barriers, and the lesson she learned from her daughter about not accepting limitations.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHARLI TURNER THORNE

  • Legendary Basketball Coach & 2-Time Pac-12 "Coach of the Year"

Legendary basketball coach Charli Turner Thorne has been sharing her expertise on leadership and inspiring people to be all they can be for the last 25 years. As the winningest coach in ASU women’s basketball history, Turner Thorne holds the second-most career wins in the Pac-12, has received the Pac-12 “Coach of the Year” award twice, and has been inducted into the ASU Hall of Fame. In addition to tremendous success on the court, she has been heralded for her impact beyond basketball – embracing the community and building a program that motivates her team in every aspect of life. In entertaining and informative presentations, Turner Thorne tailors her remarks to businesses and organizations of all kinds, speaking to the unique goals of her audience.

In her coaching and consultations, Turner Thorne is sought-after for her insights on building a Championship Culture. She has used her ability to manage her large and diverse staff – and consistently field winning teams at the highest level – to help numerous corporate clients, leaders in education, and other eclectic populations create winning strategies to have a healthy culture and maximize success. Turner Thorne shares practical takeaways and actionable strategies for values-discovery, setting high standards, improving communication skills, and maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing that resonate with audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHASE BRYANT

  • Country Singer-Songwriter

Country singer-songwriter and mental health advocate Chase Bryant shares his powerful journey surviving mental health crisis and suicide through stories and songs. Bryant grew up dreaming of a life in music, and by age 21 was known for multiple Top 10 singles and tours with Brantley Gilbert and Tim McGraw. But when he achieved early fame, he also struggled with anxiety and depression. He hit rock bottom in a gas station parking lot, and attempted suicide – but after pulling the trigger, he found he was miraculously still alive. Bryant began the long road to recovery from his mental health crisis, eventually writing his extraordinary album Upbringing, which received wide acclaim and was featured on NPR, in People, Taste of Country, and others.

In his songs and impactful speaking engagements, Bryant shares his inspiring message with audiences of all kinds: “they’re not alone in this fight, that somebody’s out there listening and has their back.” Through facing his demons head on, learning to be comfortable in his own skin, making peace with being alone, learning to be okay with not being okay all the time, Bryant has found strength and resilience. He regularly receives rave reviews for his authentic and uplifting speaking engagements, such as: “Everything went great! They loved him and he was so nice and gracious and inspiring. The kids at the Center loved him too.” (Clarity Child Guidance Center's Annual Summit)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHRISTINE SIMMONS

  • Strategist | Impact Maker | Operator | Speaker | Entrepreneur | Creator

Trailblazing leader, entrepreneur, and executive Christine Simmons brings vast experience in some of the most prominent organizations in the world to her spellbinding keynote presentations. Simmons is the Founder of consulting firm Alis Volat Propriis, LLC – which means “she who flies with her own wings” in Latin – advising businesses at every scale on operational excellence, strategic planning, business development, and representation initiatives, and more. Her clothing and merchandise line, Unapologetically™ Christine, encourages everyone to live UNAPOLOGETICALLY™ - which she defines as “Being Bold, Attacking Life’s Challenges in Extraordinary Fashion, & Loving Oneself – Flaws and All!” In 2019, Christine was named Chief Operating Officer at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science – the first Woman and Black person to hold the position. Prior to this role, Simmons was President & Chief Operating Officer of the three-time WNBA Champion Los Angeles Sparks, and was an Executive Vice President with Magic Johnson Enterprises, where she evaluated investment opportunities and was responsible for business development. Speaking globally on topics including business, strategy, leadership, inclusion, and empowerment, Simmons has been sought after by groups including the Bank of America Women’s Conference, UCLA Velocity Conference, and The Black Employee Network from Blue Shield of California, among others.

With over two decades of leadership experience in creating strategic alliances, leading business development, and driving corporate initiatives, Christine has worked with many Fortune 500 corporations and multi-million-dollar companies including Disney and NBCUniversal. A proud UCLA graduate, Simmons currently holds seats on UCLA Foundation Board of Directors and the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Advisory Board. Previously, she served on the UC Board of Regents, where she served on the Finance and Capital Strategies, Public Engagement and Development, Investments & Basic Needs committees. She is a Past President and Director on the Board of the UCLA Alumni Association representing all 500,000 global Bruins. Simmons is on the Advisory Council for Playbook Makers, Spry, Next Play Capital, Shared Harvest Fund, and MyCOVID MD. She also volunteers for Better Futures for Thomazeau – a small, grassroots nonprofit that provides aide and is currently building a vocational school in Haiti. A huge advocate of mentoring, Christine formally mentors the next generation of Black and Brown women through Cari Champion’s foundation, Brown Girls Dream, and has informally mentored countless others.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DANA COWIN

  • Award-Winning Food and Lifestyle Tastemaker

Award-winning food and lifestyle tastemaker Dana Cowin is an innovator in media, food, and entrepreneurship. Her work spans advising creatives, founders and non-profits as well as creating editorial through podcasts, social, video, zines and books. For 21 years, she served as Editor in Chief of Food & Wine magazine and transformed the magazine into a must-read lifestyle publication and digital outlet. An influencer in the food world, she is a sought-after speaker on topics from trendspotting to lifestyle and motivation, leadership, and branding. And of course, good food! Cowin was the keynote speaker for the Bacardi Spirit Forward first national tour, a frequent judge on Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay, presenter at TedXManhattan on food waste, interviewed experts at SXSW and Fast Company Innovation Festival, among many others.

Through her brand consulting work, Cowin advises growing companies on storytelling, food, PR, and marketing, lending her expertise to businesses such as Dig Food Group (where she was Chief Brand Advisor), to Neiman Marcus, to the Trust for Governors Island. She is an investor and advisor to startups in the culinary space, has a longstanding commitment to supporting opportunities for economic growth through culinary training. Cowin serves on the boards of Food Education Fund, Hot Bread Kitchen, and the Food Council of City Harvest. Cowin is host of Speaking Broadly, a podcast that features visionary women at the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and food. Inspired by their singular experiences, Cowin selected more than a dozen women to write their own stories in the first Speaking Broadly zine, published spring 2022, and developed the Giving Broadly project - a gift guide highlighting incredible products from women-owned brands.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DEREK DELGAUDIO

  • Writer and Performer, 'In & Of Itself'

Derek DelGaudio is a writer, artist and performer, primarily known for his highly acclaimed theater show, and now award-winning film, In & Of Itself. He served as the Artist-in-Residence for Walt Disney Imagineering and co-founded the performance art collective, A.BANDIT.

DelGaudio’s debut book, AMORALMAN is out on Knopf.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DR. MARCIA CHATELAIN

  • Professor of History and African American Studies - Georgetown University

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and scholar of African American life and culture Dr. Marcia Chatelain helps organizations respond to and solve the challenges that confront them. Dr. Chatelain was a Reach for Excellence Assistant Professor of Honors and African American Studies at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, and is currently a Professor of History and African American Studies at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. She also served on the Georgetown University Working Group on Slavery, Memory, and Reconciliation, and is a renowned voice on universities, slavery, and reparations. Her first book, South Side Girls: Growing up in the Great Migration, reimagines the mass exodus of Black Southerners to the urban North from the perspective of girls and teenage women. Dr. Chatelain uses her deep background and experience as a facilitator to help organizations create practical strategies to achieve their goals.

Dr. Chatelain won a 2021 Pulitzer Prize for her latest book, Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America, which examines the intersection of the post-1968 Civil Rights struggle and the rise of the fast-food industry. Franchise was chosen as a New York Times Critics’ Top 10 Book, and received the Hagley Prize for Best Book in Business History, the Organization of American Historians’ Lawrence W. Levine Award, as well as the James Beard Award. She was a 2019 Andrew Carnegie Fellow, and was named a Top Influencer in Higher Education by the Chronicle of Higher Education in recognition of her curation of #FergusonSyllabus, a response to the crisis in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014. She also serves as a consultant for many media outlets including The Atlantic, C-Span, MSNBC, CNN, and BBC America. Dr. Chatelain has offered her insights about the many ways history impacts our present and shapes our future in sought-after events with groups like St. Olaf College, Creative Mornings, The Aspen Institute, the Smithsonian Institution, A&E Networks, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CALEB GAYLE

  • Award-Winning Journalist and Writer

Award-winning journalist, writer, and historian Caleb Gayle is a leading voice in conversations about the impact of history on race and identity today. After studying as a Truman Scholar at University of Oklahoma, and a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar at Oxford, Gayle went on to complete both his MBA and master’s degree in public policy from Harvard Business School and Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government as a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow for New Americans. Previously, he worked for a social enterprise empowering women entrepreneurs from marginalized areas in Mexico, served as a program officer at the George Kaiser Family Foundation, and was a consultant with Boston Consulting Group. A former U.S. News Fellow at The Guardian, Gayle is a professor at Northeastern University, a former Lecturer at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York, a Fellow at the Harvard University Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, and a Visiting Scholar at the Arthur Carter Journalism Institute at NYU. He is also a Visiting Professor for Nonfiction at Columbia University's School of Arts. A sought-after keynote speaker, Gayle is renowned for his insights drawn from his personal history, the immigrant experience, and the historical context he offers to explore the modern cultural and political landscape with depth and sincerity.

Gayle’s writing has been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Atlantic, Harvard Review, Pacific Standard, New Republic, and many more. His work has been recognized by the Best American Essays anthology, and he received the prestigious Matthew Power Literary Reporting Award, as well as the PEN American Writing for Justice Fellowship, the Center for Fiction Emerging Writers Fellowship, the New America Fellowship, the Demos Emerging Voices Fellowship, among others. Gayle’s debut book, We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power, is an Amazon Editor's Pick for "Best History," a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award, the Massachusetts Book Award, the Hurston Wright Foundation Legacy Award for Historical Nonfiction, and is a landmark work of un(der)told history sure to reshape our understanding of identity, race, and belonging.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BRANDON KYLE GOODMAN

  • Actor, Writer, and Social Justice Activist

Actor, writer, and activist Brandon Kyle Goodman has emerged in the entertainment industry as a powerful force with a voice to be reckoned with. As an actor, Goodman is known for Netflix’s Feel the Beat, Amazon’s Modern Love and People Just Do Nothing, Alive in Denver, The Blackout, The Relationtrip, Hulu’s Plus One, and Blue Fox’s Papi Chulo, among others. As a writer, Goodman’s work is showcased in the acclaimed Netflix animated series Big Mouth and its spin-off series Human Resources. Goodman is also the creator, writer, and star of their solo show The Latrell Show, performed virtually in partnership with the IAMA Theatre Company. Goodman is proud to be a nonbinary, queer Black leader and a staunch advocate for Black lives, and is a sought after voice in the vital conversations shaping our world today.

Goodman continues conversations and meaningful action on behalf of Black lives through their podcasts: Black Folx, which features Black personalities of various identities, and Do the Work, discussing all things race and personal relationships. They will also co-host the upcoming podcast series accompanying HBO’s In Treatment, discussing mental health representation in communities of color. Goodman's first book You Gotta Be You explores the intersections of their race, sexuality, and gender, and was Audible's Best of the Year in Well-Being. In their writing as well as in memorable keynote speeches, Goodman shares insights on nuanced topics with humor and authenticity that will resonate with audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ERIN & BEN NAPIER

  • Stars of HGTV's 'Home Town', 'Home Town Takeover', and More

Entrepreneurs, designers, and beloved TV hosts Erin and Ben Napier are the face of America’s sweeping small town renaissance movement. Six days after meeting in college, Erin and Ben decided to get married and have been inseparable ever since, sharing their journey in Make Something Good Today: A Memoir. Erin is an artist, designer, and the New York Times bestselling author of the children’s book The Lantern House. Ben is a woodworker, author, and the founder of Scotsman Co. He served as president of Laurel’s Main Street America chapter dedicated to promoting the rebirth of their historic downtown district. They work side by side as the founders of Laurel Mercantile Co., designing American-made heirloom wares that transform a house into a home. Erin and Ben are leaders in their passion for small-town revitalization, inspiring individuals and organizations to commit their creativity, authenticity, and imagination to the places they call home.

Erin and Ben’s hit show Home Town was the highest-rated pilot in HGTV history, and the #1 show on the network in both its 4th and 5th seasons as well as one of the Top 5 shows on all of cable television. The hit show has inspired numerous series, from Home Town Kickstart Presented by PEOPLE, to Home Town Takeover – a record-setting spinoff event series – which takes Ben and Erin’s favorite phrase “make something good today” into the stratosphere while impacting the community for generations to come. In Home Town: Ben’s Workshop, master woodworker Ben shares his expertise in craftsmanship with a bevy of celebrity guests in one of the most-streamed original series on all networks. In sought-after events, Erin and Ben share their support for American craftsmanship, small business, and commitment to thriving local economies that demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity by working together.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

EUGENE DANIELS

  • White House Correspondent

Politico White House correspondent and Playbook author Eugene Daniels draws on his vast experience in the political sphere to offer vital insights and moderate timely conversations. Since joining Politico in 2018, Daniels has covered the midterms, the Democratic presidential primary, and the general election through print, video, journalism, and podcasts. As White House correspondent, he focuses on Vice President Kamala Harris, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, the Second Gentleman, and emerging power players in Washington. During the country’s reckoning with race in 2020, Daniels moderated Politico's “Confronting Inequality” Town Hall series that examined how inequities in policing, housing, healthcare, education, and employment permeate and plague the United States.

Daniels is a Senior Contributor for MSNBC’s Morning Joe and a frequent guest on PBS’ Washington Week. He has been featured in Forbes and The Advocate, among many others. Prior to Politico, Daniels covered elections and national politics as a political reporter at Newsy, after starting his career in local television in Colorado Springs. As an engaging moderator and compelling keynote speaker, Daniels shares his unparalleled perspective on culture and diversity, what’s to come in U.S. politics and policy, and how the media and voters are making sense of the headlines.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GINA BELAFONTE

  • Actress, Producer, and Activist

Social justice leader, change maker, and artivist Gina Belafonte has spent her life at the intersection of arts and activism. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sankofa, she embodies her father Harry Belafonte’s work to educate, motivate, and activate artists and allies in service of grassroots movements and equitable change. Belafonte and Sankofa enlist the support of today’s most celebrated artists and influential individuals, in collaboration with grassroots partners, to elevate the voices of the disenfranchised and promote peace, justice, and quality, as well as cultural and civic engagement. She is also the Lead Producer of the award-winning and internationally acclaimed documentary Sing Your Song, among countless other projects. Most recently, Belafonte expanded her work for equity rights by launching a virtual reality mental health program, expanding access to this vital care using cutting edge VR/AR technology. She is a visionary, drawing on a powerful legacy and building community to focus on the most pressing issues of our time.

Belafonte and her work have been profiled in Elle, AfroTech, Essence, for Newsy, and more. Her arts and activism initiatives include directing the award-winning hip-hop spoken word musical Lyrics From Lockdown, which addresses mistaken identity, mass incarceration, and police brutality, and producing the Many Rivers to Cross Social Justice Arts and Music Festival, uniting 40 artists and 50 social justice organizations to center voting rights, mass incarceration, and poverty. Her collaborations include: For Freedoms on the 50 State Initiative and the reimagining of Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms, INTO ACT!ON, and many more. A gifted moderator and inspiring keynote speaker, Belafonte shares lessons from her ground-breaking work and empowers audiences of all kinds to embrace the opportunity to be a force for positive change.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GMONEY

  • Futurist. Disruptor. Ape.

Renowned NFT cultural thought leader, educator, and community authority gmoney has built an enormous following and reputation in the crypto economy space while remaining pseudo-anonymous. With over fifteen years of experience primarily in traditional financial sectors, gmoney is known for his iconic orange beanie-clad CryptoPunk ape, and is one of the largest collectors of NFT’s in the world. He is a futurist and credible voice in conversations about understanding blockchain technologies, developing a diversified portfolio, and making complex technologies understandable for corporations and communities alike.

gmoney is a highly regarded investor, builder, and influencer in the crypto space, partnering with adidas and advising major corporations on strategies for entering the Metaverse. As an advisor and angel investor in over 80 blockchain projects, he has unparalleled access and insights about the most innovative technologies. Named on Fortune’s inaugural NFTy 50: “The 50 Most Influential People in NFTs" as well as Vogue's "Business 100 Innovators" list, he is an in-demand speaker for keynotes and Q&As at [INSIDE], HedgeEye TV, and more, has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, HypeBeast, and elsewhere. He also picks the brains of noteworthy individuals in the NFT/Web3 space on his podcast Admit One with gmoney. gmoney leverages his understanding of economic principles, verticals, and concepts to create an accessible vision for corporations and consumers entering the Metaverse, and uses his platform to elevate diversity and inclusivity in the crypto space.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GRANGER SMITH

  • Award-Winning Country Music Singer-Songwriter

Award-winning country music singer-songwriter, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Granger Smith has always had the power of music in his hands. A proud Texan, American, father, husband, and Christian, Smith has produced countless hit records and is also the co-author of the bestseller If You’re City, If You’re Country, under the name Earl Dibbles Jr. – his comic alter-ego. Alongside his brothers, Smith founded Yee Yee Apparel – a Texas-based, patriotic, outdoor apparel company. Fans gain insight into his family and country life through the mega-popular YouTube channel The Smiths, as well as Granger’s channel – which features impactful sermons about his journey through grief and the role of Faith in his life. He’s the host of the Granger Smith Podcast, a weekly advice show praised for his captivating storytelling, positive outlook on life, and the profound connection he makes with his audiences

In 2019, while Smith was at work on his 10th studio album, tragedy struck – he and his wife Amber lost their 3-year-old son River in a drowning accident. After several months of mourning, he started to find healing through his music, and realized it could have the same impact for others going through grief as well. Through his music, beloved podcast, and speaking engagements, Granger inspires hope – showing people the way out of a tough spot and offering the connection that they are not alone.

Smith’s new book, Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward after Loss and Heartache, will be published August 1st, 2023 and focuses on his family’s journey of grief after the loss of River, and lessons learned along the way.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GRANT WILLIAMS

  • Trailblazing NBA Player

Professional basketball player Grant Williams is a leader on and off the court, as two-time back-to-back SEC Player of the Year and Vice President of the National Basketball Players Association. He is recognized by fans of his college team as one of the best players in their history, and has been called “a true student of life and basketball” by the Boston Globe. Known for his passion for strategic thinking, Williams is a dedicated academic mentor. He graduated in just three years from the University of Tennessee with a degree in supply chain management from the University of Tennessee, one of the top public programs in the country for supply chain management. The league’s Senior VP of Player Development, Jamila Wideman, called him "an incredible storyteller" with a good sense of humor and a willingness to be vulnerable. Williams brings humor and insight to high-powered events, touching on leadership, teamwork, mental health awareness, and more.

Dubbed a “high-energy Renaissance man” in a glowing Forbes profile, he’s received accolades for his commitment to giving back to the community, a passion which is central to his purpose. Williams has leveraged his platform as an NBA rookie to make a major impact in the lives of young people, creating a group mentoring program. For his work empowering young people, he received the Bill Russell Mentoring Award. Williams is a former Dallas Mavericks player and current player for the Charlotte Hornets. Williams invigorates audiences with his sharp wit, compelling personal story, and his belief that your dreams should be central to your everyday life for maximum success.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

HANNAH BEACHLER

  • Academy Award-Winning Production Designer, 'Black Panther'

Hannah Beachler is an Academy Award-winning production designer and curator known for blockbuster projects like Black Panther and Beyoncé’s stunning visual concept albums Lemonade and Black is King. She became the first African American to win an Academy Award for Production Design for her work on Black Panther. Hannah designed the interstitials for Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s mega tour OTRII, and was tapped by the Metropolitan Museum of Art to curate and design the exhibit “Before Yesterday We Could Fly: An Afrofuturist Period Room.” Other notable film designs include Fruitvale Station, Creed, Miles Ahead, No Sudden Move, Dark Waters, and Moonlight.

Following her groundbreaking Oscar Award, Hannah was named one of Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business,” one of Marie Claire’s “50 New Guard,” Ellevate’s International Woman of Change, and was listed on Elle’s “2019 Women in Hollywood’s Power List” and InStyle’s “50 Badass Women List.” She is a sought-after speaker for events, engaging audiences at Google, Ford’s World Symposium, Detroit CityLab, UX Week 2018, MoMa NYC, World 50, Inc., Harvard University Graduate School of Design, and United Nations African Descendants. Hannah offers insights about her work in the film industry, the power of storytelling, and the role of art and design in innovating for the future.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

HUMA ABEDIN

  • Chief of Staff to Hillary Clinton

Public servant and New York Times bestselling author Huma Abedin began her career in national politics as an intern in First Lady Hillary Clinton’s office in 1996, later serving as a Senior Advisor to Senator Clinton and Traveling Chief of Staff for Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign. She was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of State, served as Vice Chair of Hillary for America in 2016, and currently serves as Hillary Clinton’s Chief of Staff. Abedin is the New York Times bestselling author of BOTH/AND: A Life in Many Worlds, a stunning memoir grappling with family, legacy, identity, faith, and more through her profound believe that in an either/or world, she can be both/and.

Abedin is a regular contributor for MSNBC on issues ranging from politics to foreign affairs to women’s leadership. She serves as Vice-Chair of the Forbes 30/50 Annual Summit held every March in Abu Dhabi to mark International Women’s Day. She is on the board of Vital Voices, a non-profit organization that works with women leaders in the areas of economic empowerment, women's political participation, and human rights.

Abedin is a contributor for MSNBC and has been featured in Vogue, The Washington Post, The Cut, Puck, The New York Times, and more, and appeared on Bloomberg, CBS Sunday Morning, The Today Show, Morning Joe, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Lead with Jake Tapper, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Drew Barrymore, BBC, The Guardian, Snap Chat Good Luck America, Twitter Spaces, among many others.  She has been sought-after for events with groups like 92Y, Forbes 30/50 Women’s Summit, The Asia Society Texas, and many others. Abedin shares her journey through opportunities and obstacles, as well as insider insight into the political landscape and today’s most pressing issues, with compassion, courage, resilience, and grace.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

IULIIA MENDEL

  • Former Press Secretary and Spokesperson for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Journalist, political advisor, and author Iuliia Mendel rose to international prominence when she served as the press secretary and spokesperson for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Mendel worked previously for ICTV, Espresso TV, 112 Ukraine, and Inter, and served as a Communications Consultant for the World Bank. She produced the documentary Shell-Shocked: Ukraine’s Trauma, the first documentary focused on post-traumatic stress disorder. Mendel’s first book, The Fight of Our Lives: My Time with Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s Battle for Democracy, and What It Means for the World, received immediate critical acclaim and has been acquired for development into a limited TV series. In her writing as well as in her speaking engagements, Mendel brings incisive analysis, insider context, and an unparalleled point of view to the most vital issues facing the world today.

Mendel is a regular op-ed columnist for The Washington Post, and her work has appeared in Politico Europe, The New York Times, the Atlantic Council, VICE, Spiegel Online, and Forbes. She became the first Ukrainian journalist to win the prestigious World Press Institute fellowship, and was named to Focus magazine’s “100 Most Influential Women in Ukraine” and Novoe Vremya magazine’s “100 Most Successful Women in Ukraine.” Sought after for her frank and moving insights, Mendel’s commentary about the war in Ukraine – as well as the international impacts of this crisis – offer a deep background on the interconnected issues playing out on the world stage.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JACQUELINE SANDERLIN

  • Acclaimed Educator and Leadership Guru

Accomplished educator, leadership guru, and author Dr. Jacqueline Sanderlin (Dr. Jackie) is an expert in developing meaningful community partnerships and is the Founder and CEO of the Why Not? Incubator, a non-profit organization designed to provide community partnership coaching about unity, wellness, community, equity, and racial healing. Her book The Why Not Challenge: Say Yes to Success with School-Community Partnerships shares her passion and practical takeaways for forming lasting community relationships between schools, organizations, and companies. In a time of vitriol and division, Dr. Jackie has been outspoken about her “Why not?” message, which is to build community, unity, equity, and partnerships.

Dr. Jackie has forged sustainable partnerships between over 350+ corporations, local businesses, and under-served schools, while offering powerful insights and accessible best practices in workshops, trainings, and talks. Her work was featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which led to a role as the consulting producer for NBC’s School Pride. She serves on the steering committee for SEL4CA, Social Emotional Learning for California, and as an Executive Board Member for the Goldie Hawn Foundation, Mind Up. Dr. Jackie is a highly sought-after keynote speaker at conferences and summits, and her message of empowerment, community connection, equity, and resilience creates a lasting impact with educational and corporate audiences as well as individuals.

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JAMES LAPINE

  • Award-Winning Playwright, Director, and Screenwriter

Winner of three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize, James Lapine is a writer, director, and Broadway legend. Known for genre-defining powerhouse collaborations with Stephen Sondheim, he was the writer and director for Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, Passion, the multi-media review Sondheim on Sondheim, and co-produced and directed the revelatory HBO documentary Six by Sondheim for which he garnered an Emmy nomination and a Peabody Award. A prolific creator, he wrote and directed the Tony Award-winning Falsettos, the film Custody, and wrote the film adaptation for Into the Woods, as well as numerous Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Lapine is a beloved and eloquent titan of the theater, sharing star-studded stories and creative insights with enraptured audiences.

An instantaneous New York Times bestseller, Lapine’s book Putting it Together: How Stephen Sondheim and I Created Sunday in the Park with George chronicles the nuances of a powerful collaboration and the creative process that produced the Pulitzer Prize-winning Drama. A consummate artist, Lapine was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 2011, and in 2015 received the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers awards for a lifetime of exceptional achievement in the theatre. Lapine is a devoted student of humanity, enriching conversations with insatiable curiosity, humor, and poignant observations on art and life.

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JANA KRAMER

  • Actress and ACM Award-Winning Country Singer

Actress, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author Jana Kramer is beloved by her fans for her honest vulnerability. She is best known for her TV appearances in One Tree Hill, Friday Night Lights, 90210, and Entourage. Kramer regularly stars in films such as 20th Century Fox’s Heart of the Country, Hallmark Channel's Love at First Bark, and Lifetime’s Christmas in Mississippi. A multi-hyphenate creative, Kramer’s musical career took off with her eponymous debut album, Jana Kramer. Seven of her singles charted on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay. She won the Academy of Country Music’s “New Female Vocalist of the Year” award for her work.

In 2019, Kramer launched her award-winning iHeartRadio podcast, Whine Down with Jana Kramer, where she shares advice on love, life, and more. Audiences connect with the candid but uplifting transparency she carries through her work. Authenticity, vulnerability, and care are all central to her New York Times bestseller, The Good Fight: Wanting to Leave Choosing to Stay, and the Powerful Practice for Loving Faithfully and latest book, The Next Chapter: Making Peace with Hard Memories, Finding Hope All Around Me, and Clearing Space for Good Things to Come. Drawing on her personal relationships and experiences, Kramer provides spiritual guidance and practical advice to audiences worldwide.

Kramer’s wonderful stage presence, authenticity, and ability to connect with the crowd leaves audiences dazzled at every engagement.

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JASON Y. LEE

  • Founder & CEO of Jubilee Media

Founder and CEO of Jubilee Media Jason Y. Lee is a leader on the business side of the creator economy, with a focus on empathy and making a positive impact on the world. After graduating from The Wharton School at UPenn, Jason worked as a consultant at Bain & Company. He also previously worked on the 2007 Obama Campaign and for the Clinton Health Access Initiative in Zambia. But Jason stepped away from his successful consulting career to follow his purpose, founding Jubilee Media first as a non-profit, then transitioning to a digital media startup. Jubilee Media creates experiences to promote understanding and create human connection. Known for the viral series Middle GroundSpectrum, and Odd One Out, Jubilee has developed an audience of more than 7.5M subscribers and garnered more than 3B views.

As the world becomes more divided and media more divisive than ever, Jubilee swims against the current – bridging people together to create empathy, discourse, and love. Jason is a proud Korean-American, and recently received the Digital Influencer Award at Character Media’s Unforgettable Gala. He shared his incredible career journey in a TEDx Talk, and has been sought-after for events with groups including Spotify Space, Boston College, Wharton Asia Exchange, Bain Alumni Speaker series, and more.

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JEANNIE MAI

  • Emmy Award-Winning TV Personality and Documentarian

Emmy-Award winning host Jeannie Mai can be seen each weekday on the nationally syndicated talk show The Real. In 2018, Mai and her fellow The Real co-hosts received a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host. The show, which is in its seventh season, has received multiple Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Talk Series, and received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Talk Series. Jeannie serves as a sideline correspondent for ABC’s extreme mini-golf competition series Holey Moley and recently competed on season 29 of the hit series Dancing with the Stars. This May, Mai was honored for her activism work in the AAPI community as a part of the A100 list, which highlights the most influential Asians within their respective industries.

A former professional makeup artist and celebrity stylist, Mai is a style expert and producer. Mai launched her web series titled Hello Hunnay, which takes fans on her journey through fashion, fitness, finances and relationships. The digital series releases weekly on Kin, Facebook and YouTube with over 650K subscribers and continues to grow weekly. Mai also hosts the podcast Listen Hunnay, where she interviews everyone from sex therapists to divorce lawyers and morticians to crime scene investigators in an effort to understand the journeys of the heart of the human being behind the career.

Jeannie Mai is Chief Brand Officer of Owl's Brew, an alcoholic tea beverage available in Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Target and more. In late 2021, Mai will debut her own clothing line with a major national retail chain. 

Deeply committed to charities that advance women’s interests, Mai serves as a board member for various organizations, including Dress for Success and Same Sky, which builds the business potential for women. As a first-generation daughter of immigrant Vietnamese and Chinese parents, Mai strives to give back to her homeland by frequently traveling to Asia to volunteer her time with inspiring organizations dedicated to helping those who are less fortunate. For the last several years, she has served as an advocate to fight human trafficking and has been an ambassador for the Pacific Links Foundation, Step Up, Nightlight International, Not For Sale and Heartbeat Vietnam.  In 2017, Mai executive produced Stopping Traffic: The Movement to End Sex Trafficking, a documentary that investigates the international crisis of human sex trafficking from a deeply personal point of view. She is currently working on the follow up, Stopping Traffic 2: Surviving Sex Trafficking, due out in 2022.

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JESSIE JAMES DECKER

  • Singer-Songwriter and TV Personality with Over 7M Social Media Followers

Country music singer-songwriter, style entrepreneur, and TV personality Jessie James Decker is a New York Times bestselling author with over 7M social media followers. Signed to Warner Music Nashville, Jessie’s passion for music has made the multi-talented artist one of music’s true breakout firebrands. The singer’s authentic style immediately captivated listeners everywhere on her 2009 self-titled debut. She continued to keep it real with her second studio album, 2017’s Southern Girl City Lights, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. Jessie is a four-time host of Dick Clark’s Rockin New Year’s Eve, Presenter at the American Music Awards 2022, and beloved contestant on Dancing with the Stars

Decker is the Founder and Designer of Kittenish – a playful fashion line inspired by her personal style. Decker and her brand were profiled in Forbes, which raved: “country star Jessie James Decker was born to hustle.” The multi-hyphenate is also a multi-time New York Times bestselling author. Decker’s first book, Just Jessie, is her guide to love, life, family, and food. In Just Feed Me, Jessie shares her favorite recipes of her family – her husband, retired NFL player Eric Decker, their three children, and now a fourth one on the way. Jessie’s newest cookbook Just Eat is set to release Fall of 2023. An unstoppable force of talent and energy, Decker’s fans love to connect with Jessie through her brands, music, and in unforgettable events.

 

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JOHN CENA

  • WWE Superstar

Actor, producer, entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, record-setting philanthropist, and WWE Superstar John Cena delivers high-octane star power and an empowering message of motivation and hope. Cena has been the face of WWE for more than a decade, earning the moniker “the Babe Ruth of the WWE.” He executive produced and narrated the Peacock docu-series WWE Evil, which explores impact of WWE villains on modern culture. As an actor, Cena is known for blockbuster roles in Peacemaker, The Suicide Squad, Hidden Strike, F9: The Fast Saga, Vacation Friends, and a cameo role in Warner Bros.' hugely successful film Barbie. Cena's upcoming credits include Argylle, The Independent, Coyote v. Acme, and more. Cena hosts Wipeout on TBS alongside Nicole Byer, which premiered as 2021’s highest-rated new unscripted cable series. With his focus on finding the positive, maximizing opportunities, and making a difference, Cena makes an impact on audiences of all kinds.

Cena has hosted Saturday Night LiveThe ESPYs, The Today Show, The Ellen Degeneres Show, American Grit, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?, and the 2017 and 2018 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. He is the author of Do Your Best Every Day to Do Your Best Every Day, Be A Work in Progress, and the #1 New York Times bestselling Elbow Grease series inspired by lessons he learned about hard work, perseverance, and teamwork growing up with four brothers. Cena is Make-A-Wish’s most-requested wish granter and only celebrity to grant more than 700 wishes, a long-time supporter of the U.S. military and promoter of the FitOps Foundation, which empowers veterans through fitness and community, and the recipient of USO Metro’s Legacy of Achievement Award. An in-demand speaker, Cena brings major energy and insights and leaves audiences feeling uplifted and inspired.

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JOHN DELLA VOLPE

  • Director of Polling, Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics

Youth expert, pollster, strategist, and bestselling author John Della Volpe is the Director of Polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, where he leads polling initiatives on understanding American youth. Della Volpe was referred to by the Washington Post as one of the world’s leading authorities on global sentiment, opinion, and influence, and is the Founder of SocialSphere, a public opinion and analytics company. His new book, an Amazon Editor’s Pick for “Best Nonfiction,” Fight: How Gen Z is Channeling Their Fear and Passion to Save America, is an impeccable investigation into how Generation Z – those born in the 1990s and early 2000s – are rising to the unprecedented challenges of their time to take control of their country and our future. The recipient of an Eisenhower Fellowship, his research focus is data-based as well as qualitative, and he has advised heads of state, military generals, and blue-chip brands around the world, unlocking the secrets to winning the hearts, minds, and loyalty of Gen Z.

Della Volpe was appointed to the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission on Media in 2011, and serves as senior advisor and pollster to President Joe Biden. His work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, and more, and he is a political contributor on MSNBC offering his insights and strategies for engaging the Millennial generation.

Della Volpe is the author of the Substack newsletter JDV on Gen Z, which puts public opinion into context while creating a pathway to understanding, empowering, and engaging Gen Z.

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JULIA BOORSTIN

  • Senior Media & Tech Correspondent, CNBC

CNBC correspondent and author Julia Boorstin delivers insightful analysis with a focus on the intersection of media and technology. Boorstin serves as CNBC’s Senior Media & Tech Correspondent, playing a central role on the network’s bicoastal tech-focused program TechCheck. Before joining CNBC as an on-air reporter in 2006, she served as a reporter for Fortune magazine, and was an intern for Vice President Gore’s domestic policy office. Boorstin released her debut book When Women Lead: What They Achieve, Why They Succeed, and How We Can Learn from Them in October 2022, which features lessons from the leadership approaches of women running the world’s most innovative and successful companies.

Boorstin has contributed to CNN and CNN Headline News, among others. She is the creator of the CNBC “Disruptor 50,” an annual list she curates highlighting private companies transforming the economy and challenging companies in established industries. She also helped launch the network’s ‘Closing the Gap’ initiative, which covers people and companies closing gender and diversity gaps. In her writing, reporting, and speaking, Boorstin is a sought-after expert exploring groundbreaking leadership and business innovations that resonate across industries.

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JULIA IOFFE

  • Renowned Journalist

Renowned journalist Julia Ioffe is a leading authority on Russian-U.S. relations, showing us precisely what is at stake. Ioffe is a Founding Partner and the Washington correspondent for Puck, a new media company covering power, money, and ego. She previously served as Senior Editor for The New Republic, was a staff writer at The Atlantic covering politics and world affairs, and a correspondent for GQ Magazine. As a highly sought-after keynote speaker, Ioffe conveys Russian-American relations from both sides with clarity and insight. In her talks, as in her Atlantic cover story “What Putin Really Wants," Ioffe provides colorful, character-rich discussions of Russia’s socio-political structure, its tempestuous historical relationship with America, and how Russia will effect U.S. politics – and policy – moving forward.

Ioffe’s work has been featured in Politico, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, Slate, Puck, and many more. Born in Moscow, Ioffe’s family moved to the U.S. when she was seven years old. She studied Soviet history at Princeton with Stephen Kotkin, and later won a Fulbright Scholarship to return to Russia, where she worked as the Moscow correspondent for The New Yorker as well as Foreign Policy. Ioffe’s area of expertise, built on years of in-depth reporting in Russia for publications that include The New Republic, acknowledges Russia’s threat against American democracy, while placing emphasis on the way the media, right and left, can both over- and-underestimate Russia’s strategic coherence and capabilities. Ioffe’s talks provide a clear-eyed view of the situation, showing us that Russia is a non-partisan issue that every American, whether Democrat or Republican, must think hard about, regardless of political affiliation.

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KAITLIN CURTICE

  • Award-Winning Author, Poet, Storyteller, and Public Speaker

Award-winning author, poet, and storyteller Kaitlin Curtice speaks to the intersections of spirituality and identity and how that shifts throughout our lives. An enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi nation and inter-spiritual advocate, she participates in conversations on topics such as colonialism in faith communities, and she has spoken at many conferences on the importance of inter-faith relationships. Her first book, Glory Happening: Finding the Divine Everyday Places, has been called “a stunner… every sentence is a feast for the senses” by author Rachel Held Evans. Curtice’s book Native: Identity, Belonging, and Rediscovering God won the Foreword INDIES 2020 Book of the Year Award, and the 2021 Georgia Author of the Year Award and Midwest Book Award. In her writing as she does in compelling speaking engagements, Curtice shares how reconnecting with her Potawatomi identity both informs and challenges her Christian faith.

Curtice’s writing has been featured in Sojourners, Religion News Service, Apartment Therapy, On Being, SELF Magazine, and more. She also writes at The Liminality Journal, a Substack subscriber newsletter featuring essays, poetry, and more. Curtice and her work have been featured on CBS and in USA Today, and she is a regular contributor to Oprah Daily. Her latest book, Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day, explores the roles we each have to play in the world right where we are, and empowers audiences to seek wholeness in whatever spheres of influence they inhabit.

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KATE SCHATZ

  • New York Times Bestselling Author, 'Rad American Women A-Z', 'Do the Work!', and More

New York Times bestselling author, activist, educator, and consultant Kate Schatz has been talking, writing, and teaching about race, gender, social justice, and equity for many years. Her “Rad Women” books – Rad American Women A-Z, Rad Women Worldwide, and Rad American History A-Z – have sold over 300,000 copies and been translated into four languages, and her book Rid of Me: A Story is part of the cult-favorite 33 1/3 series. Schatz is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Do the Work: An Anti-Racist Activity Book, with W. Kamau Bell, the comedian and Emmy-winning host of CNN’s United Shades of America. An accessible and engaging keynote speaker, Schatz has given talks at hundreds of events including: ComicCon, United Nation’s GirlUp! Summit, the American Library Association, Facebook, Spotify, Pixar, and more.

Schatz’s writing has been featured in Buzzfeed, LENNY, Oxford American, and the San Francisco Chronicle, and she has appeared on Conan, MSNBC, NPR, WNYC, WBUR, and Minnesota Public Radio, and on podcasts like Nerdette, Sibling Revelry, Inflection Point, and Politically Reactive. She co-led Solidarity Sundays, a nationwide network of 200+ feminist activist groups aimed at empowering women to become effective political activists. In all she does, Schatz is committed to sharing radical histories that shine light on the marginalized people who've truly made America great, making a major impact on audiences of all kinds.

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KAT TIMPF

  • TV Personality and Co-Host, 'Gutfeld!'

Journalist, comedian, author, and libertarian commentator Kat Timpf is a firm believer in the power of conversations to bridge gaps, political or otherwise. Timpf is a contributor to FOX News and the co-host of Gutfeld!, the highest-ranked late night program. She is also a prolific writer – she was a columnist for National Review and has worked at Campus Reform, The Washington Times, Barstool Sports, Total Traffic Network, and Boston Market. Kat’s first book, You Can't Joke About That: Why Everything Is Funny, Nothing Is Sacred, and We're All in This Together is the #1 Best Seller on Amazon in Political Humor.

Timpf stands out in a sea of pundits because of her strong libertarian perspective and use of comedy and satire to get her no-nonsense points across. Through her reporting and sought-after speaking engagements, Kat connects with audiences across the country and the world. She has performed standup comedy at clubs throughout the country, including Gotham Comedy Club in New York and The Improv in Los Angeles.

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KELTIE KNIGHT

  • Emmy Award-Winning TV Personality and Host, 'Entertainment Tonight'

Keltie Knight is an Emmy Award winning television personality and Entertainment Tonight host. She has co-anchored CBS’s broadcasting of national events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Grammy Awards Red Carpet.

Knight was able to combine her entertainment and entrepreneurial expertise into a podcast she co-created and co-hosts, The LadyGang. Since its inception in 2015, the popular podcast has boasted almost 100 million downloads, making it one of the most popular podcasts for women in the world. The show has been nominated for a Webby award, a People’s Choice award and in 2016 was named 'Podcast of the Year'. LadyGang has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, People magazine and on Entertainment Weekly’s coveted "must list.”

The LadyGang's first book Act Like a Lady became a New York Times instant bestseller, a USA Today bestseller, an Amazon best pick of the month, and a Toronto Star bestseller in Canada. Knight recently collaborated on their first fashion collection nationwide with Express, and in 2018 E! aired 16 episodes of the TV version of the podcast with Knight serving as star and executive producer.

What began as a movement to help women feel less alone, by offering content that was unapologetic, unfiltered, and very real, has grown in the millions and become a powerhouse media brand that has also partnered with major brands including Disney, Netflix, Anheuser-Busch, Vogue, and Chanel.

Knight is frequently seen contributing on The Talk, CNN, HLN, and and as a moderator for Vanity Fair. With best dressed mentions in Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Us Weekly, People Stylewatch and The New York Times, it’s no surprise Project Runway invited her to be a guest presenter.

As passionate as she is about media, she is just as dedicated to service. Knight has a long history in philanthropy, working with groups like the Humane Society and the Beagle Freedom Project. She helped raise over $300,000 for the National MS Society as a part of the team, BeatMS, and nearly 1 million dollars throughout her years hosting the Circle of Hope/ Dancers Against Cancer Charity Gala.

Known for her quick wit and fearless personality, she’s interviewed the biggest stars in the world including Oprah, Meryl Streep, Taylor Swift, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lawrence. Harry Styles kissed her twice. Pharrell Williams deemed her “…a spirited journalist and a star.” 

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KEVIN BACON

  • Acclaimed Actor, Director, and Producer

Legendary actor and philanthropist Kevin Bacon is a ubiquitous figure in contemporary film culture. His varied and critically acclaimed acting work has garnered a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actor’s Guild Award, and a nomination for a Primetime Emmy. Also a respected film and television director, Bacon’s directorial projects have earned three Golden Globe award nominations. He currently tours with The Bacon Brothers, a mixed-genre band comprised of Bacon and his brother Michael.

Leveraging the pop culture phenomenon ‘Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon’ for good, Bacon launched his foundation SixDegrees.org, which provides essential resources for communities in need. On his podcast, Six Degrees with Kevin Bacon, Bacon brings on celebrity guests to discuss their favorite changemakers, charities, and initiatives. Bacon’s gift for creating connections and spurring innovative conversations makes each event feel personal, guaranteeing a lasting impact with your audience.

Bacon’s iconic voice has been sought by hosts such as Ceridian, the North American Veterinary Meeting & Expo, Virgin Pulse, and more.

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LAURA LING

  • Emmy Award-Winning Journalist

Emmy Award-winning journalist, documentarian, and author Laura Ling has dedicated her intrepid career to reporting from dozens of countries on the most critical issues facing the world today. As Head of Programming for Hearst Television’s Streaming Video Services, Ling oversees content development and strategy for Hearst’s new OTT platform Very Local. While Director of Development for Discovery Digital Networks, Ling produced and created original web series that received hundreds of millions of views. A consummate host and moderator, Ling helms the web series Going Off the Grid, Rituals with Laura Ling, the mini-documentary series The Power of Kindness, and her podcast Everyday Bravery, eloquently blending her principles of gratitude and perseverance. In 2009 while reporting on the trafficking of women, Ling was arrested and held captive in North Korea. She recounts her experience in a memoir written with her sister Lisa, Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home. Ling captivates audiences with anecdotes from her storied career and powerful lessons learned with a global perspective.

Ling has received many accolades for her work, including an Emmy Award and the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for her work as a correspondent for SoCal Connected and a Gracie Award. Under her leadership as Vice President of the journalism department, Current TV’s Vanguard received the prestigious Alfred I. DuPont Award and several Emmy nominations. Her work has appeared on ABC's Nightline, NBC, and PBS, and she has written editorials for the Los Angeles Times and CNN.com.

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MAURICIO UMANSKY

  • Industry-Disrupting Real Estate Magnate

Industry disruptor Mauricio Umansky is the Founder and CEO of The Agency, a billion-dollar brokerage that has been redefining the real estate business for over a decade. Umansky, who holds the distinction for selling the most homes in the country priced above $20M, launched The Agency in 2011 with a vision for disrupting the industry by fostering a unique culture rooted in the core philosophy of collaboration. Representing noteworthy clients as well as the world’s top developers and resort brands, The Agency is noted by The Financial Times as one of America’s Fastest Growing Companies and has ranked among Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing private companies in the country for five consecutive years. An in-demand speaker for events such as The Asia Society, Foreign Policy Association, TEDx, World Economic Forum, and KPMG, Umansky shares his incomparable insights on disruptive innovation, leadership, and how to create an unparalleled company culture for maximum impact in your industry.

Umansky has been featured in Forbes, International Banker, Entrepreneur, and more, and together with his team is noted as one of the highest producing agents by The Wall Street Journal’s REAL Trends annual list, and has been ranked #97 on Swanepoel’s 2022 Power200, a prestigious list of top real estate executives in the U.S. He is a proud member of The Young Presidents Organization, an influential and world-renowned business networking organization, serves on the board of Giveback Homes, and supports The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and the National Breast Cancer Association. Umansky is the author of The Dealmaker: How to Succeed in Business & Life Through Dedication, Determination & Disruption, which is a #1 New Release on Amazon in Work Life Balance and Business.

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MAURO PORCINI

  • Chief Design Officer, PepsiCo

Award-winning design veteran, podcaster, and author Mauro Porcini is PepsiCo’s first ever Chief Design Officer. Since joining the food & beverage corporation in 2012, Porcini has infused design thinking into PepsiCo’s culture and is leading a new approach to innovation by design that impacts the company’s product platforms and brands. Leading international teams, his focus extends from physical to virtual expressions of the brands – including fashion and art collaborations, retail activation, digital media, and beyond. He is the author of The Human Side of Innovation: The Power of People in Love with People, which focuses on innovation, design and leadership and was named a Gold Winner of the Better Future New York Design Award. Porcini offers insights from his journey across startups and multinational corporations for building high-impact brand and design efforts that put people first.

Prior to joining PepsiCo, Mauro served as the first ever Chief Design Officer at 3M, where his mission was to build and nurture a design sensitive culture in a technology driven global corporation. He is also the author of L’età dell’eccellenza: Come innovazione e creatività possono costruire un mondo migliore, which is in its fifth reprint, and hosts the successful video podcast In Your Shoes - with Mauro Porcini, where he interviews inspiring personalities from the creative community worldwide. Mauro has been a presenter and judge on CBS’ New York by Design and Amazon’s America by Design. He has been on the board of directors for several organizations, and currently serves as the President of the Politecnico of Milan Foundation in the United States (Fellows of Politecnico), sits on the board of directors of the Design Management Institute, and on the advisory council of other design, art, innovation, and business institutions.

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MOHSIN HAMID

  • Award-Winning and Internationally Bestselling Author

Award-winning and internationally bestselling author Mohsin Hamid is a radically inventive storyteller with his finger on the pulse of the world. Called “one of his generation’s most inventive and gifted writers” by The New York Times, Hamid is the author of several books including the New York Times bestsellers The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Exit West, and The Last White Man – which was named a Best Book of the Year by The New Yorker, Vogue, and NPR. Foreign Policy described him as “a master critic of the modern global condition” and named on its list of “100 Leading Global Thinkers.” Hamid transports audiences with universal themes and timeless storytelling, touching on today’s most vital issues with his wide-reaching perspective as a journalist and visionary storyteller.

Hamid has spoken at universities around the world such as Princeton University, the University of California at Berkeley, the London School of Economics, and the National University of Singapore; at festivals such as the Frankfurt Book Fair, the Jaipur Literary Festival, and the Melbourne Writers Festival; at government and intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the U.S. State Department; and at corporate events for firms such as GSV Ventures and Baillie Gifford.

In addition to his practice as a novelist and essayist, he studied international affairs at Princeton and law at Harvard, worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company in New York and at Wolff Olins in London, was involved in starting a music technology company in the UK, helped establish the Lahore Literary Festival and the Lahore Biennale, and has lectured and taught pro bono at schools and universities in Pakistan. This background shapes and informs his public appearances, and he speaks on topics ranging from literature, the arts, and culture, to migration, technology, business, and politics.

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NAOMI OSAKA

  • Tennis Champion - ranked No. 1 in the world

Tennis icon, founder and serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist Naomi Osaka has transformed the world of sports with her outspoken advocacy for racial justice and player wellbeing. Ranked No. 1 in the world, the four-time Grand Slam Singles Champion made history as the first Japanese tennis player to win a Grand Slam and the first Asian player to hold a top ranking. The proud daughter of a Haitian father and Japanese mother, Naomi has used her platform to bring attention to racial inequality and police brutality, and sparked a global conversation about mental health awareness.

Naomi is the Founder of KINLÒ, a functional skincare solution for melanated skin and underserved communities, the co-founder of sports representation company Evolve and media company Hana Kuma, and has equity in more than a dozen brand partners, including Hyperice, Sweetgreen, and the crypto exchange FTX, in addition to being an early investor and advisory board member for Tom Brady’s NFT platform Autograph. Renowned for her advocacy for mental health, Naomi has partnered with Modern Health, a mental health resources company, as the company’s chief community health advocate. Her decision to take a break from tennis sparked an international conversation about the wellbeing of athletes, and of women of color in the workplace, and she became the leader of a movement for greater mental health care and awareness that continues to make an impact today.

Naomi has written powerful pieces for The New York Times, TIME, Esquire, and been profiled in countless publications, including Vogue, which heralded her as “the people’s champion.” She has been named to the TIME 100 three years in a row – in his profile for her, Russell Wilson wrote: “But sometimes, someone’s sphere of influence is so great, they can change a culture, change a society, change a whole world. Naomi Osaka has the power to do that.” She has been named a Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year, received the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award as well as the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award, and was chosen as the AP Female Athlete of the Year, among numerous honors.

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NATHAN CHEN

  • 2022 Olympic Gold Medalist

Gold Medal Olympic figure skater Nathan Chen is setting records and redefining men’s figure skating, one extraordinary win at a time. With his inspiring performances at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Chen cemented his position as ‘Quad King’ – landing multiple quadruple jumps in both his programs and setting Olympic records. Starting on the ice at age 3, he built an impressive competitive resume, and in 2017 he became the youngest man to win the U.S. Championship in more than five decades. Chen has earned numerous titles, winning three World Championships, six Grand Prix events, two Grand Prix Finals, and six U.S. titles, with flawless technique, fearless programs, and exuberant performances. With his second trip to the Olympics, Chen is the first Asian American man to win an Olympic title, and the first Asian American male skater to win U.S., World, and Olympic titles. An expert on developing a winning mindset, Chen offers insights about cultivating focus, harnessing the power of positive self-talk, and enjoying the moment, that have a major impact on audiences of all kinds.

Chen has been featured in GQ, Vox, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Teen Vogue, Forbes, and many more. Following his historic win, Chen thanked figure skating legend Michelle Kwan for being a role model and dedicated his gold medal to his mother for “her never-ending support.” In addition to accolades on the podium, he was named the 2019 Team USA Male Olympic Athlete of the Year, and was included on Forbes’ 2019 “30 Under 30: Sports” list. In captivating conversations, Chen shares his strategies for overcoming obstacles and his triumphant journey to winning Olympic gold.

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PAOLA RAMOS

  • Correspondent, VICE News

Author, Emmy-winning journalist, and Latinx advocate Paola Ramos is sought after for her informative, relatable, and engaging programs. Ramos uses multi-media platforms – in both English and Spanish – to uplift the voices of marginalized communities, break down stereotypes, and mobilize people toward civic engagement. She was the former Deputy Director of Hispanic Media for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 Presidential Campaign, a political appointee during the Obama Administration, and also served in President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. Ramos is a host for VICE News, as well as a contributor for MSNBC and Telemundo News. An in-demand voice for making sense of the latest headlines as well as meaningful shifts in culture and politics, Ramos has been an impactful speaker for groups such as Comcast, Planned Parenthood, UTA, Athena Health, Syracuse University, Orrick, and more.

Ramos is the author of Finding Latinx: In Search of the Voices Redefining Latino Identity, an empowering cross-country travelogue for which she embarked on a journey to find the communities of people defining the controversial term, “Latinx.” Ramos and her work have been featured in Forbes, Washington Post, The Cut, Hola!, among many others. Ramos is a Hauser Leader in the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School, where she received her Masters in Public Policy, and recently joined her alma mater Barnard College’s Board of Trustees. With every speaking engagement, Ramos receives rave reviews, such as: “We had an incredible fireside chat with Paola Ramos. She was informative, relatable, and engaging. Our audience learned about different Latinx communities and shared their own experiences during the event.” (Athena Health)

 

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PETER ARNELL

  • Brand, Marketing, and Design Expert

Brand and design expert, New York Times bestselling author, photographer, and founder Peter Arnell has built a reputation for creating groundbreaking, boundary-averse work for global brands. He is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Creative Officer of PETERARNELL, and the Founder and CEO of Intellectual Capital Investments. Arnell is known for transforming products, brands, and campaigns for the some of the world's most prestigious companies including Chrysler, Pepsi-Cola Co., Reebok, Donna Karan, Unilever, Fontainebleau and more. Arnell created the strategy brand concept and creative for Donna Karan New York and DKNY. He contributed and collaborated with Samsung on the introduction of the company a consumer-facing brand. He designed the global identity and packaging for the Pepsi brand and re-engineered the entire portfolio identity system and has served as Chief Innovation Officer for both Chrysler and The Home Depot. Arnell has been at the forefront of creating, building, and transforming brands, corporations, institutions, and communities for more than 40 years.

Arnell’s work as a photographer has been lauded by critics from Vogue, I-D Magazine, and other leading publications and has been exhibited at group and solo exhibitions around the world. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Shift, which showcases four decades of branding and marketing experience. His work is also the subject of Peter Arnell: Projects 1980-2020, a two-volume book that celebrates over four decades of tireless innovation and an exceptionally diverse body of work. Arnell has also devoted significant energy to the non-profit space. He currently serves on the Board of the FDNY Foundation, and previously served as a Board Member for the globally renowned non-profit, Special Olympics. Arnell’s unique interdisciplinary approach to brand uniting graphic arts, communications, photography, filmmaking, experience design, industrial design, product engineering, architecture and more to create holistic solutions that drive enduring brand value

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RICHARD BROWNING

  • Innovator in Human Aviation

Richard Browning is Founder and Chief Test Pilot of Gravity Industries which designs, builds and flies Jet Suits, pioneering a new era of human flight. The company was founded in March 2017 to challenge the perceived boundaries in human aviation and to inspire others to dare to ask “What if?”. It now scales towards an International Race Series.

Gravity has to date been experienced by over one billion people globally with Richard and his cohort of growing pilots completing over 130 flights across 34 countries and speaking at dozens of events from TED Talks to XPrize.

Prior to founding Gravity, Richard was a Royal Marines reservist for six years and an Oil Trader with BP for 16 years where he discovered and implemented major new technologies winning the BP Group innovation Award.

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SAM ANDERSON

  • Award-Winning Journalist

Sam Anderson is an award-winning journalist, cultural critic, and author of the highly acclaimed book Boom Town: The Fantastical Saga of Oklahoma City, Its Chaotic Founding, Its Apocalyptic Weather, Its Purloined Basketball Team, and the Dream of Becoming a World-Class Metropolis. He is a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, where he has written portraits of athletes, artists, and odd places all over the world, including Mount Rushmore and a Charles Dickens theme park. Anderson’s debut book Boom Town was heralded as one of the best books for the year by NPR, the Chicago Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Economist, and more. In a note to the staff of New York Magazine, then-editor Adam Moss described Anderson as “a fearless and committed writer and thinker.” NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton has called him “a visionary artist who sees what others can’t… our guide to a better tomorrow.” Anderson engages audiences with cultural commentary and insights about creativity.

His work has appeared in The Paris Review, New York Magazine, Christian Science Monitor, Slate, The Oxford American, and has also been included in numerous “Best American Writing” anthologies. Anderson has been a finalist for the National Magazine Award three times – including in 2017, when his article David’s Ankles won the National Magazine Award for Essays and Criticism.

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SARA EVANS

  • Multi-Platinum Country Recording Artist

Multi-platinum entertainer Sara Evans is at the top of her game. As one of the top five most-played female artist on country radio in the last two decades, she has five No. 1 singles including “No Place That Far,” “Suds In The Bucket, “A Real Fine Place To Start,” “Born to Fly,” and “A Little Bit Stronger,” which spent 2 weeks in the top spot and was certified platinum by the R.I.A.A. She has garnered such honors as ACM's Female Vocalist of the Year, CMA's Video of the Year, named one of People Magazine's ""50 Most Beautiful People,"" and the first country star to compete in ABC's Dancing with the Stars.

Sara continues to forge a bold, creative path with the launch of her label Born to Fly Records, and as the bestselling author of her memoir Born to Fly, as well as a series of entertaining novels.  Those who know Sara as a storyteller through music connect with her personal and humorous stories in Born to Fly, in which she tells the narrative about her life and how faith and music brought her through some of her darkest hours.

Sara has been honored for her philanthropic work and was presented the NAB Education Foundation’s Service To America Leadership Award. A Red Cross ambassador, Sara received the national Crystal Cross award for her work with the disaster-relief organization.

Sara is praised for her humorous, real and inspiring talks in which she reminds us of the important things that matter: faith, love and family.

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SASHA DIGIULIAN

  • Most Decorated Female Professional Rock Climber in the World with 30+ First and First Female Ascents

The most decorated and arguably the best female climber in the world, Sasha DiGiulian is constantly pushing the boundaries of what most thought possible. Over the course of her career, she has been Female Overall World Champion twice, the undefeated Pan-American Champion for a ten-year span, three-time U.S. National Champion, and traveled to over 50 countries while accomplishing 30+ First and First Female Ascents. As a woman making a career within a traditionally male dominated space, she stands for equality in sport, access, pay, and treatment of female athletes. Sasha founded Female Focused Adventures, a production company that centers around storytelling in the female adventure space and empowering female content creators, striving to bolster the access and experiences of other women in the outdoors.

DiGiulian’s accomplishments have garnered her global attention, including gracing the cover of 27 magazines and features that include OprahGood Morning America, The Today Show, 60 Minutes Sports, Nightline, CNN, BBC, Vogue, and TIME. She is the recipient of the Golden Piton Award, Arco Rock Legend Award, and the American Alpine Club Robert Hicks Bates Award, which honors young climbers who show “outstanding promise for future accomplishment.” When she’s not conquering the crag, DiGiulian believes in the transformative power of sports on youth and female development. She is also deeply rooted in philanthropy, sitting on the board of the Women’s Sports Foundation and Ascend Afghanistan, and is an ambassador for Protect Our Winters and Right to Play International. In motivational talks, DiGiulian offers inspirational and actionable strategies for setting and achieving courageous goals for individuals, teams, and organizations.

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SCOTT DREW

  • Head Coach, Baylor Bears Men's Basketball

Two-time Big 12 Coach of the Year Scott Drew has transformed the Baylor basketball team as their Head Coach, leading them to nine NCAA Tournaments and winning the 2021 National Championship. The unprecedented renewal of the Baylor team is a testament to Drew’s passion, positivity, and relentless pursuit of excellence, and he shares his strategies for team-building success with audiences who are invigorated by his authenticity and humility.

In rebuilding the team from the ground up, he has earned an array of individual accolades, including back-to-back Big 12 Coach of the Year awards and being named the 2020 NBC Sports National Coach of the Year. Drew has intentionally cultivated an unrivalled organizational culture and championship mindset, and is a celebrated expert in perseverance and servant leadership through faith, offering takeaways that will benefit every industry.

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SIMON WINCHESTER

  • Journalist, Broadcaster, and Foreign Correspondent

Bestselling author, journalist, and broadcaster Simon Winchester has worked as a foreign correspondent for most of his career and lectures widely at universities, geological and historical societies, and libraries. His new book Knowing What We Know: The Transmission of Knowledge: From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Magic looks at how humans acquire, retain, and pass on information and data, and how technology continues to change our lives and our minds.

The author of 30 books, Winchester specializes in eccentric, obsessive geniuses. In The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World, Winchester traces the development of technology from the Industrial Age to the Digital Age to explore the single component crucial to advancement—precision—in a superb history that is both an homage and a warning for our future. The New York Times bestseller The Man Who Loved China, is the remarkable story of Joseph Needham, the eccentric and adventurous scientist who fell in love with China and whose own work there unveils the epic story of that magisterial country.

Simon Winchester's many books include Land: How the Hunger for Ownership Shaped the Modern WorldPacificThe Men Who United the States, and Atlantic, as well as the New York Times bestsellers The Professor and the Madman, an account of the men behind the Oxford English Dictionary, A Crack in the Edge of the World: America and the Great California Earthquake of 1906, and The Map that Changed the World, about the nineteenth century geologist William Smith. Winchester has also penned books for young adults, The Alice Behind Wonderland and When the Earth Shakes. He is praised for his skills as a masterful and riveting storyteller both on the page and in lectures.

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STEVEN T. MNUCHIN

  • 77th Secretary of the Treasury (2017-2021)

Steven Terner Mnuchin was sworn in as the 77th Secretary of the Treasury on February 13, 2017.

As Secretary, Mr. Mnuchin was responsible for the U.S. Treasury, whose mission is to maintain a strong economy, foster economic growth, and create job opportunities by promoting the conditions that enable prosperity at home and abroad. He was also responsible for strengthening national security by combating economic threats and protecting our financial system, as well as managing the U.S. Government’s finances.

Secretary Mnuchin played a pivotal role in advancing the Administration’s economic agenda, including the passage and implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the bipartisan CARES ACTs . He also led the Treasury Department’s regulatory reform efforts. Secretary Mnuchin chaired the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and was a member of the National Security Council. He was responsible for using economic tools to combat terrorist financing and other threats to the United States and our allies.

Prior to his confirmation he also served as Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Dune Capital Management. He founded OneWest Bank Group LLC and served as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until its sale to CIT Group Inc. Earlier in his career, Secretary Mnuchin worked at The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. where he was a Partner and served as Chief Information Officer. He was recently named as non-executive Board Chair of Satellogic, a satellite imagery provider to government and commercial sectors. He has extensive experience in global financial markets and investments.

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TAMER ELNOURY

  • Former Undercover FBI Operative

Former undercover FBI operative and New York Times bestselling author Tamer Elnoury is known for infiltrating and bringing down a terror cell in North America. There have only been a handful of people in our nation’s history that have done counter-terrorism work in this capacity or at this level, and no one has ever infiltrated Al Qaeda as deeply as Tamer has. In his New York Times bestselling book, American Radical: Inside the World of an Undercover Muslim FBI Agent, he shares his story – the explosive memoir of a Muslim American FBI agent fighting terror from the inside. In sought-after talks, Tamer offers unparalleled insights on building human connection for companies and organizations.

Tamer spent nearly two decades infiltrating and thwarting terror cells across the globe, and currently serves in an executive management position in law enforcement. His experience made him a master in the art of building and maintaining interpersonal trust – even with some of the most dangerous people on the planet. Today, he speaks to audiences about what it takes to build relationships founded on trust in a complicated and changing world.

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TOM SEGURA

  • Comedian, Writer, and Actor

Actor, comedian, and podcaster Tom Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business, with chart-topping stand-up albums and multiple hit Netflix specials. Segura is a regular on some of the most downloaded podcasts in the world of comedy such as The Joe Rogan Experience and WTF with Marc Maron, in addition to co-hosting his own hit podcast Your Mom’s House with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky. His wildly popular Netflix comedy specials Disgraceful, Mostly Stories, and Completely Normal led to the sold-out, 100-city Take it Down Tour. Segura delights audiences with pop culture insights and hilarious anecdotes that guarantee an unforgettable event.

Segura is a sharp-witted cultural commentator, with his first two comedy albums Thrilled and White Girls with Cornrows debuting at #1 and sustaining popularity, while his most recent hour-long album Mostly Stories topped iTunes and Billboard Comedy charts for consecutive weeks. He has appeared in the feature films Countdown and Instant Family, as well as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Conan, Workaholics, Happy Endings, The Late Late Show, Comedy Central Presents: Tom Segura, and many more. Segura is a highly sought-after speaker who can deliver engaging talks in both English and Spanish.

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TONY HAWK

  • Famed Professional Skateboarder

The most recognized action sports figure in the world, Tony Hawk was just nine-years old when his brother changed his life by giving him a blue fiberglass Bahne skateboard. By 14 he’d turned pro, and by 16 he was widely considered the best skateboarder on earth. He was world champion 12 years in a row and is a 16-time X Games medalist. In 1999, he became the first skater to ever complete a 900, the holy grail of vert skating. Shortly thereafter, he teamed up with Activision to launch Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, now a billion dollar video game franchise. He has created a Tony Hawk brand that includes Birdhouse Skateboards, Hawk Clothing, and the Tony Hawk Signature Series sporting goods and toys. His speaking engagements draw huge crowds, inspiring everyone from media savvy millennials to corporate veterans.

Tony served as a correspondent at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games for NBC when skateboarding became an Olympic sport for the first time. An intuitive marketer with social networking, Tony’s fan base numbers in the millions on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. And he recently launched a new podcast co-hosted by Jason Ellis called Hawk vs. Wolf. Tony authored a New York Times bestseller, the bio HAWK—Occupation: Skateboarder, and his book How Did I Get Here? The Ascent of an Unlikely CEO, covers the business side of his career. And in 2022, a biographical documentary film titled Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off by award-winning director Sam Jones debuted on HBO, giving an in-depth look at Tony’s legendary career and personal life. Tony also oversees his own film, television and commercial production company, 900 Films. In 2002, Tony founded The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation), which has given away over $10M to help fund over 650 public skatepark projects throughout the United States that serve over six million visitors a year.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TROY KOTSUR

  • Academy Award-Winning Actor

Oscar Award-winning actor Troy Kotsur made history as the first deaf man in Academy history to win the award for his performance in CODA. Kotsur has been acting and directing for over twenty years, and is a member of the prestigious Deaf West Theatre, where he starred in productions including Cyrano, Of Mice and Men and A Streetcar Named Desire. Kotsur, who has been deaf since birth, made headlines in 2019 for his work on Disney+’s The Mandalorian – in addition to making history as the first deaf actor to appear in a Star Wars production, he created an adapted form of sign language for the series. Other notable roles include: Criminal Minds, Scrubs, CSI: NY, and a fan favorite recurring character on PAX’s Sue Thomas: FB-Eye. Kotsur is a magnetic and memorable keynote speaker, sharing insights from his path to Hollywood acclaim, impactful takeaways about expanding inclusion and opportunity for people with disabilities, and overcoming obstacles to exceed even your own expectations.

Kotsur has been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, NBC News, CNN, Vanity Fair, NPR, The LA Times, Slate, and Forbes, which describes him as “a one-man masterclass in starpower and stage presence.” An acclaimed theatre actor, he played multiple roles in the Tony Award-winning ASL production of Big River, and was nominated for an LA Drama Circle Critics Award for his work in Deaf West’s Spring Awakening. Kotsur also won the BAFTA, SAG Award, Indie Spirit Award, and more for his performance in CODA. He directed the film No Ordinary Hero, and is currently working with Signing Animation and will star in Flash Before the Bang.

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JUDGE VICTORIA PRATT

  • Internationally Recognized Expert in Criminal Justice Reform

Dynamic. Captivating. Relevant. These are just a few words used to describe Judge Victoria Pratt. She is recognized nationally and internationally for her commitment to reforming the criminal justice system. She’s been called a pioneer in procedural justice­­ – a simple, proven approach to transforming our court system using the power of dignity and respect. Her respectful approach has had a transformational impact on court participants, the community, and court practitioners. Her highly viewed TED Talk “How judges can show respect” has been listed as one of the Top 15 Most Viral Motivational Talks on Facebook, with over 37M views. Pratt is the author of The Power of Dignity: How Transforming Justice Can Heal Our Communities, which the Los Angeles Review of Books called ”mandatory reading,” among other rave reviews.

Considered a global expert, Pratt has worked in Dubai, Ukraine, England, Scotland, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico. She’s been featured in media outlets such as The GuardianForbes, and PBS, to name a few. She champions criminal justice reform through her consulting firm Pratt Lucien Consultants, LLC, by sharing her skills and approach with corporations such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Prudential, as well as other institutions and organizations. In sought after motivational keynotes, Pratt offers unparalleled insights on procedural justice, transforming justice, DEI work, and leadership that make an impact with audiences of all kinds. She regularly receives rave reviews for her events, such as: “"Judge Pratt does not disappoint. She is a dynamic speaker with a passionate message that applies universally. Her words made the audience members reflect long after her presentation. I highly recommend her if you want your audience to be informed and inspired!" (Prudential Financial)

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NICOLE BYER

  • Actor, Comedian, and Writer

Comedian, actor, TV host, and award-winning podcaster Nicole Byer is one of the most versatile and recognizable voices in comedy today. An early standout on MTV’s Girl Code, Byer is known for Lady DynamiteBrooklyn 99The UnicornBlack Lady Sketch ShowBojack Horseman, Tuca & Bertie, and 30 Rock. She produced and starred in the MTV/Facebook Watch series Loosely Exactly Nicole, co-created the Above Average web series Pursuit of Sexiness with Sasheer Zamata, and is the author of #VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE. Byer hosts Netflix’s Nailed It!, which earned her back-to-back Emmy nominations – she made history as the first Black woman to be nominated in the “Outstanding Host” category – and co-hosts TBS’ Wipeout alongside John Cena. The multi-hyphenate creative, whom Variety called “a star of uncommon charisma,” is one of the most sought-after performers in the industry and makes an impact with audiences of all kinds.

Byer has been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Paste Magazine, Variety, NPR, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post and more, and has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The View, Peace of Mind with Taraji, among others. She is the award-winning host of multiple podcasts: Why Won’t You Date Me?, Best Friends, Newcomers, and 90 Day Bae, and is the two-time consecutive winner of the iHeartRadio Podcast Award for “Best Female Host.” Following her critically acclaimed first hour-long comedy special on Netflix, Nicole Byer: BBW (Big Beautiful Weirdo), Byer stars in Peacock’s The Grand Crew, as well as Netflix’s highly anticipated animated comedy series Bad Crimes. In addition to bringing star power and levity to any event, Byer shares insights about her career journey, how she balances her countless projects, and connects with audiences for a memorable event.

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GRETCHEN RUBIN

  • Happiness Expert

Happiness expert, podcaster, and six-time New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin relentlessly explores human nature to understand how we can create happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative lives. Rubin started her career in law and was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor when she realized she wanted to be a writer. She is the author of several books including the blockbuster NYT bestsellers Outer Order, Inner Calm, Better Than Before, The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, and The Four Tendencies, which have sold more than 3.5M copies worldwide in more than thirty languages. One of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature, Rubin is known for her ability to distill and convey complex ideas with humor and clarity, in a way that’s accessible to a wide audience.

Rubin has addressed corporate audiences at places such as GEGoogleLinkedIn, Accenture, Procter & Gamble, as well as university audiences such as Yale Law School, Harvard Business School, and Wharton. She has appeared at numerous conferences as a featured speaker or keynoter, including SXSW, World Domination Summit, the 92nd Street Y, 5×15TEDxBlogHerthe Atlantic, Alt Design, Q Cities, Behance’s 99u, Mom 2.0, West Point, Lucid, and the Texas, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania Conferences for Women. Rubin is a regular contributor to CBS News, writes a blog with millions of yearly readers, and hosts the top-ranking, award-winning podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, alongside her sister Elizabeth Craft. Her weekly emails reach more than one million readers. Rubin provides surprising insights and practical strategies that resonate with individuals and organizations in the pursuit of happiness.

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JAY CASPIAN KANG

  • Writer-at-Large, The New York Times Magazine and Staff Writer, The New Yorker

Author, cultural critic, New Yorker staff writer, and writer-at-large at The New York Times Magazine Jay Caspian Kang writes and speaks about race, identity, economics, the history of immigration, and more. He was a founding editor at Grantland and an Emmy-nominated correspondent on VICE at HBO. Kang is the author of The Loneliest Americans, which was named one of the best books of the year by NPR, Mother Jones, and TIME, which called it “provocative and sweeping.” It was also named an Editor’s Choice book by The New York Times Book Review, which raved that Kang’s “exploration of class and identity among Asian Americans will be talked about for years to come.”

Kang’s writing has been featured in numerous publications and outlets including This American LifeThe New Yorker, and The Nation, among others. He is a co-host of the beloved eclectic podcast Time to Say Goodbye, which Slate called one of the Best Chat Podcasts of 2022. A substantive speaker and insightful moderator, Kang speaks on topics as varied as city planning, the history of immigration in the U.S., education policy and Affirmative Action, and more for hosts including the Korean American Spine Surgical Society, the Collegiate School, and Ohio State University.

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SAHAR ZAND

  • Award-Winning Investigative Journalist

Award-winning investigative journalist, producer, and documentarian Sahar Zand is highly regarded for her work on some of today’s most pressing topics: the Iran Nuclear Deal, mental health in Afghanistan, the refugee crisis, climate change, and many more. Zand has worked for the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Vice News, and numerous other international media outlets, and her report “The Moroccan warrior women beating men at their own games” was chosen as one of the best reports by BBC reports in 2016. Her documentary Britain’s Virginity Clinics for ITV Exposure was nominated for many awards including the Royal Television Society Programme Awards, Amnesty Media, the BAFTAs, and a True Honour Award from the Iranian and Kurdish Women Rights Organisation, where she will also serve as their patron. Zand’s creative and disruptive style of journalism has earned her high praise within the industry, and she is a highly sought-after speaker on the nuances of major global issues of conflict and human rights.

Zand was born in Iran, fled the country to avoid political persecution, and overcame adversity once she found asylum in the U.K., which has given her an insight into marginalized communities that enables her to report from a unique perspective rarely seen in mainstream media. She has been personally affected by poverty, racism, and identity issues, and is a passionate advocate for raising awareness and championing the most marginalized. Zand is a prolific storyteller, and her immersive and impact-driven work connect with a global audience. Her insights about the role of journalism in the rising disinformation epidemic, her personal experience overcoming adversity, and finding strength and resilience are impactful for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LEVAR BURTON

  • Award-Winning Actor, Writer, Director, and Producer

LeVar Burton is an actor, director, producer, and podcaster whose decades-long body of work includes Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Reading Rainbow. He is the honored recipient of six NAACP Awards, a Peabody, a Grammy, and 15 Emmy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Inaugural Children’s & Family Emmys.

A lifelong literacy advocate, Burton recently partnered with Osmo’s Reading Adventure, an innovative technology that uses speech recognition and digital storytelling to teach children to read. His first documentary, The Right to Read, premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2023. Burton continues to exercise his passion for storytelling as the award-winning author of Aftermath, The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm, and A Kids Book About Imagination. He launched his first book club with Fable, a digital book club community, and partnered with Masterclass to share the power of storytelling.

His production company, LeVar Burton Entertainment (LBE), develops projects in the film, television, podcasting, and publishing space with the mission to share stories that fosters empathy, champions diversity, and builds community. Now in its 11th season, the enormously popular LeVar Burton Reads podcast has over 175 episodes in its catalog, boasting 25M downloads. LBE’s first Kids & Family podcast, Sound Detectives, is coming soon.

As a pop culture icon, Burton has the unique ability to reach across all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups – communicating to a large fan base that is highly engaged and motivated to embrace his message.

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TRESSIE MCMILLAN COTTOM

  • Renowned Cultural Critic, Sociologist, and Award-Winning Author

Award-winning writer, sociologist, and cultural critic Tressie McMillan Cottom is celebrated for her profound yet personal ideas and the dynamic accessibility of her analysis. Dr. Cottom’s first book, Lower Ed: The Troubling Rise of For-Profit Colleges in the New Economy, led to appearances on The Daily Show, NPR’s Marketplace and Fresh Air, and has been name-checked by Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and activists like The Debt Strike Collective. Since the release of her second book, Thick: And Other Essays, Dr. Cottom’s career has skyrocketed. Thick became a Finalist for the 2019 National Book Award, and the following year Dr. Cottom received a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship – known as the ‘genius grant’. Her work is prolific – beyond her books and celebrated New York Times opinion column, she has written a Substack newsletter “Essaying,” is a contributor for Vanity Fair, co-hosted the Black feminist podcast Hear to Slay with Roxane Gay, and has sat in as a guest host for The Ezra Klein Show. Her books have become modern classics, and her commentary is in demand on a wide range of topics like inclusive marketing, creating policy narratives, technology, the future of democracy, and the cultural zeitgeist.

Dr. Cottom is a public academic whose work is as impactful on Twitter as it is in groundbreaking research, and continually reimagines how our society might function better on behalf of the most marginalized. She has a devoted fanbase for her essays (Tressays, as her fans call them), which defy the form – she explores the intersections of race, class, and gender, in the same breath as incisive pop culture critique and personal history. Dr. Cottom is currently a professor at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and is sought after as a consultant for both global brands and on Capitol Hill. Dr. Cottom is equally in demand as a cultural authority – she was tapped to pen the Vanity Fair cover story for Sean Combs as well as the Harper’s BAZAAR cover story for Venus & Serena Williams. In her writing, as well as in luminous keynotes and moderated conversations, Dr. Cottom tells creative stories of her research and herself – taking theory into real-world understanding for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALIZA LICHT

  • Founder of LEAVE YOUR MARK

Award-winning marketer, bestselling author, podcaster, personal branding expert, and global mentor Aliza Licht has built her expertise for over two decades in marketing, communications, and digital strategy in the fashion industry. Licht is the Founder of LEAVE YOUR MARK, a multimedia brand and consultancy that focuses on brand-building and career development. She was formerly known as the anonymous social media phenomenon DKNY PR Girl, an award-winning social media personality and pioneer fashion influencer with over 1.5M fans worldwide. Her reveal generated over 230M media impressions.

Licht’s first book, Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It in Your Career. Rock Social Media. has been described as “a mentorship in 285 pages.” It has ranked on Book Authority’s “100 Best Career Development Books of All Time” every year, has been translated into multiple languages, and is required reading for many communications majors in U.S. universities. Her weekly podcast, LEAVE YOUR MARK, delivers essential advice and inspiration. Named one of “America’s Next Top Mentors” by The New York Times, Licht is a sought-after consultant for brand clients as well as a members-only career coach, mentoring people on how to shape and amplify their personal brands to drive success.

Licht has been featured on Good Morning America, the Wall Street Journal, in TIME’s “Six Women Who Rule the Fashion World,” and in New York Daily News’ “Top 50 Most Powerful Women in New York.” Business Insider named Licht one of the “Top 20 Most Innovative Career Coaches,” and she offers motivational keynotes about the importance of shaping your narrative in a world where personal and professional lines are blurred and how you position yourself can determine the opportunities presented to you or handed to someone else. In demand for events with groups like LinkedIn, TEDx, SXSW, Salesforce, Facebook, and more, Licht shares her empowering message: the most important thing you can have is a strong sense of self. Her book, ON BRAND: Shape Your Narrative. Share Your Vision. Shift Their Perception (Union Square & Co.) is a comprehensive roadmap to building your personal brand online, in real life, and at work. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CATHERINE COLEMAN FLOWERS

  • Internationally Recognized Advocate for the Human Right to Water and Sanitation

Internationally recognized environmental activist, author, and MacArthur “genius” grant recipient Catherine Coleman Flowers has dedicated her life’s work to advocating for environmental justice. Founder of the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice (CREEJ), Flowers has spent her career promoting equal access to clean water, air, sanitation, and soil to reduce health and economic disparities in marginalized, rural communities. Her leadership and fervor in fighting for solutions to these issues led her to one of her most notable appointments yet — Vice Chair of the Biden Administration’s inaugural White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Flowers is the author of the acclaimed and award-winning book Waste: One Woman’s Fight Against America’s Dirty Secret, in which she shares her inspiring story of advocacy, from childhood to environmental justice champion. Whether addressing equal access to water, the effects of climate change on different communities, or the effect of history on today's inequities, Flowers' lens of leadership in environmental justice and climate change engages and inspires attendees with tangible solutions and ways to take action.

Flowers serves as Rural Development Manager for Bryan Stevenson’s Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), is a Board Member for the Center for Earth Ethics at Union Theological Seminary, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Climate Reality Project and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Flowers is also Co-Chair of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Commission on Accelerating Climate Action and Practitioner in Residence at Duke University. She has written powerful pieces for the New York Review of Books, The Guardian, The New York Times, and Frontline Magazine, and has been profiled by 60 Minutes. Thought-provoking and informative, Flowers’ talks have left lasting impressions at the American Institute of Architects, the Triple Bottom Line Americas Conference, the Bloomberg Green Festival, the Global Philanthropy Forum, Georgetown University, Wheaton University, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SEAN MCVAY

  • Head Coach of Super Bowl LVI Winning Los Angeles Rams

NFL Head Coach of the LA Rams Sean McVay has been making history with his collaborative leadership style and unparalleled offensive strategy, becoming the youngest Head Coach in NFL history to win a playoff game, make multiple Super Bowl appearances, and win, leading his team to victory in Super Bowl LVI. Following a college football career as a wide receiver at Miami University in Ohio, McVay became the youngest person in recent NFL history to be hired as a coach when he joined the Rams at age 30. He went on to revitalize the franchise, earning a reputation for what The Ringer calls a “rare brand of collaborative genius” and “the most advanced offensive mind in the game.” McVay has cultivated an expertise in strategic leadership as well as contagious enthusiasm and shares practical takeaways for those looking to create advantages out of adversity in work and in life.

The AP NFL Coach of the Year is also a powerful advocate for his colleagues, prioritizing conversations about mental health and wellness, and seeking compromises that include all points of view. For McVay, communication is the most important element of his leadership style. He shared his philosophy of the role of a coach in an interview with FOX Sports, “that’s one of the most important things a coach can do is provide support, and the best leaders make people, in any situation they are part of, better." While McVay is certainly an expert in strategy, his impact as a leader is felt in his ability to set his team up for success through open communication, humility, and compromise – and his insights are sought after by individuals and organizations seeking to improve their teamwork and achieve success.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

YOGI ROTH

  • Coach and Sports Analyst

Coach, sportscaster, Emmy Award-nominated filmmaker, podcaster, and New York Times bestselling author Yogi Roth is known for his relentless positivity, vital insights about the role of masculinity in sports, and powerhouse motivational keynotes. After coaching college football, he co-authored the New York Times bestseller Win Forever with Pete Carroll and his memoir From PA to LA. He is currently the lead analyst for the Pac-12 Network and has also worked as host and analyst for ESPN, FOX, and as a correspondent for CBS’ Entertainment Tonight, and has hosted the Elite 11 on ESPN, Bleacher Report, the NFL Network, and YouTube. A gifted storyteller, he has executive produced and hosted The CW’s All American Stories, and produced and directed numerous documentaries with the NFL Films, Bleacher Report, and ESPN, as well as the docuseries ProtectHer. A prolific creative, Roth has produced or directed numerous documentaries, including the Emmy-nominated Keep Climbing: 2013 Elite 11 and the LA Emmy Award-winning feature Fight On: A Jackson Family. He was the co-founder of Win Forever, which was dedicated to developing coaches hone their coaching philosophy. He is a gifted speaker, sharing insights about how finding our unique story can help us make an impact in our lives, communities, and the world.

Roth is an in-demand speakers for events with Nike, World Surf League, JC Penny, Dignity Health, IMG College, Capital One, the TEDx Austin Women’s Conference, and many more, and he spoke at the SXSW Festival addressing masculinity in sports. He hosts the podcast The It Factory: Pac-12 Football, where he interviews esteemed guests about their journeys to success, and co-hosted Season of Sam. He partnered with One World Play Project as a Story Ambassador, celebrating teams that demonstrate resiliency, and is the cofounder of Win Forever, which is dedicated to developing coaching philosophy. Roth inspires individuals and organizations to explore their potential, and maximize it by striving together to achieve goals.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TAYLOR ROOKS

  • Sports Journalist, Anchor, and Interviewer

Emmy Award-nominated sports journalist Taylor Rooks is an acclaimed interviewer whose probing questions give rise to some of today’s most pressing discussions beyond the game. Rooks is the Host and Executive Producer of Take It There With Taylor Rooks, her interview show for Bleacher Report, among other duties for Turner Sports. Previously, she worked as a host, reporter, and correspondent for the Big Ten Network and as a sideline reporter for CBS Sports Network. Rooks has recently been tapped to join Amazon's Thursday Night Football as a Feature Reporter. She is known for asking daring questions that lead to revelatory conversations with some of sports’ biggest stars.

Praised in a profile by the New York Times: “Taylor Rooks gets the interviews that go viral.” She shares meaningful insights about succeeding in her industry by focusing on making connections and honoring the humanity of the players, as well as understanding the larger context behind the game. With her incomparable coverage of the NBA season during the pandemic, Rooks was tapped as featured writer for GQ’s “Men of the Year” issue. She offers unparalleled analysis based on her expertise in media as a keynote speaker, host, or interviewer to amplify meaningful events for audiences.

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SARAH ELIZABETH LEWIS

  • Academic and Thought Leader

Public intellectual, scholar, and bestselling author Sarah Elizabeth Lewis focuses on the intersection of African American and Black Atlantic visual representation, racial justice, and representational democracy in the United States from the nineteenth century through the present. Dr. Lewis is the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Humanities and Associate Professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard University. Her scholarship and research have been profiled by outlets including The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, and her presentations on race in America are sharp, knowledgeable, and insightful. 

One of the most eloquent speakers on the national conversation on race, Lewis believes the fight to end racial injustice cannot be merely legal or political. It has to involve images and it has to involve culture, because the fight is a struggle for visibility. A popular and in-demand speaker, her talks at the nexus of art, race, and justice leave audiences not only inspired, but rejuvenated and hopeful. A frequent speaker at universities and conferences, her mainstage TEDTalk, Embrace the Near Win, has received over 3M views. 

Her award-winning “Vision & Justice” issue of Aperture magazine received the 2017 Infinity Award for Critical Writing and Research from the International Center of Photography and launched Vision & Justice, based on the topic of her core curriculum course at Harvard University, filled with compelling inquiry and a sense of timeliness. Lewis says that the point of her course, Vision & Justice magazines, and the talk is to answer the following questions: How is representational democracy tied up with visual representation? How can our culture shift the narratives we have about who counts and who belongs in society?

Lewis is also the bestselling author of The Rise, a fascinating examination of how our most iconic creative endeavors — from innovation to the arts — are not achievements but conversions, corrections after failed attempts. Translated into six languages, the book is a successful lesson on creativity, innovation, and discovery.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

FAWN WEAVER

  • Serial Entrepreneur

Serial entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, and groundbreaking business mogul Fawn Weaver is an expert in crafting compelling stories; as a writer, powerhouse investor, and values-driven leader. Weaver leverages 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, from founding and serving as CEO of Grant Sidney, Inc., a privately held investment company, to launching the fastest-growing whiskey brand in U.S. history, Uncle Nearest, Inc. The brand boasts significant accolades as the most awarded American whiskey, including bourbon, of 2019, 2020, and 2021, sweeping 16 of the top 18 award competitions in the world. Weaver also built the $50M Uncle Nearest Venture Fund, investing in minority founded, owned, and led brands with the greatest potential to grow into legacy brands. A multi-hyphenate and popular TED speaker, Weaver is a highly sought-after voice in conversations about accelerating growth without sacrificing values, inclusive organizational strategy, and leadership, making an impact with audiences of all kinds.

The first Black American woman to build a $1B+ company from the ground up (founded, majority-owned and led) who is not a celebrity, Weaver has been featured in The New York TimesBloomberg, The Washington Post, CNBCFast CompanyOprah MagazineLos Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, and more, and she has appeared on FOX Business, the TODAY Show, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, among countless others. She is a regular contributor to Inc. Magazine, and her revelatory segment on NPR’s How I Built This with Guy Raz had the internet abuzz for weeks. A committed philanthropist, Weaver is the Founder of the Nearest Green Foundation, which offers full scholarships to every descendent of Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green, the world’s first known African American master distiller. She is certified as a Corporate Director by Harvard Business School and sits on the Endeavor Group Holdings board of directors, where she also serves on its audit committee. In riveting conversations, Weaver offers key insights and impactful takeaways about cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and what it takes to succeed across industries in business and in life.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CRISTELA ALONZO

  • Comedian, Actress, Writer, and Star of CBS's 'She Gets It From Me'

Comedian, actress, writer, and producer Cristela Alonzo made history as the first Latina woman to create, write, and star in a network TV show, Cristela. She developed a comedy special for Netflix Lower Classy and served as a fan-favorite guest host on ABC’s The View. Alonzo uses humor to shine a light on bigger issues, and makes us laugh while she opens our eyes. Her comedic point of view was honed through her experiences growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American, and she is a masterful storyteller, as evidenced in her bestselling memoir full of humor and heart, Music to My Years: A Mixtape-Memoir of Growing Up and Standing Up. Alonzo mixes sketch comedy and social commentary in her podcast To Be Continued, and her stories range from the ridiculous to the sobering and have also been shared in interviews on NPR , the Chicago Tribune and It's Been A Minute With Sam Sanders. Cristela is a dedicated advocate for a variety of philanthropies focused on immigration, citizenship, economic opportunity. As she says: I am a first-generation American born to an undocumented mother that taught me to love this country. I believe it is my duty to give back and fight so that everyone can get the same thing my family got: a chance.”

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALEX EDELMAN

  • Award-Winning Comedian and Writer

Award-winning comedian and writer Alex Edelman creates critically and commercially acclaimed work informed by his Orthodox Jewish upbringing. Known for his solo shows, Edelman has created award-winning and sell-out hits in London’s West End, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and off-Broadway in New York City. His first solo show, Millennial, won the Edinburgh Comedy Award for “Best Newcomer,” and his subsequent pieces Everything Handed To You and Just For Us have been performed internationally. Edelman is in demand for his commentary and comedy, sharing hilarious and poignant insights centered on his Jewish identity, Generation Y cohort, and politics. His album Until Now was named “One of the Year’s Best” by NPR’s Bullseye.

Also known for his TV writing, Edelman was the Head Writer and Executive Producer of Saturday Night Seder, a star-studded special which raised more than $3.5M for the CDC Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. He is the creator of BBC Radio 4’s Peer Group, a stand-up comedy show, a founder of Jerusalem’s Off the Wall Comedy Club, and has appeared on Conan numerous times. His writing is featured in The Atlantic and The Believer. His most recent Broadway show, Just for Us, has cemented his reputation as a writer and performer of impressive ambition and technical skill, earning a nomination for a Barry Award for “Best Show” at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and a Herald Angel Award and nomination for “Best Show” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. HBO will premiere JUST FOR US as a special in 2024. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

PUNKIE JOHNSON

  • Comedian, Actor, and Writer

Comedian, writer, and actor Punkie Johnson is known for her hilarious work as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. When Johnson joined SNL in its 45th season, she made history as the first out Black lesbian cast member and became a featured player the following season. Her credits include Netflix’s Space Force, HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, CBS’ Ghosts, Bill Burr Presents: The Ringers, and the upcoming feature film Bottoms. Punkie also stars in the new season of HBO Max’s Love Life, and was called “a particular stand out” by TIME Magazine. She has also served as a writer & consultant for Peacock’s Queer as Folk reboot. Punkie’s comedy is direct and honest, and she pulls from her personal life to get big laughs.

Punkie was a New Face at the Just for Laughs Festival in 2019 and is a proud paid regular at the World Famous Comedy Store in Hollywood. After starting there as a server, she worked her way up to getting picked for open mic nights, eventually landing a spot on stage. She is currently working on her own podcast, Swamp Education, offering unsolicited opinions about life and relationships. For virtual and in-person events, Punkie balances insights with laugh-inducing moderated conversations for a memorable event.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

NATE BOYER

  • Former Active-Duty Green Beret

Former Green Beret, NFL player, and filmmaker Nate Boyer is what many would deem a renaissance man – he shares his motivational message with groups including Microsoft, Budweiser, USAA, General Mills, and more.

The Army Green Beret – who was deployed to both Iraq & Afghanistan over his ten-year military career – is also a philanthropist and humanitarian. Despite never playing a down of organized football prior to his time in the Special Forces, Nate played for the University of Texas Longhorns and became the oldest rookie in NFL history at 34 while playing for the Seattle Seahawks. As a member of the military veteran and athlete communities, he saw an opportunity to tackle their transition struggles together through Merging Vets & Players (MVP) – a charity he co-founded with Jay Glazer. Nate is sought-after by Veteran groups, athletic organizations, as well as business looking for a message of inspiration and motivation.

Nate is also an actor, writer, director, producer, and TV host. He co-created, executive produced, and hosted the NFL Network series Indivisible with Nate Boyer, discussing issues relevant to local communities and how football unites us all to solve these problems. Nate’s new film MVP is his directorial debut and tells a real-life story about the struggles of veterans and athletes who found purpose and renewed life together. Boyer’s belief that “Anything is Possible” has served him well throughout his life and students, veterans, businesspersons, athletes, and people from all walks of like can take something away from his unique story.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ADAM MET

  • Twelve-Time Platinum Award-Winning Musician in AJR

Award-winning musician, academic, and sustainability advocate Adam Met is a thought leader at the intersections of entertainment, policy, and tech. Adam rose to international prominence as the bassist for the band AJR, which has over 5B streams, touring internationally on sold out tours and earning numerous platinum certifications. Beyond his global impact as a musician, Adam is passionate about finding actionable and collaborative solutions for climate change. He is the Founder and Executive director of Planet Reimagined, and consults with politicians, organizations, and industries to innovate wide-reaching and meaningful solutions.

Adam serves as an advocate for the United Nations Development Programme, drawing on his PhD in international human rights law to foster awareness of sustainability solutions. His writing has been featured in Fortune, Billboard Magazine, Rolling Stone, and more, and hosts his podcast Planet Reimagined. Adam has shared his uplifting and interdisciplinary insights at events with groups like Project Everyone, the United Nations, the Concordia Annual Summit, Columbia University, the Adcraft Conference, and more. He moderates nuanced conversations with global experts, making complex and difficult topics relatable and actionable.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LATOSHA BROWN

  • Political Strategist and Award-Winning National Organizer

Award-winning community organizer, political strategist, and jazz singer LaTosha Brown is a trusted expert and resource in political strategy, rural development, and special programming for philanthropies. Brown is the co-Founder of Black Voters Matter Fund – a power-building southern-based civic engagement organization – leveraging over two decades of experience as a revered institution-builder in non-profit and philanthropy sectors. A renowned philanthropic consultant, she has served as an advisor for groups such as the Ford Foundation, Friends of New Orleans, and the Clinton Global Initiative for over 25 years, and is the principle owner of TruthSpeaks Consulting, Inc. Brown is the Visionary, Founder, and Co-Anchor of the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium, a $100M, 10-year initiative to invest in organizations that serve Black women and girls. She has launched and served countless organizations with her nationally recognized expertise in issues related to social justice, economic and leadership development, wealth creation, and civil rights.

Brown has served as an American Democracy Fellow with the Charles Warren Center at Harvard University, and is a Senior Practice Fellow in American Democracy at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard’s Kennedy School. She serves on the board of the National Coalition on Black Civic Engagement (NCBCP), the Southern Documentary Fund, and is an active member of several national and international organizations. She and her work have received numerous awards, including the Redbook Magazine Spirit and Strength Award, NCBCP’s Spirit of Democracy Award, the White House Champion of Change Award, the Philanthropy Women Breakthrough Award for Thought and Strategy Leadership, and many more. Sought after for her uplifting keynote speeches, Brown shares message of hope and shared humanity, inviting audiences to envision a future and a democracy we deserve.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

PADRAIG HARRINGTON

  • PGA, Three-Time Major Champion, and Former Ryder Cup Captain

Golf Major Champion, Olympian and Ryder Cup Captain Padraig Harrington has a career total of more than 30 victories around the world, and has achieved great distinction in the sport, not only for his titles, but also for his work ethic, affability, and dogged determination. As the Irish Times said, "Harrington’s discipline, earning him the reputation as the hardest working player on tour, almost always the last to leave the practice range, stood him well." The New York Times points out that Harrington "Chooses to Believe" and credits his hard work, tenacity and attititude in achieving such high ranks in the sport.

Padraig’s professional career began in 1995, when he secured his European Tour card, shortly before gaining his maiden tour victory at the 1996 Spanish Open after only 10 events as a professional. In 1999 he fulfilled one of his career ambitions, qualifying for the European Ryder Cup team, thus beginning an association with the famous trophy that continues to the present day. Three Major victories in the space of 13 months helped him to reach a career high of third in the World Rankings and earned him the European Tour, PGA Tour and PGA of America Player of the Year awards. In addition, he won the Golf Writers’ trophies on both sides of the Atlantic and the European Tour Shot of the Year. Padraig represented Ireland at the 2016 Olympics.

Padraig is actively involved in many charities including the Special Olympics and cancer awareness. Padraig's father died from oesophageal cancer and now helps to raise awareness about cancer signs and treatments, saying: "When you get a symptom, don't ignore it. Do something about it."

Clune Construction sums up hosts' reaction to an event with Padraig: “We have had the pleasure of engaging Padraig for a number of our corporate events and while his golf was the draw, the highlight on each occasion ended up being his speech presentation and interaction with our clients “

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SARAH BROOM

  • New York Times Bestselling Author, 'The Yellow House'

National Book Award Winner and instant New York Times bestseller Sarah M. Broom is the author of The Yellow House – a brilliant, haunting, and unforgettable memoir. The Yellow House, is about the inexorable pull of home and family, set in a shotgun house in New Orleans East. Heralded as “an instantly essential text, examining the past, present and possible future of the city of New Orleans, and of America writ large” (cover review of the New York Times Book Review), Sarah’s debut has been dubbed a must-read book in over 15 publications including the LA Times, the Washington PostVanity Fair, NPR, and TIME. Sarah is currently working on her next three books, which will take readers on a collective journey, as she does in her poignant talks about her writing, reflections, the creative process, and lessons from the past we carry into the future.

Sarah’s work has appeared in the New YorkerThe New York Times MagazineThe Oxford American, and O, The Oprah Magazine, among others. She was awarded a Whiting Foundation Creative Nonfiction Grant in 2016 and was a finalist for the New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Creative Nonfiction in 2011. She has also been awarded fellowships at Djerassi Resident Artists Program and The MacDowell Colony. Sarah has been sought-after for events with Princeton University, The East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Adelphi University, Tulane University, Millsaps College, Stanford University, and the National Association for Law Placement, among others.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KATHERINE EBAN

  • Renowned Investigative Journalist

Renowned investigative journalist Katherine Eban is a Vanity Fair contributor and Andrew Carnegie fellow. Her articles on pharmaceutical counterfeiting, gun trafficking, and coercive interrogations by the CIA, have won international attention and numerous awards. 

The New York Times bestselling author of two books, Bottle of Lies: the Inside Story of the Generic Drug Boom and Dangerous Doses: a True Story of Cops, Counterfeiters and the Contamination of America’s Drug Supply, are both explosive investigative works into the dark side of the pharmaceutical industry. In Bottle of Lies, Eban exposes the deceit behind generic-drug manufacturing—and the attendant risks for global health. Based on a decade of reporting, Eban reveals endemic fraud and dire conditions in an industry where companies routinely falsify data and circumvent safe manufacturing practices to minimize cost and maximize profit. In Dangerous Doses, she exposes the dark side of America's pharmaceutical trade, and how stolen, compromised, and counterfeit medicine increasingly makes its way into a poorly regulated distribution system. 

In her talks Eban addresses pharmaceutical integrity, the production and distribution of generic drugs, and how globalization -- as well as COVID-19 -- impact our supply chain of essential goods. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ELIZA GRISWOLD

  • Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author of 'Amity and Prosperity: One Family and the Fracturing of America'

Eliza Griswold is a writer who reports on issues of social justice, religion, politics and the environment abroad and at home in America. A contributing writer for The New Yorker since 2003, she has also written and translated five books of nonfiction and poetry.

Griswold was awarded the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction for her book Amity and Prosperity: One Family and the Fracturing of America.

She was recently awarded a PEN prize for her 2014 book, I Am The Beggar of the World which traces the secret life of women and poetry in Afghanistan. Her 2011 non-fiction book, The Tenth Parallel, a New York Times Bestseller, was awarded the Lukas Prize. 

A graduate of Princeton, she has held fellowships at Harvard University, New America, and the Guggenheim Foundation, and was awarded the Rome Prize by the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2010. Her poems and reportage have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Atlantic, among many others. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MARK NEPO

  • Poet, Philosopher, and Spiritual Teacher

Poet, philosopher, and spiritual teacher Mark Nepo has made a significant impact for over forty years as “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time,” “a consummate storyteller,” and “an eloquent spiritual teacher.” With over a million copies sold, Mark has moved and inspired readers and seekers all over the world with his #1 New York Times bestseller, The Book of Awakening. Renowned for his widely accessible work, he has published twenty-three books – which have been translated into more than twenty languages – and recorded sisteen audio projects. Recent work includes Surviving Storms (2022) and The Book of Soul, named by Spirituality & Practice as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2020, and the Nautilus Book Award Winners Drinking from the River of Light and Things That Join the Sea and the Sky. Mark devotes his writing and teaching to the journey of inner transformation and the life of relationship, and has been highly sought after as an inspirational speaker for events with groups like the Chautauqua Institution, the Omega Institute, Sun Valley Wellness Festival, Mile-Hi Church, among many others.

In his 30s Mark was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma, a struggle which helped to form his philosophy of experiencing life fully while staying in relationship to an unknowable future. Mark has received numerous awards for his work, including AgeNation’s Life-Achievement Award, and has been named one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People by Watkins: Mind Body Spirit. He was chosen as one of OWN’s SuperSoul 100, a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity, and has appeared several times on Oprah’s SuperSoul Sunday on OWN TV. Mark is a regular columnist for Spirituality & Health Magazine, and has been interviewed by Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, among many other media appearances. Audiences leave his talks feeling uplifted, more connected to what it means to be human, and with a fresh perspective on what it means to overcome adversity: "Mark was beyond wonderful! People fell in love with him and were truly and deeply moved by his teaching. I could not be more grateful!" (Chautauqua Institution)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

FELICIA DAY

  • Actress, Producer, and TV Writer

Award-winning actress, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and digital creator Felicia Day shares an empowering message about finding your community and being unapologetically yourself. As an actress, Day is known for her fan-favorite roles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, and Mystery Science Theater 3000. She is the creator of The Guild, a hit web series about gamers, which won numerous awards and was adapted into a hit comic book series of the same name. Day, whom the New York Times referred to as “queen of the geeks,” is the founder of Geek & Sundry, a self-proclaimed geek hub and digital production studio which was acquired by Legendary Entertainment, and has hosts panels and events for Netflix’s Geeked.

Day is the author of the instant New York Times bestsellers You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost), which Forbes called “relentlessly funny and surprisingly inspirational,” and Embrace Your Weird: Face Your Fears and Unleash Creativity. She is the host of several podcasts, including Felicitations!, Undressing with Felicia Day and Tom Lenk, and 'The Official The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Podcast'. Day launched a series on Twitch called WomenR, which highlights diversity among creators in a broad spectrum of entertainment fields and ensures women and girls can see people like them being successful in the creative tech world. In sought-after talks that make an impact with audiences of all kinds, Day shares her personal stories and hard-won wisdom about embracing yourself and making your dreams come true.

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BRANDON MARSHALL

  • 13 Year NFL Veteran

Legendary NFL wide receiver, entrepreneur, Emmy-nominated TV personality, and philanthropist Brandon Marshall is a dedicated mental health advocate who continues to lead conversations promoting awareness, ending stigma, and sharing inspiration. After 12 years shattering records and collecting countless awards and accolades, Marshall is now a two-time Emmy-nominated sportscaster with Showtime’s Inside the NFL and FS1’s First Things First. Amassing over 30M views and 500K YouTube subscribers, he is also the creator and host of I AM ATHLETE podcast, moderating authentic conversations that make an undeniable impact. After winning his own battle with mental illness, Marshall has become the face of mental health awareness, sharing his personal experiences and struggles, and offering a message of resilience and hope that enables audiences of all kinds to unleash their full potential.

As the Founder and CEO of House of Athlete, a lifestyle wellness brand, Marshall leverages his years as a peak athlete and champion for mental fitness to support athletes at every level. As Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of PROJECT 375, a non-profit dedicated to unlocking human potential through conversation, education, and inspiration, Marshall embodies his commitment to the mental health community. He has appeared on The View, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and more, and has been featured in The New York Times, People, Forbes, and many others. Marshall has participated in hundreds of speaking engagements, speaking to Fortune500 organizations, the Forbes Healthcare Summit, The Kennedy Forum, before the U.S. Senate, the Vatican, to NFL Owners & Coaches, and school kids, among others. In addition to championing conversations in the mental health space, Marshall is an in-demand speaker for his insights on teamwork, cultivating resilience, and developing values-based leadership within organizations and as individuals.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CARI CHAMPION

  • Veteran Journalist, Sports Anchor, and TV Personality

Veteran broadcast journalist, sports anchor, and multimedia game-changer Cari Champion has revolutionized and pioneered the sports media industry for women today. For nearly a decade, she served as anchor and host at ESPN – her roles included co-hosting SportCenter’s Coast to Coast, hosting SportsNation, and moderating ESPN’s popular debate talk show, First Take. She currently hosts TNT’s The Arena, creating a thought-provoking forum for provocative topics from the most popular voices in sports. Most recently, she served as co-anchor of NBC’s primetime studio show, Tokyo Tonight on NBC’s Peacock Channel during the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, as well as co-host of NBC’s reality competition series The Titan Games. Champion made history with her move to Vice TV, working alongside Jemele Hill as the first Black women to host a late-night cable show, Cari & Jemele: Stick to Sports. Champion shares her unparalleled insights about creating her own path to working at the top of her field, the intersections of race, ethnicity, and gender in sports and media, and how to cultivate leadership, teamwork, and perseverance at work and in life.

Champion has been profiled in Sports Illustrated, Vogue, Bustle, The Grio, Essence, and more, and she was honored by Essence at its inaugural Black Women in Sports event. She is the Founder of Brown Girls Dream, a powerful mentorship network supporting high potential women of color, inspired by the mentorship she received early in her career. Champion’s influence resonates across mediums, and she is the host of the podcast Naked with Cari Champion, showcasing her authentic interview style that brings refreshing and nuanced conversations to the forefront from thought-leaders and culture-shifters within the entertainment industry. She also writes a bulletin for META, ‘I Said What I Said’, debunking harmful stereotypes and unpacking provocative stories. Champion is a gifted keynote speaker and moderator, getting to the heart and soul of today’s biggest issues, and making a lasting impact on audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DAVID DOBRIK

  • YouTube Creator, Over 26.5M Subscribers

David Dobrik is a digital star and TV personality known for making viral content on YouTube. With over 24.5 million subscribers across two YouTube channels and 12.3 million followers on Instagram, Dobrik has mastered the art of quick-cut content. Dobrik has appeared on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, the Today Show, Live with Kelly & Ryan, Good Morning America, GQ, Wall Street Journal and many others. With his widely popular social media presence and podcast, "Views," Dobrik has elevated himself into international stardom.

Dobrik starred alongside co-judges Ciara and Debbie Gibson, in Nickelodeon's series, America's Most Musical Family in 2019, hosted the Teen Choice Awards and presented at the American Music Awards. David has won Shorty Awards for Vlogger of the Year, Breakout Creator, YouTube Ensemble and Podcast, he's a multi-Streamy Award winner and in 2019, he took home the Kids Choice Award for "Social Star" and the Teen Choice Award for "Choice Web Star: Male."

With his signature candor and entertaining delivery, Dobrik shares how his inimitable work ethic drove him to success, the challenges that come with being a content creator and how to overcome those in any industry, how his DACA status influences his daily life and the content he creates, and details of his journey from struggling content creator to internet star.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RYAN COOGLER

  • Award-Winning Writer and Director

Award-winning producer, director, and screenwriter Ryan Coogler is a singular storyteller and one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation. Coogler is known for the history- and headline-making films Fruitvale Station, Creed, and The Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The Black Panther shattered box office records to become the highest-grossing film of all time by a Black director. Coogler’s work is not just critically and commercially successful but has been hailed for celebrating often overlooked cultures and characters and bringing unprecedented diversity to the silver screen. As a speaker, Coogler offers eye-opening insights on the power of storytelling, creating racial equality, and innovative approaches to changing the world.

Coogler has been named to TIME’s “30 People Under 30 Who Are Changing the World,” and has won numerous awards, including four NAACP Image Awards and three Academy Awards. His short film Locks won the Dana and Albert Broccoli Award for Filmmaking Excellence at the Tribeca Film Festival, and his breakout film Fruitvale Station received the U.S. Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at Sundance. Coogler’s upcoming projects include a series with Disney+ set in the world of Wakanda as well as a scripted drama for Onyx Collective for Hulu, Sheba – the story of the first African queen’s rise to power, based on true events. Coogler has been in demand for events with groups like Google and Salesforce, who shared this rave review after his keynote presentation: “Ryan was a firm favorite both with the team and the audience.”

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LENA WAITHE

  • Award-Winning Actor, Writer, Creator, and Producer

Lena Waithe is an award-winning writer, creator, producer, actor and CEO establishing herself as a Hollywood powerhouse, who expertly taps into emerging cultural sensibilities with a sharp wit and unique perspective, challenging audiences to think outside conventional norms. Lena became the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for her work on the critically acclaimed Netflix series Master of None. She continues to grow her body of work with diversity, charisma, and comedy.

Beyond the screen, Lena’s production company Hillman Grad Productions has partnered with Indeed to launch Rising Voices, a $1.35M investment in BIPOC filmmakers to fight against the status quo by giving marginalized storytellers the opportunity to access the industry and tell their stories. A tireless advocate for representation, Lena was honored at the 2020 Essence Black Women in Hollywood event, took home a Gracie Award for her Showtime series The Chi, and was featured on the 2018 TIME 100 list in a tribute written by Vice President Kamala Harris. Lena is a sought-after leader in the entertainment industry, speaking to the endless possibilities of intentional collaboration that centers under-represented voices.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ELAINE WEISS

  • Award-Winning Journalist

Award-winning journalist and critically acclaimed author Elaine Weiss is a trusted expert on women’s history and political activism, voting rights, and civic engagement. With warmth, humor, and inspiring clarity, Weiss connects with any group, making historical events relevant to today’s most controversial issues. Weiss is the author of The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote (Viking/Penguin), hailed as a “riveting, nail-biting political thriller” with powerful parallels to today’s political environment. An insightful and entertaining work of narrative history, The Woman’s Hour was a GoodReads Readers’ Choice Award winner, was short-listed for the 2019 Chautauqua Prize, and received the American Bar Association’s highest honor, the 2019 Silver Gavel Award. It has also been adapted for young readers and used in schools and libraries nationwide.

Weiss is a frequent media commentator, appearing on CBS Sunday Morning, PBS, NPR’s All Things Considered, and C-Span, and many public radio stations. She has also been featured as an expert analyst in several major documentaries, and has published op-eds and essays in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor, and other publications, offering a historical perspective on timely topics. Weiss also served as a historical advisor to the NYC Public Theater’s production of the historical musical SUFFS.

In presentations that are enlightening, empowering, and eye-opening, Weiss inspires audiences with conversations about what it takes to make social and political change, the power of civic engagement, and the origins of the ongoing struggle over women’s rights and voting rights.

Rave reviews include “Elaine did an amazing job of bringing the history to life and connecting it with our organization today” (Women's League of Voters) and “In this crazy world we live in, we need more people like [Elaine] inspiring others to be good people!” (The Tennessee Municipal League)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

HELENE COOPER

  • Pulitzer Prize-Winning New York Times Pentagon Correspondent

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Helene Cooper is a Pentagon correspondent with The New York Times and a New York Times bestselling author. Working previously at the Wall Street Journal, Cooper was the foreign correspondent, reporter, and editor in the London, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta bureaus. For The New York Times, she covered the White House and was the diplomatic correspondent, reporting from 86 countries. Her autobiography, The House at Sugar Beach: In Search of a Lost African Childhood, is a New York Times bestseller and National Book Critics Circle finalist. Cooper also wrote Madame President: The Extraordinary Journey of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, bringing her unparalleled journalistic skills to this biography of the leader of the women’s movement in Liberia. Cooper’s high-level analysis of today’s most important issues, thoughtful insights, and unwavering pursuit of the truth makes for indelible conversations that will have an enduring impact.

Cooper has received numerous accolades for her work, including the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting, an Overseas Press Club Award for International Reporting, and a George Polk Award for Health Reporting for her coverage of the Ebola crisis, as well as the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award for International Journalism. She has appeared on Meet the Press, Washington Week, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Morning Joe, and This Week, and her stories appear in The New York Times.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JACLYN JOHNSON

  • Founder and CEO, Create & Cultivate

Serial entrepreneur, author, investor, and podcaster Jaclyn Johnson is a powerhouse innovator rewriting the rules for women in business. Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Create & Cultivate, a high-impact media company uniting female entrepreneurs and CEOs through education and community, hosting over 100 events with celebrity speakers and panelists sponsored by top Fortune 500 companies. With two million-dollar exits behind her, Johnson understands first-hand what it takes to create your own space in the market, and recently launched New Money Ventures – a venture capital firm and brand incubator seeking to fund and mentor the next generation of female-led brands. In electrifying keynote speeches and conversations, Johnson shares practical takeaways for cultivating determination, finding your innovative niche, and elevating workplace equality that impact individuals and organizations alike.

Johnson has been profiled in Forbes, Ad Week, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, The Los Angeles Times, Entrepreneur, and more, and was recognized as an Ad Week Disruptor and named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30,” among other accolades. She is the author of WorkParty: How to Create & Cultivate the Career of Your Dreams, a rallying cry for women in the workplace, which Bustle called “one of the most informative and practical advice books for millennial women.” The book’s accompanying podcast, WorkParty, features compelling guests and was named to Forbes’ “21 Podcasts to Listen to in 2021” list. A gifted speaker as well as an insightful moderator, Johnson is a leader in conversations about women in the workplaces, building companies from the ground up, and creating community as a values-driven leader.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LECRAE

  • Two-Time Grammy Award-Winning Hip-Hop Artist, Songwriter, Record Producer, and Actor

A multi-Grammy Award-winning, platinum selling artist, Lecrae has evolved into a New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, speaker, thought leader, philanthropist, and Co-Owner/President of Reach Records. Referring to himself as a ‘social anthropologist,’ Lecrae seeks social change through authentic connections and calls for redemption through positive change. This year, he’ll also release his second book, I Am Restored: How I Lost My Religion, But Found My Faith, a follow-up to his New York Times best-seller, Unashamed.

A catalyst for restoration in faith, music, and popular culture, Lecrae's viral TED Talk helped the public see beyond his music and focus on his message: what we say and do in hip-hop - and in the world - matters, so we should be thoughtful, careful, generous and respectful.  In countless interviews, in his music and in his writings, Lecrae continues the message in hopes of restoring faith. We can change the narrative, empower the disenfranchised, and close wealth gaps and can restore the dignity stripped from us, but we can’t do that by separating ourselves. We need to connect with each other and lean on God to restore our sense of purpose and worth,” shares Lecrae. 

To date, he has sold more than 3 million copies and been nominated for 5 Grammy Awards including a win for Best Gospel Album, 15 Dove Awards, one Billboard Music Award, and received both a Soul Train Music Award and BET Hip-Hop Nomination. From his 2017 album, All Things Work Together, his single “I’ll Find You” ft. Tori Kelly, is now certified platinum by the RIAA (sold over 1 million copies) and “Blessings” ft Ty Dolla $ign is now Gold (sold over 500k).

 

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

REBA MCENTIRE

  • Iconic Country Music Star

The “Queen of Country Music,” Reba McEntire, is a true multi-media mogul. From the top of the Country charts to the Broadway stage, she has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to inhabit any endeavor with the authority and passion that has made her a household name from stage to screen.

Recognized as a powerhouse vocalist whose talent transcends musical boundaries, Reba has scored 35 No. 1 singles and sold more than 56M albums worldwide to be deemed one of the most successful recording artists in history. The Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry and Hollywood Bowl member has also won 16 ACM Awards, 15 American Music Awards, 9 People’s Choice Awards and 6 CMA Awards. Reba is also an acclaimed actress with 11 movie credits to her name, who has also been a leading lady on Broadway in Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun, a judge on The Voice, and eponymous star of the six-season television sitcom Reba. She was also the first female and musician to portray KFC’s iconic founder Colonel Harland Sanders.  Reba’s phenomenal career has been characterized by her sharp business sense, indelible wit, and commitment to excellence – the same values she brings to inspirational speaking engagements.

With faith and family as Reba’s foundation, her legacy extends beyond the stage. Her leadership and philanthropic endeavors have been recognized with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation Humanitarian Award, the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award, the Music Biz Chairman’s Award, the National Artistic Achievement Award from the U.S. Congress and induction into the Horatio Alger Association. Reba was also named Billboard magazine’s first-ever Woman of the Year. Reba’s impact can be felt worldwide, and audiences everywhere look to the country superstar not only as a musical genius, but also philanthropist, entrepreneur, and aspirational icon.  

HWA EXCLUSIVE

VICTOR CRUZ

  • Super Bowl Champion and Analyst, ESPN

Victor Cruz is a Super Bowl champion. As an undrafted free agent, Cruz impressively played his way onto the Giants’ 53-man regular season roster. He finished his first season with a single-season franchise record for receiving yards and was named second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press.

Cruz co-hosts E!’s morning news show, Pop of the Morning, a mix of celebrity news, interviews and discussions around pop culture moments.

An active philanthropist, Cruz established the Victor Cruz Foundation to promote positive change in the lives of youth by providing innovative educational programs that equip students with skill sets to prepare them for a successful future. The foundation is especially committed to continued research and partnerships with STEM programs. In partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of America, his foundation launched and implemented the “Science in Sports” program. This curriculum provides students with a hands approach to STEM curriculum while simultaneously teaching them the science behind football as it relates to the NFL.

In engaging conversations, Cruz discusses how motivation and perseverance drove his career; the impact and goals of his foundation; the importance of exposing youth to STEM programs; and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SYDNEY MCLAUGHLIN

  • Gold Medal Olympic Track and Field Athlete

Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion hurdler Sydney McLaughlin has inspired millions on her path to become a top track and field athlete. The youngest U.S. Olympian to compete in track and field since 1972, McLaughlin set both junior world and NCAA records before winning two gold medals at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Named the Gatorade National Girls Athlete of the Year two years in a row, McLaughlin is known for her dedication both to sports and her ability to inspire. Her her status both as an athlete and a cultural icon. She expands on her uplifting story in her book Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith and through her work as a brand ambassador for New Balance. In her motivational talks, McLaughlin helps us see that our dreams are possible with hard work, perseverance, and determined pursuit.

Touching both on her faith and the obstacles she has faced on her way to success, McLaughlin offers empowering and inspiring remarks on perseverance, learning and evolving from your mistakes, staying open to new experiences, and the pursuit of success. When recognized by TIME Magazine as an emerging leader, her teammate and world-record holder ALLYSON FELIX described her as someone with “a quiet confidence that demands your attention...[and] the potential to impact lives.”

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MARIO LOPEZ

  • Two-Time Emmy Award-Winning Host of 'Access Hollywood'

Two-time Emmy Award-winning host, actor, author, producer, and philanthropist Mario Lopez is a consummate entertainer across mediums, using his platform to promote health for the whole family and inclusivity in Hollywood. As the beloved host of NBC’s Access Hollywood, Lopez has won two Daytime Emmy Awards, and hosts iHeartRadio’s nationwide radio show “Countdown with Mario Lopez,” as well as the iHeartMedia podcast On with Mario Lopez and The 3 Knockdown Rule for UFC's Fight Pass. He has licensees in over fifteen categories. Lopez has written bestselling books on fitness and inspiration, a memoir Just Between Us and several children’s books, engaging audiences with personal anecdotes, inspirational values of health and perseverance, and devotion to family. His easy humor, captivating storytelling, and winning congeniality make him an outstanding choice as host or emcee for any event.

A dedicated partner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Lopez was recently named the Alumni Ambassador of Fitness for the organization’s BE GREAT campaign. Through philanthropy and as a producer, he advocates for today’s young people and for inclusive positive images, particularly for Latinx communities. He co-created and executive produced the Netflix series The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia, and appeared in and produced the Saved by the Bell reboot for NBC’s Peacock, reprising the role that made him a household name in the hit 90’s teen series. He hosts Triller TV’s Fight Club, will host the upcoming new GSN show Blank Slate, and has appeared on NBC’s This is Us, Jane the Virgin on The CW, and Disney’s Elena of Avalor with his daughter Gia, to name a few. Lopez has starred in numerous Lifetime holiday films including the upcoming Holiday in Santa Fe, and was recently inducted to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

HENRIK LUNDQVIST

  • Legendary NY Rangers Goaltender - one of the top goaltenders in NHL history

Legendary hockey player, sports analyst, and TV personality Henrik Lundqvist is heralded as one of the top goaltenders in NHL history. Henrik played his entire fifteen season career with the New York Rangers, who retired his jersey upon his retirement from the sport.  A dominating rookie season in 2015 earned him the nickname “King Henrik,” and he is the team’s all-time leader in wins (459) and shutouts (64). He was awarded the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender in 2012, after having been nominated in each of his first three seasons. Henrik joined MSG Network for in-studio coverage of Rangers games beginning in the 2021-22 NHL season, offering invaluable insights about the game drawn from his stellar on-ice career.

Henrik also starred in the Emmy Award-winning MSG Network series The Mask, which featured interviews with luminaries from sports and entertainment. Each episode culminated in the creation of a custom goalie mask, which were worn by Henrik during the Rangers’ season. The masks were auctioned with proceeds benefitting the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation, which strives to create positive change in the lives of children and adults throughout the world through education and health services. He also served as the Rangers’ spokesperson for the Garden of Dreams Foundation. When an open-heart surgery pushed him to retire earlier than expected, Henrik became a passionate advocate for health and heart issues, and is a gifted moderator and speaker for fundraisers and groups of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KENDALL COYNE SCHOFIELD

  • Captain, US Women's National Hockey Team & Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist

Olympic gold and silver medalist Kendall Coyne Schofield is “the fastest woman in hockey,” serving as captain of the U.S. women’s national hockey team. Capturing an astounding twenty-three medals in international competition, Schofield has had a ground-breaking career of ‘firsts’ – as the first female NHL All-Star Skills competitor, the first female player development coach for the Chicago Blackhawks, the first woman to serve as an analyst for a Chicago Blackhawks regular season game, and as a member of the first all-women NBC Sports and NHL Tonight broadcast teams. Her bestselling autobiography As Fast As Her reached #1 on Amazon in several categories, scoring a hat track as #1, #2, and #3 on Amazon in teen and young adult hockey in hardcover, audio, and Kindle.

Schofield earned her title as “the fastest woman in hockey” in 2019 when she became the first woman to compete in the fastest skater challenge at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition. Her time of 14.346 seconds was less than one second behind the winning NHL skater sending shockwaves throughout the sports world in a breakthrough moment for women’s hockey. Schofield has been named one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30,” and is a leader on and off the ice. She is the Co-Founder of the Schofield Family Foundation, serves on the board of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association, and founded the “Golden Coynes” – an all-girls hockey development program in partnership with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Kendall Coyne Hockey Camp. Schofield is a champion of resilience, and in her motivating keynotes inspires audiences to get outside their comfort zone to accomplish their goals.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

P.K. SUBBAN

  • Former Two-Time All-Star NHL Defenseman and Gold Medalist

Award-winning All-Star NHL Defenseman, ESPN Analyst, philanthropist, and entrepreneur P.K. Subban is a dynamic athlete whose impact extends far beyond the sport. As a former hockey star, Subban has received the coveted James Norris Memorial Trophy, was named to the NHL All-Star team in 2013 and 2015, and won a gold medal representing Canada at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Beyond the rink, Subban continues to enhance his roster of projects, founding his media company PeeK Productions and teaming up with NBC Sports to produce P.K. Subban’s All-Star Special and an original docuseries, The P.K. Project. He is a gifted host and moderator, bringing levity and insights to all his various projects, including NHL Hat Trick Trivia, NHL's video game matchup, as well as his YouTube channel. Subban is executive producing the docuseries Black Life: A Canadian History, which will explore 400 years of the Black experience in Canada. Subban is a powerful voice in conversations about social justice, equity, and inclusion, entrepreneurship, and how to make a difference in work and life.

Subban has been profiled by Sports Illustrated in a piece titled 'P.K. Subban Wants to Grow the Game of Hockey. Here's How He Plans to Do It.' and featured in The Daily Beast, Forbes, on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, and more. He founded the P.K. Subban Foundation, which aims to create positive change by building community in support of children and families affected by illness. Through this charitable initiative, he pledged $10M to the Montreal Children’s Hospital, to date the largest donation made by any Canadian athlete. In his keynote for the dedication, Subban shared: “In life, I believe you are not defined by what you accomplish, but by what you do for others.” He also launched his Blueline Buddies program, which connects communities, builds bridges and fosters conversations, and won the NHL's King Clancy Trophy for his off-ice charitable and community efforts. Subban is an in-demand speaker and his insights, star power, and valued-driven vision make an impact at events with audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHERYL HINES

  • Emmy Award-Winning Actor, Producer, and Director

Actress, producer, and director Cheryl Hines is a two-time Emmy nominee for her role as Cheryl David on HBO's Golden Globe Award-winning series Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Heralded for her humorous and passionate delivery in speaking engagements, Hines inspires audiences with conversations about finding success in a career that mainly consists of rejection, upholding “dangerous optimism” throughout her life, and shares how to reframe the mindset to take life’s twists and turns and view them as learning and turning points in order to achieve your wildest dreams. Additionally, she gives actionable insights into attacking the problems we face head on in order to move forward and how to let go of the things that don’t contribute to your happiness.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LARA SPENCER

  • Emmy Award-Nominated Broadcast Journalist

Lara Spencer is an Emmy-winning anchor and reporter for Good Morning America, and has been a journalist with ABC news since 2000. She is also the creator, host and Executive Producer of HGTV’s Emmy® Award-winning “Flea Market Flip” as well as “Everything But the House."

Spencer has written two New York Times Bestselling books: I Brake for Yard Sales, and Flea Market Fabulous. In addition to her career, Spencer is the mother of two children and very active at her Alma Mater Penn State University where she was an All-American platform diver.  She is also a dedicated advocate for pet adoption and has 3 rescue dogs of her own. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SARA SIDNER

  • Multiple Award-Winning National and International Investigative Journalist

Multiple award-winning national and international CNN senior correspondent Sara Sidner is renowned for exposing injustices and uncovering truth in the most extreme environments. In 2016, Sidner took on a beat which focused on social, racial, and political conflict across the U.S. and in 2020, she helped lead CNN’s coverage in Minneapolis, Minnesota after the police killing of George Floyd. She has shaped the national dialogue with her work covering the first known coronavirus outbreak, the Charlottesville White Nationalist Rally as well as the trial of the Neo-Nazi who killed anti-racism protestor Heather Heyer, and the protests in Ferguson, Missouri following the police murder of the unarmed Black teenager Michael Brown. Previously, Sidner worked for CNN as an international correspondent based in India, then Jerusalem, and later Abu Dhabi. She hosts The Big Picture for CNN+, an in-depth look at the most important and interesting story of the day. Sidner has received rave reviews as a keynote speaker and moderator from groups such as the Alliance of Women Philanthropists, NAACP, the 92nd Street Y, the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism, and many others.

Sidner has received numerous honors including a regional Emmy, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and multiple Gracie Awards from the Women in Media Foundation. She has reported from over twenty countries around the world, from the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to the fall of Tripoli. She was part of the team that won a Peabody Award for CNN’s coverage of the Arab Spring, and shared the Achievement of the Year Award from SKY Women in Film & Television in the U.K. for her work. As an insightful moderator, inspiring keynote speaker, and renowned investigative journalist, Sidner offers her compelling and candid perspective as a journalist, woman, and citizen on the most intense and important news stories of our time.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SOPHIA AMORUSO

  • Serial Entrepreneur in Fashion & Culture

Founder, investor, and New York Times bestselling author Sophia Amoruso is the epitome of a modern entrepreneur. Amoruso rose to prominence upon founding the fashion empire Nasty Gal, an e-commerce brand beginning in a garage and scaling to over $100M in capital. She is currently a Founder & General Partner at Trust Fund, an early-stage venture fund focused on pre- and seed stage companies.

Amoruso’s hands-on approach to founding showcases her grit, intelligence, and creativity. Amoruso’s amazing story first appeared in her New York Times bestselling memoir #GIRLBOSS, chronicling her early life and experiences as a founder. The book was adapted into the Netflix series Nasty Gal, produced by Charlize Theron. Amoruso has since authored two books: Nasty Galaxy and The Girlboss Workbook. To further support her fans, Amoruso founded Girlboss, a community for ambitious women. Amoruso hosted the complementary podcast Girlboss Radio, coaching her audience on how to achieve success and earning over 20M downloads.

Amoruso has been featured on the cover of Forbes magazine's 2016 "America's Richest Self-Made Women" issue and featured in the Fortune "40 under 40," Forbes "30 under 30," Inc. "30 under 30," and Fast Company’s "Most Creative People in Business" lists. Her perspective has been sought at events such as LA Tech Week, TechCrunch Disrupt, NTWRK, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JONATHAN NEMAN

  • Co-Founder and Co-CEO of sweetgreen

Jonathan Neman is Co-Founder & Co-CEO of sweetgreen, the destination for simple, seasonal, healthy food. Jonathan and his co-founders, Nathaniel Ru and Nicolas Jammet, started sweetgreen in 2007, opening their first location in Georgetown, DC – just three months out of college. The brand’s strong food ethos, embrace of passion and purpose, and investment in local communities has enabled sweetgreen to grow into a national brand with more than 70 locations across the East Coast, Midwest and California.

Jonathan has been recognized as a key innovator in food and business, named to Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business,” Inc’s “30 Under 30,” Forbes’ “30 Under 30” and Food & Wine’s “40 Big Food Thinkers 40 and Under.” In 2016, sweetgreen was named one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies.”

Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Jonathan graduated from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, where he met Nathaniel and Nicolas.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GUILLERMO DEL TORO

  • Academy, Golden Globe, and DGA Award-Winning Filmmaker, Among Many Others

Guillermo del Toro is among the most creative and visionary artists of his generation, whose distinctive style is showcased through his work as a filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, and author.

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, del Toro first gained worldwide recognition for the 1993 Mexican-American co-production, Cronos, a supernatural horror film, which he directed from his own screenplay, after beginning his career working as a special effects makeup artist.

His subsequent films include Mimic, The Devil’s Backbone, Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Pacific Rim, and Crimson Peak. He earned international acclaim as the director, writer, and producer of the 2006 aforementioned fantasy drama, Pan’s Labyrith. He was honored with an Oscar nomination for his original screenplay for the film, which won Academy Awards for Art Direction, Cinematography, and Makeup. In all, the film garnered more than 40 international awards and appeared on more than 35 critics’ lists of the year’s best films.

Guillermo wrote and directed The Shape of Water, which was nominated for 13 Academy Awards, and won 4, including Best Director and Best Picture. He also won a Golden Globe for Best Director and was nominated for Best Screenplay and Best Motion Picture-Drama for The Shape of Water. He also won a DGA, a Critics' Choice Movie Award, a BAFTA for Best Director, and a PGA for the film.  Most recently del Toro signed a multi-year motion picture, television, and animation deal with Netflix after his incredible success with Trollhunters, 3below, and Wizards were released to critical acclaim.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

WENDY K. SMITH

  • Organizational Psychologist & Leading Expert on the Power of Paradox

Management thought leader and award-winning organizational psychologist Wendy K. Smith is on a mission to help individuals and organizations turn our problems into possibilities. Smith currently holds the prestigious title of Dana J. Johnson Professor of Management and serves as the faculty director of the Women's Leadership Initiative at the Lerner College of Business and Economics, University of Delaware. Wendy is also one of the youngest people named as an Academy of Management Fellow. As an organizational psychologist, she is a leading expert on the power of paradox - applying both/and thinking to help us innovate, change and generate more creative, sustainable solutions to our toughest challenges. In her talks, Wendy brings science-based research to life with real world stories to both captivate and motivate her audiences.

Smith is the author of Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems, named a Top 10 Management Book by Thinkers50, a finalist for the Next Big Idea Award, and a #1 Amazon New Release. Smith and co-author Marianne Lewis were awarded the Thinkers50 Breakthrough Idea Award for these groundbreaking ideas. Wendy is also an award-winning scholar. She has been named the Web of Science Highly Cited Researchers for being among the top 1% most-cited researchers for 5 years in a row. She has published her research in influential journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Administrative Science Quarterly, Organization Science, and Management Science, while also reaching beyond academia to publish in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, and others. As a compelling and engaging teacher, she won the MBA Excellence in Teaching Award 5 times.

Beyond accolades and awards, Wendy's passion lies in helping leaders worldwide tackle the complex challenges of interpersonal dynamics, team performance, organizational change, and innovation to transform their organizations and the world. Approachable, insightful, and globally revered, she continues to shape the future of management thinking.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GREG CREED

  • Former CEO & COO of Taco Bell & Yum! Brands

Unconventional brand leader and former CEO of Yum! Brands and Taco Bell Greg Creed is known for his skill in building transformative, courageous workplace cultures. His landmark campaigns lifted Taco Bell into a period of profound growth. He was awarded Restaurant Business’s Restaurant Leader of the Year and named an “Industry Titan” by the Women’s Foodservice Forum. Creed’s book, R.E.D. Marketing: The Three Ingredients of Leading Brands (R.E.D. stands for relevance, ease, and distinctiveness), distills his hard-earned wisdom into actionable practices for any brand. As one of the most respected voices in his industry, Creed’s perspective is a unique window into how culture, branding, and innovation can thrive in harmony. Qu Beyond’s podcast said, “Greg is relatable, down-to-earth, humble, self-deprecating, and brilliant."

Creed is currently Founder and CEO of the unconventional consultancy firm UnCo, helping companies with brand building, franchising, culture, and leadership. He serves on the boards of Whirlpool Corporation, Aramark Corporation, and Delta Airlines. He also currently serves as advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors of Thanx Inc and is Chairman of Quid. He has spoken at industry-leading venues such as the Global Restaurant Leadership Conference, National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Leadership Conference, KBP Foods, and more. Creed’s engagements provide a rich repository of cases, learnings, and laughs that leave audiences feeling energized and motivated.

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ERIK LOGAN

  • Former CEO of World Surf League

Transformational leader Erik Logan has a diverse portfolio that spans talent management startups, technology, cable networks, and sports league management, most notably as the CEO of the World Surf League (WSL) and President of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). At WSL, Logan redefined the sport by introducing game-changing formats and partnerships with platforms like ABC, HBO, and Apple TV+, achieving record audiences and revenues. His previous role at OWN was marked by a turnaround that led the network to unprecedented ratings and revenues, reinforcing his reputation for innovation and growth.

Throughout his career, including tenures at XM Satellite Radio, Citadel Broadcasting, and CBS/Infinity, Logan has excelled in nurturing new talent and fostering innovative environments. His leadership style is characterized by a commitment to executive growth, a passion for business excellence, and an aptitude for recognizing industry trends, making him a catalyst for change and success in diverse sectors.

Whether leading a sports league to its best performance in over 40 years or driving a media network to become #1 in its key target demographics, Logan consistently demonstrates an uncanny ability to revolutionize how audiences interact with content. As an avid supporter of the growth mindset, Logan inspires a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and adaptability through his leadership and motivational speaking engagements.

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MARY CHILDS

  • Financial Journalist

Journalist and author Mary Childs is a co-host for NPR’s award-winning Planet Money podcast known for balancing in-depth analysis of the most pressing financial topics with tenacious clarity, and offering accessible insights and takeaways for individuals and organizations. Previously, Childs worked as a senior reporter for Barron’s magazine, where she covered the alternatives industry, the bond market, and capitalism; a correspondent for the Financial Times; and a contributor to Bloomberg News. Her forthcoming book The Bond King: How One Man Made a Market, Built an Empire, and Lost it All was listed as one of LitHub’s most anticipated of the year. She's reported deeply about the pioneering of new asset classes, proposals to solve inequality, and diversity in the finance industry.

Named a 2015 Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Honoree, Childs’s award-winning work has been chosen as The New Yorker’s “Best Business Reporting” and highlighted on The Daily Show. Childs has appeared as a commentator for Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, Yahoo TV, and Nikkei TV, as well as consulting for HBO on a finance-related program. Her writing has appeared in Quartz, The New York Times, and New York Magazine.

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ENUMA OKORO

  • Nigerian-American Author and Lecturer

Enuma Okoro is a Nigerian-American writer, lecturer, and speaker, who believes that the stories we believe, and tell ourselves become the stories we live. Using the arts, cultural identity, contemplative spirituality and psychology, Okoro explores the power of story and narratives in our individual and collective identities. She examines the stories we live, where they originate, how they are used, and how unquestioned stories and inherited narratives affect our public and private lives. To this end, her work covers a broad but intersecting range of topics: the arts as a lens for understanding human experience, meaning and identity-making, transcultural literacy and how cultural collisions have an impact on human development and social narratives, women’s empowerment, and intentional living with integrity and self-honor.

Born in Manhattan to Nigerian parents, Okoro was raised in five countries on three continents, and has spent her life living and working as a global citizen. Her educational and professional background is in Psychology and Communications, Family Systems Therapy, Creative and Academic Writing, and Theology. She is a certified spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition. Okoro has written and edited four non-fiction books, her poetry is published in anthologies, she is a weekend columnist for the Financial Times, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, ABC’s Good Morning America, The Washington Post, The Atlantic Monthly, The Guardian, Harpers’ Bazaar, Vogue, CNN, Essence, Artsy, Cultured, The Cut, Aeon, Catapult, and other media outlets.

As an international speaker, Okoro has spoken at over 100 engagements including universities, corporate institutions, organization and conferences. Her speaking invitations have come from four continents and have included Oxford University, Princeton University, The Atlantic Dialogues, The EurAfrican Forum, The Ford Foundation, The MEDays International Forum, Bloomberg Media Conference, Harvard Business School, The Abu Dhabi Culture Summit, and more. She had the honor of being the first woman of African descent to deliver a talk from the historic 200-year-old platform of The American Church in Paris, France, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was the first man of African descent to speak from the same platform in October 1965. Okoro gave a TEDx talk in London focused on global perceptions of women, identity, and cultural collisions.

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THAI RANDOLPH

  • Award-Winning Marketer, Entrepreneur, Business Leader, and Architect of NextGen Entertainment Companies

Thai Randolph was most recently CEO of Kevin Hart’s global media company HARTBEAT, fundraising over $100M. As an award-winning marketer, business leader and architect of NextGen media companies, Thai has been honored on Variety and Entrepreneur's "Women of Impact" lists and AdAge's "40 Under 40," to name a few.

She has built her career at the intersection of content, commerce, and community and led the launch of Women Write Now – a first-of-its-kind screenwriting fellowship developed in partnership with the Sundance Institute and HARTBEAT to champion the next generation of Black women in comedy through mentorship, advocacy, production, and exhibition. Continuing her mission to carve out spaces for overlooked – yet influential – voices in the industry, Randolph and co-founder/actress Tika Sumpter also launched Sugaberry, an audio-first media company for and by Black women – and co-host the Gracie-award winning podcast, The Suga.

Thai’s leadership perspective is in demand at high profile events such as Advertising Week, CES, Sundance, SXSW, Cannes Lions Festival, The Wrap’s TheGrill, Variety’s Inclusion and Entertainment Summits, Future of Television Conference, Digital Entertainment World, Adobe’s Digital Marketing Conference, YouTube's Publisher Summit, Cynopsis’ Big TV Conference, and Streaming Media East, among others. As a result-focused and empathetic leader, she continues to advocate for inclusive representation in entertainment and advertising, pay equity across industries and maternal and mental health for women and people of color.

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JODY AVIRGAN

  • Host of TED's 'Good Sport' Podcast, ESPN's '30 for 30' Podcasts, and More

Podcaster and lifelong competitive athlete Jody Avirgan offers memorable lessons in creating team culture - drawing on what he's learned from playing with and covering top athletes - to help you achieve success as an individual, and by working together. Jody is the host of the show Good Sport from the TED Audio Collective, the Radiotopia show This Day In Esoteric Political History, and serves as story editor and executive producer for a number of projects. Previously, he ran and hosted 30 for 30 Podcasts, part of ESPN Films and was a producer at WNYC radio, working with shows including On the Media, Freakonomics, and more. Jody is the founder of Roulette Productions and developed FiveThirtyEight Podcasts, which covered politics, pop culture, and how data affects our lives.

Jody’s shows and series consistently reach large audiences, finding their way to the top of the iTunes charts and receiving critical acclaim. He is also organizer of the Pro-Democracy Podcast Coalition, a network of podcasts who have committed to sharing messages about protecting our democracy and reducing political corruption. Jody has spoken for groups including IAB Upfronts, Tedx, Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard, and more.

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DANIEL MARKOVITS

  • Founding Director, Center for the Study of Private Law

Daniel Markovits is Guido Calabresi Professor of Law at Yale Law School and Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Private Law.

His latest book, The Meritocracy Trap (Penguin Press, 2019), develops a sustained attack on American meritocracy. The meritocratic ideal—that people should get ahead based on their own accomplishments rather than their parents’ social class—has become our age’s literal common sense. Both Democrats and Republicans, even as they agree on almost nothing else, insist that meritocracy gives everyone fair shot at success and place it at the heart of the American Dream.

Markovits argues, however, that both up and down the social ladder, meritocracy is a sham. Today, meritocracy has become exactly what it was invented to defeat—a new aristocracy, only now based on schooling rather than breeding. Upward mobility has become a fantasy, and the embattled middle class is more likely to sink into the working poor than to rise into the professional elite. At the same time, meritocracy ensnares even those who manage to claw their way to the top, trapping rich adults in a pitiless competition, which requires them to work with crushing intensity, exploiting their expensive educations in order to extract a return.

People commonly say that we suffer so much inequality because we have too little meritocracy—because elites cheat to get and stay ahead. But in fact, Markovits argues, it’s because we have too much. Meritocracy has created a competition that (even when everyone plays by the rules) only the rich can win and that, at the same time, exploits and degrades even the supposed victors.

An illuminating speaker, Markovits explores themes of inequality, opportunity, and democracy for audiences worldwide. 

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CATHERINE PRICE

  • Award-Winning Journalist

Award-winning science journalist, speaker, and author Catherine Price has been hailed in The New York Times as “the Marie Kondo of brains.” Price is the author of numerous books including How to Break Up With Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life, which has been published in more than 35 countries and was featured in a viral New York Times piece in which she coached tech and business reporter Kevin Roose through a phone breakup.

Her newest book, The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again, was featured as an Amazon editors' pick and named the overall best self-care book of the year by The Independent, and also served as the inspiration for her TED talk, which was the 2nd most viewed TED talk for 2022. As the creator and founder of Screen/Life Balance, Price is dedicated to helping people scroll less, live more, and have more fun.

Price and her work have been featured in outlets including The Best American Science Writing, NPR, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Popular Science, The Los Angeles Times, TIME Magazine, Wired, Vox, Refinery29, BBC World News Service, CNN, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Rachael Ray, and The Guardian among many others. She also writes the popular Substack newsletter, How to Feel Alive.

Having spoken in front of audiences and clients including TED, The Aspen Ideas Festival, Leadercast, SXSW, Intel, Cigna, Hyatt, T. Rowe Price, Warburg Pincus, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Yale University, Oprah Winfrey, and more, Price is an in-demand speaker, consultant, and workshop leader who offers lively and uniquely tailored programs full of what she called “science-backed self-help” that are compelling and actionable for audiences of all kinds.

She is comfortable and experienced in both in-person and virtual formats, and particularly enjoys moderated Q&As and fireside chats.

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ASAF KOCHAN

  • Co-Founder and President of Sentra

Visionary leader in digital security Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Asaf Kochan spearheads strategic initiatives leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of cybersecurity. Kochan is a distinguished former IDF Commander of Unit 8200 and held a senior position in the Israeli Prime Minister’s office. Beyond his prominent military career, Kochan’s visionary leadership extends into the private sector. In 2021, Asaf co-founded Sentra, a groundbreaking cybersecurity company headquartered in Israel. As the President of Sentra, he leverages his extensive experience to spearhead a transformative mission at the intersection of data-centric security and cloud-first innovation. As a seasoned practitioner of state-level cybersecurity, Kochan possesses an unparalleled grasp of the complex dynamics of contemporary digital environments and excels in providing innovative solutions.

Kochan’s contributions to both policy and technology have not only shaped the trajectory of cybersecurity but have also paved the way for cloud-first enterprises to thrive securely in an era in which big data reigns supreme. He has been invited by Calcalist, Cyber Week, CyberTechNYC, Maschmeyer Group, Hapag Lloyd AG, and more to share his perspective on cybersecurity and industry. Kochan breaks down complex security topics into digestible action items aimed at educating individuals or organizations on the nuances of cyber security today.

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DAVE FISHWICK

  • Star of Massive Netflix #1 Hit Movie 'Bank of Dave'

Founder, Sunday Times bestselling author, and many-time entrepreneur Dave Fishwick is building the first new high street bank in over 120 years in Britain - Burnley Savings and Loans Ltd, also called The Bank of Dave. A many-time entrepreneur of six multi-million-pound businesses in the UK and America, Dave is the largest supplier of minibuses in the UK and an experienced pilot of planes and helicopters who hosts the fastest-growing aviation TikTok channel in the world, with over 55M combined views. He is a champion of grit, ingenuity, and taking on seemingly impossible challenges. Dave’s journey taking on the banks in a ‘Dave and Goliath’ style struggle became the subject of his Sunday Times bestselling book, Bank of Dave: How I Took On the Banks, and many subsequent documentaries.

The movie Bank of Dave hit #1 on Netflix, won Best Feature at the National Film Awards, and took Dave on a massive global speaking tour. Netflix is at work on the Bank of Dave sequel – the fastest commissioned move sequel in Netflix history.

Dave has been the star and subject of many TV shows, including Bank of Dave, Bank of Dave: Fighting the Fat Cats, Secret Millions, and the award-winning Loan Ranger series – looking at how payday loan companies exploit the poor, vulnerable, and desperate. Dave has won multiple BAFTA Awards and the prestigious Royal Television Society Award. He is a regular contributor as The Business and Money Expert on ITV with GMB and This Morning, and has been featured on CNBC, BBC, CNN, and more, and he writes for Mail Online, Daily Mail, and The Mail On Sunday.

Dave left school with no qualifications, and started off in life as a builder’s laborer. Now, he’s opened the first new high street bank in Britain in over 120 years - and then Hollywood turned up and made a movie about his life, which has been a global hit.

Dave is an expert on entrepreneurship, business, and finance, and he shares the story behind taking on seemingly impossible challenges, offering valuable lessons for businesses big and small

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JERMAINE STONE

  • President and CEO of Cru Luv Wines

Cru Luv Wine's President and CEO Jermaine Stone was raised worlds away from wine country with plans to become a rapper. By 19, he had the attention of prominent figures in music including Chris Lighty and LL Cool J, but a temporary job packing boxes at Zachys Wine Auctions persuaded him to make a career in fine wine. Jermaine began an accomplished 9-year career, rising to the position of Logistics Manager, overseeing the inbound and outbound transport of $60M worth of fine wine annually. Jermaine became one of the founding Directors of Wally’s Auctions, where he co-created and implemented a full client experience. In addition to major operational roles, he provided strategic advice to Wally’s President and VP, and served as an auctioneer and public speaker at commercial and charity auctions.

Jermaine is the Founder and CEO of Cru Luv Selections, a New York-based wine branding and marketing firm dedicated to blending the best elements of wine and hip-hop culture. He is also the Founder of The Original Wine & Hip Hop Festival, which hosts events, diverse tastings, and master classes. Jermaine is the host of the critically acclaimed podcast, Wine and Hip-Hop and the Street Somm series with Tastemade+In signature events that are both educational and elevated, Jermaine brings his expertise to bespoke themed events pairing hip-hop music and wine.

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RICH KLEIMAN

  • CEO & Co-Founder of Boardroom

Entrepreneur and media architect Rich Kleiman is the co-Founder and CEO of Boardroom – a sports and entertainment company that includes the flagship media network, Boardroom.TV. Founded in 2019 by Kleiman and Kevin Durant, Boardroom covers the business of sports, music, and entertainment, with a special focus on the ways that athletes, executives, musicians, and creators are moving the business world forward. Other projects under the Boardroom umbrella include the critically acclaimed scripted series SWAGGER in partnership with Imagine Entertainment and Apple TV+, the Academy-Award-winning short film Two Distant Strangers (Netflix), and Emmy-nominated documentary NYC Point Gods (Showtime). Most recently, Kleiman announced the launch of Boardroom Advisory, an offering for talent and brands to help them navigate business strategy, content creation, sports ownership opportunities, and venture & private equity investing.

Kleiman has been Kevin Durant’s manager since 2013, and brokered KD's lifetime deal with Nike. He is co-Founder of 35V, which houses over 100 early-stage investments across sports, technology, finance, media, and more. The 35V portfolio includes digital sports network Overtime, Coinbase, Acorns, Postmates, and NBA Top Shot by Dapper Labs. Kleiman serves as the Executive Director of the Durant Family Foundation (fka Kevin Durant Charity Foundation), helping underserved and low-income families and youth across the globe. He also sits on the Board of Directors at New Heights Youth, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to sports-based youth development and education in New York City.  As both a speaker and a moderator, Kleiman generates high-impact conversations on building robust and lasting business portfolios, maintaining mental wellness as an elite performer, and learning from your mistakes to build an industry-transforming business.

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ASHLY PEREZ

  • Creator, Writer, Director, and Producer

Creator, writer, director, and producer Ashly Perez is a viral content creator working across mediums to tell powerful stories. They are currently developing their original series, The Youngest One, with Lionsgate and ABC. Ashly was a Co-Producer on ABC’s Home Economics, a Story Editor on Freeform’s Good Trouble, and a creator for Buzzfeed. They also served as a Senior Producer on the Biden/Harris campaign, where they co-directed and co-produced “Michelle Obama’s Closing Argument.”

A queer first-generation American themself, Ashly is focused on telling underrepresented stories in every genre. Their passion lies in comedy, romance, and YA. Ashly’s humorous and poignant memoir Read This for Inspiration: Simple Sparks to Ignite Your Life highlights their perspective that wisdom and motivation can be found everywhere. In uplifting events, Ashly shares insights about storytelling that resonate with audiences of all kinds.

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KAY ADAMS

  • TV Personality and Sportscaster

Sportscaster and television host Kay Adams has built up her enormous fan following by sharing her journey, her work ethic, and her authenticity. In the football world, Kay is known for previously hosting NBC Sports Network’s Fantasy Football Live and DirecTV’s Fantasy Zone. Most recently, she hosted the NFL Network’s Emmy-nominated daily show Good Morning Football, solidifying herself as a trusted voice and fan-favorite TV personality. Kay currently hosts Up & Adams, her popular morning show on FanDuel TV, YouTube, & MAX Sports. Powered by Kay’s authenticity and endless curiosity, the show features guests from across sports and entertainment. In sought after events, Kay connects with audiences in moderated conversations and as a consummate host for fundraisers and events of all kinds.

Kay has made an impact hosting live events like Netflix’s first ever live sporting event, The Netflix Cup, Nickelodeon's Superstar Slime Showdown, TruTV's Impractical Jokers Live Special, the red carpet at the NFL Honors Ceremony, and more. Beyond sports, Kay hosted People (the TV show!), a daily program based on the prestigious magazine, as well as a mobile version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire for SONY. Kay shares insights about staying motivated, strategizing for personal growth, and following your passions for success in any industry.

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AKALA

  • BAFTA and MOBO Award-Winning Hip-Hop Artist and Social Entrepreneur

BAFTA and MOBO award-winning hip-hop artist, bestselling author, and social entrepreneur Akala is the co-founder of The Hip-hop Shakespeare Company. Akala is the author of the Sunday Times bestseller, Natives: Race & Class in the Ruins of Empire, which was shortlisted for the James Tait Black Prize, The Jhalak Prize, The Bread and Roses Award, and long-listed for the Orwell Prize for Political Writing, which has sold over 450K copies worldwide. Immovable Limited, a creative publishing hub co-founded by Akala and his manager Chanelle Newman, produced The Ruins of Empires for BBC Two and Akala’s Odyssey for BBC Four. Akala has gained a reputation as one of the most dynamic and articulate talents in the UK and internationally.

With an extensive global touring history, Akala has appeared at numerous festivals both in the UK and internationally, and has led innovative projects in the arts, education and music across South East Asia, Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand. Akala has also appeared on NPR, PBS, MTV, BET, Channel 4, ITV, Sky Arts, and the BBC promoting his music, poetry and speaking on wide-ranging subjects from music, race, youth engagement, British/African-Caribbean culture and the arts. His writing has been featured in The Guardian, Huffington Post, GQ, and The Independent, to name a few. Akala has been awarded honorary Doctorates by Oxford Brookes University, the University of Brighton, and Brunel University and has been consistently included on the annual Powerlist of the 100 most influential Black British people in the UK. Akala has been sought-after for keynotes at Oxford Union, Google Zeitgest, Spotify, and a TEDx Talk, which has garnered over 1.6M views.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BOBBY BERK

  • Emmy-Nominated TV Host Known for Netflix's 'Queer Eye'

Design expert, Emmy-nominated TV host, and founder Bobby Berk illustrates the critical connections between design and life. Bobby is perhaps best known as the resident design expert and member of the Fab Five on Netflix’s Emmy-winning series Queer Eye, bringing change to peoples’ lives by teaching them that a happy home means a happy life. In addition to his Emmy-nominated work as a host on Queer Eye, Bobby served as the host of Netflix’s Blown Away: Christmas and was a semi-finalist on the sixth season of FOX’s The Masked Singer. With a ”superpower for transforming lives and living spaces” (Los Angeles Times), Bobby offers a memorable program for groups looking to empower their teams, uplift creativity, and build a welcoming company culture.

Bobby leads his eponymous multi-faceted brand, including comprehensive lifestyle destination BobbyBerk.com. His design firm has quickly become a leader in the home building industry, and in 2020, Architectural Digest crowned Bobby as one of the “most famous interior designers working today.” He brings a unique viewpoint to the design experience, with substantial experience across many facets of the trade. Bobby grew up quickly at a young age and faced many challenges before settling in New York in his 20s, where he worked his way up in companies like Bed Bath & Beyond and Restoration Hardware. His determination, specific creative eye, and love for people soon earned him leadership titles and led to him opening his own design practice. With his extensive background, Bobby has spoken across the globe on topics including retail, manufacturing, interior design and licensing, branding, and more.

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JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT

  • Award-Winning Actor, Producer, and Director

Actor, director, filmmaker, and entrepreneur Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a creative thought leader exploring the relationship between technology and creativity. His acting career, spanning three decades, includes titles from television (3rd Rock from the Sun) to arthouse (Mysterious Skin, Brick, and more) to multiplex (Inception, 500 Days of Summer, Snowden, and more). His feature screenwriting and directorial debut, Don Jon, won an “Independent Spirit Award” nomination and “Best First Screenplay.”

Gordon-Levitt is also the founder of HITRECORD, an online creative platform empowering artists to explore “community-sourced” production. HITRECORD has produced award-winning campaigns for brands ranging from the ACLU to LG, toured live shows and screened short films at festivals such as Sundance, BFI, TIFF, and SXSW. The production company’s first television show, HITRECORD On TV, won an EMMY in the category of Outstanding Achievement in Interactive Media.

Drawing from his unique perspective as an artist and entrepreneur, Gordon-Levitt delivers dynamic talks and presentations that shed light on internet culture, collaboration, and creativity. He has spoken everywhere from TED to TechCrunch to AT&T. Sharing stories from his years of experience in the Hollywood spotlight, Gordon-Levitt inspires audiences to consider creativity in a new light.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SCOOTER BRAUN

  • Entertainment Industry Mogul and Innovator

Scooter Braun is one of the entertainment industry’s biggest entrepreneurs and innovators and the founder of SB Projects, a diversified entertainment and media company with ventures at the intersection of music, film, television, technology, brands, culture, and social good. Today, Braun has a roster of the top pop culture icons under his management, record label, and publishing companies that include Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Zac Brown Band, and Karlie Kloss, to name a few.

Braun has broken more new artists than any other music executive in the last decade and now has expanded his reach by establishing a fund which invests in some of the largest management, media, and rights companies in the industry. SB Projects houses a film and television production division which led to Braun making waves in the industry with his first documentary film, Never Say Never, and also continues to impact new verticals under its tech incubator, Silent Labs, which holds investments in Uber, Spotify, Songza, Casper, Waze, and Pinterest. In 2018, Braun announced new ventures including Mythos Studios, which will develop franchise films, and Good Story Entertainment, which will build out unscripted, live event, and documentary spaces.

As Braun continues to expand SB Projects, he remains committed to the company’s founding philosophy of giving back and designs a philanthropic element for each new initiative. Braun serves as Chair of the Advisory Board of Pencils of Promise, a non-profit organization that builds schools in developing countries. He is also on the board of Fuck Cancer, an organization focused on prevention and early detection of cancer, which his wife Yael Braun co-founded. Braun, his clients, and his companies have – together – granted more wishes for Make-A-Wish than any other organization in the history of the foundation. In 2017, Braun proved to be the music industry’s ‘first-responder’ when he organized the One Love Manchester benefit concert and Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief telethon, within just months of one another.

Braun lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TOM ABBOTT

  • Accomplished Broadcaster, Host, and Emcee

Accomplished sports broadcaster, host, and emcee Tom Abbott brings a polished and engaging energy to his work as a sought-after host and emcee. During his time at the GOLF Channel, Abbott has worked on numerous major championships and Solheim Cup broadcasts, and has contributed to NBC Sports Group’s Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup tournament coverage. He was part of the NBC Sports Broadcast team for both the Rio and Tokyo Summer Olympics and reported on Biathlon for NBC Sports at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Abbott is an accomplished speaker and host for groups including Chevron, Evian, AIG, MGM Resorts, Dow Chemical, and The Rolex LPGA Awards – which he has hosted for the past decade.

Abbott is the youngest person in U.S. television history to broadcast The Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, Walker Cup and Presidents Cup – completing this quartet in his early-thirties. He has reported on some of the game’s most memorable moments, including the 2009 Open at Turnberry when Tom Watson made a historic run at the Claret Jug, and from Copenhagen on the vote to restore golf as an Olympic sport. Previously, he contributed to several of the network’s original production projects, most notably the original series, Big Break, where he served as host for 11 seasons.

Abbot consistently receives rave reviews, such as: "Tom is the consummate professional – intelligent and engaging, the ultimate combination. His preparation takes place behind the scenes but is extensive and results in flawless execution when he has a microphone in hand. His delivery and engagement with audiences allows his personality to shine through and create what feels like individual connections with audience members." (Chevron)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DAMAR HAMLIN

  • Professional Football Player

NFL player, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Damar Hamlin inspires audiences with his vision for making an impact through his life and work. Hamlin has always put his family and his community first. As he told the Point Park Globe, "I wanted to give my city bragging rights, bring my city something and just give the city another reason to smile." While playing football at the University of Pittsburgh he was named first-team All-State and the Class AAAA Defensive Player of the Year. Hamlin plays starting safety for the Buffalo Bills, standing out as a leader on the team early in his NFL career. While still in school, Hamlin launched his popular Chasing M's clothing brand – which “tells the story of your come up through clothing and puts a community of like-minded people behind you to help achieve the life you want.” While expanding his portfolio as a fashion entrepreneur, he created The Chasing M’s Foundation – a vehicle to bring lasting impact to his community supporting toy drives, back-to-school drives, kids’ camps, and more, and recently launched a charity weekend featuring a youth football camp, charity softball game, and an All-Star game. Hamlin shares his perspective on leadership and standing up for those who need it the most in sought-after speaking engagements.

During a Monday Night Football game on January 2nd, 2023, Hamlin completed what looked like a routine tackle, only to collapse on the field moments after. He had suffered a cardiac arrest – and received swift medical attention as teammates and fans looked on in shock. His heartbeat was restored on the field, and he was rushed to emergency care. In the coming days, Damar’s teammates and fans were relieved to hear he was making progress. Communicating by writing on a clipboard due to his breathing tube, Damar asked, “did we win?” His trauma surgeon replied, “Yes, Damar, you won. You won the game of life.”

In his first public comments since his cardiac arrest, Hamlin shared on social media that he is thankful for the love he has received and asks for continued prayers for the long road ahead. In a massive show of support, fans donated to Hamlin’s 2020 GoFundMe campaign for The Chasing M’s Foundation’s annual toy drive. Dozens of NFL players, coaches, and executives donated to the campaign, which has raised over $9M so far. Hamlin has received the Variety Sports and Entertainment Social Impact Award, the 2023 Alan Page Community Award, the 2023 George Halas Award, presented the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPY Awards to the Bills training staff, and has been honored by the city of Pittsburgh with Damar Hamlin Day on July 9th. A gifted and motivational speaker, Hamlin illuminates how his faith and gratitude have helped him overcome obstacles, and offers motivational insights about entrepreneurship, community impact, and authentic leadership.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DAVID POLLACK

  • Former NFL Linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals

College football analyst and former NFL linebacker David Pollack is an empowering speaker on the importance of faith, family, and community in building a successful career and life. Pollack played college football for the University of Georgia, where he was a three-time All-American, and was recognized as the top college defensive player in the nation. Pollack had 36 sacks during his collegiate career, third most in NCAA history. He was a first-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft and played professionally for the Cincinnati Bengals. After suffering a career-ending neck injury in his second season with the Bengals, Pollack transitioned to a new path as a college football analyst for ESPN. For over a decade, he has connected with sports fans through his engaging presence and passion for what he does.

Pollack launched the Pollack Family Foundation to positively impact communities by empowering families in Athens and the Greater Atlanta area. The Foundation provides not only for basic needs but also creates opportunities for the community to flourish through unique fundraising experiences and intentional acts of community service. The organization’s work reflects Pollack’s personal values, which he shares in uplifting and motivating talks: Love, Integrity, Family, and Excellence (LIFE).

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DR. MYRON ROLLE

  • Neurosurgeon and Inventor of Rolle Scoring System - A public health rating scale to prevent traumatic brain injury

Neurosurgeon, bestselling author, philanthropist, and former NFL player Dr. Myron Rolle is a medical pioneer in preventing traumatic brain injury and has made profound improvements to neurosurgical care in the Caribbean. Dr. Rolle is a Rhodes Scholar and a chief neurosurgery resident and Global Neurosurgery Fellow at Harvard-Massachusetts General Hospital. He developed and published the Rolle Scoring System, a public health rating scale used to determine a developing country’s governance around helmet safety to prevent traumatic brain injury. Dr. Rolle has been recognized by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons for demonstrating the best operative technique in the reconstruction of upper extremity motor function using intercostal nerve transfers after a traumatic brachial plexus injury. Dr. Rolle is the bestselling author of The 2% Way: How a Philosophy of Small Improvements Took Me to Oxford, the NFL, and Neurosurgery, and he shares his remarkable story and life-changing philosophy in motivational events.

Dr. Rolle is the chairman of the Caribbean Neurosurgery Foundation – a not-for-profit which houses capacity-building and health system-strengthening initiatives for improved neurosurgical care in the Caribbean. His foundation has impacted over 3.5M people in the Caribbean through the upscaling of policy, service delivery, infrastructure, and workforce development. Dr. Rolle also serves as the youngest ever board director at Abiomed – a leading provider of groundbreaking medical technology that provides circulatory and oxygenation support for the most at-risk cardiac patients. Following a successful event, host Citadel raved: “Never have I received so many messages and pings about a session from such a diverse audience. Each and every one… appreciated your candor, perspective, humility and storytelling. A privilege to share a stage with you and hope we are able to partner in the future.”

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MONICA PUIG

  • Former Professional Tennis Player

Professional tennis player and ESPN commentator Monica Puig is celebrated as the first-ever Puerto Rican to win an Olympic gold medal. Monica’s professional career, which spanned for over a decade and with a career high ranking of #27, saw her win one WTA title (Strasbourg, 2014) as well as reaching the finals of four additional WTA events. Monica’s biggest victory, and the one that changed her life forever, was becoming the first ever gold medal winner for Puerto Rico by winning the women’s singles title at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The win in Brazil captivated a nation and propelled her to overnight stardom both in her home country of Puerto Rico as well as in many other parts of Central and Latin America.

Monica announced her retirement from tennis in the spring of 2022 and has since transitioned into a role with ESPN and the Tennis Channel, where she covers a number of tennis events around the world as both a commentator, host, and guest analyst. She has also fulfilled roles for ESPN around the 2022 MLB All-Star Game and is expanding into other areas of sports, business, and the entertainment world. As part of her transition from a championed tennis player, Monica is competing in three marathons this year as well as the Augusta Half Iron Man. In engaging and motivational talks, Monica shares lessons in cultivating an athlete’s mindset, overcoming adversity, women in sports, and her historic Olympic win.

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CARL NASSIB

  • Former NFL Player & Captain of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Former NFL player, tech founder, and philanthropist Carl Nassib is an inspirational activist for the LGBTQ community and a powerful advocate for financial literacy. Nassib is a seven-year NFL veteran and former captain of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When he was at Pennsylvania State, Nassib went from being a Walk-On to earning unanimous All-American honors. In 2021, Nassib announced publicly that he is gay – distinguishing him as the first openly gay active player in the NFL’s 103-year history. His announcement included a $100K donation to The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to crises intervention and suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth. Nassib’s historic coming out story directly confronts one of the last bastions of entrenched homophobia – men’s professional sports. Through his advocacy and in sought-after events as a motivational keynote speaker he has made an impact with audiences worldwide.

In addition to his remarkable journey on the football field, Nassib is a tech founder and a committed philanthropist. He is the Founder and CEO of the Rayze app, which enables users to give back to causes they are passionate about – connecting nonprofits to the next generation of philanthropists. He is also an advocate for financial literacy, pushing for more access to financial education and resources for professional and college athletes. Nassib has spoken for groups including the Smithsonian, Villanova, and the Plan Sponsor Council of America, who raved: ”We were thrilled to have Carl Nassib speak at our national conference. His dedication to serving others is a testament to the power of volunteerism and we believe that his message really resonated with our audience.”

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SEAN FOLEY

  • Famed Golf Instructor

One of the biggest names in golf instruction, Sean Foley has coached three professional players to the number one ranking in the sport. Foley’s clients include three-time PGA TOUR winner Cameron Champ, Lydia Ko, and arguably the greatest player of all time Tiger Woods. Foley’s players have won a total of 56 professional events spanning many worldwide professional golf tours. His core teaching philosophy is driven by a passion to help golfers evolve into the best players and people they can be. Sean shares these takeaways for peak performance and success with audiences including MetLife, Grant Thornton, Home Depot, Zendesk, MIT Sloan Analytics, Dell, and more.

Sean has been the host of some of the most widely viewed content on NBC’s GolfPass. Having written countless instruction articles, Sean was the youngest coach ever to be included on the masthead at Golf Digest. He has been ranked in the top five greatest coaches for over a decade in Golf Digest’s annual rankings and was ranked the best instructor by PGA TOUR players twice. Sean has also been featured on the front cover of Golf Digest twice. Foley has coached countless celebrities, titans of industry, and world leaders from around the globe.

HWA CO-EXCLUSIVE

JONNY WILKINSON

  • Former Rugby Union Player

Former Rugby Union player, entrepreneur, and podcaster Jonny Wilkinson is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. After making his name as one of the shining lights of Rugby Union, Jonny was inducted to the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014. His services to the sport were recognized by Her Majesty the Queen, initially appointing him as an MBE, latterly upgraded to OBE and subsequently, CBE. In addition to his incredible achievements in sport, Jonny has become an advocate for mental wellbeing, healthy ways to deal with stress and the unknown, and shares his profound insights in impactful conversations.

Jonny was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2003 and World Rugby Player of the Year in Monaco in 2004. Off the pitch, he established the Jonny Wilkinson NSPiRED Foundation – a program designed to support those in teaching and coaching roles towards inspiring the younger generation to live their fullest lives. The six-week program is devoted entirely to the individual, their world, and their potential to perform, lead, and connect with others. Jonny is also the Creator and Host of the I Am… with Jonny Wilkinson podcast – which explores the remarkable transformations of pioneers and thought leaders around the globe. In powerful talks, Jonny shares his authentic journey learning to deal with pressure, overcome and release trauma, and developing a growth mindset.

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DANNY HURLEY

  • Head Coach of UConn Men's Basketball

Head Coach of UConn Men’s Basketball Danny Hurley led the Huskies to a National Title in one of the most impressive March Madness runs in history, defeating San Diego State 76-59. When he became the 19th head coach in the history of UConn basketball, it didn’t take long for him to put his stamp on the program. Hurley was the architect of two previous college basketball rebuilding projects and returned the Huskies to national prominence. From unranked to National Champions, Hurley shares insights from this story of perseverance, hard work, and incredible leadership.

Hurley has taken charge of four struggling hoop programs – St. Benedict’s Prep, Wagner College, the University of Rhode Island, and UConn – and built them into competitors on the national stage. He has been honored with the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year Award, multiple USBWA District I Coach of the Year Awards, and has sent multiple players to NBA teams. Drawing on his unmatched experience rebuilding multiple programs, Hurley offers actionable takeaways in maximizing personnel, the art of perseverance, and leadership 101.

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ABBY WAMBACH

  • FIFA Women's World Cup Champion and Two-Time Gold Medalist

Soccer legend, TV host and podcaster, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Abby Wambach inspires audiences with her message that there is a leader inside all of us, and we each have the power to make change. Abby is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA World Cup Champion, and six-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award. She was the leading scorer for the U.S. in the 2007 and 2011 Women’s World Cup tournaments, and the 2004 and 2012 Olympics. For many long-time and newer soccer fans, Abby’s name is synonymous with the skyrocketing popularity of the sport, the fight for women’s equal pay, and what it means to be a powerhouse team member and leader in any organization.

An activist for equality and inclusion, Abby is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller WOLFPACK: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game, based on her inspiring, viral commencement speech to Barnard College. She authored the instant NYT bestselling adaptation for young audiences, WOLFPACK for the next generation. Abby is a highly sought-after speaker for events with groups like PayPal, Dell Technologies, Equinix, Inc., Northwestern Mutual, and many more, offering motivating insights on leadership, social change, the champion’s mindset, and how to build a strong and resilient team.

Abby is the co-host of WE CAN DO HARD THINGS with Glennon Doyle, which was named the #1 New Podcast of 2021 on Apple Podcasts. She sits on the Board of Directors for the all-women-led nonprofit organization Together Rising, and is a co-founder and part-owner of Angel City FC, the first majority-female-owned soccer team in history. Abby consistently receives rave reviews for events, such as: “She was OUTSTANDING! The team felt so inspired and energized after her conversation. I think we could have listened to her for 5 hours” (Momentive Inc.) and “Best keynote ever.” (LeadingAge)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ERIC NAM

  • Korean American Pop Superstar

Korean American singer-songwriter, TV host, and entrepreneur Eric Nam is one of the most popular and recognizable celebrities in Asia, whose music and advocacy is having a global impact. In an interview for GQ, Nam was described as having “amassed one of the most varied and entrepreneurial legacies to come out of the K-Pop scene.” After growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, and deferring a job offer from Deloitte Consulting, Nam was invited to audition for Korea’s version of American Idol, which launched his meteoric rise as a TV host and pop icon. He was named one of GQ Korea’s “Men of the Year,” one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30 Asia,” and YouTube’s Global Trending “Artist On the Rise,” eventually co-founding and serving as Creative Director for DIVE Studios (DS) – a K-pop focused media company with multiple award-winning podcasts. With the help of his brothers, Nam launched Mindset, a mental health and wellness platform with a library of authentic and intimate video and audio collections from world-renowned celebrities. For his mental health advocacy, Nam received the Time100 Impact Award. Passionate about social impact, diverse representation, and mental health advocacy, Nam has been sought-after to speak for groups like the White House, Milken Institute, JED Foundation, UNESCO, Cornell University, The Korea Society, and NYU, among others.

Nam has been featured in Forbes, Vulture, NPR’s Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, TIME, and many more, and was awarded the Embrace Unity Award by the Council of Korean Americans. He wrote a powerful op-ed for TIME, raising awareness about anti-Asian violence and inspiring change. Nam hosted the DS podcast Daebak Show, celebrating spectacular music, media, and people. Eric's first independent album There And Back Again, which debuted at #3 and #7 on the US and UK Spotify Charts and peaked at #22 Album Sold on Billboard Charts, is inspiring the next generation of change-makers. In 2022, Eric played 60 shows in 54 cities in Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania with over 85,000 hard ticket sales. In 2023, his second independent album House on a Hill was released to critical acclaim, celbrated with an 80+ city World Tour. Nam debuted as an actor in the psychological thriller, Transplant (2023) further expanding his illustrious career. With authenticity and insight, Nam sparks thought-provoking conversations on important contemporary issues that make an impact with audiences of all kinds.

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MICHELE TAFOYA

  • Emmy Award-Winning Sportscaster

Multi Emmy Award winner Michele Tafoya joined the NBC Sports Group from 2011-2022 as a sideline reporter for Sunday Night Football after more than a decade at ABC/ESPN, where she saw her profile rise steadily since 2000 through a variety of on-air roles, most notably as a reporter for Monday Night Football and ABC’s coverage of the NBA Championships. Tafoya was a part of NBC’s Olympic coverage and has served as the sideline reporter for NBC's coverage of Super Bowl XLVI, XLIX, LII, LVI, and ABC’s coverage of Super Bowl XL. Now, Tafoya is going into politics, co-chairing a Minnesota gubernatorial campaign. 

After serving as the sideline reporter for ABC Sports' Monday Night Football for two seasons (2004-05), Tafoya joined ESPN's Monday Night Football in 2006. In the fall of 2008, Tafoya made the difficult decision to step down from her NBA reporter role to spend more time with her family.

Tafoya previously hosted The Michele Tafoya Show on WCCO News Radio 830 AM in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Prior to ABC/ESPN, Tafoya worked for CBS Sports from 1994-2000 as a game reporter and studio host for NFL, college football and college basketball telecasts. She hosted CBS' NCAA Tournament selection show, Goodwill Games and U.S. Open coverage, as well as CBS's late-night Winter Olympics programs. She was also a WNBA commentator on Lifetime from 1997-99, for which she won The American Women in Radio and Television Gracie Award for “Outstanding Achievement by an Individual On-Air TV Personality.”  She would later win the same award for her sideline work on Sunday Night Football.

Early in her career, Tafoya worked as a host and Minnesota Vikings sideline reporter for KFAN-AM in Minneapolis and also served as a Minnesota Timberwolves host and sideline reporter for the Midwest Sports Channel. She spent three years at WCCO-TV in Minneapolis as a sports anchor and reporter from 1995 to 1998.

A native of Manhattan Beach, California, Tafoya graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree, with honors, in mass communications.  She also earned her master's degree in business administration from the University of Southern California. The Davie-Brown Index ranked Tafoya among the most likeable TV sports personalities, including “Biggest Trend-Setter.”

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MIKE MYERS

  • Award-Winning Comedian, Actor, Director, Producer, and Writer

Mike Myers, one of the most multifaceted performers of his generation, has brought an astonishing array of memorable characters to life in film and television as an actor, director, producer, writer, and creator behind such iconic characters as Wayne Campbell, Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, and Shrek.

Myers made his directorial debut with the award winning documentary, Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon, which chronicles the life of talent manager, Shep Gordon. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released by RADiUS-TWC in partnership with A&E IndieFilms. The documentary also earned an Emmy nomination for its “Outstanding Arts and Cultural Programming.”

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Myers began his professional career with Chicago's Second City Troupe. Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels' discovery of Myers at Second City led to his debut as a featured performer and writer on the show in 1989. Myers successfully brought his popular SNL character, Wayne Campbell, to the big screen in Wayne's World and Wayne’s World 2, which he also wrote.

Myers also created, wrote, produced and starred in the smash hit, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. Myers portrayal of Austin Powers spawned two sequels, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Austin Powers: Goldmember. Myers lent his voice to the title role of Shrek, the beloved green ogre for the DreamWorks animated franchise, which include Shrek, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After. So I Married an Axe Murderer, Myers’ first film following his tenure at SNL, is a cult classic.

Myers received a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California for his impressive body of work and an ensemble SAG award for his memorable work in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Bastards. He was also honored with the 'Jack Benny Award' by the student body of the University of California, the AFI Star Award at U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, numerous MTV Movie Awards including the MTV Generation Award, and has a star on Canada's Walk of Fame. His character, Shrek, also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Myers signed an overall deal for television with HBO in 2015.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CAM

  • Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter

Cam writes music to tell the truth, especially truths that help women understand themselves. The GRAMMY®-nominated artist has released music that is brazen, bold and transcends genre boundaries as seen through songs like the viral fame of “Diane” and the breakthrough debut of her double-platinum hit, “Burning House.” “Burning House” garnered Cam multiple award nods and to date, is the most-downloaded song by a female country artist since 2015. Along with joining international superstar Sam Smith on the North American leg of his “Thrill of It All Tour” this Summer, Cam has shared the stage with artists like Harry Styles, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, George Strait, Alicia Keys, Eric Church, Smokey Robinson and others.

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AZIZ ANSARI

  • Golden Globe Award-Winning Actor

Aziz Ansari is an award-winning actor, director, writer and comedian. He co-created, writes, directs, and stars in the Netflix original series Master of None for which he has won two Emmy’s for Outstanding Comedy Writing, a Golden Globe for Best Actor, as well as Emmy and DGA Award nominations for his directing. The series also received the Peabody and AFI Awards for both seasons. In 2019, he released his 5th standup for Netflix entitled Right Now directed by Spike Jonze to critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination.

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RAMI MALEK

  • Academy, Emmy, and Golden Globe Award-Winning Actor

Rami Malek won an Oscar for his ground-breaking performance as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody. When he’s not shooting for the silver screen, Rami works on television projects and has won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in Mr. Robot.  He has played fascinating characters in projects as wide ranging as a James Bond villian to a pharaoh in The Night At The Museum series.

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CONAN O'BRIEN

  • Comedian, Writer, and Producer

With “a comic identity as distinctive as his name,” according to The New York Times, Conan O’Brien has firmly established himself in the late night comedy universe. Hailed by The Washington Post as “modest, wry, self-effacing and demonstrably the most intelligent of the late-night comics,” O’Brien’s unique brand of comedy has earned Conan the title “Late Night’s King of Cool” from Entertainment Weekly.

A Harvard graduate and two-time president of the venerable and notorious Harvard Lampoon, O’Brien moved to Los Angeles upon graduation and joined the writing staff of HBO’s Not Necessarily the News.  During his two years with the show, he performed regularly with several improvisational groups, including The Groundlings.

By 1988 his talents had come to the attention of Lorne Michaels, executive producer of Saturday Night Live, who hired O’Brien as a writer in January of that year. In 1989 his work on SNL was recognized with an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy or Variety Series.

Starting in the Fall of 1991, O’Brien signed on as a writer/producer for the Fox series, The Simpsons, where he later became the show’s supervising producer. Of all the episodes he wrote, his favorite is “Springfield Gets a Monorail.”

On April 26, 1993, Lorne Michaels selected O’Brien to succeed David Letterman as the new host of Late Night on NBC. According to Michaels, O’Brien was selected from among the many talented potential hosts of Late Night for his particular and unique mix of “vitality, wit and intelligence”.

From 1993 to 2009, O’Brien combined his talents as writer, performer and interviewer as the award-winning host of Late Night, which The Boston Globe dubbed, “the most consistently funny and original show on late night”. During that time, he hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards several times. As part of a long-term plan at NBC, O'Brien moved from the host of Late Night to The Tonight Show.  In 2010, O'Brien launched a brand-new talk show on TBS, appropriately titled Conan.

When he's not interviewing guests on Conan he's interviewing them on his long-running, highly entertaining podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend.

Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, O’Brien is married with two children and currently resides in Los Angeles.

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DEON COLE

  • Famed Emmy-Nominated Comedian, Actor, and Writer

Deon Cole is one of the most in-demand talents on the comedy scene. Not only is he currently a cast member on four hit TV shows, he has also appeared in several popular feature films, released multiple standup specials, and follows a non-stop tour schedule. Armed with a “comic authority born of undeniable charisma” (AV Club), Deon’s completely unique style and delivery have made him a wildly popular performer with fans and critics alike.

Deon plays the character of adjunct college professor "Charlie" on ABC's hit series Black-ish. In January 2018 Deon brought the beloved “Charlie” to Freeform in the Black-ish spinoff series Grown-ish, with Variety declaring him “the hilarious secret weapon that Black-ish has deployed in many side-splitting workplace scenes.” Deon also stars as “Det. Daniel 'DJ' Tanner” on the TBS comedy Angie Tribeca

In addition to his three scripted shows, Deon hosts the game show Face Value currently airing on BET. Face Value flips the script to award cash and prizes to contestants for correctly guessing facts about strangers from all walks of life – based solely on their appearance and a few personal details. As host, Deon humorously breaks down stereotypes, exposes prejudices, and celebrates the human spirit by highlighting the commonalities and differences among people of various backgrounds, races, religions, beliefs and life experiences.

Deon earned his first Writers Guild Award Nomination and his first Emmy Nomination for “Writing for A Variety, Music or Comedy Program" in 2010 as part of the writing staff on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien (NBC). He earned his second Emmy Nomination in 2011 for his work with the writers of CONAN (TBS) and he wrote for Conan O’Brien when he hosted the 2013 White House Correspondents Dinner. 

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ROBERT RODRIGUEZ

  • Screenwriter, Filmmaker, and Producer

Robert Rodriguez is a film director, screenwriter, producer, cinematographer, editor and musician.

While a student at the University of Texas at Austin in 1991, Robert Rodriguez wrote the script to his first feature film, El Mariachi, which went on to win the coveted Audience Award at the 1993 Sundance Film Festival, and became the lowest budget movie ever released by a major studio. Rodriguez wrote about these experiences in Rebel Without a Crew, a perennial guide for the independent filmmaker.

Rodriguez went on to write, produce, direct and edit a series of successful films including Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn, The Faculty, the Spy Kids franchise, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Frank Miller’s Sin City, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3D, Grindhouse, Machete and Sin City 2: A Dame To Kill For, and embarked on a collaboration with iconic film director James Cameron on the film adaptation of Alita: Battle Angel which Cameron is producing alongside Rodriguez directing.

In 2000, Rodriguez founded Troublemaker Studios, an Austin, Texas based production facility of which he is co-owner and president. The studio includes a world-renowned visual effects house, music and publishing arms and has played a primary role in making Austin a vibrant filmmaking hub.

In 2017, Rodriguez, alongside his sons Racer and Rebel, formed Double R Productions, a development and production company with capabilities to produce media projects across film, television, gaming, and interactive platforms. In addition to Red 11, Double R produced a state of the art VR live-action short called the The Limit as well as as a new feature film, We Can Be Heroes, in partnership with Netflix. We Can Be Heroes has become one of Netflix’s most popular films of all time.

He recently directed the Lady Gaga/Ariana Grande video "Rain on Me," and an episode of The Mandalorian which led to him currently producing the new Star Wars series The Book of Boba Fett.

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BEANIE FELDSTEIN

  • Acclaimed Actress on TV, Film, and Broadway

Acclaimed actress Beanie Feldstein has made a name for herself has one of her generation’s most talented performers. Feldstein is known for her breakout roles in the Academy Award-nominated Lady Bird, and her Golden Globe-nominated performance in Booksmart. Additional film credits include A24’s The Humans, adapted from the four-time Tony Award-winning play of the same name, How to Build a Girl, and the upcoming untitled Ethan Coen film from Working Title and Focus Features. Feldstein is also starring in Richard Linklater’s ambitious adaptation of Merrily We Roll Along, which will film over the next 18 years. On television, she starred as Monica Lewinsky in FX’s American Crime Story: Impeachment, for which she also served as a producer, and voiced the title character in Apple TV+’s Harriet the Spy. Lauded for charismatic and compelling performances, Feldstein shares her journey to stardom, as well as insights about creativity and the arts, in sought-after conversations.

Beyond her work in film and television, Feldstein made her Broadway debut in the award-winning revival of Hello, Dolly! in a performance that Vogue wrote,instantly punctuates the production with joy and whimsy.” She starred in the long-awaited Broadway revival of Funny Girl, receiving critical and popular acclaim, including a Drama League Award nomination. In speaking engagements with audiences across industries, Feldstein brings her trademark blend of grace and humor, making each event a memorable one.

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CHERYL BURKE

  • Professional Championship Dancer

With over 25 years dancing experience and several championship titles under her belt, Emmy nominated professional dancer Cheryl Burke, tangoed and sambaed her way into the hearts of millions through the hit ABC television show Dancing with the Stars becoming champion twice with Emmitt Smith in Season 3 and Drew Lachey in Season 2.

Cheryl has been named one of People Magazine’s Most Beautiful and often appears on Maxim’s Hot 100 List.  In 2008, Burke was awarded an Asian Excellence Award and in 2010, she made a much talked about appearance in the music video for Ne-Yo’s Camera Phone.  In addition to her onscreen roles, Burke is a noted motivational speaker.  Having been publicly attacked about her weight and battling body image issues her entire life, Burke often speaks at medical conferences, women’s conventions and to school age children about self-esteem and having a healthy body image.  She also speaks about being a survivor of domestic sexual abuse. Her accomplishments in entertainment were celebrated in 2020 with an induction into the Robert Chinn Foundation’s Asian Hall of Fame.

For Cheryl, dancing is a way of life. It provides a medium for her to express her inner feelings and passions all while maintaining focus and composure during extremely high-pressure situations. It is dancing that has made her such a competitor, both on and off the floor, and made her strive for perfection in anything that she sets out to do. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BAILEY SARIAN

  • Creator and Host, 'Murder, Mystery and Makeup' Viral YouTube Series

Bailey Sarian has quickly risen as one of the most popular YouTube channels with her successful series, Murder, Mystery and Makeup. Since the start of the series in January 2019, Bailey's channel has grown over 4.07M subscribers and over 60M views on the series. Bailey and the Murder, Mystery and Makeup franchise also has a successful Facebook Page with over 9M followers and over 200M views total. Bailey is also the host of the podcast Dark History, which launched at number one on Apple podcasts, and hosted three episodes of the series Case Closed with Bailey Sarian on Netflix’s YouTube channel Still Watching Netflix. Bailey's light hearted approach to true crime and infection personality, results in a binge worthy series and a huge Bailey Sarian fandom.

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CHELSEA PERETTI

  • Comedian, Actress, and Writer

Chelsea Peretti starred as ‘Gina Linetti’ on the hit FOX comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine opposite Andy Samberg and Terry Crews. Most recently, she can be seen in the romantic drama The Photograph directed by Stella Meghie and featuring Issa Rae and LeKeith Stanfield.  Chelsea can next be seen in the Red Hour comedy feature Friendsgiving opposite Malin Akerman and Kat Dennings as well as in Andrea Dorfman’s feature comedy Spinster. Her film credits also include New Line feature Game Night opposite Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdam and Universal’s Popstar.

Chelsea can be heard on hit animated series such as Big Mouth, The Simpsons, Crank Yankers, and American Dad. She has appeared in HBO's farewell season of Girls, Fox's New Girl, and Comedy Central's Kroll Show, Drunk History, Another Period and Sarah Silverman Program. Chelsea has written for Parks and Recreation, Saturday Night Live, Sarah Silverman Program, Portlandia and Kroll SHow.

Her hour stand-up special One of the Greats has a large following on Netflix, and her half hour Comedy Central Presents aired in 2011. One of Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch, Comedy Central’s HOTLIST comedians, and Vanity Fair’s 2013 Comedy Issue comedians, Chelsea was also named one of TIME Magazine’s 140 Best Twitter Feeds of 2013.

Her weekly call-in podcast Call Chelsea Peretti debuted at number 1 on iTunes comedy podcasts. Original comedic web projects include the highly-trafficked website BlackPeopleLoveUs.com, the New York City Rejection Line, and her “Making Friends” and “All My Exes” web series. She is actively followed on Twitter as @chelseaperetti and instagram as: chelsanity.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TIM ALLEN

  • Famed Actor and Comedian

Tim Allen is the star of the hit sitcom Last Man Standing which was revived by the FOX network for its 7th season after airing for six seasons on ABC. The 8th season of the series premiered in January 2020.

Allen reprised his role as Buzz Lightyear in Disney’s Toy Story 4, with Tom Hanks, Keanu Reeves, Tony Hale, Annie Potts, Christina Hendricks, and Keegan-Michael Key. The film opened #1 at the box office on June 21, 2019. In 2017, he starred in the Netflix dark comedy El Camino Christmas with Vincent D’Onofrio, Luke Grimes and Dax Shepard.

Allen continues to perform stand-up shows to sold-out crowds across the country. He honed his talents as a stand-up comic throughout the eighties, providing the perfect lead-in to his highly successful ABC television series Home Improvement where he garnered a Golden Globe Award, an Emmy nomination, and was honored with the People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Male Performer in a Television Series” for an unprecedented eight years in a row.

During Home Improvement’s run at the top of the prime-time charts, Tim revisited his comedy roots with a successful national concert tour. He also found time to pen his first book about the male perspective, Don’t Stand Too Close to a Naked Man, topping the New York Times Bestseller List. This was followed by his second bestseller I’m Not Really Here focusing on midlife, family and quantum physics.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CAMERON MCCORMICK

  • Legendary Golf Coach

With a background in competitive golf, both collegiate, amateur and professional; in addition to knowledge in the biomechanics, motor learning and psychology domains, Cameron has developed an international reputation as a sought-after coach to players at, or aspiring to, high levels of competitive mastery.

McCormick’s client list covers the gamut from beginner to elite players. He is most well-known for coaching 3-time Major Champion and multi-PGA Tour winner Jordan Spieth since the age of 12. His client roster, past and present, also includes LPGA star So Yeon Ryu, as well as over 20 combined PGA, Champions, Web.com and LPGA Tour players as well as four of the last seven USGA Junior Amateur champions.

He is a Class A PGA Member, the founder of Altus Performance and serves at the Director of Instruction at the Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, Texas.

McCormick is a Golf Magazine Top-100 teacher and was named the 2015 PGA of America Teacher of the Year. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALEXIS DEBOSCHNEK

  • Chef and Recipe Developer

Alexis deBoschnek is host of Chef Out of Water and a recipe developer based in the Catskills in upstate New York. Before going freelance, she was the Senior Test Kitchen Manager at BuzzFeed's Tasty, where her show, Chef Out of Water, went viral multiple times. She has contributed recipes to Food52, The Kitchn, Chowhound, and Tasting Table. Her first cookbook, To the Last Bite, published by Simon & Schuster, was named one of the most anticipated new cookbooks by TIME, Thrillist, Book Riot, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

PETER SCHRAGER

  • Sportscaster and TV Personality

Peter Schrager serves as an NFL insider and host of NFL Network's popular weekday morning show, Good Morning Football. Schrager is also an analyst on FOX NFL Kickoff, a senior NFL writer for FOXSports.com and a sideline reporter for Fox Sports. In addition to his game day coverage, he is a regular contributor to FS1 studio shows. Peter is also an accomplished author who has written two books: Strength of a Champion with OJ Brigance, and the New York Times Bestseller Out of the Blue with Victor Cruz (2012).

In addition to the NFL, Peter has covered the Olympics and the NBA for FOX, and has been a frequent contributor to GQ. Schrager won an Emmy in 2013 for his work on Inside the NFL

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RAMY YOUSSEF

  • Comedian, Actor, Producer, and Director

Ramy Youssef is a Golden Globe-winning Egyptian-American creator, actor, producer, director, and comedian who brings his unique voice and perspective to his storytelling. He won the 2020 Golden Globe Award® on behalf of Ramy in the category of ‘Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical, or Comedy.’ Youssef created, produced and stars in the hit show which is inspired by his own experiences centering around a first-generation Egyptian-American Muslim on a spiritual journey in his politically divided New Jersey neighborhood. Most recently, the Television Academy nominated Youssef for two 2020 Emmy Awards® in the categories of “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series” and “Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series” on behalf of the second season of Ramy. Youssef was also nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award and a Writers Guild Award for his one-hour HBO comedy special Ramy Youssef: Feelings produced by A24.

Youssef, through his partnership with A24, is working on creating and developing subsequent projects. The first show will star Ramy series regular Stephen Way in a story illustrating the perspective and experience of a disabled person and their family in a real way. Youssef will executive produce both this series and an untitled show currently in production with Netflix.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BOB STOOPS

  • Former Head Coach, University of Oklahoma Football

The winningest coach in Oklahoma history, Bob Stoops has become synonymous with success as he firmly etched his indelible stamp upon college football. Stoops is the former legendary head football coach at the University of Oklahoma, a position he held from 1999 until he announced his retirement June 7, 2017. After briefly coming out of retirement in 2020 to coach the Dallas Renegades in the XFL, he now serves as a special assistant to the athletics director at OU. He appears on FOX's Big Noon college football pregame show as a college football studio analyst. Stoops was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

In his 18 years as head coach of the Sooners, no head coach in school history produced more victories than Stoops. Stoops accumulated an impressive home winning streak of 39 consecutive games from 2005 to 2011. He also has the most wins of the decade of any BCS school. Stoops is one of four coaches to win over 100 games at the University of Oklahoma, reaching the feat faster than any coach in college football history. Add it all up, and it’s easy to see why ESPN the Magazine in 2012 named Oklahoma the top college football program of the BCS era. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

WYNTON MARSALIS

  • International Jazz Icon

World-renowned trumpeter, bandleader and composer Wynton Marsalis is a leading advocate of American culture. At the age of 17, Marsalis left New Orleans to attend the Juilliard School in New York City. He quickly found himself in an ideal place to learn what was required to be a jazz musician and bandleader, when he hit the road with Art Blakey and the Jazz Masters. Wynton assembled his first band in 1981 and promptly began touring, performing over 120 concerts annually for 15 consecutive years. With the power of his musicianship, the compelling sound of his swinging bands and a far-reaching series of performances and music workshops, Marsalis rekindled interest and excitement in jazz worldwide and attracted a new generation of fine young talent to the genre. As the Co-founder, Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, as well as the Director of Juilliard Jazz, Marsalis has elevated jazz music to the forefront of America’s leading arts and educational institutions. Wynton has recorded over 100 jazz and classical recordings, which have garnered nine GRAMMY Awards® and sold over 7 million copies worldwide. In 1997, Marsalis became the first jazz artist to be awarded the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in Music for his oratorio Blood on the Fields. Marsalis' vision for a brighter American future resonates deeply with companies and organizations across a multitude of fields. With Wynton, audiences are treated to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a front row seat as he speaks about a lifetime of innovation, soul, and music. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ZOZIBINI TUNZI

  • Advocate for Gender Equality, Inclusion, and Diversity

A powerful and versatile speaker, Zozibini Tunzi first gained national attention after delivering a memorable winning answer to host Steve Harvey during the 2019 Miss Universe competition.  Zozi, as she is known, responded, and rallied young women to “take up space”. These words became her battle cry not only to the pageant judges who awarded her the coveted title, but to young girls and women around the world watching the television show. She emphasized that the time was now for them to take their place in society and cement themselves in the history books.

Before becoming Miss Universe, Zozi worked for a global advertising agency and has a huge passion for music and the arts. She begins in pageantry after noting the women before her using the opportunity to become leaders in their communities and use the impact for the greater good. She watched former titleholders utilize their huge following to influence, spark change or continue conversations as young community leaders.  Zozi looked forward to winning the crown and the opportunity to use her title as a microphone and to be a catalyst for positive change. She managed to achieve some of her wishes, and she spoke frequently about women empowerment, diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry, media, and other industries during her reign as Miss Universe.

As Miss Universe, Zozi has been spending a big part of her year speaking out against gender-based violence and pushing forward gender equality, not only on social media, but on multiple panels across the world. She spent her year advocating for organizations including UN Women #HeForSheCampagin, Latino Commission on Aids and Smile Train International to name a few.
HWA EXCLUSIVE

KRISTIN CAVALLARI

  • CEO and Founder, Uncommon James Lifestyle Brand

Born in Denver, Colorado, the Rocky Mountains couldn’t have predicted what was in store for Kristin Cavallari when she headed west to live with her father and brother in Laguna Beach, CA. Cavallari was in her junior year of high school when the first season of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County began production for MTV. With her whit, charisma and girl next-door looks, Cavallari was an instant TV sensation, winning over audiences across the nation. She was nominated for a Teen Choice Award in 2006 for “Choice Reality Star.”

After wrapping two successful years on MTV’s hit show, Laguna Beach, Cavallari switched gears to focus on a career in acting. From 2006 – 2009 Kristin starred in numerous films like Van Wilder: Freshman Year (2009), Green Flash (2009), Spring Breakdown (2009), and Wild Cherry (2009), starring alongside Amy Poehler, Rumer Willis, and Rob Schneider.

In May of 2009, Cavallari confirmed that she would be joining the cast of the mega-popular MTV reality series, The Hills. Already a smash hit, Kristin appeared in the mid-season finale before continuing on as the reality-drama’s new lead girl and narrator throughout the last two seasons.

After several successful partnership opportunities, Kristin craved the creative freedom and fulfillment of founding her own company and in 2017, Uncommon James was born. Her spring jewelry line for Uncommon James, sold out the first week of releasing. That same week, Kristin debuted her passion project and first cookbook True Roots - filled with hundreds of recipes that are free of refined sugar, dairy free and gluten free. Two days after its release, True Roots hit The New York Times best-seller list – making this Kristin’s second book to receive this honor. 

In 2018, Kristin made her long-awaited return to reality TV with the hit E! docuseries, Very Cavallari. The series followed Kristin as she opened the flagship store and Nashville headquarters of her rapidly growing fashion and lifestyle brand Uncommon James. Throughout the three seasons, the series documented Uncommon James and the brand’s expansion as well as the opening of a Chicago location.

Most recently, Cavallari released her highly-anticipated second cookbook, True Comfort: More Than 100 Cozy Recipes Free of Gluten and Refined Sugar: A Gluten Free Cookbook. This release marks Cavallari’s third book to become a New York Times best-seller. Up next, she’ll open her third Uncommon James store in Dallas in 2021.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALEX ALBON

  • Formula 1 Driver for Williams Racing

Formula 1 racing driver Alex Albon is one of the most exciting drivers in a sport that is heading into a new era. Albon made his Formula 1 debut at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix for Scuderia Toro Rosso, representing Thailand. Following an increasingly impressive Rookie season, he was promoted to Aston Martin Red Bull Racing for the Belgian Grand Prix and onwards – before being retained for the 2020 season after a strong end to his debut season in F1. 2020 saw Albon take his maiden podium in Mugello, before doubling his podium tally at the Bahrain Grand Prix later that season. He has joined Williams Racing for the 2022 and 2023 season. In engaging talks, Albon shares his journey to the top of the world of Formula 1 racing, the mental fortitude and dedication it took to get there, and inspirational lessons about mental strength for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALEX BORSTEIN

  • Actress, Writer, Producer, and Comedian

Award-winning multi-hyphenate talent, Alex Borstein is known for writing, producing, and acting in some of Hollywood’s most beloved projects. As a writer, Borstein contributed to Showtime’s long-running series Shameless, as well as FOX’s long-running, mega-hit, Family Guy for which she also earned an Emmy Award as the voice of Lois Griffin. As an actress, she is also known for her starring role in HBO’s critically acclaimed series, Getting On. Most recently, Alex took home two Emmy’s for her role as Susie Myerson on Amazon Prime’s award-winning series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Some of her feature film credits include A Million Ways to Die in the West, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, The Lookout, Bad Guys, and the award-winning Good Night, and Good Luck, for which the ensemble cast was nominated for a Screen Actor’s Guild Award. A highly regarded standup comedian and commentator, Borstein uses her trademark humor to explore complex topics in memorable moderated conversations.

Borstein is an advocate and educator about bleeding disorders, working with the National Hemophilia Foundation as a spokesperson to raise awareness and offer encouragement to those affected. In her inspiring Emmy Award acceptance speech, she shared the story of her grandmother’s courage during the Holocaust – who defied Nazi orders and ‘stepped out of line’ – and Borstein urged women everywhere to be empowered to step out of line and stand up for what they believe in. Borstein brings authenticity, insight, and wit, to all her engagements, and donates her fees to charitable organizations.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALLISON MOORER

  • Singer-Songwriter and Producer

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, producer, and author Allison Moorer is a powerful storyteller known for her memoir Blood as well as I Dream He Talks to Me: A Memoir of Learning How to Listen. Through music and memoir, Moorer shares meditations of redemption, acceptance, and the power of healing through art. She has received numerous nominations, for an Academy Award for “Best Original Song,” a Grammy, an Americana Music Association Award, and from the Academy of Country Music Awards. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, American Songwriter, Guernica, No Depression, Literary Hub, and The Bitter Southerner, and she received the Hall-Waters Prize for Excellence in Southern Writing in 2020. A highly regarded memoirist, Moorer speaks with vulnerability and authority about how we can face life’s hardships and take ownership over our own stories, in keynotes and conversations that are riveting for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ARIEL EMANUEL

  • Chief Executive Officer, Endeavor

Ariel Emanuel is Chief Executive Officer of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company comprised of industry-leading brands including WME, IMG and UFC. After rising through the Hollywood talent agency ranks, Emanuel co-founded the original Endeavor in 1995, eventually orchestrating the largest talent agency merger in history to form WME. He later led the company into a strategic partnership with Silver Lake, facilitating the acquisitions of IMG and UFC and culminating in the formation of holding company, Endeavor, which went public in 2021. Over the course of his career, Emanuel has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, one of Fortune’s Businesspersons of the Year, and one of Sport Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential People in Sports. Prior speaking engagements include conversations at Recode, Fortune’s Brainstorm Tech conference, The Economic Club of Chicago, and the Future Investment Institute.

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANNE SWEENEY

  • Mother and Neurodiverse and Disability Inclusion Advocate

Netflix and LEGO Board of Directors member Anne Sweeney is highly sought-after for her ability to envision new opportunities for businesses to gain strategic advantage. After receiving her Master’s in Education from Harvard University, Anne went on to work with Nickelodeon, and served as the Chairman and CEO of FX Networks. She served as the Co-Chair of Disney Media Networks and President of the Disney|ABC Television Group, focusing on her lifelong commitment to entertain and educate children. As the mother of a young adult on the autism spectrum, Anne is a passionate advocate for neurodiverse and disability inclusion, sharing actionable insights for inclusion in the workplace with groups across industries.

Anne sits on the Board of Trustees at the Mayo Clinic, The Getty Museum, and is a Deans Distinguished Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has previously served on the boards of The Fulfillment Fund, the Board of Visitors for UCLA Anderson, AFI, as well as the Special Olympics. In informative and inspiring talks, Anne offers a compelling call to action expanding our ideas about inclusion, how to shift workplace culture, and the numerous benefits of inclusivity for our teams, organizations, and communities.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOSHUA ANGRIST

  • Nobel Prize-Winning Economist

Nobel Prize-winning economist and author Joshua Angrist is a pioneer in the use of econometric ideas and tools to answer some of today’s most pressing policy questions. Angrist received the Nobel Prize for his innovative work using natural experiments to answer questions of profound importance. Does it matter whether you go to a highly selective high school or college? Where are the best schools? What are the long-run consequences of military service for those who serve? What are the economic implications of having, or growing up in, a larger family? Why are the sort of statistics we hear so often in the media likely to be misleading? How can you – as the consumer of such information – break through the fog? The tools of econometric data science, wielded with skill and judgment, dispel the hype and offer new insights.

Angrist is also Co-Founder of Avela, an education technology startup that matches students to opportunities, prioritizing equity, accountability, and quality to ensure fair decisions and empower families.

Angrist has co-authored two of the leading texts in applied econometrics and data science, Mostly Harmless Economics: An Empiricist’s Companion and Mastering ‘Metrics: The Path from Cause to Effect. Not only scientifically rigorous, with innovative content, his books are by far the funniest econometrics texts you’re ever likely to see. Angrist is the Ford Professor of Economics at MIT, co-founder and director of MIT’s Blueprint Labs, and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. He has served on many editorial boards and as a co-editor of the Journal of Labor Economics.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TAMAR GELLER

  • Famed Dog Trainer and Behavior Expert

Tamar Geller is a dog trainer, a behavior expert, and a New York Times bestselling author who developed '"The Loved Dog" method of dog training. Known for her innovative method that is based in the intersection of brain science, personal development, and deep understanding of dogs' behavior, which made her popular with celebrity clientele such as Oprah, Lady Gaga, the Kardashians, Tony Robbins, Reese Witherspoon, Mark Wahlberg, Brad Paisley and many others. Oprah called Tamar “Life coach for dogs and their people" as Tamar has transformed lives and impacted relationships not only for dogs, but also for the people who love them. 

After serving as an intelligence officer working with the Israeli Special Forces, she spent time to observing wolves in the wild and studying the role of the leader as a parent and protector of his pack. By using similar techniques as the wolves, she created a method of training puppies that does not involve aggression, dominance, or choke chains. Tamar’s method goes beyond positive reinforcement as she emphasizes building a solid relationship with the dog based on understanding the dog as the individual that s/he is and coaching them through games and fun to become the best version of themselves. She strongly opposes the training methods that want a dog to be submissive. Tamar believes in helping PAWrents empower their dog to be the best s/he could be and build a relationship that is based on mutual devotion and love. She is the founder of the first cage-free doggy boarding and day care center in southern California, called The Loved Dog. Her first book of the same name teaches dog-owners how to train their dogs in a nonaggressive way. 

Among other things, Geller works closely with the animal rights organizations Humane Society of the United States, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Best Friends Animal Society, Helen Woodward Animal Center, and various rescue organizations. She conducts speeches and programs for rescue organizations, and has given lectures about her expertise in dog behavior at Cal-Poly University Veterinary school and at Pepperdine University

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RICK SPRINGFIELD

  • Iconic Grammy-Winning Singer and Songwriter

Over the past four decades, Rick Springfield has worn many hats as an entertainer and performer. The creator of some of the finest power-pop of the ’80s, he’s a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold 25 million albums and scored 17 U.S. Top 40 hits, including “Jessie’s Girl”, “Don’t Talk to Strangers”, “An Affair of the Heart”, “I've Done Everything for You”, “Love Somebody”, and “Human Touch”. He’s an accomplished actor who has starred opposite Meryl Streep in the feature film, Ricki and the Flash, gave a chameleonic performance as the creepy Dr. Pitlor in HBO’s prestige drama True Detective, earned great reviews for his portrayal of Lucifer on the CW hit, Supernatural, and most recently played Pastor Charles on American Horror Story: Cult. In 2014, Springfield was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located around the corner from the first apartment he lived in when he first arrived in the U.S. from Australia in 1971.

Rick’s latest album The Snake King finds Rick travelling down a dusty dirt road to explore the blues side of his rock ‘n roll and marks a definite departure from the power pop he has been known for.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SETH MATLINS

  • Managing Director, Forbes CMO Network

Seth Matlins is an award-winning brand marketer and renowned expert on purpose- and values-driven marketing. For over 20 years, Seth has designed brand, human, and culturally-driven solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing global brands – his ideas have shaped brands, businesses, and the cultural landscape itself. He is an intrepid innovator, and as Managing Director of Forbes' CMO Network, has insight and access to the challenges facing the world's biggest brands, and the people who lead them. 

He's served as President of Rock the Vote, founded the marketing division for CAA, was the first Global CMO for Live Nation, launched his own double-bottom-line women’s brand and company, and was the former Head of Cultural Strategy and Insights at Endeavor’s 160over90 agency. As a thought leader on the role of ‘purpose’-driven marketing, Seth invigorates audiences with focused insights on leveraging ‘purpose’ as a strategic and financial driver for companies across industries.

Seth is the author of both federal legislation, The Truth in Advertising Act (HR 4341), which called on the FTC and advertising industry to consider the unintended consequences of photoshopped ads and images, and The Scratch & Sniff Book of Weed, now in its 7th printing. An in-demand authority on marketing, cultural and brand strategy, and creativity, Seth is passionate about tailoring unique and indelible talks that will generate long-lasting change.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

AUDREY AND NICOLE NOURSE

  • Two-Time NCAA National Volleyball Champions

Two-time NCAA National Volleyball Champions and identical twins Audrey and Nicole Nourse are a powerhouse duo of motivational speakers with a unique perspective on teamwork. The pair of star student-athletes, who are poised to be the next big names in their sport, are both students at the University of Southern California. They are the two-time NCAA National Volleyball Champions and their playing ranks and experience include: NFHS, NCAA, FIVB, and AVP. In addition to dominating the competition in the sand, the Nourse twins are also on a journey to become successful entrepreneurs, focusing their studies on business and sports media industries. From their inseparable life as student-athletes to their unbelievable journey to the top of their sport, the Nourse twins share the lessons they’ve learned in collaboration, building a winning team, and setting and achieving major goals.

The Nourse Twins are also the co-Founders of UNCUT Los Angeles, a non-profit media organization dedicated to giving student-athletes a platform to share their stories and build their brands – through their own words. As Head of Athlete Engagement (Audrey) and Head of Brand Management (Nicole), they have established themselves as young leaders in the industry and sports media moguls in the making. At engaging events with groups like UnCut Los Angeles and USC Trojans LIVE, the star athletes make a memorable impact with their drive and dedication, sharing insights on topics like motivation and teamwork, nutrition and fitness, and marketing from their unique Gen Z perspective.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TARA PALMERI

  • Investigative Journalist and Political Analyst

Tara Palmeri is an investigative reporter and host of the acclaimed podcast "Broken: Seeking Justice." She co-writes Playbook, a prominent political newsletter by Politico. She's a former White House correspondent for ABC News, where she covered the most important political stories for flagship programs like Good Morning America and World News Tonight.  

Previously Tara was White House Correspondent for POLITICO and a CNN Political Analyst and broke many significant stories about the Trump Administration.  Before joining POLITICO’s D.C. political team, she reported for POLITICO's European edition where she covered the Paris and Brussels terror attacks, the Greek financial crisis and the British referendum. At the time, she was a CNBC contributor where she provided commentary on-air.

Prior to moving to Europe, Palmeri reported on New York City politics for the New York Post. She started at the newspaper in 2010 as a reporter for Page Six. During President Obama's first term, she co-authored the Washington Examiner's “Yeas & Nays” column on people, power and politics in the U.S. capital.

Palmeri started her career in journalism in 2008 as a broadcast intern for Voice of America while pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Communications at American University in Washington, D.C. She graduated summa cum laude in December 2008 and was hired shortly after by CNN to assist live production.

In addition to ABC, CNN, and CNBC, she has made television appearances on MSNBC, BBC, Fox News Channel and CBS.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANDREW KACZYNSKI

  • Investigative Journalist

Investigative journalist Andrew Kaczynski is the Senior Editor and a founding member of CNN’s Kfile – the leading investigation team for the social, mobile generation. Widely praised as a “scoop team,” Kfile is known for breaking news by scouring the internet through research, fact-checking, and investigative reporting. Kaczynski joined CNN from BuzzFeed, where he started as a political reporter in 2011. He quickly built a reputation for unearthing newsworthy archival videos, many of which later went viral. Notable scoops include the revelation of President Donald Trump’s expressed support of the Iraq War in 2002 and evidence that Kentucky Senator Rand Paul plagiarized speeches. Kaczynski and Kfile have exposed some of the most controversial statements, deceptions, and hypocrisies from politicians – both in office and on the campaign trail – and their reporting of government officials has led to ten resignations or withdrawals of nomination. Kaczynski has been sought after for events with groups like the Albanian Institute Panel, SXSW, the C-Span Conference, and more.

Kaczynski's unique reporting tactics have earned him widespread recognition. He was named to Forbes Magazine's "30 Under 30: Media" list for 2017, and his use of social media earned him many awards, including The Daily Beast's 2013 "Beast Best" award for his Twitter Feed and New York Magazine's 13th most influential Tweeter in New York City in 2014. After the loss of his baby daughter to brain cancer, Kaczynski founded the Team Beans Infant Brain Tumor Fund at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, which has raised over $2.7M for infant brain tumor research. He is an advocate for awareness and education around ATRT brain tumors and other health adversities affecting young children and their families.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

NORMAN PEARLSTINE

  • Senior Advisor, The Carlyle Group

Norman Pearlstine has led some of America’s most prestigious news organizations, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Time Inc., Bloomberg, and, most recently, the Los Angeles Times.

During a career that has spanned more than five decades, working in the U.S., Asia, and Europe, Pearlstine has championed technology and innovation in response to the waves of disruption that have roiled the media industry.

One of America's most respected and experienced journalists, Pearlstine understands today's geopolitical and economic issues and the media in covering them.  

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANDY RODDICK

  • Professional Tennis Champion

Tennis champion, television co-host and personality, and philanthropist Andy Roddick is a fan-favorite sports contributor for the Tennis Channel and formerly Fox Sports. Following a famed tennis career in which he reached #1 in the world and ranked as a top ten player in the world for a decade, won the ESPY Award for “Best Male Tennis Player,” and countless trophies, Roddick was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017. Early in his career, Roddick established the Andy Roddick Foundation, which seeks to improve the life and enhance the educational and economic opportunities for all children based on the principles of respect for family, education, and morality, and has raised over $10M since its founding. For his charitable efforts, Roddick received the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian award, and the Arthur Ashe Prestigious Leadership Award for Urban Health, as well as the Heineken Star Award for achieving success both athletically and philanthropically.

Since his retirement, Roddick has been featured as a contributor for Tennis Channel, a co-host for a nationally syndicated sports and pop culture radio show for Fox Sports Radio, a co-host for Fox Sports Live, and a commentator and pundit for the BBC’s coverage of Wimbledon. Roddick is the Founder and CEO of his own real estate company as well as other companies, and is an avid investor across various industries. With his iconic candor and wit, Roddick engages audiences with anecdotes from his illustrious athletic career and insights about finding success on and off the court.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MARGARET CHO

  • Critically Acclaimed Actress, Comedian, and Musician

Beginning with her early days as an up and coming stand-up comedian in San Francisco, Margaret Cho has always been the Agent Provocateur of entertainment. Never one to shy away from any topic, there is literally nothing off limits when it comes sharing her views on family, gay rights, politics, sexuality, bullying and oh-so-much more. Margaret’s socially aware, no-holds-barred type of comedy has made her both a thought leader and a tolerant teacher for those with open minds and open hearts.  An accomplished performer in all formats, Margaret has conquered the worlds of film, television, books, music and theatre. Having been nominated for five Grammy Awards and one Emmy, her comedy tours are a constant sell-out both here and abroad. 

Equally as important to her as her work in entertainment is the causes she is passionate about. Margaret has been widely recognized for her work in the non-profit sector, lending her name, time, and tireless work ethic to several charities, especially those involving gay rights and anti-bullying campaigns. In every segment of her life, Margaret is honest, adoring, passionate, uproarious, and always entertaining. Margaret Cho is at her very best.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

WANDA SYKES

  • Award-Winning Comedian, Actor, Writer, and Producer

Wanda Sykes has been called "one of the funniest stand-up comics" by her peers and ranks among Entertainment Weekly's "25 Funniest People in America." Her smart-witted, award-winning work has broken barriers and sent her career across platforms. 

Wanda joined forces with veteran producer Page Hurwitz to form Push It Productions, a production company dedicated to creating quality, comedy-based programming for network and cable television outlets. The company's diverse slate of projects includes sketch comedy, concerts, reality talk/variety, and competition formats. 

Known for her performances in HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and ABC's "black-ish," Sykes is a pioneering comic. She was the first African-American woman to perform at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, as well as the first to conceive and star in her own prime-time sitcom, "Wanda at Large."  

Her first book titled Yeah, I Said It, is a hilarious collection of essays touching on life, family and current events.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BRIAN MACKENZIE

  • Human Performance Specialist

Brian Mackenzie is an innovator in human performance on stress adaptation and a pioneer in the development and application of custom protocols to optimize human health and performance. His work harnesses and integrates breathing, movement, strength, conditioning and endurance-based training approaches to elicit unprecedented positive results. His protocols have been used to accelerate and raise both mental and physical performance in world-class Olympic and professional athletes, top executives, and elite military operators, as well as to improve the health for people suffering from various chronic and pathological issues.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

  • Legendary Award-Winning Comics Creator

Peabody Award-winning comics creator and Amazon and New York Times bestselling author Brian Michael Bendis is one of the most successful writers working in mainstream comics. In almost two decades at Marvel, Brian completed historic runs on Spider-Man (18 years), Avengers (9 years), Iron Man, and Guardians of the Galaxy, a 100-issue run on the X-Men franchise, and wildly successful projects Avengers Versus X-Men, House of M, Secret War, Secret Invasion, Age of Ultron, Civil War 2, and Siege. Brian’s multi-faceted move to DC Entertainment made international headlines. He currently writes Superman, Action Comics, Batman:Universe, Legion of Superheroes, and curates Wonder Comics featuring the return of Young Justice, Dial H for Hero, Wonder Twins, and the breakout original new character Naomi, which has become a series for The CW executive produced by Ava DuVernay. Brian has been in demand for events with TEDx, MIT, and many more, sharing his engaging and unique perspective on creativity, imagination, and focusing on positive.

Brian has received countless awards for his work: five Eisner Awards, including ‘Best Writer of the Year’ two years in a row, the prestigious Inkpot Award for comic art excellence, the Cleveland Press ‘Excellence in Journalism’ Award, and a Certificate in Excellence from the CIA for his work on diversity issues. Brian’s Words for Pictures – an intricate look at the creation of comic books and graphic novels – shot to #1 on Amazon. He is the creator of the Jinx line of crime comics, which has spawned graphic novels Goldfish, Fire, Jinx, Torso with Marc Andreyko, and Total Sell Out. His creator-owned imprint Jinxworld includes the return of the United States of Murder, Inc. with his Powers co-creator Mike Avon Oeming. Brian executive produced and wrote for Sony’s live-action series based on Powers. Brian also served as Executive Producer and consultant for the Oscar-winning Spiderman: into the Spiderverse. He co-created the character Miles Morales alongside Sara Pichelli and won a Peabody Award for his work as the co-creator of Jessica Jones on Netflix from Marvel TV. From inspiring stories about his work on some the world’s most beloved characters, to deep insights about what comics have to say about our culture and our world, Brian creates a memorable impact with audiences of all kinds.

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DYLAN ALCOTT

  • 4x Gold Medal Paralympian & Golden Slam Champion

Paralympian, disability advocate, author, and philanthropist Dylan Alcott AO is one of Australia’s most successful and well-recognized Paralympians. A multisport Olympian, Alcott was the youngest member of the gold-medal winning team at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, competing in wheelchair basketball. After winning silver at London in 2012, Dylan returned to wheelchair tennis, winning 15 Grand Slam tournaments as well as double Paralympic gold in Rio. In 2021, Dylan became the only male in any form of tennis to win the ‘Golden Slam’ – winning the Australian, French, Wimbledon, and US Open Championships. Dylan has been in high demand as a speaker, with powerhouse talks for TEDx, Johnson & Johnson, Oracle, Salesforce, McDonalds, Meta, LinkedIn, Deloitte, and more.

Alcott was named Australian of the Year in 2022, and GQ Australia called him “a champion for the ages.” In 2017, Dylan launched the Dylan Alcott Foundation with a mission to help young Australians with a disability achieve their goals in the workplace, on the sporting field, or at university. Alcott is also the Founder of Get Skilled Access – a consulting firm committed to making inclusion a reality for organizations of any size. Dylan was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2022 for distinguished service to Paralympic sport, particularly to tennis, and as a role model for people with disability, and to the community through a range of organizations.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANTONIA HYLTON

  • Correspondent, NBC News & MSNBC

Peabody and two-time Emmy-winning correspondent, producer, and author Antonia Hylton reports at the intersection of politics, civil rights, and immigration. She is currently a correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC. From 2016 to 2020, Antonia was a Correspondent and Producer for Vice Media and HBO’s nightly news and documentary show, Vice News Tonight. Since 2019, she has served as an annual judge for the American Mosaic Journalism Prize. She is the co-host of the hit podcasts Southlake and Grapevine, and author of the book Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum. Hylton reports on the hardest-hitting stories of today, shaping the conversations beyond the headlines with her sharp critical analysis.

Hylton is one of the most respected journalists of her generation, winning a Peabody, two Emmy Awards, two Gracie Awards, a NAMIC Vision Award, and two Front Page Awards for special reporting and breaking news. She was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30 - Media.” Beyond the professional sphere, she has conquered a rare form of colon cancer and is an outspoken advocate for preventative care and screenings. Hylton’s will to change the world and dedication to storytelling are consistent across her award-winning journalism, public health advocacy, and live engagements.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MALLIKA CHOPRA

  • CEO of Chopra Global

Media entrepreneur, mom, and bestselling author Mallika Chopra has spoken to thousands of people around the world, using storytelling, inspiration, and meditation to incorporate balance and purpose into everyday life. Mallika is the CEO of Chopra Global and was the founder of Intent and co-founder of The Chopra Well with her brother, Gotham Chopra, and her father, Deepak Chopra. She is the author of the Just Be Series - Just BreatheJust Feel, and Just Be You - a trilogy of books for children (and the adults in their lives) to understand emotional knowing, resilience, and mindfulness. Mallika is the bestselling author of Living With Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace and Joy and Buddha and the Rose. In Living With Intent, Mallika shares insights from her journey as a mom and entrepreneur seeking meaning and balance.

Mallika has taught meditation to thousands of people and is currently a mindfulness consultant for the animated series Stillwater on Apple TV+. She is featured in TIME’s Special Issue on Mindfulness, and has appeared on Good Morning America, TODAY, CNN, and many other national outlets. She enjoys speaking to audiences around the world about intention, balance, and living a life of purpose, and has shared her passion at TedXSan Diego and TedXBerkeley, Ideacity, Business Innovation Factory, Wisdom 2.0, and the Parliament of World Religions. Mallika has shared ideas on balance and creativity at companies such as Aflac, Nike, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Disney, LinkedIn, and Google.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GABRIELLA KAREFA-JOHNSON

  • Global Contributing Fashion Editor at Large for Vogue

Global Fashion Editor, Fashion Director, and Stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson is known for her stylistic vision and ability to tell stories through an inclusive gaze. A New York-based stylist and editor of Caribbean and West African descent, Karefa-Johnson has a keen eye for up-and-coming designers and a narrative-led approached aimed at diversifying representation in fashion. She worked as an associate fashion editor under fashion director Tonne Goodman at Vogue, and later became Vogue’s Global Contributing Fashion Editor at Large. Karefa-Johnson made history as the first Black woman to style a Vogue cover and has styled more than a dozen international covers of Vogue featuring Serena Williams, Paloma Elsesser, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Amanda Gorman, among many others.

Gabriella is known for her fierce propagation of inclusion in the industry, breaking barriers and disrupting the status quo to tell a more expansive story about the world – one that is full of possibilities. In 2017, she was named Fashion Director of biannual fine art and high fashion publication GARAGE Magazine, where she harnessed her expertise in contemporary American Art, and has served as a guest judge for Netflix’s Next in Fashion. Karefa-Johnson has shared her vision for a more inclusive fashion landscape with groups including Fashion Scholarship Fund, LVMH Prize, Woolmark Prize, Vogue Forces of Fashion, and Barnard’s Class of 2023 Commencement.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALLEN HUGHES

  • Emmy Nominated & Peabody Award-Winning Filmmaker

Award-winning filmmaker Allen Hughes is an accomplished storyteller, whose work explores the American Dream through the lens of pop culture, its intersection with politics, and the global impact of the hip-hop artform. At twenty, Hughes and his twin brother catapulted into the entertainment industry as the creators & directors of Menace II Society. Hughes and his brother are behind the films Dead PresidentsFrom HellThe Book of Eli, and the documentary American Pimp. Hughes is the creative architect behind the critically acclaimed four-part HBO documentary series The Defiant Ones, the stories of Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre. The series was nominated for five Emmys, a Peabody Award, and won the Grammy Award for Best Music Film, the IDA Documentary Award for Best Limited Series, and the NAACP Image Award.

Hughes is the director and executive producer of FX’s Emmy-nominated Dear Mama, the first definitive, comprehensive five-part documentary series on the late hip hop icon Tupac Shakur. The series encompasses his relationship with his mother, Afeni Shakur – a celebrated activist – and was produced with the full cooperation of Shakur’s estate, including access to all his music and poetry. Hughes is also the executive producer of Netflix’s Arnold, the three-part documentary series which chronicles Arnold Schwarzenegger’s journey from the countryside of Austria to the highest echelons of the American dream. The series is produced by Hughes’ production company Defiant Ones Media Group. A documentarian with his attention on the movements and cultural moments that have shaped history, Hughes shares his insights in captivating moderated conversations about the intersection of creativity, art, politics, and culture.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SHARON MCMAHON

  • "America's Government Teacher"

Former high school government and law teacher Sharon McMahon is on a mission to curate facts, fun, and inspiration by educating Americans on democracy, politics, and history. After years of serving as a high school government and law teacher, Sharon took her passion for education to Instagram with a mission to combat political misinformation with non-partisan facts. Sharon has earned a reputation as “America’s Government Teacher'' and quickly amassed over a million social media followers, affectionately known as “Governerds.” Sharon is also the host of the award-winning podcast, Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, where, each week, she provides entertaining yet factual accounts of America’s most fascinating moments and people.

In a time where flashy headlines and false information often take the spotlight, Sharon is a reliable source for truth and logic. She has shared her knowledge with CNNThe Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Good Morning America, and has been featured in The Atlantic. She has received PRWeek’s Communicator of the Year Award as well as the noteworthy Jefferson Award.

In all that she does, Sharon encourages others to be world-changing humans. She has led her community in various philanthropic initiatives that have raised more than $7M for teachers, domestic violence survivors, terminally ill children, medical debt forgiveness programs, Ukrainian refugees, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RAYMOND BRAUN

  • Acclaimed Media Personality, Journalist, Social Influencer, and Entrepreneur

Three years ago, Raymond Braun had never run more than three miles and was struggling with debilitating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In February 2023, Raymond set two World Records by completing 7 Olympic Distance triathlons on all 7 continents in 7 consecutive days. This endeavor was part of his mental health recovery program and aimed to destigmatize conversations about therapy and grief, while honoring his late friend, Maya Amoils, a mental health advocate.

As an award-winning multimedia journalist, producer, and advocate, Raymond now facilitates open conversations on the connection between mental and physical health through documentary storytelling, public speaking, endurance events, and peer-to-peer counseling. He has spoken at prestigious events ranging from the White House to the Forbes CMO Summit, and been featured in numerous media outlets including the New York Times, CNN, and many more.

Raymond struggled with OCD-related challenges throughout his life, masking them behind professional achievements and accolades. He graduated as valedictorian for both his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stanford University. He went on to hold leadership positions at YouTube and Bumble, founded a creative consultancy with prestigious clients like CHANEL and Google, and achieved recognition as a GLAAD Award-winning documentary host.

Raymond ultimately found solace and transformation through endurance sports and exposure therapy. He now focuses on mental health awareness, inclusivity in fitness, and sharing inspiring stories of mental and physical transformation to empower others. Raymond's ultimate mission is to prove that individuals possess far greater potential than their self-limiting thoughts, stereotypes, and societal pressures suggest.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KEVIN JAMES

  • Beloved Emmy-Nominated Stand-up Comedian

Beloved comedian and actor Kevin James began his career as a stand-up on the Long Island comedy scene. After being discovered at the 1996 Montreal Comedy Festival, he signed a network development deal to create his own sitcom, The King of Queens. The King of Queens ran for nine seasons on CBS with James starring and executive producing, garnering an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. James made his feature film debut in Columbia Pictures’ Hitch starring opposite Will Smith, and starred alongside Adam Sandler in Pixels, Grown Ups I & II, and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. James has since produced, co-written, and starred in hit comedies Paul Blart: Mall Cop I & II, Zookeeper, and Here Comes the Boom. He starred in and produced Netflix’s Home Team as well as the HBO Sports Special Making the Cut: The Road to Pebble Beach; a documentary about the Pebble Beach Pro Am Golf Tournament nominated for a Sports Emmy.

James’ comedy specials, Sweat the Small Stuff, Never Don’t Give Up, and Irregardless, continue to delight fans globally. Sweat the Small Stuff landed James on Comedy Central’s list of the “100 Greatest Standup Comedians.” He has been honored with nominations for three Teen Choice Award nominations, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a People’s Choice Award.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

PITBULL

  • Grammy Award-Winning Artist

Grammy Award-winning independent international superstar, education advocate, and entrepreneur Armando Christian Pérez Pitbull is a sought-after motivational speaker who invites disruption on a global scale. With billions of audio streams and videos views, plus hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, Pitbull has one of the most impressive careers in music history. Pitbull returned to the road in 2022 with the sold out North American Can’t Stop Us Now Tour along with his SiriusXM Globalization DJs packing amphitheaters and arenas coast-to-coast. From his danceable hit songs to his philanthropic actions, Armando shares a message of hope, hard work, and positivity that resonates worldwide.

Beyond music, Armando has leveraged his business acumen through a diverse portfolio of investments and partnerships. He is co-owner of the NASCAR racing team Trackhouse and has successfully developed other ventures including his own record label Mr. 305, Inc. and Voli 305 Vodka. Armando successfully established Sports Leadership Arts and Management (SLAM!) – tuition-free public charter schools across the country, recognized as one of the top school networks in the world. His next long-awaited Spanglish album, Trackhouse, releases Fall 2023 and Pitbull will join Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin on The Trilogy Tour. He has performed for millions worldwide, and even joined forces with the #1 life and business strategist, Tony Robbins, for a global motivational speaking tour. Sharing his uplifting journey to success, Pitbull emphasizes the power of learning from your mistakes – “must-takes,” as he calls them – and embracing a growth mindset to achieve your dreams.

Pitbull melds practical knowledge with personal experiences, ensuring that his talks are not just informative but also deeply resonant and inspirational. His multifaceted career and endeavors reflect a man who is not just an artist, but a leader, entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist, making him an enriching speaker for a multitude of audiences and events.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BROOKE HENDERSON

  • Winningest Canadian Golfer of All Time

Celebrated Canadian golfer Brooke Henderson has been a mainstay of the world’s top 10 for most of her professional career and has already won more main tour victories than any Canadian professional golfer in history. Formerly a No. 1 ranked amateur, Brooke has secured 12 LPGA Tour wins, including 2 Majors, and has made 2 trips to represent Canada at the Olympics in Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2020). With her 2016 win at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, she became the second youngest player in LPGA history to with a Major and received international attention. Brooke won her second career Major title at the 2022 Amundi Evian Championship with a stunning birdie on the 18th hole. Drawing on her incredible career, Brooke shares her winning techniques for staying laser-focused, overcoming obstacles, and developing a flexible and positive mindset for approaching any challenge.

Brooke’s impressive track record has earned her the attention of devoted fans – the #BrookeBrigade – and she is credited with fueling a renewed appreciation for the sport among the younger generation. She has also received numerous accolades, including the 2019 Founders Award by a vote of fellow golfers on the LPGA Tour as someone "whose behavior and deeds best exemplify the spirit, ideals, and values of the LPGA," the Canadian Press Female Athlete of the Year in 2015, 2017, and 2018, and the ESPY Award for “Best Female Golfer.” Brooke’s game is supported by her whole family – from her dad who serves as her lifelong coach, to her mom, her biggest cheerleader, to her sister Brittany, her devoted caddie. In inspiring talks, Brooke offers actionable takeaways about building teams and workplaces that emphasize individual strengths, encourage trust, and focus on celebrating wins together.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CAMILLE KOSTEK

  • Model, Actress, and Entrepreneur

Model, actress, and entrepreneur Camille Kostek is known as the host of NBC’s Dancing with Myself and co-host of the top-rated TBS reboot Wipeout alongside John Cena and Nicole Byer. Kostek gained international prominence after landing the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover in 2019 alongside Tyra Banks, after winning the first-ever SI Model Search the previous year. She’s been featured in ELLE and on the covers of Haute Living, Ocean Drive, and BELLA, among others. In addition to her work on some of today’s favorite TV shows, Kostek starred in the feature films Free Guy and I Feel Pretty. She has appeared on Good Morning AmericaAccess HollywoodEXTRAE! News, SI TV, and co-hosted shows on SIRIUS XM radio to millions of listeners. Kostek has hosted many red-carpet events, including the Sports Illustrated Sports Person of the Year Awards, SXSW, Maxim Hot 100, and the Sports Illustrated correspondent at Super Bowl LLI for the NFLPA carpet, among many others, and has spoken at Providence College, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Northeastern University, University of New England, and more.

After growing up as a trained competitive dancer, Kostek took her passion professional, joining the NFL cheer squad for the New England Patriots. Camille shares her love of dance on social media, and her catchphrase ‘Never Not Dancing’ has gone viral. Her message of positive movement and self-love inspired her to launch an annual OWN IT tour, where her motivational events with college students touch on body positivity, self-acceptance, mental health, and manifesting your life. As an entrepreneur, Kostek has launched ‘The Camille Collection with Swimsuits for All and Dune Jewelry. As a dedicated philanthropist, her endeavors include Boston Children's Hospital, Gronk Nation Youth Foundation, and advocating for 4Ocean – a public benefit corporation and Certified B Corp committed to ending the ocean plastic crisis. Kostek is passionate about using her platform to continue spreading self-love and inner strength at highly inspirational events for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CASEY ADAMS

  • Serial Entrepreneur, Tech Founder, and Social Media Influencer

Entrepreneur, personal branding expert, and renowned business podcaster Casey Adams is a rising marketing star. At the age of 17, Adams launched his podcast, The Casey Adams Show, which has quickly become a top 100 business podcast. He has interviewed hundreds of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world as well as many notable guests including Larry King, Rick Ross, Maye Musk, Robert Greene, and David Sacks. Adams is the Co-Founder of MediaKits, a SaaS platform that allows creators to easily share their creator analytics. Adams moderates substantive and insightful conversations about the hottest topics in business and entrepreneurship.

Adams has been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, and more, and appeared on ABC News, BBC World News, and others. He is the author of Rise of the Young: How to Turn Your Negative Situation Into a Positive Outcome, and Build a Successful Personal Brand. Adams specializes in personal branding, social media marketing, and offers his unique perspective on facing challenges with an innovative mindset, building resilience, and turning negatives into positives in life and in business.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHAD EASTERLING

  • Co-Founder and CEO of Obsidianworks - a culture-powered marketing agency

Brand and marketing expert Chad Easterling is the co-Founder and CEO of Obsidianworks, a culture-powered marketing agency he co-founded with business partner Michael B. Jordan. Obsidianworks is a full-service advertising and marketing agency that reflects Easterling and Jordan’s diverse upbringings, specializing in cultural connectivity through brand strategy, as well as digital and social impact. Working closely with their talent and brand partners, Obsidianworks creates and executes innovative and culturally resonant campaigns and activations that connect with multicultural consumers. Their roster of clients includes Target, Legacy Classic, Meta, Marriott, and more. In powerful keynote remarks and moderated conversations, Easterling offers insights and tangible takeaways that make an impact with audiences.

Prior to partnering with Jordan, Easterling spent more than a decade at Nike, working across several categories and territories including both Nike and the Jordan Brand. While there, he spearheaded key brand moments and disruptive campaigns, including World Basketball Festival, All-Star Weekends, and Basketball Never Stops, as well as built robust strategies for key signature athletes and products, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Russell Westbrook and Zion Williamson. Understanding the role that Nike plays in inner cities and the powerful impact those communities have on culture, Easterling effectively helped connect and establish both brands on a grassroots level through Summer Leagues, high school basketball, NBA, and most importantly, throughout the community. Easterling offers his expertise on topics ranging from the importance of representation to impacting the culture in uplifting ways, and motivates audiences to welcome diverse and multicultural perspectives in branding and business.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHRIS REDD

  • Emmy Award-Winning Comedian

Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer, rapper, and actor Chris Redd performs across the country and internationally doing standup and touring with The Second City Touring Company. Redd is a former repertory player on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, and most recently appeared on NBC’s Kenan and on Peacock’s Bust Down. He received the Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the SNL song “Come Back, Barack.” Previously he was a performer at Chicago’s Second City and iO Chicago. Redd was featured as a 2016 Standup New Face at Just for Laughs in Montreal, and has been in demand for events with groups like Global Citizen Festival.

Redd released his debut stand-up album in 2019, But Here We Are. He has starred in films across genres including Scare Me, Vampires vs. the BronxDeep MurderThe House, A Futile and Stupid Gesture, and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. Redd starred opposite Kathy Bates in the Netflix original comedy series Disjointed and was featured in the series Wet Hot American Summer, NBC’s Will & Grace, Netflix’s Love, TV Land’s Teachers, Comedy Central’s Detroiters, and Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents. He has also loaned his voice to many projects including Netflix’s Big Mouth, Audible’s 64th Man and Disney’s Star vs. the Forces of Evil. In addition to his award-winning and memorable work on screen, Redd is active in charity work – he works with Poverty Alleviation Charities in Chicago and their Letters to Santa program – and is a sought-after speaker at fundraising events for his programs that combine hilarious and tailored standup sets and insightful moderated conversations.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

COLE IMPERI

  • Thanatologist, Chaplain, and Deathworker

Thanatologist, chaplain, deathworker, author, and entrepreneur Cole Imperi is one of America’s leading experts on death, dying, and grief. A triple-certified thanatologist, someone who studies death and dying, Imperi is the Founder of the School of American Thanatology, which serves students from 20 countries. She is has pioneered the fields of Thanabotany, Deathwork (including Death Championing), and developed Shadowloss, Shadowlight, and Dremains. She has also served as President of the Historic Linden Grove Cemetery & Arboretum, works with death-related businesses through her consulting firm Doth, and publishes death and loss-related resources. Prior to her work as a thought leader and entrepreneur, Imperi worked as a chaplain-thanatologist in one of America’s 25 largest jails, served as a mortuary college professor, a crematory operator, hospice volunteer, grief support group leader for children and adults, and served on the board of a green burial startup. Her first book A Guide to Your Grief will be published in 2023. Imperi is a compassionate expert on death, grief, and loss, and offers practical advice about cultivating empathy and resilience to overcome adversity.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CRAIG FERGUSON

  • Emmy Award-Winning Comedian Actor, Writer and Producer

Craig Ferguson is an Emmy Award-winning actor, writer and comedian with a diverse career that encompasses film, television and the stage. Ferguson is the author of three books, most recently Riding the Elephant: A Memoir of Altercations, Humiliations, Hallucinations, and Observations.

As the host of Celebrity Name Game, Ferguson was awarded the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host two years in a row and was nominated for a third. Ferguson recently concluded his wildly popular daily SiriusXM program “The Craig Ferguson Show.” In 2014, Ferguson concluded his ten-year run as the host of CBS’ The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, which had set all-time viewer records and earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination and the 2009 Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting for his interview with Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Ferguson has written the feature films The Big Tease and Saving Grace. In 2003, he made his directorial debut with I'll Be There, which he also wrote and starred in. I'll Be There went on to receive the Audience Award for Best Film at the Aspen, Dallas, and Valencia film festivals. Craig was also named "best new director" at the Napa Valley Film Festival. Ferguson’s other film credits include, Niagra Motel, Lenny the Wonder Dog, Prendimi l’anima, Life Without Dick, Chain of Fools and Born Romantic. In 2011, Ferguson portrayed ‘Owl’ in the Disney classic Winnie the Pooh, and in 2012 he portrayed ‘Lord Macintosh’ in Disney’s animated feature Brave. He has appeared as ‘Gobber’ in the animated feature series How to Train Your Dragon

Ferguson has achieved notable success on the North American comedy circuit and has performed to sold-out theaters all across the country, including Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall. He has five widely acclaimed stand-up comedy specials: “A Wee Bit O’ Revolution"; “Does This Need to Be Said”; “I’m Here to Help”, which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album; “Just Being Honest”, which earned him a second Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album; and “Tickle Fight”.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DANIEL CORMIER

  • UFC World Champion in Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Divisions

Daniel is one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history. A former two-division world champion, DC held the heavyweight and light heavyweight world championships simultaneously. He is also an accomplished Olympian and former All-American at Oklahoma State.

Cormier is the head wrestling coach at Gilroy High School, having been appointed in the summer of 2018. Cormier made his film debut in 2014, playing himself in the 2014 comedy Mantervention. In February 2015, Cormier starred in the videoclip All About That Cake, a parody of All About That Bass, to promote the 2015 World MMA Awards. In January 2018, he was featured on an episode of Sneaker Shopping on the YouTube channel Complex.

In February 2019 he featured in "Sub-Zero's Head Shatter", the first episode of the YouTube series "The Science of Mortal Kombat" by Because Science. Cormier is known for being a dedicated fan of the New Orleans Saints and professional wrestling.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DANIEL GERMAIN

  • Philanthropist and Social Entrepreneurship Visionary

Philanthropist Daniel Germain, CM CQ MSM, is a true social entrepreneurship visionary who has dedicated his life to helping underprivileged children. Germain is the Founder of the Breakfast Club of Canada, a charity that promotes and assists the establishment and maintenance of school breakfast programs in Canada. After growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood, he went on humanitarian trips abroad and returned to Canada with the dream of breaking the circle of poverty. With the goal of helping children who were deprived of a vital element for their academic and social success – a nutritious breakfast – he founded the Quebec Breakfast Club. In 2005, the Quebec Breakfast Club was recognized by the United Nations as one of the best school meal programs in the world. Germain then founded Breakfast Clubs of Canada, launched an international co-operation project for young people in Quebec, and established the Montreal Millennium Summit – an international forum that puts forward ideas and projects related to the well-being of children in the world.

A true social visionary, Daniel has received numerous awards for his body of work, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Quebec YMCA Peace Medal for his commitment to youth. He is a Member of the Order of Canada and a Knight of the Ordre national du Québec. Daniel is the founder of the Children’s Hour World Campaign launching on November 20, 2023. Children’s Hour is a world-wide movement to address global child poverty, climate change and food insecurity, the plight of young girls and women, and Indigenous people. He has been in-demand with groups like McDonalds, Walmart, Staples, Cirque De Soleil, Coca Cola, and more to share his vision.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DAVID GELB

  • Emmy and Grammy Award-Nominated Director and Producer

David Gelb is an Emmy and Grammy-nominated producer, director, and founding partner of Supper Club, a production company. Best known for his critically acclaimed documentary feature Jiro Dreams of Sushi, he is also the creator of the Netflix award-winning series Chef’s Table, now in its eighth season, which has won numerous James Beard Awards. He is also the co-creator of the Netflix series Street Food and an executive producer of Trial By Media.

Most recently, Gelb executive produced the Disney+ series Marvel’s 616 while also directing the first episode, which chronicled the creation of the “Japanese Spider-Man”. David is currently producing and directing the upcoming Disney+ feature documentary Wolfgang chronicling the life of world renowned celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck, which will be released in 2021. He is also in development on the scripted feature film Consume with Searchlight Pictures. David has worked extensively in advertising, directing both short and long-form work for clients including Apple, Google, Chase, Bank of America, Chipotle, Mazda, and the Ford Motor Company.

David was born and raised in New York City, where he was immersed in the arts and journalism throughout his upbringing. His mother, Donna Gelb, is a food writer and recipe chef, and his father, Peter Gelb, is the General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera. His grandfather, Arthur Gelb, was the Managing Editor of the New York Times, and his grandmother, Barbara Gelb, was an accomplished writer and playwright. 

David graduated from film school at the University of Southern California in 2006, and remained in California.  David currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife Christine D’Souza Gelb and his young son, Elliot Arthur Gelb.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DAVID GRUTMAN

  • Hospitality Innovator, Entrepreneur, and Venture Capitalist

Acclaimed innovator, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist David Grutman is a Miami-based mogul whose investments span the hospitality, technology, wellness, consumers goods, and food and beverage industries. Grutman is the Founder of the world-renowned Groot Hospitality, which owns and operates numerous high-profile restaurants, nightclubs, and hotels in Miami and Miami Beach (with imminent expansion across the U.S. and internationally). Grutman is also the Co-Owner and Creative Director of Prince, an Atlanta-based athletics and lifestyle label. There, he oversees everything from product collaborations to new product launches.

An adept and leading-edge venture capitalist, Grutman has built a substantial portfolio highlighting popular and universal objectives and cross-industry symbioses, focusing on maximum synergy and optimal returns. From the consumer arena to public-facing platforms to the nascent world of cryptocurrency, Grutman embraces dynamic diversification and openly shares his expertise, insights, and motivating takeaways in events that make an impact with both organizations and individuals. A leader in both conceptualization and portfolio management, Grutman is a guest professor at Florida International University and has also guest lectured at the prestigious School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, the University of Miami and Harvard Business School. His work has been profiled by GQ, Paper Magazine, Vogue, and many more. In his keynotes and conversations, Grutman emphasizes the importance of relationships – looking beyond the product to value the team and people behind it.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DAVID ROBINSON

  • Coffee Farmer and Exporter, Founder of Sweet Unity Farms

Founder and advocate for global equity David Robinson is a coffee farmer and exporter, and the founder of a coffee cooperative of family-owned farms. David is the son of baseball great and social activists Jack and Rachel Robinson. Early in his life, he learned lessons from the intense social conflicts that his family, his African American community, and the American society faced during the turbulent years of the 1960s and 1970s. In 1974, along with six families from the Harlem community, he incorporated United Harlem Growth Inc. – a cooperative housing development and construction company – which was at the forefront of the urban concept of ‘sweat-equity- in brownstone and tenement rehabilitation. David believes that the struggle towards human development as engaged by Jack and Rachel Robinson and the American generations of the 1940s and 1960s is increasingly a global undertaking which will require on-going, multi-generational initiatives for equitable global integration.

David has made his home in Tanzania, Africa, for more than thirty-five years, dedicated to enhancing the inclusion of marginalized farmers into a more equitable global economy. He and his wife Ruth joined a village community of 2nd and 3rd generation coffee farmers in the Mbeya Region, and formed a coffee cooperative of family-owned farms called Mshikamano Farmers Group, which means “working together” in Tanzania’s national language Kiswahili. The group has grown from 46 founders to several hundred members. David also developed Sweet Unity Farms, the brand which roasts and markets the coop’s coffee in the U.S.A. David regularly travels to and works in the USA with the Jackie Robinson Foundation, his family, and on behalf of coffee cooperatives in East Africa. In sought-after keynotes, David delivers riveting insights about the global struggle for equity, the complexity of equal opportunity, and how teams, organizations, and communities can work together to find unity.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DENISE WOODARD

  • Founder & CEO, Partake Foods

Founder, entrepreneur, and mentorship expert Denise Woodard is the groundbreaking Founder and CEO of Partake Foods – a natural food company inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Launched in 2017, Partake’s delicious, allergy-friendly products can now be found in more than 9,000 retailers including Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market. Denise is the first Black woman to raise more than $1M publicly for a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) food startup, and the company has raised over $19M to date from investors including HER, Rihanna, Cleveland Ave, FF2032, and Marcy Ventures Partners. Partake was recently named #45 on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list, and Denise was named on Inc.’s “100 Female Founders” list for building a fast-growing snacking brand that everyone can enjoy. After winning a pitch competition with just the idea, Denise conducted hundreds of demos, leveraged her supply chain expertise, and created a product and company that has attracted the attention of major funders and publications alike. She delivers actionable, no-nonsense insights with optimism, creating an uplifting and memorable event for groups including Microsoft, Victoria’s Secret, Danone, Carta, and Target, to name a few.

Denise serves on the board of Naturally New York, the advisory board for the UNC Shuford Center for Entrepreneurship, and on the WP Carey School of Business Dean’s Council. Prior to launching Partake, Denise spent a decade in CPGs at various Fortune 100 companies. A mentorship expert, she has participated as a mentoring founder-in-residence for three cohorts of Target’s Forward Founder’s program supporting 30 founders in that time. Denise is also the Founder of Black Futures in Food & Beverage, a fellowship program that offers mentorship, internships, and job opportunities within the food and beverage industries for active HBCU students. From her commitment to excellence in branding, to growing a strong team that exceeds goals, Denise shares her leadership perspective that resonates with everyone from entrepreneurs looking to make their mark to C-suite executives looking to inspire their teams around a unified vision.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ERIC KUHN

  • Producer, Social Media Virtuoso, Media Innovator, and Entrepreneur

Social media virtuoso, media innovator, and successful entrepreneur Eric Kuhn has brought some of the world’s largest and most prestigious organizations into the new age while working at UTA, CNN, the NBA, and CBS News. Most notably, he was a Co-Founder and CMO for Layer3TV, a next generation cable provider spearheading a new era of home entertainment. Kuhn subsequently joined United Talent Agency and was dubbed “Hollywood’s first social media agent,” harnessing the power of social media for top industry talent. He is a renowned bridge-builder between Silicon Valley and Hollywood, advising emerging technology companies and Fortune 500 corporations on how to harness content, technology, and social media to accelerate business.

In sought-after and engaging keynotes speeches, Kuhn shares fresh ideas and actionable data that inspire listeners to re-think the way they understand and utilize innovation and technology. He provides real, practical takeaways — in the form of raw industry data, anecdotes, and actionable strategies — that organizations and leaders can readily apply to their own entrepreneurial goals. Kuhn has keynoted and moderated numerous industry conferences and events around the world and regularly speaks with companies and private equity funds to help them better understand technology and innovation.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ERIC SCHLOSSER

  • Renowned Investigative Journalist

Eric Schlosser is a writer and filmmaker whose work explores subjects too often ignored by the mainstream media, shedding light on worlds that have been deliberately hidden. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Fast Food Nation (2001), Reefer Madness (2003), and Command and Control (2013).

Fast Food Nation helped to start a revolution in how Americans think about what they eat. Reefer Madness exposed the absurdity and injustices of the war on drugs, while revealing the exploitation of undocumented immigrants and the vast fortunes earned in America’s underground economy. Command and Control explored the effort, since the dawn of the atomic age, to prevent nuclear weapons from being stolen, sabotaged, or detonated by accident. It was a finalist for the 2014 Pulitzer Prize in History.

Schlosser has also helped to produce a number of films, including Fast Food Nation (2006), directed by Richard Linklater; There Will Be Blood (2007), directed by Paul Thomas Anderson; Food, Inc., (2008), directed by Robert Kenner; and Food Chains (2014), co-produced with Eva Longoria and directed by Sanjay Rawal. Schlosser was the co-creator and co-director of the bomb (2016), a multimedia installation staged at the Tribeca Film Festival, the Berlin Film Festival, and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies in Oslo. 

He has lectured at universities throughout the United States and spoken at the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, the Parliaments of the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Norway, as well as at the United Nations. Schlosser is currently at work on a book about the American prison system.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GUIDO IMBENS

  • Nobel Prize-Winning Economist

Guido Imbens is a Nobel Prize-winning economist whose work with real-world experiments has major implications for some of society’s most pressing questions. Imbens received the Nobel for his work, which will radically change the way causal effects are analyzed in social sciences and industry. This revolutionary approach to understanding cause and effect has redefined how research is conducted and has enormous potential for businesses as well as individuals looking to face issues in effective and meaningful ways. As the Applied Econometrics Professor and Professor of Economics for the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, Stanford University, Imbens brings his research in econometrics and statistics to life, encouraging audiences to focus on rethinking our questions and challenging the ways we traditionally find answers.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

HASAN PIKER

  • Political Commentator and Journalist

Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, Hasan Piker is an American journalist, producer, activist, and ridiculously entertaining political commentator. His honesty, personality, and deep understanding of the subjects he covers makes him one of the leading political voices for millennials and Gen Z. He is known for his unique perspective on American politics, sharp analysis of trending news and culture, and ubiquitous Twitter feed.  

Piker’s childhood in an increasingly authoritarian Turkey influences his desire to question authority and argue against an unjust status quo. He began his career as a journalist for The Young Turks, a progressive political news and opinion show, and has proven himself to be a leading figure in the American Left, supporting the 2016 and 2020 Presidential campaigns of Senator Bernie Sanders and working with organizations such as Muslims for Progressive Values, March for Our Lives, and Black Lives Matter. 

An early adopter of the popular gaming and streaming site Twitch, Piker live streams daily to an average audience of over 20,000, making him the #1 most popular “Just Chatting” channel. This insanely high viewership also makes him one of the most watched channels across the entire platform. To put Piker’s unique standing in American politics and grasp on the zeitgeist in perspective, in the run up to the 2020 general election he was able to leverage his platform to collaborate with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar for a ‘Get Out the Vote’ initiative, playing the multi-player game ‘Among Us’ on Twitch to an audience of over 700,000 viewers. It was exactly the type of political, yet accessible and entertaining spectacle that has come to represent Piker’s brand.  

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ILANA GLAZER

  • Comedian, Writer, Director, Producer, and Actor

Comedian, writer, producer, actor, and activist Ilana Glazer is known for her work as co-creator and co-star of the critically acclaimed Comedy Central series Broad City. Glazer is also known for her debut stand-up comedy special The Planet is Burning and her role in Apple TV+’s The Afterparty. She is the star, co-writer, and producer of the film False Positive, an A24 psychological thriller, which has received rave reviews. She is the Founder of Starrpix, a creative development and production company, through which she launched the digital stand-up series Tight Five and the original, one-hour comedy special Comedy on Earth on Comedy Central. With her trademark humor and authenticity, Glazer shares insights about her career in Hollywood, her advocacy work, and the creative process in honest, memorable conversations.

Glazer has been featured in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Salon, The Cut, and more. She is the Co-Founder of Generator Collective, a non-profit working to humanize policy and lower the barrier of entry to understanding how the government can work for the people. A committed activist and advocate, Glazer is passionate about social change and inspires audiences of all kinds to be true to themselves.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ISHA SESAY

  • Peabody Award-Winning Journalist and Former Host for CNN

Award-winning journalist, media executive, and author Isha Sesay has been covering global events and major breaking news for over a decade, with a focus on stories of social injustice and their impact on women and girls. Sesay is the CEO of OkayMedia, a media company dedicated to Black culture and uplifting Black voices, and serves on the board of directors. Previously, the celebrated journalist spent more than a decade with CNN International as an anchor and correspondent. Sesay led the CNN team that covered the kidnapping of more than 200 Nigerian girls from their school in Chibok in 2014. CNN’s in-depth reporting was recognized with a Peabody Award, and Sesay received a Gracie Award for her coverage. Her painstakingly detailed account, Beneath the Tamarind Tree: A Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost Schoolgirls of Boko Haram, is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Whether offering insights about the intersections of race and gender in the media, global events, or her significant advocacy work, Sesay’s perspective makes an impact with audiences of all kinds.

Sesay is the Founder and President of W.E. (Women Everywhere) Can Lead, a non-profit organization working in her native country of Sierra Leone to nurture and empower teen girls to become Africa’s next generation of dynamic female leaders. She serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN’s reproductive health and rights agency. As the host of the podcast The Accidental Activist, Sesay moderates riveting conversations with cultural icons who are united by their motivation to make a difference in the world. In addition, she has moderated and hosted events with groups such as the Gates Foundation, Coca Cola, The Obama White House, The World Bank, MasterCard Foundation, Women Deliver, and Brilliant Minds. She has been sought-after for talks with groups like Untitled Future, The Brookings Institution, the Global Citizen Festival, among many others.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JAMES BLAKE

  • Legendary Tennis Player

James Blake inspired the world during an epic tennis career that featured 10 singles titles and a Davis Cup Championship. He is the author of two New York Times Best Sellers Ways of Grace: Stories of Activism, Adversity, and How Sports Can Bring Us Together and Breaking Back. In his speeches, he discusses the important issues of the day and the path ahead for a more inclusive, diverse and happier America.

James turned pro in 1999 while he was the #1 collegiate player at Harvard University. In 2004, James overcame a potential career ending injury and a case of the shingles that temporarily left his face paralyzed and blurred his vision. Just one year later, James climbed from outside of the top 200 in the ATP rankings to his career highest ranking of #4.

In memory of his father who lost a battle stomach cancer in 2004, James created the Thomas Blake Sr. Memorial Cancer Research Fund at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and holds an annual celebrity tennis and entertainment event, Serving for a Cure, to raise funds for cancer research and prevention.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JARRETT HARPER

  • Criminal Justice and Foster Care Reform Advocate

Jarrett Harper is a criminal justice and foster care reform advocate working to stop life sentences for children, develop better rehabilitation resources for those returning to society, and put an end to the foster care-to-prison pipeline.

Jarrett is a survivor of the California foster care system and endured 20 years of mass incarceration. After experiencing unimaginable trauma and abuse, at 16, Jarrett took the life of his abuser to protect himself and his younger brother. A year later, he was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus ten years. Despite having no chance of release from prison, he found forgiveness and hope and transformed his own life by helping change the lives of other men in prison who had the opportunity to get out.

After 20 years of creating and facilitating self-improvement programs for his peers, Jarrett’s sentence was commuted by Governor Jerry Brown through the tireless work of a group of dedicated advocates. On June 18, 2019, he was released from prison by Governor Gavin Newsom. Shortly after his release, Jarrett became an ambassador for Represent Justice’s Just Mercy campaign and has quickly become a sought-after speaker, booking engagements for Verizon, Google, YouTube, Jordan Park, USC, Princeton, Big Brothers, and Big Sisters, Human Rights Watch, and Parole Justice That Works.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JASMINE ROTH

  • TV Personality & Host, HGTV's 'Help! I Wrecked My House'

Renovation star, designer, and author Jasmine Roth is passionate about transforming spaces and inspiring others through entrepreneurship, innovation, and seeing possibilities everywhere. The winner of HGTV’s Rock the Block, Roth is also host of her own shows Hidden Potential and Help! I Wrecked My House, rescuing home improvement projects gone wrong. She is also known for HGTV’s A Very Brady Renovation, which received an Emmy nomination, Brother vs. BrotherHometown: Takeover, and Extreme Makeover, Home Addition. Roth is the author of House Story: Insider Secrets to the Perfect Home Renovation, answering the most common questions she gets as a renowned renovation expert. In her keynotes and conversations, she brings her signature warmth and clear guidance, encouraging audiences to dream big and transform their spaces and their lives.

Roth has been featured in Forbes, People, BusinessWire, and more. She is the Founder of Built Custom Homes, her boutique development company, and has partnered with Hunter Fans to launch their new line of lighting. Roth’s website, Your Happy Home, showcases her full range of capabilities – from building homes from scratch to designing every single detail. A beloved TV personality and host, home design expert, and serial entrepreneur, Roth creates a memorable event for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JASON FLOM

  • Advocate Against Wrongful Convictions and Inaugural Board Member for the Innocence Project

Jason Flom has been a passionate advocate for the unheard for over forty years. Along his path from the mailroom of Atlantic Records to becoming the storied label’s Chairman and CEO, and from being a founding board member of the Innocence Project to his stature now as a globally recognized leader in criminal justice reform, Jason’s superpower has been his ability to hear and amplify the voices and stories that he knows the world needs to hear. It’s impossible to come away from a conversation with Jason without feeling inspired and able to do more good in the world.

As the founder of Lava Media, which encompasses a record label, music publishing, and a fast-growing podcast company, Jason's typical day ranges from discovering and launching superstar artists including Grammy-winners Lorde and Greta Van Fleet to advocating with elected officials and policy makers, activist groups, celebrities, and other philanthropists to reform the inequities in the criminal legal system. On Lava for Good Podcasts' 2021 Webby Awards-honored Wrongful Conviction with Jason Flom series, Jason has interviewed and raised international awareness for the cases of Brendan Dassey, Rodney Reed, and hundreds of other innocent men and women imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit, many facing death sentences. Jason also hosts Righteous Convictions, a podcast that spotlights today's social justice leaders and change-makers to uncover the most powerful actions we can take together to inspire meaningful reform and equal justice.  

In 2021, Jason was featured in the Billboard Change Agents list of leaders who stepped up in a year of social and political turmoil. Whether championing an unknown singer to stardom, a social justice startup to prominence, or a wrongfully convicted death row inmate to freedom, Jason’s keen ear, infectious dedication, and relentless pursuit of good music and equal justice for all makes him one of the most uniquely influential and intriguing figures of our time.  

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JEAN HANFF KORELITZ

  • New York Times Bestselling Author, 'The Latecomer', 'You Should Have Known', and More

New York Times bestselling author Jean Hanff Korelitz is known for crafting spellbinding plots across mediums, which keep audiences engaged and inspired. Korelitz is the author of the novels The Latecomer, You Should Have Known, which was adapted by HBO as The Undoing, Admission, which was made into a film, The Sabbathday River, A Jury of Her Peers, The White Rose, The Devil and Webster, and The Plot, a New York Times bestseller and Notable Book of 2021, as well as an Editor’s Pick on Amazon, and which is being adapted by Hulu to star two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali. She is the Founder of BOOKTHEWRITER, which hosts Pop-Up Book Groups for readers to discuss new books with their authors. Korelitz shares her expertise in storytelling, the creative experience, the writing process, as well as insights about the intersection of art and the human condition in compelling and memorable events.

Korelitz has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, for which her novel The Plot was selected as the “Fallon Summer Read,” Zibby Owens’ podcast Mom’s Don’t Have Time to Read Books, and she has been featured in The Guardian, The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, which called The Plot her “most consequential book yet,” among others. She is also the author of Interference Powder, a novel for children, and a collection of poetry, The Properties of Breath. Korelitz and her husband, Irish poet Paul Muldoon, adapted James Joyce’s The Dead as an immersive theater piece, The Dead, 1904, which premiered at the Irish Repertory Theatre in NYC. She is sought-after for events with groups like Talks at Google, The National Arts Club, and many more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JEFF MAURO

  • Chef and TV Personality

Emmy-Nominated Celebrity Chef Jeff Mauro was born and raised in Chicago where he was determined from an early age to become the funniest chef in the world. After years spent cooking in restaurants, graduating with honors from Culinary School, and performing on stage, he landed himself on Season 7 of the hit show Food Network Star. He ultimately won the competition by combining his passions for cooking with comedy and landed his own series, the Emmy-nominated Sandwich King. After five successful seasons to date, he was tapped by the Food Network to also co-host the hit daytime show, 4 time Emmy-nominated The Kitchen, now in it’s 28th season.  His new Prime Time Game Show Kitchen Crash premiers in January and his long-awaited cookbook Come on Over releases April 13th.    

Jeff is also the proud creator of Mauro Provision, a new brand providing the world with all the foods Jeff and his family grew up loving, eating and cooking. He has been a guest co-host of The Today Show and featured on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Steve Harvey, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Chopped, and Beat Bobby Flay among many others. He also hosts the hit weekly podcast Come on Over with his little sister Emily.   

He still lives “in the same damn neighborhood he grew up in” with his wife Sarah, his son Lorenzo & their two dogs JoJo & Pinot G. His favorite color is Pastrami and his favorite smell is meat smoke.  

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JEN HALE

  • Reporter for FOX Sports NFL, NBA, and New Orleans Pelicans

Award-winning journalist, sportscaster, and entrepreneur Jen Hale has won multiple Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, and Associated Press Awards for both her sports and new coverage. Currently in her eleventh season as a reporter for the FOX NFL season, Hale is also a frequent contributor on Fox & Friends Weekend, FOX Sports, and fills in as host of Skip and Shannon: Undisputed on FS1. After surviving cardiomyopathy, a genetic condition that often requires a heart transplant, she has gone on to serve as a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, appearing on numerous national programs to share her personal experience and raise awareness for cardiovascular health. The AHA awarded her with the Heart Ball Award in recognition for her efforts, and she shares her journey through diagnosis and recovery in powerful and inspiring talks that impact audiences of all kinds.

Hale is also the Founder and CEO of All Access Sideline Pass, an organization that focuses on educating and empowering young women in the New Orleans community through outreach, scholarships, and other community programming. She sits on the Board of Directors for LSU’s L Club, the French Quarter’s commercial economic engine The French Market, and owns Hale Historic Properties. She has received many accolades for her work, including the Alumni Achievement Award from The Fund for American Studies, being named New Orleans Magazine’s “Top Female Achiever” and to Gambit Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” list. Hale was the first woman to receive the Bob Roesler Award from the New Orleans Touchdown Club.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JIMMY BUTLER

  • Five-Time NBA All-Star

Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat is a 5-time NBA All-Star and a 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist who was the 30th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. Originally from Tomball, Texas, Butler (31) attended Marquette University and won the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award in 2015 as a member of the Chicago Bulls. Jimmy is a 4-time All Defensive Team selection, and a 3-time All NBA honoree. 
 
Butler’s vast off-the court interests and passions include traveling, listening to country music, coffee, soccer, fashion and playing dominoes with his friends and family. He also enjoys wine tasting, cooking and working out. 
 
Jimmy is widely regarded as one of the hardest working, most fit, self-made players in the entire NBA. His popular YouTube page has 640K + subscribers while his Instagram page has nearly 6M followers. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOEL STEIN

  • Former TIME Magazine Columnist and Humorist

Celebrated journalist and author Joel Stein is a sharp, thoughtful, and hilarious moderator and emcee for events worldwide. As a speaker, he also provides insights on today's political climate and cultural moment, and the ways in which we can get disparate-- and often disagreeing-- groups to come together. 

A TIME columnist for nearly two decades, Stein has written over a dozen cover stories on everything from pop culture, to politics, sports, business, and technology. He's also been a columnist for Men’s Health, Entertainment Weekly, and the Los Angeles Times. 

Stein’s the author of two books, Man Made, and most recently, In Defense of Elitismwhich explores the power of people with seemingly opposing mindsets coming together, and makes a compelling argument for a return to empathy and understanding in society today.

Sought-out to speak and moderate everywhere from Ted to Google to college campuses nationwide, Stein customizes his remarks for every audience, infusing them with his sense-of-humor and unique ability to bring unexpected-- and fascinating-- details to light. As a moderator he's interviewed Barbara Streisand, Seth Rogen, Joan Rivers, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Questlove, Fred Armisen, and more. He's heralded for bringing out the best stories and thoughtful analysis from his subjects, and keeping the conversation moving in organic and dynamic ways. 

 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOHN MCENROE

  • Tennis Legend, Musician, and Pop Culture Icon

Tennis legend John McEnroe embodies the American spirit. On and off the court, McEnroe has proven himself to be one of the most intriguing and controversial public figures of his time. Throughout his playing years, his bold and irreverent style made him, for many, a symbol for a generation of "rock n' roll" athletes. Since leaving the court, his unique commentary and style in the broadcast booth have garnered him national Sports Emmy nominations. He has written two bestsellers, all based on his trademark retort to the chair umpire: You Cannot Be Serious and But, Seriously.

He won his first Grand Slam singles title in 1979 when he captured the first of four U.S. Open Championships. In 1981, he took the first of his three Wimbledon singles titles, becoming the youngest #1 ranked male in the history of professional tennis. With seven grand slam singles championships and ten grand slam doubles championships, McEnroe is still considered one of the greatest players of the game.

McEnroe was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, in August 1999. In September of that year, during the United States Open in New York, the United States Tennis Association announced John's selection as the thirty-seventh Captain of the United States Davis Cup Team for the 2000 campaign.

With more than 150 singles and doubles titles to date, McEnroe has compiled an unparalleled record of achievement and raised the level of the game itself. One of his proudest achievements was leading the USA to five Davis Cup titles. His knowledge of the game and magnetic personality have made him an instant hit as a network television commentator. He has offered commentary for a variety of television networks, including ESPN, CBS, NBC, USA, and the BBC as well as EuroSport and Australia's Channel 7.

McEnroe has a serious interest in art and oversees The John McEnroe Gallery in the Soho area of New York City, where he showcases the work of contemporary artists. He has also established The John and Patty McEnroe Foundation, an organization established to distribute grants and pledges to a wide variety of charitable causes.

McEnroe is the Founder and Director of The Johnny Mac Tennis Project, Inc. (JMTP), which changes young lives by removing the racial, economic and social barriers to success through tennis, and the John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA). John's passion and belief is that great players can be developed in urban settings, while still having the opportunity to live at home, to pursue their educational goals, and to participate in a variety of sports and extracurricular activities. Through various channels, including community outreach, the John McEnroe Tennis Academy works to recruit the most talented and the most highly motivated young athletes in the New York City Metropolitan area, and beyond.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JON MACKS

  • Award-Winning Comedy Writer, Speechwriter, and Political Consultant

Jon Macks is a writer and producer of over 200 live television shows, including a record 25 Academy Awards, for which he served as head writer 9 times, as well as the Emmy Awards, The Golden Globes, The Tony Awards.Jon was the top political comedy writer during the Tonight Show with Jay Leno's 22 year run, writing over 100 jokes a day every day for Jay's 4610 Tonight Shows! If you were counting, over 18,000 of his jokes have been broadcast on late night television, in addition to the jokes, sketches and speeches Jon has penned for Billy Crystal, Chris Rock, Helen Mirren, Marty Short, Steve Martin, Michael Douglas, Queen Latifah, and Ricky Gervais. For his efforts he is an 8 time Emmy nominee and two time winner of Writers Guild Award.Jon is an acclaimed expert in Corporate Branding and Crisis Management, and has written speeches for CEOs and over two dozen U.S. Senators, specializing in presidential debate prep in every election since 1996.Jon is the author of Monologue: What Makes America Laugh Before Bed, How to be Funny, Fuhgeddaboutit: How to Badda Boom, Badda Bing and Find Your Inner Mobster, and Heaven Talks Back: An Uncommon Conversation. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JORDAN LEE DOOLEY

  • Author of 'Own Your Everyday'

Jordan Lee Dooley is a National Bestselling Author, Speaker, Creative Business Educator, and Host of the Top Rated Podcast, SHE. Her mission is to help people find and live their purpose, and she does that through a variety of avenues including her education platform called The Own It Academy, which is designed to help creative women start and grow small businesses from home. She also sits on Liberty University’s School of Business Board of Advisors, and has been featured on Forbes, Inc Magazine, SUCCESS Magazine's 30 Under 30 List, and more. Jordan is an Indiana native, an advocate of working in your slippers, and a happy wife to her college sweetheart, Matt.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JULIANNE HOUGH

  • Emmy Award-Winning Dancer and Choreographer

Award-winning performer, recording artist, and entrepreneur Julianne Hough is an energetic force who shares her message of self-acceptance, creativity, and wellness in empowering engagements. A true triple threat, Hough is known worldwide for her dancing, acting, and music, and became a household name as a two-time professional champion on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. After multiple wins, she went on to judge the series, and won an Emmy for her original choreography. She is the founder of KINRGY, an accessible and fun movement experience based in her belief that movement creates energetic health. Hough and KINRGY were a vital part of Oprah’s 2020 Vision Tour. She is fulfilling a childhood dream with her Broadway debut in the critically acclaimed POTUS. With each of her endeavors, Hough expands her portfolio and her impact with audiences of all kinds.

A serial entrepreneur, Hough has collaborated on a shoe line with Vince Camuto, a capsule collection with MPG Activewear, released a series of dance-based fitness DVDs, and is the Co-Founder of Fresh Vine Wine. She is known for films including Safe Haven, Paradise, Rock of Ages, the remake of Footloose, and more, and starred as Sandy in FOX’s Grease Live! Her self-titled debut album hit #1 on the Billboard Country charts and earned her two Academy of Music Country Awards for “Top New Female Vocalist” and “Top New Artist.” Hough has also released the powerful self-love anthem “Transform” and The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection. From holistic movement and healing, to achieving next-level dreams, to engaging with compassion, Hough shares her warmth and uplifting insights in memorable events.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JULIE ANDREWS

  • Legendary Award-Winning Actress

Julie Andrews has been a beloved and much-honored star of stage, screen and television for more than half a century. She was already a Broadway legend when she made her feature film debut in 1964’s Mary Poppins. Andrews’ iconic performance in the title role of the magical nanny brought her an Academy Award®, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award. The following year, she earned a second Oscar® nomination and won another Golden Globe Award for her unforgettable portrayal of Maria Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. She received her third Academy Award® nomination and won another Golden Globe Award for her “dual” role in Victor/Victoria. Ms. Andrews received her honours as a Dame of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and was also a Kennedy Center Honoree.

Today’s young film audiences may be more familiar with Andrews as a queen trying to train her teenaged granddaughter to be a princess in the hit films, The Princess Diaries, and its sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement. Andrews also voiced the character of Queen Lillian in the blockbuster hits Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third. She also voiced the narration of the hugely successful Disney release of Enchanted. In 2010, Ms. Andrews added to her multi-generational appeal with the release of films The Tooth Fairy, Shrek Goes Fourth and Despicable Me. Her earlier motion picture credits also include The Americanization of Emily, Hawaii, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Star!, Darling Lili and 10, to name only a few.

Ms. Andrews has joined talents with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, to pursue the publishing of books committed to stimulating a sense of wonder in children and young readers. The Julie Andrews Collection has released over 25 books to date, many of which have achieved #1 status, including the Little Bo series, the Dumpy The Dump Truck franchise, The Great American Mousical, Thanks to You and Simeon’s Gift. Her latest franchise of books, entitled The Very Fairy Princess, has repeatedly produced bestsellers, while simultaneously introducing a whole new generation to Julie Andrews.

In addition to her stage and screen work, Julie has dedicated her life to her family and to serving important causes, including Operation USA, an international relief organization with which Julie has traveled to such places as Vietnam and Cambodia. She has served as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), which provides financial and technical support for low-income women in developing countries. In 2012 she received The Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Cancer Society.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KAI LENNY

  • World's Best All-Around Waterman

Professional big wave surfer, author, and TV personality Kai Lenny is the epitome of multi-hyphenate when it comes to a modern-day waterman. Kai dominates in big wave surfing, stand-up paddling (SUP) surfing and racing, tow-in surfing, kite surfing, and hydrofoiling – for which he is widely considered the pioneer on the open ocean. Surfing since the age of 5, Kai became a sponsored pro athlete at just 9 years old and was behind a kite before he was 10. An explosive athlete in multiple dynamic sports, Kai has done the grueling 50km Molokai to Oahu paddle many times, is a veteran of the Professional Windsurfing Association World Wave Tour, has been runner-up at the Kite Surf Pro World Championships, and has won the SUP World Title eight times and counting.

Kai is the author of Big Wave Surfer: The Greatest Rides of Our Lives, a jaw-dropping photographic exploration of the world of big wave surfing. He’s also a prolific creator on YouTube, offering a glimpse of his incredible journey as a pro athlete. Kai has also successfully ventured into Hollywood TV and film pursuits, starring in the feature film PE’AHI, Red Bull TV’s Life of Kai, and HBO’s 100 Foot Wave. He has accomplished such feats as windsurfing across Lake Michigan, racing the Americas Cup Boat, Oracle, on a kite surfboard, kite SUP and windsurfed from Maui’s North Shore to Waikiki in one day, and foil surfed and kited 50 miles from the Big Island to Maui in an effort to raise awareness around plastic pollution. In engaging talks, Kai shares his inspiring journey as an athlete and adventurer, as well as an incomparable perspective on overcoming fear and pushing the limits to achieve unbelievable goals.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KASIE HUNT

  • Political Correspondent and Journalist

Respected political correspondent and chief national affairs analyst Kasie Hunt has covered campaigns, Congress, and Washington for almost two decades, including three presidential campaigns. Kasie currently serves as a CNN anchor and the network’s chief national affairs analyst, after more than eight years at NBC where she anchored Way Too Early with Kasie Hunt, Kasie DC on MSNBC, and served as the Capitol Hill Correspondent. Kasie is widely respected for her hard-hitting exchanges with major players in Washington D.C., earning a reputation for adding fresh angles to the political news cycle. She is also a brain tumor survivor. Just 36 years old when she was diagnosed and underwent brain surgery, she brings a unique perspective on resilience in an unstable world. Kasie in in-demand with a wide range of audiences from students to advertising executives to major philanthropic groups, including events with the BUILD Series, SXSW, Politicon, and the George Washington Elliott School of International Affairs.

Hunt started her career in journalism as a print reporter, covering health policy for National Journal, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the 2012 presidential campaign of former Gov. Mitt Romney for the Associated Press, and the 2010 midterm elections for Politico. She has appeared regularly some of the nation’s most influential programs, including NBC’s Meet the Press, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, CNN’s Inside Politics, and PBS’s Washington Week. In 2018, Kasie led the NBC News investigative team that was awarded the Joan Shorenstein Barone Award for its reporting on sexual harassment allegations on Capitol Hill. In sought-after events, she offers rare behind-the-scenes insights into the inner workings of presidential campaigns and Congress, as well as the cutthroat world of TV news.

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LAURA DAVE

  • #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of 'The Last Thing He told Me', 'Eight Hundred Grapes', and More

Author Laura Dave has written multiple bestselling books that capture the imaginations of readers by tapping into current events and timeless themes. Her novels have been published in twenty-three countries, and five have been optioned for film and television, boasting Hollywood’s biggest names as stars. Dave is the author of the instant New York Times #1 bestseller The Last Thing He Told Me, which was selected by Reese's Book Club and was named “Best Book of 2021” by Real Simple and Vogue. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed bestsellers Eight Hundred Grapes, The Divorce Party, The First Husband, Hello, Sunshine, London is the Best City in America, and appears consistently on “most-anticipated” and “best book” lists across mainstream publications. Dave writes and speaks with insight and candor about relationships, family, modern love, and hope, and her keynotes and conversations leave lasting impressions on audiences of all kinds.

Dave’s fiction and essays have been featured in The New York Times, The New York Observer, Redbook, Glamour, and The Huffington Post, among others. She has appeared on CBS’s The Early Show, FOX’s Fox & Friends, and NPR’s All Things Considered, and more. In 2008, Cosmopolitan named her a “Fun and Fearless Phenom of the Year.” A masterful storyteller, Dave inspires audiences to rewrite our own stories to overcome adversity, find strength, and fulfill our aspirations.

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LEVELLE MOTON

  • Head Coach, North Carolina Central University Men's Basketball Team

Renowned head basketball coach, philanthropist, and activist LeVelle Moton is a community-focused leader and expert in developing values-based missions, strategies for meaningful teamwork, and finding your purpose. Moton graduated from North Carolina Central University as the school’s third all-time leading scorer, having earned the nickname ‘Poetry ‘n Moton’. He returned as Assistant Coach, eventually becoming the school’s Head Coach, and lead his team to 8 championship titles. He has received 11 different “Coach of the Year” awards and numerous nominations, and is highly sought-after for his insights about leadership, inspiring your team, and making a difference in your community.

Moton is the CEO and Founder of the Velle Cares Foundation, whose mission is to serve and assist community-based organizations that promote health, education, and life skills for children and family in at-risk situations. He hosts notable annual events such as the ‘Back to School Community Day Event’ and the ‘Single Mother Salute’, among others, to enrich and give back to his community. Moton presents awards of Courage, Strength, Perseverance, and a “Single Mother of the Year” award named after his mother Hattie McDougald. Moton is an in-demand speaker who shares personal stories, humor, and takeaways that make an impact on audiences of all kinds.

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LILY COLE

  • Founder, Impossible.com and More - social business incubator

Model, actor, activist, and writer Lily Cole has been engaged in environmentalist work and advocacy for nearly two decades. Following a successful career in fashion – she was named by Vogue France as one of the top ten models of the 2000s – Cole began investigating supply chains and sustainable business practices, becoming a patron of the Environmental Justice Foundation and an ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund. She has founded several of her own social businesses, including the incubator Impossible.com. Cole is the author of Who Cares Wins: Reasons for Optimism in Our Changing World, which has been considered a guidebook for those looking for actionable insights and hope in the face of climate crisis. In her accompanying podcast, Who Cares Wins, Cole hosts impactful conversations about climate solutions.

Cole is an in-demand speaker for events with groups like Google, Wired, LeWeb, the Global Fashion Agenda, the Houses of Parliament, COP26, at Davos alongside the The World Economic Forum, where she has spoken multiple times for Arctic Basecamp and Goals House, and on behalf of the United Nations’ ECE Sustainability Pledge. As an actor, Cole has performed at The Globe Theatre, The Old Vic, and Trafalgar Studios, and has appeared in BBC’s The Split, and the upcoming feature film Hilma, among others. She has co-written and presented documentaries for Sky Arts and the BBC, and directed multiple short documentaries for VICE and Nowness. She holds an honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Glasgow for her contribution to humanitarian and environmental causes through social businesses, and received an Honorary Award at the German Sustainability Awards for her dedication to climate and human rights activism.

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MARC LASRY

  • Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Avenue Capital Group

Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Avenue Capital Group Marc Lasry is a renowned financial strategist and a Co-Owner of the Milwaukee Bucks NBA franchise. Lasry founded Avenue Capital Group with his sister, Sonia Gardner, as a global alternative investment manager focused on distressed and undervalued debt and equity opportunities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and it has grown to one of the largest distressed debt investors globally, managing assets of approximately $11.9B. He is heralded as a pioneer in distressed investing, which has been the focus of his career, and his insights are sought-after for speaking events with Reuters Global Investment Summit, the SALT Conference, the Young President’s Organization, and more.

Lasry has a background in law, and previously worked as the Director of the private debt department at R. D. Smith, the Co-Director of the bankruptcy and corporate reorganization department of Cowen & Company, and with the Robert Bass Group, managing over $100M. He is currently a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and serves on numerous boards of advisors and directors for both for-profit and non-profit private and public companies. Lasry shares takeaways for high-level investing, the impacts of current events and policy on businesses and individuals, and strategies for carving your own path across industries to cultivate an eclectic portfolio in events that will make an impact with audiences of all kinds.

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MARTINA MCBRIDE

  • Award-Winning Country Singer-Songwriter

Multiple Grammy® nominee Martina McBride has sold over 23 million albums to date, which includes 20 Top 10 singles and six #1 hits.

Martina McBride has earned more than 15 major music awards, including four wins for Female Vocalist of the Year from the Country Music Association and won three Academy of Country Music for Top Female Vocalist. Martina has been awarded 14 Gold Records. Nine Platinum honors, three Double Platinum Records, and two Triple Platinum Awards. Martina was awarded the Covenant House Beacon of Hope Award and Music Business Association’s prestigious 2015 Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic efforts on behalf of domestic violence. Most recently, Martina was honored with the Cliffie Stone Icon Award at the ACM Honors event for her impactful contributions to country music. 

Martina has released two cookbooks – the first, Around the Table, a full-color illustrated collection of her favorite recipes, hosting tips, practical menu planning advice, and themed décor inspiration. She released her second book, Martina’s Kitchen Mix: My Recipe Playlist for Real Life, in October 2018. She stars in her show Martina's Table on the Food Network, where she shows viewers how to create can-do recipes for entertaining family, friends, and making memories. 

When Martina isn’t in the studio, she focuses her time on charitable causes dear to her heart. Through her Team Music Is Love charity initiative, Martina partners with non-profit causes to help many of the towns she's performing in. Martina also invites fans to join her team in making the world a better place through the power of music. Since 2011, Team Music Is Love has been responsible for many successful fundraising and volunteer projects helping causes such as hunger relief, cancer research, combating domestic violence and helping children in need.

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MARY ROACH

  • Seven-Time New York Times Bestselling Author

Award-winning science journalist, STEM advocate, and seven-time New York Times bestselling author Mary Roach is known for her books Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife, Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex, Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal, Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War, and Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void. An insatiably curious researcher, Roach is an award-winning journalist whose new book Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law was an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and received countless accolades. Her TED Talk, 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Orgasm, made TED’s list of “The 10 Most-Watched Talks.” Roach is an expert on cultivating a risk-taking mindset, following your instincts, and transforming the way we think about the world around us.

Roach is a prolific popular science writer, and her work has been featured in National Geographic, Wired, Vogue, GQ, The New York Times Magazine, and more, and she has served as Guest Editor for Best American Science and Nature Writing. She has appeared on The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, NPR’s Fresh Air, among others. Roach was a finalist for the Royal Society’s Winton Prize, and the winner of the American Engineering Societies’ journalism award. Called “America’s funniest science writer” by the Washington Post, Roach offers fascinating (and hilarious) keynotes and conversations that engage audiences of all kinds.

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JOHN MACK

  • Senior Advisor, Former CEO & Chairman of Morgan Stanley

Respected Wall Street leader and acclaimed author John Mack has shaped history with his legendary career in finance. Now a Senior Advisor of Morgan Stanley, Mr. Mack is the former Chairman of the Board of Morgan Stanley and served as Chief Executive Officer from June 2005 until December 2009. Mr. Mack first joined Morgan Stanley in May 1972 as a member of the Firm's bond department and rose steadily to positions of increasing responsibility. During his thirty-four years at Morgan Stanley, his goal was to build the strongest and most productive team on Wall Street. Mr. Mack previously served as co-CEO of Credit Suisse Group and CEO of Credit Suisse First Boston. Mr. Mack distills his visionary leadership and unmatched strategic insights in revelatory speaking engagements.

A consummate leader, Mr. Mack has perfected the ability to motivate his employees to do their best work, especially in times of crisis. He serves as a non-executive director of New Fortress Energy, the Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Tri Alpha Energy. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of New York-Presbyterian Hospital and the University Hospital of both Columbia and Cornell. Mr. Mack is the author of Up Close and All In: Life Lessons from a Wall Street Warrior, and shares advice on both business and life in sought-after events.

 

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MEEK MILL

  • Grammy Award-Nominated Recording Artist, Entrepreneur, and Criminal Justice Reform Advocate

Grammy-nominated recording artist, entrepreneur, and criminal justice reform advocate Robert “Meek Mill” Williams evolved from Philadelphia’s hottest underground rappers to one of the world’s preeminent musical artists. Meek has released a slew of smash studio albums and singles, including his last studio album, Championships, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s “Top 200 Albums” chart, marking his second chart-topper following his 2015 album, Dreams Worth More Than Money. Meek also serves as the President of Dream Chasers, his exclusive record label that is part of a joint venture with Roc Nation. Additionally, Mill is a co-owner of sports apparel retailer Lids, the largest retail seller of hats and licensed sports product in North America.

Meek is a powerful advocate known for his work in criminal justice, after being entrapped in the criminal justice system and shuffled through the prison system over technical probation violations – all despite never committing a crime as a probationer and a wrongful arrest. Meek maintained his innocence on all but one charge, but because of his arresting officer’s testimony (who has since been discredited) Meek was sentenced to 11-23 months in prison with probation that had been unreasonably extended for over a decade. His last incarceration in 2017 spurred the international #FreeMeekMill movement, which ultimately resulted in his release on bail in April 2018 and eventually led to his original conviction being overturned. Meek is the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of REFORM Alliance - an organization transforming probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing. Through it all, Meek has since used his public platform to generate awareness around the problems within the criminal justice system and highlight how they disproportionately affect multicultural communities.

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MICHAEL B. JORDAN

  • Critically Acclaimed Actor, Director, and Producer

Michael B. Jordan is an award-winning actor, director, producer, and social activist who uses his considerable platform to advocate for inclusion and diversity. Jordan is known for iconic roles in global blockbuster films Black Panther, Just Mercy, the Creed trilogy, and Fruitvale Station, his breakout film which won accolades at the Sundance Film Festival, as well as memorable starring roles on the television series’ The Wire, Friday Night Lights, and Parenthood. An industry leader, Jordan invests in social change through his cutting-edge production company Outlier Society Productions, which partnered with Amazon on a 360-degree creative relationship. In 2020, Jordan launched a partnership with Color of Change to raise awareness about inclusion and lead the charge for industrywide new policies such as inclusion riders, which will dramatically shift the culture of the film industry. Jordan embodies the role of artist citizen, and galvanizes audiences with his commitment to making a difference and changing the world.

Jordan was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020 and one of New York Times’ 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century, and speaks profoundly about how justice is central to his work in art and philanthropy. His charitable efforts are significant, and through his superb storytelling and personal journey, he sparks meaningful conversations about creating a values-driven mission for your business, team, and in your life.

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MICHAEL R. JACKSON

  • Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright, Composer, and Lyricist

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, composer, and lyricist Michael R. Jackson is the creator of A Strange Loop, which the New York Times has called a “bravura meta-musical.” The piece – which took Jackson eighteen years to create – won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2020. A Strange Loop went on to receive eleven Tony Award nominations and was called a “gutsy, jubilantly anguished musical with infectious melodies” by The New York Times. The musical received a New York Drama Critics Circle Award and won two Tony Awards – for Best New Musical and Best Book. In The New Yorker, Vinson Cunningham wrote, "To watch this show is to enter, by some urgent, bawdy magic, an ecstatic and infinitely more colorful version of the famous surreal lithograph by M. C. Escher: the hand that lifts from the page, becoming almost real, then draws another hand, which returns the favor." In engaging moderated conversations, the much-lauded creator shares the importance of making an impact in your own time, and leaves audiences feeling inspired and connected through shared empathy.

Jackson has been named one of TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” (2022) and has received numerous awards including a New Professional Theatre Festival Award, a Jonathan Larson Grant, a Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award, an ASCAP Foundation Harold Adamson Award, a Whiting Award, the Hellen Merrill Award for Playwriting, the Windham-Campbell Prize, among many others. He has appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, CBS Sunday Morning, and Late Night with Seth Meyers, to name a few. The Pulitzer Prize-winner also wrote the book, music, and lyrics for White Girl in Danger, which will premiere in New York City in 2023. Jackson has been sought after for candid and compelling conversations about art and authenticity by audiences worldwide.

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MICHELLE WOLF

  • Comedian, Writer, Actor, and Producer

Michelle Wolf has quickly become one of the most influential voices in the comedy landscape with the Village Voice calling her “the voice comedy needs right now” and The Daily Beast declaring, “Michelle Wolf is the future of stand-up comedy.” Most recently, Wolf released her second hour-long stand-up special Michelle Wolf: Joke Show on Netflix. Previously, she made international headlines as the much buzzed-about headliner of the 2018 White House Correspondents Dinner.

In 2017, Wolf debuted her first hour-long stand-up special, Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady, on HBO. The well-reviewed special tackled a wide range of topics from her surprising thoughts on feminism, the environment and why Hilary Clinton could not be a “nice lady,” and more of life’s everyday absurdities. She received a Primetime Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Writing For A Variety Special." 

Wolf created and served as the executive producer, writer, and host of the critically-acclaimed variety sketch series The Break with Michelle Wolf on Netflix. Prior to The Break, Wolf was an on-air contributor and writer for Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and a writing supervisor and performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers, where she also made her late-night television debut in July 2014. Wolf also wrote on the 88th Academy Awards hosted by Chris Rock.

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MIKE BIRBIGLIA

  • Comedian, Actor, and Writer

Mike Birbiglia is a comedian, storyteller, director, and actor who has performed in front of audiences worldwide, from the Sydney Opera House to Carnegie Hall to Broadway. His five solo shows Sleepwalk With Me, My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend, Thank God For Jokes, and The New One enjoyed successful runs on and off Broadway. My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show and The New One received the Drama Desk Award as well as the Outer Critics Circle award for outstanding solo performance.

Birbiglia is also a filmmaker who wrote, directed and starred in the films Sleepwalk with Me and Don’t Think Twice. As an actor, Birbiglia has appeared in the films Trainwreck, The Fault in Our Stars, Popstar, A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks, Taylor Swift’s music video for Anti-Hero, as well as TV roles in Orange Is the New Black and Billions. He is the host of the podcast Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out and just finished a sold out 85 performance Broadway run of his new show The Old Man and the Pool at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center. 

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NATHANIEL RU

  • Co-Founder and Co-CEO, sweetgreen

Nathaniel Ru is Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer of sweetgreen, a company with a mission to connect people to the future of real food.  Nathaniel and his co-founders launched sweetgreen in 2007, opening their first location in Washington, D.C., just three months out of college. Together, they are dedicated to creating intimacy at scale with a focus on a transparent supply chain, a foundation of technology and investment in local communities. Today sweetgreen has grown to over 90 locations with over 4,000 team members nationally.

Nathaniel has been recognized as a key innovator in food and business, named to Forbes “Next 50 CMO’s,” Ad Age ’s “40 under 40,” Fast Company ’s “Most Creative People in Business”, and Forbes’ “30 Under 30”. 

Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Nathaniel graduated from Georgetown University, where he met fellow sweetgreen co-founders, Nicolas Jammet and Jonathan Neman. 

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NOLAN SMITH

  • Associate Head Coach, University of Louisville Men's Basketball

Nolan Smith is a Division 1 Men’s Basketball Associate Head Coach at the University of Louisville, a community leader, and motivational speaker. Known as “The People’s Champ” Nolan, Nolan is a true Champion on and off the court. Having led the Duke University Blue Devils to a national championship in 2010, he went on to play in the NBA before returning home to Duke University to serve as an Assistant Coach for Duke University Men’s Basketball.

In the summer of 2016, Smith was named the North Carolina state ambassador for Teen Cancer America. TCA is an organization designed to help bridge the gap between pediatric and adult oncology care. Smith serves as an ambassador alongside celebrities such as The Band Perry, Eddie Vedder and Joan Jett for the organization that was founded by rock icons Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who.

In addition to his work with TCA, Smith continues to use his platform in basketball for the benefit of others. Active for quite some time in the Durham community in raising awareness of social justice issues, Smith was named a George H.W. Bush Points of Light Inspiration honoree in the summer of 2020. He was also recognized as the Tar Heel of Month in October 2020 by the Raleigh News & Observer, awarded to a citizen that has made significant contributions to North Carolina and the region.

In July 2018, Smith was one of 11 from Division I basketball named to the Teamworks Basketball Leadership Committee. The committee, comprised of the most forward-thinking Teamworks’ partners from around the country, will converge to help shape the future of athlete engagement and drive the development of best practices throughout the athletics industry.

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NORA TOBIN

  • Partner and Spokesperson, Marriott International Luxury Brands

Nora Tobin has developed Fit, Fueled & Focused corporate wellness programs, keynotes, luxury retreats, and monthly content scaled globally across Fortune 100 organizations. 

Nora Tobin LLC services include: 

  • Executive Essentials: Keynotes, Workshops, Corporate Consultation, Team Building 
  • Performance Retreats: Immersive and Educational Luxury Experiences (In Person or Virtual) 
  • Nora’s Naturals Coffee: Client Gifting, Event Elixir Bars, F & B Event Design 
  • Integrated Content: Pre and Post Event, Recorded Active Breaks, Monthly Newsletter
  • Media and Campaigns: Branded and Editorial Content, Spokesperson, Brand Activations 

Nora and her team of health and wellness experts create a 360 degree approach to both corporate and consumer branded wellness, which can include the traditional forms of public speaking, as well as the integration of content, products, and events.

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PAMELA BROWN

  • Senior Washington Correspondent

Senior Washington correspondent Pamela Brown currently anchors the weekend primetime edition of CNN Newsroom based in Washington, DC. Most recently, Brown covered President Donald Trump and his administration for all of the network's programs and platforms. Brown previously served as the network's Justice and Supreme Court correspondent covering law enforcement, as well as issues related to the Department of Justice and the U.S. Supreme Court. 

See some of Pamela's recent reporting as White House Correspondent >>

Known for her journalistic tenacity, Brown inspires audiences to advocate for themselves and stay the course when someone tries to shake them off. She also shares her experience covering Trump's White House during both of her pregnancies, and how she's learned to mix motherhood with her demanding career.

Brown shares a deep empathy with those who struggle with Alzheimers and those who care for them. She speaks with audiences about her grandmother's Alzheimers journey and the impact it had on her family, as well as poignant lessons learned along the way about love, grief and caregiving.

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PEPPER TEIGEN

  • Chef and Recipe Developer

TV Personality and New York Times bestselling cookbook author Pepper Teigen has become America’s most well-known Thai mom and Yai (grandma). Lovingly known as “Pepper Thai” for her love of spicy chiles, she is the host of the Food Network and Discovery Plus show, Getting Spicy with Pepper Teigen. Her passion for food goes back to her childhood growing up in the small town of Isaan in Thailand, where her first job was cooking and selling coconut pancakes to commuters each day before school. When Pepper married Chrissy’s dad, she moved to America and helped him operate a bar he owned in Washington, where she cooked food with Thai flavors for the bar patrons. She became an expert at improvising with American ingredients when Thai ones, like green papaya and Thai basil, were hard to find. She not only kept her love of Thai food and traditions alive — even in the small towns where she lived in Idaho, Utah and Washington — but also used food to introduce her daughters, Chrissy and Tina, to her Thai culture.

Pepper is widely featured on Chrissy’s Instagram and on the Cravings’ website, where she shares her cooking tips and Thai recipes as part of her popular “Pepper’s Corner” video series. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller, The Pepper Thai Cookbook. Teigen’s interactive cooking demonstrations make for memorable events that appeal to audiences of all kinds. Attendees cook along with Pepper as she shares her journey and recipes with wit and wisdom.

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PHIL KEOGHAN

  • Host and Co-Executive Producer, CBS' Multiple Emmy Award-Winning 'The Amazing Race'

Phil Keoghan is the host and an executive producer of CBS’ multi-Emmy Award-winning reality series The Amazing Race and host of National Geographic Explorer… arguably the most traveled host on the planet.

He is currently the creator, show runner and host of Tough as Nails on CBS, the #1 New Unscripted Series on U.S. Broadcast during the Summer of 2020.

Born in New Zealand, Keoghan has experienced a life full of travel and adventure. After he started traveling around the world at the age of 2, he has been globetrotting ever since.

Surviving a near-death experience at the age of 19, Keoghan wrote a list of things to do before he died and created a BUCKiT Tick-it Before You Kick-it! philosophy which he turned into a best selling book called No Opportunity Wasted. He is now a regular motivational speaker at colleges and Fortune 500 companies around the world.

Visiting more than 100 countries, Phil has been sharing his stories in front of a TV camera for over 30 years. His adventures include riding his bicycle from LA to New York; having a five-star meal on top of an erupting volcano of Stromboli; breaking an unofficial world record bungy jump; putting a golf ball across Scotland; changing a light bulb on top of the Verrazano Bridge; diving the world’s longest underwater caves and swimming from Asia to Europe across the Bosporus.

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RENEE MONTGOMERY

  • Co-Owner & Vice President of the Atlanta Dream - The First WNBA Player to Become an Owner and Executive of a WNBA Team

Two-time WNBA Champion, sports analyst, and ground-breaking entrepreneur Renee Montgomery made her mark as a player and is continuing to make history. During her eleven-year career as a professional basketball player, Montgomery led her team to two WNBA Championship wins, was named an All-Star, and the 6th Woman of the Year. As Montgomery turned her focus to social justice reform, she retired from the league and pivoted to team ownership, becoming the first WNBA player to become an owner and executive of a WNBA team. She is known for her TED Talk How to Turn Moments into Momentum, sharing her journey taking a leap of faith to stand up for what is right. Montgomery is sought-after for her insights about leadership, entrepreneurship, and diversity and social justice, making an impact on audiences of all kinds.

Montgomery is also an acclaimed sports analyst, working as a studio analyst for the NBA/WNBA with Turner/NBA TV and most recently covering the 2022 NCAA Final Four with CBS. Montgomery is host of her own podcast on the LeBatard & Friends network titled Montgomery & Co. In addition to her role as Co-Owner and Vice President of the Atlanta Dream, she is also a part-owner of the FCF Beasts indoor football team, and General Partner of Valor VC. A committed philanthropist, her Renee Montgomery Foundation strives to promote positivity, teamwork, and make dreams come true along the way.

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ROMAN COPPOLA

  • Award-Winning Director, Screenwriter, and Producer

Roman Coppola is a director, screenwriter, producer, and inventor. Growing up in the world of filmmaking, Coppola earned his stripes by wearing all hats available on set, from sound recording to cinematography, to writing, directing, producing, even acting, and earned his first BAFTA nomination as visual effects director on Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

In addition to writing, directing and producing feature films CQ and A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III, Coppola has played an integral part in many other film projects, including second unit work, producing, and cowriting with frequent collaborators Sofia Coppola on such projects as On the Rocks, Marie Antoinette, Lost in Translation, The Virgin Suicides and with Wes Anderson on projects including Isle of Dogs, The French Dispatch, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Darjeeling Limited, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, and Moonrise Kingdom, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Coppola is also president of pioneering independent production company American Zoetrope, earning him producing credits on the aforementioned Sofia Coppola projects, as well as many other films including Walter Salles’ Cannes Palme d’Or nominated On the Road.

In addition to feature film work, Coppola is the founder and owner of award- winning commercial and music video production company The Directors Bureau. Through The Directors Bureau, Coppola has directed countless iconic music videos for the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Daft Punk, Air, The Strokes and Phoenix. For the now-legendary Fatboy Slim Praise You video, Coppola has 3 MTV VMAs, and his stream-of-consciousness video for Phoenix’s Funky Squaredance now lives in the permanent collection at the MoMa.

Coppola is also no stranger to television, winning a Golden Globe Award as co-creator of Mozart in the Jungle. Additionally, Coppola has directed numerous television specials including The Strokes: MTV $2 Bill, the Emmy-nominated A Very Murray Christmas, Arcade Fire’s Saturday Night Live special Here Comes the Night Time, and Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special.

As an inventor, Coppola has many creations under his belt including an inflatable film enclosure Photobubble, colorful, high-quality tote bags from Pacific Tote Company, and a stream-lined communication app which will be announced soon.

Currently, Coppola continues his work on various startup projects including a blockchain-based film community, several short-form projects in development, as well as a feature film with Wes Anderson, and a feature film of his own.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RON FINLEY

  • The Gangster Gardener

A renowned rebel with a green thumb, Ron Finley is widely known as the Gangster Gardener. After growing up in the South Central Los Angeles food prison – a geographic location where access to healthy food options is extremely limited or nonexistent – Finely is intimately familiar with the impacts of a lack of fresh produce. In 2010, he set out to fix the problem by planting vegetables in neglected dirt patches, and after being cited by the city of Los Angeles for gardening without a permit, he fought back and won – starting a petition with fellow green activists and demanding the right to garden and grow food in his neighborhood. Finley has shared his bold and tender vision for communities – and a world – transformed through gardening at events with groups like Netflix, Chase, Cornell University, Google, Salesforce, and Amazon.

Finely has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Vogue, Oprah Daily, on The Ellen Show, and more, as his passion for agriculture and food equity continues to resonate with audiences of all kinds. In 2020, he created one of the most popular classes on the Masterlass platform – with over 9M views, it was the most-watched course of the year. The Gangster Gardener founded the Ron Finley Project, an organization that spreads the movement for urban gardening and turning food deserts into food sanctuaries. Heralded for his humor and his profound message, Finley leaves audiences feeling empowered to explore new knowledge and increase their wellbeing, togetherness, and freedom through gardening.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RORI HARMON

  • Texas Longhorn Women's Basketball Guard

College basketball phenomenon Rori Harmon has secured her place as a young star in her sport and a humble force in her community. While playing high school basketball for Cypress Creek in Houston, TX, Rori tallied 2,572 points, 745 assists, 700 steals in 146 games. In her first year playing for the Texas Longhorns, Rori lead the Longhorns to a 29-7 season, emerging as one of the team’s best leaders. She has been recognized as an All-American Honorable Mention by both the AP and WBCA and was named the 2022 Big 12 Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. In addition, Rori was named Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the Big 12 All-Defensive Team – after making a splash in the NCAA March Madness Tournament, she captured a spot on the Spokane Regional All-Tournament Team where she led the Longhorns to the Elite 8. Every goal that Rori sets for herself she achieves – overcoming obstacles, leveraging her strengths, and stepping up as a leader for her team.

Rori has already earned a plethora of accolades for her fearless energy on the court: Texas Gatorade Player of the Year, a McDonald’s All American, and recognition by The Houston Chronicle as the All-Greater Houston Co-Player of the Year. She has been celebrated by the conference as the Freshman Player of the Week four times, and in February of 2022 as the ESPN W National Player of the Week. Rounding out her accomplishments, she was named the Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Week Award from the National Collegiate Basketball Writers Association. Beyond the basketball court, Rori is passionate about making an impact in her community through volunteering – participating in community beautification projects in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and donating her time as a youth basketball coach. In motivational talks, she offers insights about what it means to be a student athlete, the impact of Title IX on her career, and DEI and being a part of the LGBTQ+ and Black communities.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SCOTT CONANT

  • Renowned Chef and Restaurateur

Chef, cookbook author and TV personality Scott Conant brings a deft touch and unwavering passion to creating culinary experiences with thoughtful hospitality and soulful cuisine. He is the chef and owner of The Americano, Mora Italian and Cellaio. Conant has published three cookbooks, including the acclaimed Bold Italian, and is a regular judge on Food Network’s Choppedhost of the spinoff series Chopped Sweets, and frequent co-host on Beat Bobby Flay

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SIMON DOONAN

  • Author, Cultural Commentator, and TV Personality

Author, CFDA winner Simon Doonan made his name in the overlapping worlds of fashion and art for many decades. In addition to his legendary window displays for Barneys New York, Doonan assisted Diana Vreeland with various Met Costume Institute exhibits in the 1980’s and, in 1997, collaborated on The Warhol Look, a travelling exhibit which opened at The Whitney and toured the world.

His Style books include Confessions of a Window Dresser, Wacky Chicks, Eccentric Glamour, The Asylum: A Collage of Fashion Reminiscences… and Hysteria and How to Be Yourself: Life-Changing Advice from a Reckless Contrarian.

His more recent writing offers a broader cultural perspective: Drag: The Complete Story, Keith Haring, and Transformer: A Story of Glitter, Glam Rock and Loving Lou Reed. This most recent book gives a unique perspective on the worlds of Andy Warhol, David Bowie, and Lou Reed.

He is a regular guest at the MOTH, the well-known storytelling series. His contributions have consistently become their most popular podcasts and NPR broadcasts.

A TV comedy series based on his memoir, Beautiful People, aired in the U.K., the U.S., and Australia. He has regularly appeared on America’s Next Top Model, VH1, Chelsea Lately, Full Frontal Fashion, Bravo, and is currently a judge on the Emmy-nominated NBC television show, Making It, co-hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

STEPHANIE SHEPHERD

  • Environmental Advocate and Social Entrepreneur

Stephanie Shepherd is an environmental advocate and social entrepreneur. Formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Kardashian West Brands, she has since established her own platform. With close to 2 million followers, Stephanie's expertise is leveraging her social influence to inspire global activism.

In addition to co-founding Future Earth, Shepherd is an ambassador for “Days For Girls International,” “The Environmental Working Group,” and a board member of Former Vice President Al Gore’s “The Climate Reality Project.” She also recently joined "World War Zero," a climate change initiative led by Former Secretary of State, John Kerry. Through her advocacy, Shepherd has generated millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours for organizations who, like her, relentlessly pursue human flourishing and environmental preservation.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

STEVEN DONZIGER

  • Renowned Human Rights Attorney and Environmental Advocate

Renowned human rights lawyer, writer, front-line defender, and activist Steven Donziger has been internationally heralded for his focus on addressing human rights abuses and corporate malfeasance. Known for his “Herculean tenacity” (Business Week), Steven is part of the team working with indigenous and farmer communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, who won a historic $9.5B judgement against Chevron for the environmental cleanup of what experts consider to be one of the worst oil-related catastrophes in the world. Following the stunning victory, he became the main target of a retaliatory campaign by Chevron – the only person ever to be prosecuted by a corporation – and was wrongly imprisoned, receiving support from 68 Nobel Laureates and 120 NGOs working for his release. In a piece for VICE, he reveals the challenges he and other activists have had to overcome for trying to hold a corporation accountable. More on the ongoing story and latest updates can be found at FreeDonziger.com.  Steven is sought after for events with groups like Tomorrowland Music Festival, NYU Law, Stockholm+50 Climate Conference, the Hay Festival, the World Rainforest Day Summit, and more.

Steven is the Founder of Project Due Process, a legal advocacy group for Cuban detainees who arrived in the United States in the Mariel boatlift. He previously served as the Director for the non-partisan National Criminal Justice Commission that produced the landmark study, The Real War on Crime. Steven’s analysis and commentary on human rights, environmental, and criminal justice matters has been featured in numerous legal publications, academic journals, and news outlets. In 1991, Steven led a mission to Iraq of lawyers, public health specialists, and military experts to assess the impact on civilians of the bombing during the first Gulf War. The group’s report, which found that an estimated 100K children would die following the end of hostilities due to damage to the Iraqi healthcare infrastructure, was adopted by the United Nations and covered in more than 400 media outlets around the world. He is the former chief correspondent for United Press International in Nicaragua, where he reported for a variety of publications during the U.S.-backed contra war. Steven currently serves on the Board of Advisors to the Fortune Society, the largest self-help organization for ex-offenders in the United States. In impactful events, Steven offers insights from his tremendous career as a litigator and advocate, from his decades of work addressing human rights abuses, to cutting edge issues regarding the climate crisis, and how these global events impact individuals, organizations, and communities today.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TENILLE TOWNES

  • Award-Winning Country Music Singer-Songwriter

Award-winning country music singer-songwriter Tenille Townes transports audiences through her inspiring storytelling and music. Through musical performances like her TED Talk How the Light Gets In, Tenille speaks about the power of creativity in making meaning out of life’s greatest challenges and building your dreams from the ground up. Her albums Living Room Worktapes and The Lemonade Stand received fan and industry praise, with her breakout single ‘Somebody’s Daughter’ earning her four awards at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards, including Female Artist of the Year. Driven by her childhood dream to reach others through music, Tenille founded Big Hearts for Big Kids Foundation, which has raised over $2M in the past decade for youth in need. Tenille forges a deep connection with audiences and ensures memorable events through her conversations and performances.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TIKA SUMPTER

  • Actor, Producer, TV Personality, and Host

Actor, producer, entrepreneur, and podcaster Tika Sumpter is a Hollywood mogul and savvy entrepreneur. Sumpter began her career as a TV personality and host of The N’s Best Friend’s Date, and went on to memorable roles on ABC’s One Life to Live, which garnered her an NAACP Image Award nomination, The CW’s Gossip Girl, and films like Stomp the Yard: Homecoming, Think Like a Man, A Madea Christmas, and more. She is known for OWN’s The Haves and the Have Nots, ABC’s Mixed-Ish, and is establishing herself as a sought-after producer with projects with Southside with You, co-produced with John Legend, and The Nomads, which won the Philadelphia Film Festival Award for Best Feature Film. Southside with You received significant acclaim at the Sundance festival, due in large part to Sumpter’s breakout performance as former First Lady Michelle Obama. She stars in Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and the new season of Run the World on Starz. Sumpter shares her inspiring personal story of grit and resilience, empowering audiences of all kinds to make their dreams a reality.

Inspired by her own experience with pregnancy and the lack of nuance and community in conversations for Black moms, Sumpter co-created and co-founded Sugaberry, a lifestyle brand and audio-first media company for and by Black women. She is focused on creating media and meaningful spaces of connection for moms of color, and co-created and co-hosts the Gracie Award-winning podcast, The Suga. Sumpter is an in-demand speaker for her insights about inclusion, creating a values-led business, and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset in talks that impact audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TRISHA YEARWOOD

  • Award-Winning Recording Artist

Award-winning country music star, actor, TV personality, chef, New York Times bestselling author, and entrepreneur Trisha Yearwood has been entertaining and inspiring audiences for decades. Yearwood made history as the first female country artist to have a debut single, ‘She’s In Love With The Boy’, reach #1 on music charts. She has been awarded numerous Grammy, CMA, and ACM Awards for countless multi-platinum albums, and continues to release new music that extends the legacy of her powerhouse voice to a new generation of fans. In addition to being a music icon, Yearwood hosts the Emmy Award-winning Food Network show Trisha’s Southern Kitchen as well as her Facebook Live pre-show T’s Coffee Talk. She has written three New York Times bestselling cookbooks, including Trisha’s Table, and launched a lifestyle brand as well as Trisha Yearwood’s Pet Collection, collaborating with Williams Sonoma on signature lines. Yearwood shares incomparable insights from her personal journey as a music icon, beloved chef, and entrepreneur with an open-heart, giving memorable keynotes and moderating meaningful conversations that are impactful for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

WALKER HAYES

  • Grammy Award-Nominated Country Recording Artist

Chart-topping country singer-songwriter Walker Hayes has broken into the mainstream with his authentic sound and his honesty about overcoming the obstacles he’s faced. He is known for his albums Reason to Rhyme, Boom, and his latest release Country Stuff the Album featuring his smash hit multi-platinum song ‘Fancy Like’. The song went viral on TikTok and connected with audiences across genres, spending over six months at the #1 spot on the Billboard Country Songs Chart and hitting the top five on Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs, earning Hayes his first Grammy nomination. The Washington Post profiled in the groundbreaking recording artist in a piece titled, ‘Walker Hayes isn’t afraid to sing about struggling, and it’s making him a success,” writing, “Hayes has broken into the mainstreaming by sounding different.”

Hayes has performed on Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and The TODAY Show, among others. His newest release, ‘AA’, features his trademark unapologetic honesty as well as stories from his own life. Hayes is an impactful speaker and performer, sharing his journey through addiction and recovery. He inspires audiences to face challenges head on and never give up on their dreams.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ILENE CHAIKEN

  • Emmy Award-Winning Producer of 'The Handmaid's Tale'

Pioneering television showrunner, producer, writer, director, and founder of Little Chicken Productions, Ilene Chaiken is best known for creating the hit Showtime series The L Word, which made history as television’s first ensemble cast depicting gay women. Chaiken is also an executive producer of FOX’s Empire,  Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, for which she won an Emmy award, and  of The L Word sequel, The L Word: Generation Q. 

Heralded for bringing marginalized voices and storylines to mainstream TV, Chaiken shares powerful remarks on diversity and inclusion, the creative process, and today’s media landscape.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

STEPHANIE RUHLE

  • Anchor & Host of MSNBC’s 'The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle'

Esteemed journalist Stephanie Ruhle is the host of MSNBC’s The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle and a correspondent for NBC News. Ruhle also appears across all NBC News and MSNBC platforms as NBC News’ Senior Business Correspondent, including NBC Nightly News with Lester HoltTODAY, and more. Ruhle previously hosted the podcast, Modern Ruhles: Compelling Conversations During Culturally Complicated Times, and currently hosts MSNBC’s podcast The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle – an early look at the stories that will drive tomorrow’s conversation. Ruhle has interviewed titans in politics, business, entertainment, and sports. As a Wall Street veteran, she is known for bringing her business acumen and hard-hitting style to high profile interviews, for her original reporting, and bringing humanity into her news coverage.

Prior to Bloomberg, Ruhle worked at Deutsche Bank, serving as a Managing Director in Global Markets Senior Relationship Management. Ruhle plays an active role in women’s leadership development, having founded the Corporate Investment Bank Women’s Network and co-chaired Women on Wall Street. Ruhle is a member of the board of trustees for Girls Inc. NYC and in 2016 was honored as one of their Women of the Year. Through her incisive commentary and effortless moderation, Ruhle elevates conversations about politics, business, and culture for maximum impact with every audience.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

YABA BLAY

  • Trusted Thought Leader on Global Black Identity and Culture, Black Beauty Politics, Colorism, and White Supremacy

Scholar-activist, cultural critic, award-winning author, and consultant Dr. Yaba Blay centers her scholarship, work, and practice on the lived experiences of Black women and girls, with a particular focus on identity/body politics and beauty practices. Widely respected as one of the foremost thought leaders on Black racial identity, colorism, and beauty politics, Dr. Blay is a globally sought-after speaker and consultant with an extensive client list of over two dozen academic institutions including Harvard University, Duke University, Spelman College, New York University, to name a few; and such corporate entities as Netflix, Revlon, International, SheaMoisture, Estee Lauder Companies, Procter & Gamble’s ‘My Black is Beautiful’, and the #meToo. Movement. Her commentary is featured in A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond, a permanent installation exhibited in the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and she is the author of the award-winning book, One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race. In riveting keynotes and conversations, Dr. Blay inspires both critical thinking and grounded, meaningful action, offering incomparable insights from her personal experience, research, and creative work that make an impact with audiences of all kinds.

Dr. Blay served as a producer on CNN’s television documentary, Who is Black in America? and has since been named one of today’s leading Black voices by “The Root 100” and Essence Magazine’s “Woke 100.” She has appeared on CNN, BET, MSNBC, BBC, and NPR, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, EBONY, Essence, Fast Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Colorlines, and The Root, to name a few. Lauded by O Magazine for her social media activism, she has launched several viral campaigns including Locs of Love, #PrettyPeriod, and #ProfessionalBlackGirl, her multi-platform digital community. Dr. Yaba has been sought after for events with groups including Shondaland, National Anti-Racist Book Festival, Courageous Conversation, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

HAROLD FORD, JR.

  • Former Five-Term U.S. Representative (D-TN)

Former five-term Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. is the Executive Vice President and Vice Chair of Corporate and Institutional Banking for PNC. In addition to his work leading critical strategic initiatives, Ford Jr. also served as chairman and chief executive officer of Empowerment & Inclusion Capital I Corp, a PNC-sponsored mission-based special purpose acquisition company. He is also a sought-after commentator, serving as a co-host of FOX News Channel’s The Five as well as a frequent contributor to Special Report with Bret Baier. A Democrat, Ford Jr.'s politics, as well as his time in office, are characterized by a belief in compromise and working across the aisle to make progress solving problems for businesses, industries, and people.

After serving in the House of Representatives, Ford Jr. spent more than ten years in investment banking with Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley. In addition, he was non-executive Chair of Rx Saver, a patient-directed prescription medication search engine platform. Ford Jr. brings his robust experience as a policy maker and shrewd insights as a business leader to talks that are informative, engaging, and memorable for audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MATTHEW STAFFORD

  • Super Bowl Winning Quarterback, Los Angeles Rams

NFL Quarterback for the LA Rams and winner of Super Bowl LVI Matthew Stafford is renowned for his strategic problem-solving and a career of memorable highlights. After playing college football for the University of Georgia, Stafford spent twelve seasons with the Detroit Lions and developed a reputation for his ability to recognize opportunities and leverage his skills with immediacy. While playing with the Lions, he led the team to their first playoff appearance in almost twenty years, earned Pro Bowl honors in 2014, and set the NFL season record for the most comeback wins in 2016. Reinventing himself and his legacy, Stafford traded to the LA Rams, earning the NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor twice and leading the team to victory in Super Bowl LVI. Throughout his career, Stafford has sought to elevate those around him and focus on creative problem-solving, sharing practical takeaways about teamwork, leadership, and finding your own path to success.

Stafford has been profiled by The New York Times, Slate, ESPN, and more, and penned an essay for The Players’ Tribune entitled ‘We Can’t Just Stick to Football’, speaking out for racial justice and advocating for accountability within the NFL. Shortly before joining the LA Rams, his wife Kelly was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma brain tumor, and Stafford supported her every step of the way. In an interview with Good Morning America, she shared that he played a major role, encouraging her to advocate for herself and seek care. Stafford shares insights about his career journey, including navigating difficult decisions and career transitions, and finding hope in the face of adversity, making an impact on audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANDREW WHITWORTH

  • Super Bowl Champion with the LA Rams

Super Bowl MVI winner and record-breaking offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth has had a legendary career defined by perseverance. After making a name for himself with the Cincinnati Bengals, Whitworth joined the LA Rams, making it to his fourth Pro Bowl and being ranked 87th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018. He’s only the twelfth start in NFL history to earn victories against all 32 NFL teams, and holds numerous NFL records. In his last game before retirement, after starting 235 regular season games, Whitworth became a Super Bowl Champion. In motivating keynotes and conversations, Whitworth delivers practical strategies for persevering through obstacles to achieve your biggest goals.

An active philanthropist, Whitworth founded the BigWhit 77 Foundation, serving a mission to impact the lives of youth and their families in local communities. He also made a significant $250K donation to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just days before Super Bowl LVI, Whitworth was named the 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, an award that honors a player’s volunteer and charity work in addition to their excellence on the field. Whitworth is an exciting and sought-after speaker – his insights about teamwork and leadership make an impact with audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DICK VERMEIL

  • Famed NFL Coach - lead 2 different teams to the Super Bowl

Heralded for one of the most distinguished coaching careers in NFL history, Dick Vermeil is also a philanthropist, and entrepreneur, and has had a prestigious career as a sports broadcaster. Vermeil had an illustrious fifteen-year tenure as an NFL coach, beginning with the Philadelphia Eagles – who had not been to the playoffs in almost two decades. In just seven seasons, Vermeil led the franchise to Super Bowl XV. Upon retirement, he began a broadcasting career that spanned fourteen years, serving as an NFL and college football analyst for CBS and ABC. He still participates in the NFL Broadcast Boot Camp, an initiative designed to assist athletes in their post-playing careers. Vermeil returned to the NFL as head coach of the St. Louis Rams, leading the team to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV, and returned once again as the ninth head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who advanced to the NFL playoffs in his third season as their leader. Vermeil is one of four coaches in NFL history to lead two different teams to the Super Bowl, and one of five coaches to lead three different teams to the playoffs. His legendary career has earned a place in Hollywood – he was portrayed by Greg Kinnear in Invincible and Dennis Quaid in The American Underdog.

Coach Vermeil has received many accolades – he is the only coach to be awarded Conference Coach of the Year honors on four levels (high school, community college, Division 1 college football), including being named NFL Coach of the Year twice. He is an NFL Hall of Fame Coach in the class of 2022. Vermeil is active in numerous charitable endeavors, including the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia, The Ronald McDonald House, and the Boy Scouts of Chester County - whose golf tournament bearing Vermeil’s name annually raised $165K for the organization over the 27 years in existence. As an entrepreneur, Vermeil launched Jean Louis Vermeil Cabernet, which annually produces 2250 cases of quality Calistoga Napa Valley wines, using grapes harvested from the century old Frediani vineyards in Calistoga. Eighteen acres of this fine vineyard was once owned by Vermeil’s great-grandfather, Garibaldo Iaccheri. Vermeil is sought for his insights about leadership – in compelling talks, he offers motivational takeaways about teamwork, overcoming setbacks, and unpacks what it takes to lead a team or organization through obstacles to unparalleled success.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CAM NEWTON

  • Record-Breaking NFL Quarterback

Record-breaking NFL quarterback, award-winning philanthropist, and entrepreneur Cam Newton has made history on the field as well as a major impact in the world with his philanthropic work. Among numerous other records, Newton is the first NFL player in 60 years to win the Heisman Trophy, a national championship, and be the No. 1 overall draft pick in the same academic year. He was awarded the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and led the Carolina Panthers to their second Super Bowl appearance. The former NFL MVP is also known as a visionary in the fashion space, and has expanded his portfolio to include luxury travel gear with Vinta, a partnership with Belk on his clothing line MADE, a cigar bar and dinner club called Fellaship, Daring Foods plant-based alternatives, and an investment in the media company Overtime. An engaging interviewer, Newton hosts Funky Fridays on his YouTube channel – which boasts over 566K subscribers – delving into entrepreneurship, family, sports legacies, and more.

Newton’s impact extends beyond football, and he won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award – which is given to the player who demonstrates excellence on the field and in his community – and the subsequent charity challenge, a $25K contribution by Nationwide to his charity of choice. He has received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the Order of the Palmetto, the highest awards given by the governors of the Carolinas, for his incredible contributions as a philanthropic leader in the community, including $5M in donations through The Cam Newton Foundation. In motivating and memorable conversations, Newton shares insights from his NFL career, his strategies for values-aligned entrepreneurship, and how to use your platform to make a difference.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TORREY SMITH

  • Famed NFL Wide Receiver and 2-Time Super Bowl Champion

Famed NFL Wide Receiver, founder, and podcaster Torrey Smith is a highly regarded philanthropist who focuses on putting community first. A two-time Super Bowl Champion, he helped the Baltimore Ravens win in the 2012 season after being drafted in the second round. Torrey later played with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was the team’s 2016 nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his commitment to community involvement. He and his wife Chanel created the Torrey Smith Family Fund, now Level82, which works create a more equitable society that we all deserve, want, and need. They have partnered with Baltimore City Recreation and Parks to launch the LEVEL Up Leadership Academy, revitalizing a recreation center that will host Level82’s dynamic programming including academic support, athletic and enrichment activities, mental health resources, and social services. In compelling moderated conversations, Torrey shares highlights from his time in the NFL and insights about his philanthropic work that resonate with audiences of all kinds.

Since retiring from the NFL, Torrey has established himself as a sought-after voice in the media. He launched a podcast Trending Thoughts with Torrey Smith, featuring engaging conversations about sports, politics, parenting, and a lot more. He also co-hosts The Opening Drive on Sirius XM NFL Radio, offering game analysis and insights. An advocate for mental health, Torrey joined Rose Health as an Investor and Brand Ambassador – sharing that the company’s app has contributed to his own mental wellbeing, from figuring out his strengths and weaknesses, to building resilience. Torrey brings star power to memorable events and his unique perspective about mental health awareness and making a difference in the lives of others.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CHRIS DRAFT

  • Former NFL Linebacker

Chris Draft is the Founder, President, and CEO of the Chris Draft Family Foundation (CDFF) whose mission has been to empower families to lead healthy lifestyles. He is also the Co-Founder of Team Draft, leading the creation of a national campaign that is changing the face of lung cancer.

Chris is an internationally recognized speaker, community leader, and family and character advocate who serves as an NFL Ambassador and a national spokesperson on many health-related issues, including the care and treatment of asthma, from which he suffers, and lung cancer, the disease that claimed the life of his wife, Keasha, in 2011.

A graduate of Stanford University with a BS in Economics, Chris played football and baseball with the Cardinals. As a three-year starter at linebacker, and senior captain, Draft was an All-Pac 10 performer. In 1998, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears, ultimately spending 12 years in the NFL. In addition to the Bears, Chris played for the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, St Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills, and Washington Redskins, finishing his NFL playing career in 2010.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SAM BARRINGTON

  • Former NFL Linebacker and Nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award

Former NFL linebacker and President of Sky Limit Crane & Rigging Sam Barrington has pivoted from a notable career as a professional athlete to developing a business portfolio that is grabbing headlines. Sam was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2014, where he made a major impact on and off the field. He was named the NFL Players Association Community MVP for his commitment to giving back to his community. He also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, the New Orleans Saints, and the Buffalo Bills. After a career-ending injury, Sam pivoted to business, and has amassed a growing portfolio that includes Sky Limit Crane & Rigging which specializes in heavy machinery, specifically mobile cranes, as reported by Forbes. As Sam told Forbes, he strives to create a business culture where people can thrive and control their own destiny.

Barrington recently joined the University of South Florida Foundation Board of Directors, his alma mater. He brings a unique perspective, having played college football at USF, and returning as a business and community leader. In addition to serving on the board, Sam also leverages his professional football experience as an analyst for the Vinik Sports Group, providing color commentary for USF. Barrington was the Packers nominee for the 2015 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, and has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, Pop Warner’s annual humanitarian award, as well as the USF Alumni Association Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2021. He was also named the 2022 Onyx Magazine Man of the Year. In compelling and motivational speaking engagements, Sam shares his commitment to continuously seeking growth opportunities, his leadership insights, and takeaways for creating a positive workplace culture.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KIM GHATTAS

  • Strategic Advisor on Geopolitics and Leading Middle East Expert

Award-winning journalist, author, and strategic advisor on geopolitics Kim Ghattas is an esteemed analyst with more than twenty years of experience covering the Middle East, international affairs, and U.S. foreign policy. Growing up in Lebanon during the civil war, Ghattas decided to become a journalist to make sense of the world and explain it to others. A renowned expert on the region, she covered the Middle East for the BBC and Financial Times, and was part of the Emmy Award-winning BBC team that covered the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Ghattas helped establish a news bureau in her home city of Beirut for the BBC in 2006 and ran news operations, in addition to leading her family business through Lebanon’s recent economic crisis, giving her a unique understanding of the intersections of business, crisis management, and global affairs. The former State Department correspondent is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Secretary: A Journey with Hillary Clinton from Beirut to the Heart of Power and Black Wave – a New York Times “Top 100 Notable Book” of 2020 – which has become a reference for universities and diplomats on the Saudi-Iran rivalry. Building on her first-hand knowledge of the Arab world and unique access to key players and decision makers in the region as well as the U.S., Ghattas provides incisive takeaways on international affairs, helping audiences connect the dots between global events and their impacts.

Ghattas is a contributing writer for The Atlantic and a regular commentator on CNN, NPR, among others, and is a non-resident senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She serves on the board of Trustees of the American University of Beirut, and chairs the board of directors of the organization of Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism. Ghattas is leading voice on Middle Eastern affairs, her expertise on risk and opportunities in regional and geopolitical trends is sought after by policy makers and institutions in the region and in the U.S., and as an in-demand speaker she offers impactful keynotes to audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MITCH ROSCHELLE

  • Macro-Economic Strategist and Business Consultant

As a former senior partner at PwC and a founder of their Real Estate Advisory Practice, Mitch Roschelle provides insights into what's next for business and the economy. He's called up by Fox News and other media outlets for his entertaining, actionable commentary as he is able to translate larger economic trends into next steps.  Given his approachable style and cache as a macroeconomic, market strategist, and policy analyst, Roschelle is often asked to moderate panel discussions, and is able to pull from high-level conversation the takeaways business audiences need to know now. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ED MYLETT

  • World-Class Entrepreneur and Life & Business Strategist

Globally recognized entrepreneur, bestselling author, and performance coach Ed Mylett is an expert at inspiring his audiences to live life at the highest level. Mylett began his career in the financial services industry, achieving incredible success that earned him a place on Forbes’ “50 Wealthiest Under 50” list. He has expanded his portfolio into technology, real estate, health, food & nutrition, and more. Mylett describes himself as a “team-made millionaire,” and a glowing profile in Forbes describes his “passion for mentoring and coaching others on what it takes to become a champion in all areas of life.”

Ed is the bestselling author of #MaxOut Your Life, which offers no-nonsense, step-by-step strategies to become an elite performer, and his latest book The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success. His online audience has grown to more than 3M followers in a few short years, and his weekly podcast The Ed Mylett Show features diverse thought leaders and peak performers including Megyn Kelly, Barbara Corcoran, Martin Luther King III, Vivica A. Fox, and many more. In his books, podcast, and speaking events – which range from intimate gatherings to mega-venues of 50K attendees to online audiences of hundreds of thousands – Mylett offers high-octane inspiration and actionable, motivational takeaways engineered to make a major impact.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

FOLAKE OLOWOFOYEKU

  • Actress Known for CBS' 'Bob Hearts Abishola'

Nigerian-born actress Folake Olowofoyeku has won the ❤️ of critics and audiences alike with her title role in the CBS half-hour comedy Bob ❤️ Abishola. In this comedic examination of immigrant life in America from a creative team led by Chuck Lorre (The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men), a middle-aged, divorced medical sock salesman (Billy Gardell) from Detroit suffers a heart attack and falls for his cardiac nurse (Folake), an immigrant from Nigeria and young single mom. “Olowofoyeku bewitches as the delightfully gruff and straightforward Abishola,” applauds the Hollywood Reporter, recognizing the “surprising level of nuance” in the series which renders it “nothing short of groundbreaking.”  Audiences seem to agree, tuning in to make it one of the highest rated among the network’s series. 

She received the 2019 Breakout Actress in TV Award for her work on the series on behalf of the Sync Con Honors. Her additional television credits include a recurring role on Transparent and guest roles on The Gifted, Modern Family, How to Get Away with Murder, Westworld, Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, among others.

Olowofoyeku’s feature film credits include When They Could Fly, which earned her a Best Actress award at the prestigious ReelHeART International Film Festival in Toronto, Central & Broadway, for which she won Best Actress in a Fashion Film at the CinéFashion Film Awards, Female Fight Club, The Bride, The Child Within and Hellbenders-3D, among others.

As a voiceover artist, Olowofoyeku voiced the Priestess on the video game “Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series – Episode 1.” Olowofoyeku’s other passion is music – she sings, plays guitar and piano and enjoys DJing. In 2019, she released her single, “Happy, Happy (Money Dun Come)” under the moniker ‘Fọlákẹ́’.

Olowofoyeku grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and spent time in London. Her native language is Yoruba. Growing up in Nigeria, the youngest of twenty children, Folake always dreamt of being in the arts, a dream that went squarely against the wishes of her parents, Chief Babatunji and Chief Mrs. Felicia Olowofoyeku, who insisted on the family profession of law and politics. During a summer vacation in New York City, unbeknownst to her family, Folake began to pursue her goal as a student at City College of New York, where she would earn her B.A. with honors in theatre and a diploma in Audio Engineering from The Institute of Audio Research (IAR), also distinguishing herself on the basketball court where she competed with CCNY's Beavers in the NCAA. She subsequently moved to Los Angeles to earn success in the film and television industry.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

NINA TEICHOLZ

  • New York Times Bestselling Author of 'The Big Fat Surprise'

Nina Teicholz is an investigative science journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and Founder and Executive Director of The Nutrition Coalition, which is dedicated to evidence-based nutrition policy. Her New York Times bestselling book The Big Fat Surprise upended the conventional wisdom on dietary fat, and was named a 2014 “Best Book” by The EconomistThe Wall Street JournalMother Jones, and Forbes, among others. Emerging as a thought leader in the field of evidence-based nutrition policy, Teicholz was invited to testify before the Canadian Senate and the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the need to base guidelines on sound science. She offers a remarkable analysis of the many factors at play in nutrition science, and shares with rapt audiences her investigative approach to today’s biggest topics in diet and nutrition. Teicholz’s writing has been published in The New York TimesThe Wall Street JournalThe AtlanticThe IndependentThe New Yorker, The Los Angeles Times, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ANTWONE FISHER

  • Award-Winning Screenwriter, Poet, and Author

Award-winning screenwriter and director, New York Times bestselling author, and U.S. Navy veteran Antwone Fisher is a renowned poet, storyteller, and advocate for children. Following eleven years of service in the U.S. Navy and an honorable discharge, Fisher began a decades-long career in Hollywood as an award-winning screenwriter, producer, and director. His autobiographical Antwone Fisher won numerous awards including AFI’s Movie of the Year, the renowned Humanitas Prize, and an NAACP Image Award. Fisher is the author of New York Times bestseller Finding Fish: A Memoir, Who Will Cry for the Little Boy?: Poems, and A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie: And Other Lessons for Succeeding in Life, which won an NAACP Award for Outstanding Literary Work. After his own time in the foster care system, which included being placed with an abusive foster family, Fisher became a passionate advocate for children, raising awareness about the adoption and foster care systems, and sharing his personal journey cultivating resilience, self-worth, and overcoming obstacles to lay a foundation for success.

Fisher was named one of Variety’s “Fifty People to Watch,” one of Fade In’s “100 People in Hollywood You Need to Know,” and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Cleveland State University. In 2013, he testified before the Senate Finance committee, at a hearing titled: “The Antwone Fisher Story as a Case Study for Child Welfare.” Fisher is a gifted keynote speaker, receiving rave reviews like: ”Antwone did an amazing job at our Hope Through Housing Gala. His speech was exactly what we envisioned. His contribution was invaluable to our success.” (Hope Through Housing Foundation)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

PAMELA DRUCKERMAN

  • Journalist and International New York Times Contributing Opinion Writer

Pamela Druckerman is an American journalist and author of the international bestseller Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting (known in the U.K. as French Children Don’t Throw Food). It’s an unconventional parenting guide that mixes anthropology, journalism, and memoir, with dashes of history and humor. The book has been (or is being) translated into 21 languages.

Pamela is also a Contributing Opinion Writer for the International New York Times. Her op-eds and articles have appeared in the Washington Post, The Guardian, the Financial Times, New York Magazine, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair France, and elsewhere. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, The TODAY Show, National Public Radio, BBC Women’s Hour, and Oprah.com, among many other news outlets. From 1997 to 2002 she was a staff reporter at The Wall Street Journal, based in Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and New York.

Pamela speaks regularly to audiences in Europe and the United States. She holds a B.A. in philosophy from Colgate University, a Master of International Affairs from Columbia Univeristy, and has trained in improvisational comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade. She lives in Paris.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CURT MENEFEE

  • Award-Winning Reporter, Veteran Sports Anchor, and Broadcaster

Curt Menefee is a well-established and respected sports anchor and reporter. During the NFL season, he serves as co-host of FOX NFL Sunday  along with Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson and Michael Strahan. The program has been the #1 pregame show for 21 consecutive years – with Menefee on board for 10 seasons. Menefee also provides prefight coverage during UFC main events, and hosts the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League final pregame show. In 2015, he will be part of the PGA U.S. Open commentary team.

Menefee’s career includes sideline-reporting for FOX Sports, calling plays in the game booth for NFL and NFL Europe League, broadcasting sporting events from Madison Square Garden with WNYW-TV, and working as the sports director and weeknight sports anchor for KTVT-TV in Dallas. He also hosted a daily two-hour show on The Ticket  sports radio in Dallas, anchored sports for WTLV-TV (NBC) in Jacksonville, hosted a live two-hour daily sportscast on Sports News Network, and served as sports anchor and reporter at WISC-TV (CBS) in Madison, Wisconsin and WOI-TV (ABC) in Des Moines, Iowa.

In 1996, Menefee received The Associated Press Award for ‘Best Sports Reporter in New York.’ And in 1993, 1994 and 1995, he won four Katie Awards (the Texas equivalent of an Emmy) – two were for ‘Best Sportscast’ and the other two were for ‘Best Sports Special.’

He co-hosts A&E Network’s Canine Competition Series America’s Top Dog, which showcases working dogs, K9s, and underdogs, facing off on huge obstacle courses to test their speed, agility, and more. He is also hosting the new series An Animal Saved My Life,  which shows heroic acts made by animals, with stories from people who have been saved by these heroes.

Menefee earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies, with minors in History and Physical Education, from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He currently serves on the school’s Board of Trustees, and dedicates as much time as possible to community work.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LANDYN HUTCHINSON

  • Lifestyle Influencer & Blogger

Landyn Hutchinson isn’t really a lifestyle blogger. She is a high-energy, hardworking mom who is raising two kids and perpetually trying to navigate the perfect work / life balance. 

Refreshingly endearing, Landyn is not only relatable – she’s downright loveable. A natural motivator and extrovert, Landyn genuinely loves sharing her life with her community. She’s creative, she’s witty, and sometimes she drops her kids off at school without a bra on because, well, it’s early. 

Since Landyn launched her lifestyle website, Living with Landyn, she has cultivated a highly engaged audience of women (and men!) that she affectionately refers to as her Tribe.  Whether it’s sharing styling tips, recipes, workout recommendations, or the perfect shade of nail polish (which, by the way, is OPI Funny Bunny), each day Landyn strives to support and encourage each and every member of her tribe. 

A dynamic and beloved speaker, Landyn's live show allows her to connect with her audience directly, quickly transforming followers into friends. From marriage and parenting to health and beauty to interior design and style – there is no topic that Landyn doesn’t cover with her laid back, honest conversation. And through various on-stage segments and giveaways, Landyn makes sure that everyone in the audience is engaged and having fun from the time they arrive until the time they leave. As Landyn always says, “If you’re not excited then you’re not invited!” 

Known for going above and beyond and always being the “hostess with the mostest” Landyn throws a party like no other. Audiences leave feeling refreshed, inspired and ready to make positive choices in their lives. Most importantly, she’s there to remind them that even though life may look really pretty in photos, it isn’t always picture perfect: It’s Authentic. It’s Exciting. It’s ALL. THE. THINGS.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KELLY RIPPON

  • Author of 'Parent Up!: Inspire Your Child to Be Their Best Self'

Kelly Rippon is an teacher, author and single parent of six children, including her oldest son, Olympic medalist, Adam. She transformed her skills as an experienced college philosophy educator into a career as a motivational and professional development speaker. She started her own consulting company, Authentic Change Inc, with the mission of “Changing the world one conversation at a time.”  

As a humorous and empathetic storyteller, her presentations, tailored to meet each organization's specific needs, leave participants with heightened awareness and tools that widen perspectives on the subjects of Parenting, Optimism, Wellness, Women's Empowerment, Education, Leadership, Motivation, Communication, Diversity, Student Retention, Conflict Resolution, and Customer Service.

A dynamic keynote speaker and breakout presenter for parenting and education conferences, healthcare groups, customer service teams, leadership training, and women’s conferences, among others, Rippon inspires audiences to ignite their influential power, think bigger, and heighten their own purpose and worth. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOHN BOOCKVAR

  • Internationally Known Brain Surgeon Featured on Netflix's 'Lenox Hill' Docuseries

Dr. Boockvar is one of the main characters on the hit Netflix docuseries called Lenox Hill (2020). This 8 episode docuseries chronicles the lives of four doctors while they manage the daily stresses of medicine with their personal lives. The show has achieved widespread critical acclaim. Dr. Boockvar is also featured on the special 9th episode called "Pandemic" which details the extraordinary response of the health care heroes of Lenox Hill hospital to the Covid-19 crisis.

Dr. Boockvar is an internationally known brain surgeon who has been repeatedly named to the lists of New York Magazine's Top Docs, New York SuperDoctors , America's Top Surgeons, and America's Best Doctors. His research has been widely published and he has received numerous national awards.

Dr. Boockvar has been featured many times on TV and in print. Of note, he was featured on the Dr. Oz Show, ABC's Nightline, TMZ, CNN, Good Morning America, and the Today Show among others. Dr. Boockvar's work has been featured in the New York TimesWall Street JournalForbesNewsdayNew York Post, and many others. Dr. Boockvar is also an honorary surgeon of the NYPD and the New York State Troopers.

In his speeches, Dr. Boockvar shares timeless principles related to “how to be a hero” in the time of crisis; how to handle extreme stress during adversity; how to achieve work-life balance; and easy tips for basic stress management. Dr. Boockvar’s presentations also include how to utilize grit, flow and mindfulness to optimize peak performance.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BEN SCHWARTZ

  • Emmy Award-Winning Actor, Comedian, and Writer

Schwartz can be seen alongside Thomas Middleditch in their Netflix specials, Middleditch & Schwartz. The specials are based on their completely improvised two person show that they took on tour through early 2020. During this tour, the two played Carnegie Hall, Chicago Theatre and sold out theaters all across the country. 

Additionally, Schwartz will be seen starring in Netflix’s Space Force, the comedy series that follows the people tasked with creating Space Force, a new branch of the U.S. military. He also stars in the Disney+ original film Flora and Ulysses and lends his voice to the Paramount Animation and WWE-produced animated film, RUMBLE starring Will Arnett, Terry Crews and Tony Danza set to release in 2021.

Most recently, Schwartz voiced the title character in Jeff Fowler’s highly successful live action/animation hybrid film Sonic The Hedgehog, based on the classic Sega video game. Paramount released the film on February 14, 2020 and it has since become the highest domestic grossing video game adaptation of all-time with $146 million and a worldwide gross of $306.7 million.

On the TV side, Schwartz starred opposite Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell in Showtime's House Of Lies and notably guest starred as “Jean-Ralphio” on NBC's Parks and Recreation opposite Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. He also played series regular “Bill Hoyt” on J.J. Abrams' one-hour NBC spy drama Undercovers. In the animated world, Schwartz voices "Dewey" in Disney Channel's Ducktales reboot, returning for Season 3, "Leonardo" in Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and voiced the lead role of “Randy Cunningham” on Disney XD's Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

COLIN QUINN

  • Comedian, Actor, and Writer

Comedian, actor, and author Colin Quinn is one of the most beloved voices in comedy, offering commentary on society as a whole and how to communicate across divisions. Quinn is known for MTV’s Remote Control, his tenure as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, and hosting Comedy Central’s late-night panel show Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. He has been lauded for his comedic one-man shows, including Irish WakeUnconstitutional, and Colin Quinn: Long Story Short, which garnered a Drama Desk Award nomination, and Red State Blue State, which played to rave reviews and was aired on CNN as the network’s first comedy special. Quinn’s solo performances have been filmed as comedy specials for HBO and Netflix, exploring his life growing up in New York City and contemporary politics from both sides of the political spectrum. His latest book Overstated: A Coast-to-Coast Roast of the 50 States questions the state of the union with a blend of practicality and optimism. Quinn shares his nuanced point of view on the chronic tendencies and imperfections of human behaviors, society, and cultures with comedic precision that both the high and low brow can relate to.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GAIL SIMMONS

  • Culinary Expert and Food Writer

Gail Simmons is a trained culinary expert, food writer, and dynamic television personality. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Gail moved to New York City in 1999 to attend culinary school at what is now the Institute of Culinary Education. She then trained in the kitchens of legendary Le Cirque 2000 and groundbreaking Vong restaurants, and worked as the assistant to Vogue magazine’s esteemed food critic, Jeffrey Steingarten. Throughout her career, Gail has contributed to several books, including It Must’ve Been Something I Ate by Steingarten, Chef Daniel Boulud: Cooking in New York City and The New American Chef, by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page.

Since the show’s inception in 2006, she has lent her extensive expertise as permanent judge on BRAVO’s Emmy-winning series Top Chef. Now entering its 21st successful season, Top Chef is rated the #1 food show on cable television. She was most recently co-host of The Good Dish, the daily syndicated series offering delicious recipes, real-life wisdom, and conversations on the topics of the day, and was formerly host of Top Chef: Amateurs, as well as Iron Chef: Canada. She was head critic on Top Chef: Masters, host of Top Chef: Just Desserts, Bravo’s pastry-focused spinoff of the Top Chef franchise, and co-host of The Feed, which aired in 2014 on FYI.

Gail’s first cookbook, Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating, was released by Grand Central Publishing in October 2017. Nominated for an IACP award for Best General Cookbook, it features recipes inspired by Gail’s world travels—all made with accessible ingredients and with smart, simple techniques for successful family meals and easy entertaining. Her first book, a memoir titled Talking With My Mouth Full, was published by Hyperion in February 2012.

From 2004 to 2019, Gail served as Special Projects Director at FOOD & WINE magazine, writing a monthly column, creating cooking videos, and working closely with the country’s top culinary talent on events and chef-related initiatives. During her tenure, she was responsible for overseeing the annual Classic in Aspen, America’s premier culinary event. Prior to working at Food & Wine, Gail was the special events manager for Chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant empire. In 2014, Gail and her business partner Samantha Hanks, founded Bumble Pie Productions, an original content company dedicated to discovering and promoting new female voices in the food and lifestyle space. Their first series, “Star Plates”—a collaboration with Drew Barrymore’s Flower Films and Authentic Entertainment—premiered in Fall 2016 on the Food Network.

In addition, Gail makes frequent television appearances on NBC’s TODAY, ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS’s The View, and the Tamron Hall Show, among others. She has been featured in publications such as People, New York magazine, Women’s Health, Travel + Leisure, GQ, Entertainment Weekly, US Weekly, Los Angeles Times, and was named the #1 Reality TV Judge in America by the New York Post. Along with her appearances at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, she makes regular appearances at the nation’s foremost culinary festivals, including BottleRock, the Austin Food & Wine Festival and Charleston Wine & Food Festival.

Gail was appointed Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Babson College, a mentoring role where she worked with student entrepreneurs through 2019, helping them develop food-related social enterprises. She has received the Award of Excellence by Spoons Across America, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating children about the benefits of healthy eating. She is an active board member and supporter of City Harvest, Hot Bread Kitchen, Common Threads, and the newest Global Ambassador for Children in Conflict, an international organization committed to protecting, educating and providing critical aid for the world’s most vulnerable children affected by war.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GEOFFREY ZAKARIAN

  • Internationally Renowned Chef and Restaurateur

World renowned chef and restaurateur, notable TV personality, podcaster, and bestselling author Geoffrey Zakarian has been sharing his sophisticated taste and signature style for three decades. An accomplished chef, host, and culinary consultant, Zakarian has presided over some of the country’s top kitchens, traveling the world for new inspiration to marry with his classical training and techniques in a lifelong effort to deliver paramount hospitality experiences. Outside of the kitchen, he is known as a fan-favorite judge on Food Network’s Chopped, a winner of The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs, and host of the Emmy-nominated talk show The Kitchen, Top 5 Restaurants, Cooks vs. Cons, and his new show Big Restaurant Bet. Whether it’s an inspiring moderated conversation, a world-class cooking demo, or skilled moderating, Zakarian makes a memorable impact with audiences of all kinds.

Zakarian has been featured in The New York Times, Entrepreneur, and many more, and has appeared on ABC’s The Chew and The Rachael Ray Show, CBS’s The Dish, and NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, TODAY, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. He is the author of My Perfect Pantry, Geoffrey Zakarian's Town/Country, among others, and he hosts the acclaimed Four Courses with Geoffrey Zakarian podcast. Zakarian is a dedicated philanthropist, and serves as the Chairman of the City Harvest Food Council, a food rescue organization dedicated to fighting hunger in New York City.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GIADA DE LAURENTIIS

  • Renowned Chef and Restaurateur

Multiple Emmy Award-winning television personality, restaurateur, New York Times bestselling author, and globally revered celebrity chef Giada De Laurentis is a culinary powerhouse celebrated for her unique, personable charm. 

De Laurentis is renowned for her multiple shows on the Food Network, including Everyday Italian, Giada at Home, Giada’s Weekend Getaways, Giada In Paradise, and Giada In Italy, and as a judge on Winner Cake All. She is also a NBC Today Show contributor, and behind top restaurants such as GIADA and Pronto by Giada in Las Vegas, and GDL Italian in Baltimore. 

The author of nine New York Times bestselling cookbooks and a children's book series, Giada launched the lifestyle and e-commerce platform, Giadzy.com, which showcases new recipes, entertaining and travel tips, and videos, along with a range of kitchen products.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CRAIG ROBINSON

  • Famed Actor, Comedian, and Musician

Famed actor, comedian, musician, and Hollywood producer Craig Robinson is known for fan-favorite roles on some of the most beloved TV comedies. Before he decided to pursue a career in comedy full-time, Robinson was a K-8 teacher in the Chicago Public School System. While earning his master’s in education from St. Xavier University, Craig fell in love with acting and comedy, and joined the prestigious Second City Theatre. He is best known for his portrayal of Darryl Philbin on The Office, Doug “The Pontiac Bandit” Judy on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and for starring in his very own sitcom, Mr. Robinson on NBC. Robinson hosted the reality show The Masked Dancer from 2020-21, and currently is the star and Executive Producer of the Peacock series Killing It. With his unlimited wit and sense of comedy, Robinson engages audiences with programs including a live musical show, moderated conversation, and can also host unforgettable events.

Robinson first made his mark in the comedy circuit at the 1998 Montreal “Just For Laughs” Festival, and now headlines venues and festivals across the country. He does both solo acts as well as full-band sets with his band, The Nasty Delicious, bringing musical hilarity to every event. He has starred in such movies as Knocked Up, This Is The End, Hot Tub Time Machine, Dolemite Is My Name!, Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, and voicing characters in Shrek Forever After and The Bad Guys, among many others, and earned a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award for his performance in Morris from America.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JENNA FISCHER

  • Award-Winning Actress Best Known for 'The Office'

Actor, author, and podcaster Jenna Fischer is best known for playing Pam Beesly on the acclaimed TV series The Office, for which she received an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress and two SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Comedy. Fischer and The Office cast-mate and real-life best friend, Angela Kinsley, host the wildly popular podcast Office Ladies, which won iHeart Radio’s Podcast of the Year award in 2021. The pair co-authored the instant #1 New York Times bestseller Office BFFs: Tales from The Office From Two People Who Were There. In memorable and highly engaging moderated conversations, Fischer shares her journey to becoming part of one of the most beloved television shows, behind-the-scenes memories from the set of The Office, and inspiration for audiences of all kinds.

After wrapping The Office, Fischer went on to star in the Off-Broadway play Reasons to Be Happy, as well as the world premiere of Steve Martin's newest play Meteor Shower for a record-breaking run at the Old Globe Theatre. Her film credits include Brad's Status (opposite Ben Stiller), Clint Eastwood’s The 15:17 to Paris (with Michael Dougals), The Giant Mechanical Man (which she also produced), the Farrelly Brothers’ Hall Pass; Solitary Man, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story from producer Judd Apatow, The Promotion, Are You Here; and Blades of Glory opposite Will Ferrell. Other TV credits include starring in ABC’s Splitting Up Together, FOX’s The Grinder, and Comedy Central’s Drunk History, among others. Fischer’s first book, The Actor’s Life, was published in 2018. She received the Screen Actors Guild Emerging Actor Award at the St. Louis Film Festival in 2004. With her characteristic warmth and humor, Jenna offers an authentic perspective on creativity, grit, and following your dreams that resonates across industries.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MELISSA VILLASEÑOR

  • Comedian, Actor, and Writer

Comedian, actor, and musician Melissa Villaseñor makes a major impact on audiences with her uncanny impressions, personal stories, and hilarious insights. Best known for her groundbreaking work as the first-ever Latina cast member on Saturday Night Live, she got her start blowing audiences away with her expertise in comedic impressions as a semifinalist on America’s Got Talent. Villaseñor has since appeared on Comedians in Cars Drinking Coffee, Barry, and Crashing, and voiced characters for Toy Story 4 and Wreck It Ralph 2. She tours nationally, headlining clubs and theaters, and recently appeared on Netflix’s The Standups. The star is an exemplary storyteller, and she uses her comedic gifts to imitate celebrities and create characters, captivating crowds and leaving them doubled over with laughter in keynotes tailored to each audience.

Villaseñor has appeared on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the PBS series Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr., and hosts the podcast Laughing with Myself, on which she “discusses silly things and maybe sings and definitely does all the voices to make herself laugh alone.” She released her pop album Dreamer in 2019, and her upcoming workbook Whoops I’m Awesome, filled with personal stories, activities, prompts, and original art to help you embrace your most awesome self, is being published by Chronicle Books Fall of 2022.  With her multifaceted talents and immense charisma, Villasenor is sure to make your next event a memorable one.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MIKEY DAY

  • Actor, Comedian, and Writer

Actor, comedian, and writer Mikey Day is a cast member on Saturday Night Live and Host of Netflix’s hit baking contest series Is It Cake? Day joined SNL as a writer for the 2013-14 season, and went on to become a beloved cast member, gaining immediate recognition for his wildly popular “Haunted Elevator (Ft. David S. Pumpkins)” sketch with Tom Hanks. He has created impressions of Donald Trump Jr., Merrick Garland, and more, in addition to writing headline-making skits for the iconic show. Day brings comedy and star power to engaging events, earning rave reviews from hosts: “Mikey was great — and we really enjoyed having him with us! He was a complete professional to work with, had a great on-stage chat with us, and we were excited that he decided to also join us at our Speaker Dinner and our Attendee Party! He really went above and beyond.” (Product Collective)

Day’s credits include head writer on Cartoon Network’s Incredible Crew, co-head writer and cast member on NBC’s Maya & Marty, and co-writer for the comedy Brother Nature. Alongside SNL writer Streeter Seidell, Day wrote Home Sweet Home Alone, and the duo is currently writing the Disney reboots of Inspector Gadget and Space Camp, as well as The Rugrats Movie for Nickelodeon/Paramount. Day’s film credits include Brittany Runs a Marathon, Little – opposite Issa Rae, Adam Sandler’s Hubie Halloween, and Black Adam starring The Rock.  He is currently filming the Jerry Seinfeld film Unfrosted for Netflix.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

NICK KROLL

  • Comedian, Actor, Writer, and Producer

Nick Kroll has established himself as one of today’s most sought-after creators, writers, producers, and actors in film and television. Nick co-created, writes, produces, and performs over 30 voices on the Emmy-Nominated Netflix animated series Big Mouth, which is based on his childhood. Nick's voice can also be heard on Human Resources which he co-created, writes and executive produces with the Big Mouth team. Nick’s newest project, History of the World Part II, the sequel to Mel Brooks classic 1981 film, that he stars in, produces and wrote will be on Hulu at the top of 2023.

Some of Nick’s most recent work is in New Line’s Don't Worry Darling, opposite Harry Styles and Florence Pugh for critically acclaimed director Olivia Wilde as well as his Netflix comedy special Little Big Boy now streaming on Netflix.

Nick recently wrapped up his stand-up comedy tour, Nick Kroll: Middle-Aged Boy, which played to sold-out theaters across the US, the UK, and Australia.

In 2017, Nick made his Broadway debut in Oh, Hello on Broadway which ran for 138 performances and received rave reviews. He starred as “Gil Faizon” opposite John Mulaney as “George St. Geegland,” the story of two elderly men from the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The show was filmed for a Netflix Original Comedy Special which is currently available for streaming. Kroll and Mulaney released the first season of their podcast, Oh, Hello: The P’dcast, in Spring 2020.

Kroll’s previous credits include Jeff Nichol’s critically acclaimed Loving, Operation Finale, Uncle Drew, Olympic Dreams alongside real-life Olympian, Alexi Pappa, Ross Katz’ Adult Beginners, for which Nick also served as a producer, Sophie Goodhart’s My Blind Brother, John Hamburg’s I Love You, Man, Shawn Levy’s Date Night, Nicholas Stollers’ Get Him to the Greek, Jay Roach’s Dinner With Schmucks, and Terrence Malick’s Knight of Cups. Some of Nick’s animated performance work includes Seth Rogen’s Sausage Party, MGM’s The Addams Family (“Uncle Fester” in 1 and 2), Illumination’s Sing (“Gunter”) and Secret Lives of Pets.

Nick was the creative Executive Producer on his sketch show, the Kroll Show, which ran for three seasons on Comedy Central. Kroll also starred as “Ruxin” in the hit FX show The League for a total of seven seasons.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BRIAN DERRICK

  • Political Strategist, Civic Activist, and Tech Founder

Political strategist, activist, and tech founder Brian Derrick is transforming civic engagement with his message: “Stop doomscrolling. Start doing something.” Derrick has built a large online following with his digestible breakdowns of news and politics, including policy, election cycles and voting rights, equality, and more. He is the Founder and CEO of Oath – a civic tech platform supported by Higher Ground Labs. Oath has raised millions of dollars for and engaged hundreds of thousands of people in state and local elections. Derrick is in-demand with groups including Generator Collective, Eleanor’s Legacy, The Next 50, Columbia Law School, and more.

A seasoned political consultant, Derrick has consulted on campaigns from city council to president – most notably for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Marti Gould Cummings (NYC City Council). Derrick is also a leader in the nonprofit sector. In development roles at Lambda Legal, the country's oldest LGBT civil rights organization, he launched new programs for the next generation of philanthropists. His activism has had lasting impact at organizations including Pelotonia, Equitas Health, and others. Leveraging his experience speaking to individuals and corporations, Derrick offers substantial insight on today’s most pressing issues.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KUMAIL NANJIANI

  • Critically Acclaimed Actor, Comedian, and Writer

Academy Award-nominated writer and critically acclaimed actor and comedian Kumail Nanjiani is an incredible storyteller, prolific creative, and inspiring speaker. Notable film roles for the Hollywood powerhouse include the Disney+ Star Wars prequel Obi-Wan, Marvel’s The Eternals, The Lovebirds, and The Independent, among many others. Nanjiani is also known for his television work on the Emmy Award-winning Silicon Valley, Portlandia, Veep, and CBS All Access’ remake of The Twilight Zone, for which he received an Emmy nomination. He will serve as Executive Producer and play Chippendales Founder Somen “Steve” Banerjee in a limited series for Hulu called The Immigrant. Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon currently serve as executive producers on the Apple TV+ series Little America, which received nominations at the Independent Spirit Awards and BAFTA TV Awards. It was recently announced that he will star in and produce FX’s Homeland Elegies, based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ayad Akhtar. In engaging moderated conversations, Nanjiani shares humorous and empowering insights about his experiences in Hollywood, the creative process, and more, making an impact with audiences of all kinds.

Nanjiani was named one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2018, and for his profile Judd Apatow wrote: “Kumail is one of our most hilarious, unique stand-up comedians (…) We’re lucky to have Kumail. We need a thousand more.” Alongside his wife, he co-hosted the widely acclaimed podcast Staying In with Emily and Kumail, which GQ described as “consistently endearing, actually useful, and often hilarious,” and which ranked among several Top 10 Podcasts lists and received a People’s Choice Award nomination. Nanjiani starred in and co-wrote The Big Sick with his wife Emily Gordon, which received an Academy Award nomination, and won the Critic’s Choice Award for Best Comedy, and an Independent Spirit Award, among numerous other accolades. The Big Sick was chosen as one of AFI’s “Top Ten Films of the Year.” Next, Nanjiani and Gorden are set to write the feature adaptation of The Doubtful Guest, a 1957 illustrated short story by Edward Gorey. Nanjiani is a gifted speaker who brings levity and insight to moderated conversations that make a memorable impact on audiences of all kinds.

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DAN LEVY

  • Emmy Award-Winning Writer, Actor, Director, and Producer

Daniel Levy is a multi-hyphenate Emmy® award winning creator who has built his career telling vibrant and comedic stories, establishing himself as a Hollywood mainstay.

Levy launched a film and television production company, Not a Real Production Company, which debuted its first series, The Big Brunch, on HBO Max in November 2022. Levy not only created the series but also hosted and served as a judge alongside Chef Sohla El-Waylly and restaurateur Will Guidara. Additionally, the company began its new overall television deal with Netflix, where it also has a first-look feature film deal. First up will be Levy's directorial debut Good Grief, an original film that he wrote, produced and stars in alongside Ruth Negga and Himesh Patel. Not a Real Production Company also has several other projects in various stages of development including an adult animated comedy Standing By for Hulu, which he co-created with Ally Pankiw.

Levy is best known for his work on one of the most beloved shows on television, Schitt’s Creek, which he co-created with his father Eugene Levy. The series garnered countless awards over the years and an impressive total of 165 nominations throughout its history, including nine Emmy® wins for its sixth and final season, breaking major records becoming the most awarded comedy series in a single year, the first comedy or drama series to sweep all four acting categories and receiving the most wins for a comedy series in its final season.

Levy’s recent acting credits include Disney’s Haunted Mansion remake, Hulu’s holiday rom-com Happiest Season and HBO’s Coastal Elites. He made his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live in February 2021, which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. Up next, Levy can be seen in season 4 of Netflix’s acclaimed dramedy Sex Education. In 2020, Levy re-launched a gender-fluid eyewear brand, DL Eyewear, which he initially founded in 2013 with his Co-Creative Director and DL Eyewear President Elena Doukas. The brand gives back through their support of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), which assists small businesses—prioritizing those owned by women, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community — and entrepreneurs located in historically disadvantaged communities.

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MAHERSHALA ALI

  • Critically-Acclaimed Award-Winning Actor

Mahershala Ali is quickly becoming one of the freshest and most in-demand faces in Hollywood with his extraordinarily diverse skill set and wide-ranging background in film, television, and theater.

He is the first black actor to win two Academy Awards in the same category for his performances as Juan in Moonlight and Don Shirley in Green Book. Mahershala is also known for portraying House of Cards fan favorite Remy Danton, Cornell 'Cottonmouth' Stokes in Marvel's Luke Cage, and Wayne Hays in HBO's True Detective. Most recently, he's starred alongside Ramy Youssef in Hulu's comedy-drama series Ramy.

 

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SARAH COOPER

  • Comedian and Digital Star

Satirist, comedian, actor, and best-selling author Sarah Cooper skyrocketed to fame with her brilliant lip-sync impressions of the former president. Cooper is the author of the bestsellers How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men’s Feelings and 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings, both of which have been optioned for TV series development. Her Netflix comedy special Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine received rave reviews, and she was named one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” and Vulture’s “The Comedians You Should and Will Know in 2020.” Sought after for events with Box, Inc., Slack, OneLogin, Columbia University, among others, and consistently receives rave reviews like: Our entire team was so impressed with the conversation and it definitely kicked off our morning on a great note. Sarah's story is so fascinating and we loved having her" (Conde Nast).

Cooper has been featured in The Washington Post, Forbes, The New York Times, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and countless other publications. She has appeared on CBS Sunday Morning, The Ellen Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as the guest host of Jimmy Kimmel Live, and more. Her first feature film, Summering, premiered at Sundance Film Festival. Cooper is a Co-Writer and Executive Producer for the CBS series inspired by her book How to Be Successful…, and has released an Audible original self-help comedy memoir take on Dale Carnegie’s business classic, Let’s Catch Up Soon: How I Won Friends and Influenced People Against My Will.

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JENNA WORTHAM

  • Staff Writer for The New York Times Magazine

Journalist, author, podcaster, and cultural figure Jenna Wortham is a thought leader at the intersection of tech, culture, and identity, offering engaging and incisive analysis to spellbound audiences across mediums. They co-edited the critically acclaimed visual anthology Black Futures, and is currently a staff writer for the New York Times Magazine, whom editor Jack Silverstein called “one of the most savvy and intelligent voices anywhere covering digital business and culture.” Jenna is also the co-host of the highly popular New York Times podcast Still Processing, which won a Webby Award and has appeared on year-end ‘Best of’ lists for The Atlantic, The Huffington Post, and Indiewire.

Jenna’s writing has appeared in Vogue, WIRED, The Economic Times, and more, and they have received numerous honors, including the prestigious MacDowell Fellowship. Jenna is uniquely positioned to speak to the challenges and possibilities of globalization of culture via the internet, and how we can continue to build our collective future in ever-changing digital spaces.

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RYAN TANNEHILL

  • Pro-Bowl NFL Quarterback, Tennessee Titans

Ryan Tannehill is a current Pro-Bowl NFL Quarterback for the Tennessee Titans.

Following an exceptional high school career in Big Spring, TX, Tannehill committed to Texas A&M. Tannehill’s collegiate career began in earnest as a record-setting wide receiver in 2008, before ultimately making the switch back to his natural position of quarterback in 2010. He shattered the program single-game passing record in his first start against Texas Tech and made his mark with victories against Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas. Tannehill concluded his Texas A&M career with a total of 5,450 passing yards and 42 touchdown passes in nearly two full seasons as quarterback.

In the 2012 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins selected Tannehill with the 8th overall pick, becoming the first quarterback selected by the Dolphins in the first round since Dan Marino in 1983. In his rookie season, Tannehill set franchise rookie records for passing yards, attempts, and completions. Following seven years in Miami, Ryan was traded to the Tennessee Titans prior to the 2020 season.

During his first season in Tennessee, Ryan took over at the helm after six games and reinvigorated the Titans franchise, leading the team to a 7-3 record and a wild card berth in the 2019-20 NFL playoffs. Tannehill went on to lead the Titans to the AFC Championship after impressive victories over defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and the top seeded Baltimore Ravens. Ryan accumulated a NFL-best 117.5 passer rating, a 70.3 percent completion percentage, an NFL-high 9.6 yards per attempt. To cap off the monumental season, Ryan was named to the Pro Bowl and awarded the 2019 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

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KEVIN SMITH

  • Actor, Director, and Producer

Kevin Smith spent nearly twenty years making filthy movies like Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, and most recently Red State. He also spent nearly twenty years eating lots of processed foods while living a sedentary lifestyle.

When not working in movies, Smith can be found podcasting every waking moment of his life over at his online empire, SModcast.com. If he's not hosting shows like Hollywood Babble-On, Jay & Silent Bob Get Old or Fat Man on Batman, Smith can be found on a stage, answering for his crimes in lotsa different Q&A DVD’s: An Evening with Kevin Smith, An Evening with Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder, A Threevening with Kevin Smith, Too Fat for Forty, Kevin Smith Burn in Hell, and Jay & Silent Bob Get Old: Teabagging in the U.K. He's also the happy host of several shows at his YouTube channel as well as the front man and creator of Spoilers, a movie "revue" show on Hulu.

When not getting bounced from planes, Fatty McNoFly has also written no less than three New York Times best selling books: Tough Shit: Life Advice From a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good , My Boring-Ass Life, and Batman: Cacophony - the latter of which was improved dramatically by Comic Book Man Walter Flanagan’s artwork. These books sit beside Smith's other published works, which include Silent Bob Speaks, Shootin’ the Shit with Kevin Smith, and Batman: The Widening Gyre (also with Flanagan).

A comic book man ever since he was a plump little boy, Smith has written Green Arrow for DC Comics and Daredevil for Marvel Comics, as well as adapted his un-produced screenplays for The Green Hornet and The Bionic Man into comics series for Dynamite. He’s also written several comic books based on his movies, including Clerks, and The Adventures of Bluntman and Chronic, starring Jay and Silent Bob.

But the greatest trick he ever pulled was convincing a girl to marry him nearly 14 years ago. On June 26th, 1999, his wife Jennifer Schwalbach gave birth to their only begotten daughter. Ever the comic book nerd, Smith named her after the Joker’s sidekick, Harley Quinn.

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CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

  • Award-Winning CFDA Fashion Designer

Behind Christian Siriano's prestigious fashion label is a groundbreaking, ambitious and fearless businessman. As a pioneer in body positivity and diversity in the fashion industry, Siriano's outspoken defense of inclusivity has forever changed the business of fashion.

A designer, activist and entrepreneur, Siriano brings his one-of-a-kind charisma to worldwide organizations for conversations about business, entrepreneurship, fashion, diversity, and the power of being your authentic self. 
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JOHN RICH

  • Multi-Platinum Singer-Songwriter and Producer for Big & Rich

John Rich is an American dream chaser. Armed with confidence, ambition and determination, John Rich is a multi-platinum hit generator, lifestyle-brand entrepreneur, and host of The Pursuit! with John Rich on Fox Business Network. John speaks with authority on entrepreneurism, the music industry, politics, current events, and the importance of family and God.

Whether through a raucous party anthem or a sober reflection on hard times in the heartland, Rich’s ability to capture the American zeitgeist in song has made him one of the most successful and prolific entertainers in the music business today. John is a 3 time consecutive ASCAP Songwriter of the Year winner and has penned over 2,000 songs in his career. In 2011, Rich impressed Donald Trump and American TV audiences with his business acumen and leadership skills, winning NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice and raising $1.5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Rich is the founder of a national lifestyle brand called "Redneck Riviera" which celebrates 'Work hard, play hard' Americans. The brand boasts a successful national whiskey, Redneck Riviera Whiskey, a beef jerky line and a full-blown honky-tonk on the famed Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee, with several more set to open across the US. The Redneck Riviera brand supports Folds of Honor and has now funded over 100 college scholarships for kids who have lost a parent in combat.

In addition to hosting his own show, Rich makes regular appearances on such top-rated shows such as the Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox News Channel’s The Five, Hannity, Fox and Friends and many more.

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DEAN OBEIDALLAH

  • Host of the National Radio Program, 'The Dean Obeidallah Show'

Dean Obeidallah is a lawyer turned writer, national radio host, award-winning comedian and activist countering bigotry and misconceptions about Muslims and race in America. Obeidallah uses comedy, personal anecdotes, and myth-busting to share his experience of growing up as a ‘white person’, with all the benefits of white privilege, until 9/11 – when he lost his privilege and became an activist against Islamophobia. He is the co-creator of the annual New York Arab American Comedy Festival, as well as Stand Up for Peace, an event that brings Jews and Muslims together to laugh. Obeidallah also co-directed and co-produced the comedy documentary The Muslims are Coming! to combat anti-Muslim bigotry. He hosts the national radio program ‘The Dean Obeidallah Show’ for SiriusXM, and is a weekly contributor to MSNBC.com, CNN.com, and The Daily Beast, as well as the host of Salon.com’s Salon Talks, an interview show highlighting his unique perspective on politics and pop culture.

Obeidallah has appeared on MSNBC’s The Reid Out, as well as other MSNBC programs, ABC’s Good Morning America and The View, and numerous programs on CNN. His funny and informative standup has been featured on Comedy Central’s Axis of Evil, Comics Unleashed, and The Nightly Show. Obeidallah is both funny and informative, revealing our biases by being the living manifestation of the concept that in America, “race is a social construct.

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TYLER OAKLEY

  • LGBTQ+ Vlogger and Influencer

Tyler Oakley is an independent creator on YouTube, one of the largest digital platforms to date. With over 7.5M+ subscribers on YouTube and over 23M+ across his social media platforms, he has been established as one of the most influential LGBTQ+ vloggers and is an A-Lister in the digital age. Tyler’s videos are hilarious, engaging, and unapologetically personal. With an undying love for all things pop culture, his quick wit, and an innate sassiness, Tyler is immediately lovable and undeniably viral. Tyler and his best friend Korey Kuhl launched Psychobabble, a weekly podcast discussing "unfiltered gossip" and untold stories and it has gone to number one in the iTunes podcast chart, while the duo also placed 3rd on season 28 of The Amazing Race. He also completed 30 stops of his international Slumber Party themed tour, was on the New York Times Bestseller List for 11 consecutive weeks for his book Binge, and released his much anticipated documentary, SNERVOUS.

Among his many accomplishments, Tyler has been a consultant for both the President and the First Lady of the United States on using digital platforms to connect with youth, raised over $1M for The Trevor Project, has been nominated and won Teen Choice Awards, Streamy Awards, Shorty Awards, and a Webby! With extensive experience hosting red carpets (i.e., Grammy Awards, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Kids Choice Awards, mtvU Fandom Awards), and hosting award shows (The Streamy Awards), he's got plenty of behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories to share. Tyler was also named one of Time Magazine’s 30 Most Influential People on the Internet, was considered one of Time Magazine's Next Generation Leaders, and was included in The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 25 Digital Stars list two years in a row and on this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list & OUT Magazine's Power 50 list.

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THE MINIMALISTS

  • New York Times Bestselling Authors of 'Everything That Remains', 'Minimalism', and 'Essential'

Emmy-nominated Netflix stars and New York Times–bestselling authors Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known to their audience as The Minimalists, help millions of people live meaningful lives with less. They have been featured in the Wall Street JournalTime magazine, and GQ, and they have spoken at Harvard, Apple, and Google. With more than 100 million downloads, The Minimalists Podcast is one of the most popular shows on Apple Podcasts. Both raised in Dayton, Ohio, they currently live in Los Angeles.

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AMANDA KLOOTS

  • Co-Host, 'The Talk' on CBS

Amanda Kloots is a television host, bestselling author, Broadway actress, award-winning fitness entrepreneur, and most recently a finalist on the 30th Season of Dancing with the Stars. Amanda can currently be seen as a co-host of The Talk, CBS’ Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show highlighting current events, pop culture, family, celebrity and trending topics of the day. In the Summer of 2021, Amanda released her memoir, the New York Times bestseller Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero that was co-authored with her sister Anna Kloots.

A former Broadway dancer and Radio City Rockette, Kloots performed on a variety of stage, film and TV productions for over 17 years. Her love of dance and fitness led her to work and lead classes at one of New York’s premiere fitness studios. Kloots developed the jump rope method after years of trying different ways to stay in great shape. In 2016, Kloots decided to focus full time on her AK! Fitness brand – her signature classes feature jump ropes and dance mixed with cross training to create a unique full body workout. In addition to the AK! Fitness brand, Kloots and her sister, Anna Kloots, launched the apparel company Hooray For.

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MATT JAMES

  • TV Personality and Entrepreneur

TV personality, entrepreneur, crypto economy advocate, and activist Matt James is known for his historic role as the first Black male lead on ABC’s The Bachelor, which gave him the opportunity to be a role model for young people and encourage important conversations around racial justice and social change. While pursuing a career in finance and real estate, Matt co-founded ABC Food Tours, which creates experiences for students facing the challenge of food insecurity and adversity at home and seeks to provide opportunities on a larger scale. He is also a minority owner, ambassador, and shareholder in Lettuce Grow, a hydroponic farming company. Matt uses his platform of over 1M followers to foster awareness for food justice and human rights.

In addition to being a fan-favorite TV personality, Matt is a leader in the crypto economy, taking his advocacy work into cryptocurrency, blockchain, and NFTs. Matt is a co-founder of Encrypted Energy, a cryptocurrency mining company that sources clean energy to mine bitcoin. He is also a member of Crypto for Black Economic Empowerment, a collective of the most influential Black crypto and blockchain thought leaders. James is also an owner and supporter of the NFT movement, focusing on artists of color and female creators, and has partnered with crypto marketplace BlockFi to create crypto educational content geared toward women & communities of color and is working with Gemini to develop a financial literacy curriculum. He is a sought-after advisor for several digital media companies on the future of the Metaverse and Web3. He is an avid supporter of the Lebron James Family Foundation, Hack the Hood, and the Getting Out and Staying Out Foundation.

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QUIARA ALEGRÍA HUDES

  • Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright

Pulitzer-winning playwright, author and Tony-winning musician Quiara Alegría Hudes offers audiences the opportunity to hear untold stories. Her memoir, My Broken Language, is a lyrical exploration of coming of age against the backdrop of a Philadelphia barrio, with her sprawling Puerto Rican family as a collective muse. Hudes won the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for her play Water by the Spoonful. She wrote the script for Tony Award-winning In the Heights, a Broadway play adapted into a major motion picture, in collaboration with Lin Manuel Miranda. The accompanying book, In the Heights: Finding Home, is a New York Times bestseller. Hudes’ screenplay for Netflix, Vivo, is her animation debut. As an essayist, she has written for The Nation, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and more. She is one of the most innovative artists of this generation, expanding the boundaries of storytelling.

Hudes’ material impact as an activist is as strong as her cultural influence as a writer. Hudes and her cousin founded Emancipated Stories, a nonprofit helping people behind bars share one page of their life story with the world. Hudes’ accolades include the USA Artists Fellowship, the Lucille Lortel Award, the HOLA Award, and more. Her work uplifting marginalized communities, sharing often untold stories, and creating brilliant art captivates audiences worldwide. Hudes has been invited to speak for centers of creative innovation such as Vanderbilt University, Americans for the Arts, Google, and more.

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RACHEL HOLLIS

  • Founder and CEO of RISE Personal Development Conference

Rachel laid the foundation for her lifestyle brand and media company with the same unfiltered honesty and staunch inclusivity that made her a three-time New York Times bestselling author of Girl, Wash Your Face; Girl, Stop Apologizing; and Didn't See That Coming. Hollis connects with a highly engaged and growing global audience of women who treasure her transparency and optimism.  She is one of the most sought-after motivational speakers, is the founder of #1 personal development conference focused entirely on women, plays host to some of today’s top podcasts (Rachel Hollis and Your Fave's Faves), and is a proud mama of four who uses her platform to empower and embolden women around the world.

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JAKE GYLLENHAAL

  • Award-Winning Actor and Producer

Jake Gyllenhaal is an Academy Award and Tony nominated actor, as well as a producer of note with his company Nine Stories. Alongside Hollywood's greatest filmmakers, Gyllenhaal starred in Sony Pictures highest grossing film of all time, Jon Watt’s’ Spider-Man: Far From Home; Ang Lee's classic Brokeback Mountain, for which he received an Oscar® nomination and won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor; Dan Gilroy’s Nightcrawler, for which he received Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG and Independent Spirit Award nominations; Bong Joon Ho’s Okja; David Ayer’s End of Watch; Antoine Fuqua’s Southpaw; Dennis Villeneuve’s Prisoners and Enemy; Richard Kelly's Donnie Darko; David Fincher's Zodiac; Sam Mendes' Jarhead; Nicole Holofcener's Lovely and Amazing; Ed Zwick's Love and Other Drugs, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination, and Tom Ford’s Nocturnal Animals, for which he earned a BAFTA nomination. His stage work on Broadway includes the Tony nominated "Sea Wall / A Life" (Tony nomination Best Actor, Drama League Award) ; "Sunday in the Park with George;" "Constellations" (Drama Desk Award); and "Little Shop of Horrors." Off-Broadway includes "If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet"; and on the West End, "This is Our Youth" (Evening Standard Award). Gyllenhaal re-teamed with director Antoine Fuqua and starred in The Guilty for Netflix, which Nine Stories produced.

Nine Stories produced Antonio Campos’ The Devil All The Time for Netflix starring Tom Holland, Sebastian Stan, Mia Wasikowska, and Robert Pattinson, and Reinaldo Marcus Green’s Good Joe Bell starring Mark Wahlberg, Connie Britton, and Gary Sinise. Nine Stories has produced Paul Dano’s Wildlife; David Gordon Green’s Stronger; and executive produced the documentary Hondros.  Gyllenhaal also produced End of Watch and Nightcrawler, the latter of which earned him an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. For the stage, Nine Stories produced the Broadway revival of "Sunday in the Park with George", "Sea Wall / A Life" (4 Tony nominations including Best Play and Best Actor for Gyllenhaal and Tom Sturridge), David Cale’s "We’re Only Alive for a Short Amount of Time", and the Broadway debut of Jeremy O Harris’ groundbreaking Tony-nominated "Slave Play" (12 nominations). Both “Slave Play” and “Sea Wall / A Life” received 16 Tony nominations combined for the 2020 Broadway season—both received nods for Best Play.

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CHRISTOPHER WORSHAM

  • Critical Care Physician

Critical care physician, pulmonologist, and health policy researcher Dr. Christopher Worsham is co-author of Random Acts of Medicine: The Hidden Forces That Sway Doctors, Impact Patients, and Shape Our Health. A health policy researcher at Harvard, Dr. Worsham’s work sits at the intersection of behavioral economics and medicine – using big data in clever ways to study what motivates doctors and patients to behave the way they do – and how we can use that knowledge to make healthcare better. From his vantage point caring for the hospital’s sickest patients as a practicing critical care specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Worsham draws from his own research and others to glean valuable insights from the fascinating stories hiding in our health data in a way that is entertaining and approachable.

Dr. Worsham’s work, which focuses on finding creative ways to improve public health, has been published in top medical journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine and major media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. He is passionate about finding opportunities to create more equitable health care for everyone. Dr. Worsham has spoken for groups including the American Thoracic Society, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Ogilvy Health, the St. Louis County Library, Harvard University, and more.

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STEPHANIE SCHRIOCK

  • CEO & Organizational Leader, Political Strategist, and Inspirational Visionary

Organizational leader, political strategist, and senior advisor Stephanie Schriock is a strategic, adaptive leader with a 20-year record of success in both startups and mature organizations. An inspirational visionary, Stephanie’s strengths in management, strategy, and media relations are underpinned by her down-to-earth ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and views. From 2010 through 2021, Stephanie was President of EMILY’s List – a national organization dedicated to electing women to office. During her tenure, she tripled its income to $120M, quadrupled its staff to 120, built an online community of over 5M, and trained more than 14K women to run for office. She is the author of Run to Win: A Leadership Guide to Women Who Want to Change the World, an Amazon Editor’s Pick in Best Nonfiction. Stephanie has been sought-after to speak for groups including Yale University, George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management, the Harvard Women in Law Program, America Votes, and more.

Before joining EMILY’s List, Stephanie managed the successful U.S. Senate campaign of Jon Tester in Montana, building a campaign organization from scratch and defeating an 18-year incumbent. She served as Senator Tester’s Chief of Staff until 2010. Stephanie also managed Al Franken’s Senate campaign in Minnesota and was the national finance director for Howard Dean’s presidential campaign, where she pioneered the digital techniques that have since transformed political campaigning and fundraising. She serves on the boards of the Goldman School’s Center on Security in Politics at UC-Berkeley, Priorities USA, and Democracy Docket, and is currently consulting for Precision Strategies, FrontRow, and the Strategic Victory Fund. With expertise spanning leadership, politics, business, and more, Stephanie is an uplifting speaker who offers actionable strategies for growth and empowerment.

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STACY LONDON

  • Style Expert and Media Maven

Beloved style expert, TV host, and author Stacy London is one of America’s foremost style experts and a pop culture icon. Best known as the co-host of TLC’s iconic show What Not to Wear for ten seasons, Stacy also hosted and executive produced Love, Lust, or Run. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Dress Your Best and The Truth About Style, and has served as a style correspondent for the Today Show, Access Hollywood, Rachel Ray, and The View. Throughout her career, Stacy has made her mark by raising the confidence of others through empowering and uplifting projects and speaking events.

In 2021, Stacy became the Founder and CEO of State of Menopause – a holistic product line for women which addresses the symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause. By tackling this topic – which is wrapped in shame and stigma – Stacy is leveraging her expertise as a brand leader and continuing to help people from suffering silently, raising their confidence and self-esteem. In 2023, she sunset the company in favor of a long-term educational and advocacy platform about the culture of mid-life, aging, and menopause which she will debut in 2024. She currently advises several other brands on menopause and mid-life.

She previously hosted the mental health podcast Could Be Better, tbh, in collaboration with the Crisis Text Line and The Jed Foundation (JED). Stacy has spoken for groups including Harvard University, Meijer, Vassar College, The Global Wellness Conference, and Women in Retail Summit on the topics of style, self-esteem, and giving menopause the makeover it deserves!

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BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD

  • Acclaimed Actress, Director, and Producer

Bryce Dallas Howard is a multi-hyphenate creator – an actor, director, and educator – who brings decades of experience in the entertainment industry to her insights about navigating emerging technologies and bringing creativity and collaboration to all areas of life.

Coming off the success of her main stage TED conference speech (named one of “the most newsworthy ideas of 2022”), Bryce is thrilled to share more of her adventures and lessons as a third-generation entertainer and as a working mom – from overcoming postpartum depression and public body shaming, to raising a family in the digital age, to running from dinosaurs in Jurassic World and directing Baby Yoda on the set of The Mandalorian.

As an educator and speaker, Bryce taught the Nine Muses Lab as part of the faculty at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. In addition to her weekly lectures at NYU, she has also spoken at the SXSW EDU 2020, Harvard University, New York University Tisch Salute, DGA Awards, AFI Fest, and the Environmental Media Association Honors. Bryce is celebrated for her ability to connect with audiences as a speaker (in-person or remotely) through fireside chats, keynotes, Q&As, and inspirational speeches.

As an actor, Bryce is known for Universal’s Jurassic World franchise, Rocketman, Black Mirror (“Nosedive”), and HBO’s As You Like It, for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination. She next stars in Matthew Vaughn’s spy thriller Argylle coming to theaters February 2024. As a filmmaker, Bryce directed episodes for The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett and the feature documentaries DADS (AppleTV+) and the upcoming PETS. The Founder of Nine Muses Entertainment, she has received numerous accolades for her directing work and has directed multiple commercial campaigns for Canon, Moroccan Oil, Volkswagen, and more.

Bryce’s motivational and energizing keynotes encompass messages about teamwork, women in leadership, building resilience, social media in the 21st century, the tradition of apprenticeship and mentors, and more.

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STEVE AOKI

  • Two-Time Grammy-Nominated, Internationally Renowned DJ and Producer

Grammy-nominated music producer, artist, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and NFT visionary Steve Aoki brings a sense of community to all his work – offering shared space and connection. His new album, HiROQUEST: Genesis, is an epic, multi-genre collection of songs with a world-building story that extends beyond the music itself to a new collectible trading card game Aoki co-created with MetaZoo Games in 2021. Aoki boasts 17.2M monthly listeners on Spotify, with a 77M average monthly reach across all his platforms. In sought-after talks and moderated conversations, Aoki shares his insights about entrepreneurship, music, and technology – inspiring his audiences to embrace new frontiers and invest in community.

In 2022, Aoki launched A0K1VERSE, an NFT metaverse membership community, powered by the Passport, that welcomes his fans to both virtual and real-world experiences. For Aoki, it’s essential to remain forward-thinking as he continues to grow his brand. Steve is the subject of the Netflix documentary I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead, which focuses on the driving force behind his career: his ambitious father, Benihana founder and perennial daredevil Rocky Aoki. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed memoir BLUE: The Color of Noise and the founder of THE AOKI FOUNDATION, which supports organizations in the brain science and research areas with a focus on regenerative medicine and brain preservation. In every space he enters, Aoki offers a community for those who need it most.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SARAH POLLEY

  • Oscar-Winning Filmmaker Known for 'Women Talking'

Oscar-winning filmmaker, actor, and author Sarah Polley is a storyteller focused on personal stories with powerful cultural resonance. Polley’s film Women Talking received a Best Picture nomination and won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, reverberating with critics and audiences alike as a “powerful act of non-violent protest” (Variety). Polley's previous films include Away From Her - which was nominated for two Academy Awards, Take This Waltz, and her documentary film Stories We Tell, which won Best Documentary Film awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, National Board of Review, and the New York Film Critics Circle, as well as a Writer’s Guild of America award for its screenplay. Polley executive produced and wrote the acclaimed Netflix limited series Alias, Grace, adapted from Margaret Atwood’s novel. In memorable events, Polley speaks on the creative process, the value of storytelling, confronting fear, and what it means to be the author of one’s own life.

Polley starred in a wide variety of films including The Sweet Hereafter (Best Supporting Actress award from the Boston Society of Film Critics), Go (Independent Spirit Award nomination), Dawn of the Dead, Mr. Nobody, and The Weight of Water, to name a few. Polley is the author of the New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice Run Towards the Danger: Confrontations with a Body of Memory, a well-received collection of essays detailing her relationship with her body and how her memory of past and present experiences has contributed to her evolving understanding of self. In profound and ultimately uplifting conversations, Polley inspires her audiences to harness the power of storytelling to live a fuller life.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

WILLIAM J. BRATTON

  • Police Commissioner of New York City (1994-1996) (2014-2016)

The only person to lead the police departments of America's two largest cities, New York and Los Angeles, William J. Bratton’s 46-year career in law enforcement is marked by transformative leadership and sharp reductions in crime.  As America's "Top Cop" Commissioner Bratton has translated crisis into opportunity at every stage of his esteemed career, demonstrating the power of optimistic leadership and strategic, turnaround team management.

Commissioner Bratton offers his audience key takeaways for how they can lead through and transform their own crises, earning praise from audiences, such as this from Johnson & Johnson: “I can't remember an outside speaker engaging our audience so thoroughly with such credibility. I think our people are now much better equipped to face 'impossible' situations.” 

Commissioner Bratton’s leadership record speaks for itself. As Police Commissioner of New York City from 1994 to 1996, Bratton gained an international reputation for re-engineering the police department, revitalizing morale and achieving the largest crime declines in New York City's history.  During his tenure, murder and serious crime dropped significantly. As Los Angeles Police Chief from 2002 to 2009, in a city known for its entrenched gang culture and youth violence, Commissioner Bratton brought crime to historically low levels through his Real Time and Predictive Policing initiatives. He also transformed the LAPD's relationship with local communities. His book The Profession is a memoir of community, race, and and the arc of policing in America. 

Among his numerous awards and recognitions, Commissioner Bratton has been named both one of the “Most Influential People in the Security Industry” (Security Magazine) “Public Official of the Year” (Governing Magazine) and Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). He currently serves as the Executive Chairman of Teneo Risk, advising clients on risk identification, prevention and response, giving corporations the tools needed to handle a constant evolution of threats.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

STEVE LEDER

  • Senior Rabbi of The Wilshire Boulevard Temple

Senior Rabbi, award-winning commentator, and New York Times bestselling author Steve Leder has been called one of the most influential rabbis in America (Newsweek). Steve currently serves as the Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, a prestigious synagogue in Los Angeles with three campuses and 2,700 families. He is the author of five books: The Extraordinary Nature of Ordinary Things, More Money Than God: Living a Rich Life Without Losing Your Soul, the bestsellers More Beautiful Than Before: How Suffering Transforms Us and The Beauty of What Remains, and the New York Times and LA Times bestseller For You When I Am Gone: Twelve Essential Questions to Tell a Life Story.

Steve is a contributor and guest on The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, and NPR, and writes for TIME, USA Today, Women's Day Magazine, and the Los Angeles Jewish Journal where his Torah commentaries were read weekly by over 50K people. He has a segment on Spectrum 1 News Los Angeles called Wisdom Wednesdays With Rabbi Steve Leder. His sermon on capital punishment was included in an award-winning episode of The West Wing, and he is the creative consultant for the new Netflix series Shiksa produced by Steve Levitan (Modern Family) and written and produced by Erin Foster. He is a highly sought-after speaker who received the Louis Rappaport Award for Excellence in Commentary from the American Jewish Press Association, the Kovler Award from the Religious Action Center in Washington D.C. for his work in Black/Jewish dialogue and has presented twice at the Aspen Ideas Festival.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BARBARA STURM

  • Doctor of Aesthetics and Specialist in Orthopedics

Leader in aesthetic medicine and entrepreneur Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German aesthetics doctor, widely renowned for her anti-inflammatory philosophy and her non-surgical anti-aging skin treatments. Dr. Sturm began her medical career in orthopedics as part of the team that developed cutting-edge treatments for inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis. Termed the “Kobe Procedure” after the late NBA basketball star Kobe Bryant, the treatment utilizes the patient’s own blood cells to produce proteins that reduce inflammation and stimulate the healing process. Dr. Sturm then translated science from her clinical research and orthopedic practice into the field of aesthetics and opened her own medical clinic in Düsseldorf. She is the Founder and CEO of Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics, sharing insights about starting and growing a business in the social media era with authenticity and authority.

As Dr. Sturm continued to innovate and revolutionize the field, she became one of the most sought-after beauty doctors in the world. In 2002, Dr. Sturm developed her famous “MC1," a bespoke plasma-based cream only available to Dr. Sturm’s patients. The potent cream harnesses the power of the body’s own proteins in a skin-healing formula to address the visible signs of inflammation. Dr. Sturm then set out to create a patients-only skincare regimen built around anti-inflammatory, ingredient science, launching her Molecular Cosmetics skincare line in 2006. In illuminating events, Dr. Sturm shares her business acumen, as well as a wealth of information about skincare, solutions to the aging process, and insights for a healthy lifestyle.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

PHIL HANLEY

  • Stand-Up Comedian, Writer, and Actor

Standup comedian, writer, and actor Phil Hanley grew up with undiagnosed dyslexia, and comedy became his saving grace for coping with this learning disorder. Over the years, Phil learned how to harness his Dyslexia and ADHD to his creative advantage, particularly when it comes to masterful crowd work – as demonstrated in numerous social media clips that have gone viral. As a result, Phil has become a key spokesperson on the subject of Dyslexia, teaming up with organizations such as Eye To Eye, Dyslexia Canada, and Choose Your Own ADDventure. He shares his experience and insights in hilarious events featuring standup comedy and moderated conversation.

Phil is a staple of the NYC comedy scene and a regular at the Comedy Cellar. A favorite on the late-night TV circuit, he has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonLate Night with Seth MeyersThe Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and Comedy Central’s John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show. He has appeared in the films I Feel Pretty, Sundowners, and Comedy Central’s sketch series Inside Amy Schumer. Phil’s cult favorite comedy album Please Don’t Chit Chat While I’m Pursuing My Dream was released in 2018, and you can see his 2022 standup special Ooh La La on his YouTube channel. Phil is currently writing a memoir, Spellbound, for Henry Holt (Macmillan) which will be published in 2024.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RANDY RAINBOW

  • Four-Time Emmy & Grammy-Nominated Comedian & Entertainer

Renowned comedian, satirist, New York Times bestselling author, and multi-hyphenate creative Randy Rainbow is a viral sensation who dispenses musical comedy salve for a divided nation (Washington Post). A four-time Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian, producer, actor, singer, writer, satirist, and host, Randy is known for his popular web series, The Randy Rainbow Show. Touring the U.S. with his sold-out solo musical comedy concerts, the influencer and Internet sensation's viral comedy videos have received hundreds of millions of views across all social media and digital platforms. His debut memoir Playing with Myself became an instant New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller.

Rainbow's musical parodies and political spoofs have garnered him worldwide acclaim. As an actor, Rainbow has appeared as a featured guest star in the FX comedy/drama series Better Things, and on the New York stage as a lead in the Encores! series revival of Call Me Madam at New York City Center. His EP Hey Gurl, It’s Christmas! debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Comedy chart and #1 on the iTunes Holiday chart. His first full-length studio album, A Little Brains, A Little Talent, also debuted at #1 and earned Rainbow his first Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album.

Rainbow’s fresh take on politics and current events has led to interviews and profiles by The Washington Post, CBS Sunday Morning, Jimmy Kimmel LiveThe Hollywood Reporter, CNN, NPR, ABC News, OUT, People, and Entertainment Weekly. Through his engaging, hilarious, and uplifting comedy, music, and moderated conversations, Rainbow leaves a lasting impression on every audience.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JAELAN PHILLIPS

  • NFL Linebacker for the Miami Dolphins

NFL linebacker Jaelan Phillips was the 18th overall pick to the Miami Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft. Jaelan has made an immediate impact, setting a new franchise record for QB sacks as a rookie with 8.5 and becoming the first rookie in the NFL since 2002 to record at least 6 sacks in a three-game span. Beyond his record-setting first years on the field, Jaelan is also a sought-after motivational speaker off the field, sharing his insights about cultivating a durable athlete’s mindset and what it takes to be a stellar teammate.

A graduate of the University of Miami and now a stand-out player for the Dolphins, Jaelan has connected with the wider community and become a Miami favorite for his generosity and commitment to the South Florida community. He was honored as a nominee for the 2023 Walter Peyton Man of the Year Award. Jaelan’s ability to bring uplifting energy and connect with any audience makes him an engaging choice for memorable events.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GABBY DOUGLAS

  • Gold Medal Olympic Gymnast and Star Member of the “Fierce Five”

Olympic gymnast, New York Times bestselling author, and entrepreneur Gabby Douglas is best known for her performance at the 2012 London Olympic Games where she became the first Black woman to win the Olympic Individual All-Around Champion. Gabby is also the first U.S. gymnast to earn gold in both the individual and team all-around competitions, earning her the first 2 of her 3 career Olympic gold medals. The star member of the “Fierce Five,” she competed on all four apparatuses during the team finals competition, where the U.S. won gold. After taking a hiatus from gymnastics, Gabby announced her return to the sport she dominated – competing for a spot on Team USA with her eyes on the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Gabby has earned media attention and adulation beyond competition, crossing over from sports to pop culture. Her autobiography Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith debuted at No. 4 on the New York Times bestseller list, and her journey to Olympic gold inspired the film The Gabby Douglas Story. Gabby starred in Oxygen’s reality series Douglas Family Gold, Undercover Boss, and won The Masked Dancer in 2020. In motivational moderated conversations, Gabby shares what it takes to be an Olympian, how to take care of yourself and overcome challenges, and a message of empowerment that resonates with audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GOTHAM CHOPRA

  • Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker and Producer

Award-winning filmmaker, media founder, and author Gotham Chopra is at the forefront of the convergence of sports, science, and spirituality. As the creator and co-founder of Religion of Sports (ROS), an Emmy-winning media company based in Los Angeles, CA, Gotham has worked with some of the most elite athletes in the world including Tom Brady (Tom v Time), Kobe Bryant (Kobe Bryant’s Muse), Lebron James (Shut Up and Dribble), Stephen Curry (Stephen v The Game), Simone Biles (Simone v Herself), and many more to produce content that pushes the boundaries of non-fiction cinema and brings the mythos of sports to a broad audience outside of those that simply follow the games.

Gotham’s brand of sports storytelling leans into the essence of human potential, the dramatic peaks and valleys of competition and athletic achievement, and the heroic narratives that accompany both triumph and failure. He co-authored Walking Wisdom with his father, renowned spiritualist Deepak Chopra, and is the author of The Religion of Sports: Navigating the Trials of Life Through the Games We Love – a memoir-meets-manifesto about the overwhelming power of sports and how they provide meaning and purpose in peoples’ lives.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TOTO WOLFF

  • Co-Owner, CEO and Team Principal of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team

Motorsport executive, VC investor, and former racing driver Toto Wolff delivers star power balanced with expertise in high-performance leadership and organizational culture. Toto is the Co-Owner, CEO, and Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. A former racing driver turned investor, Toto started his career by founding a tech-focused venture capital firm in Austria. He entered F1 with an ownership stake in the Williams F1 Team in 2009, before acquiring a 30% stake (now 33%) in the Mercedes-Benz works team in 2013. Toto has since led the team, featuring the most successful F1 driver of all-time, Lewis Hamilton, to unprecedented heights, winning eight Constructor World Championships and seven Driver World Championships.

Toto’s high-performance leadership philosophy was the subject of a Harvard Business School Case Study in 2022, “Number One in Formula 1.” He regularly visits Harvard to work with MBA students and teach the case study, leading discussions on high-performance leadership and organizational culture. In 2024, Toto will help teach a Harvard Business School course alongside professor Anita Elberse, focusing on how he has led the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 team to historic success. Toto is also an Associate Fellow at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School where he imparts lessons on entrepreneurship and innovation, as well holding an Honorary Doctorate from Cranfield University. In sought after talks, Toto leverages his understanding of winning culture, team leadership, and personal effectiveness.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TJ ADESHOLA

  • Former VP of Global Content Partnerships, Twitter

Internationally-recognized media executive TJ Adeshola is a leader at the intersection of tech, media, and culture. Adeshola is the Former Vice President of Global Content Partnerships at Twitter – providing strategic consult for media properties across sports, gaming, entertainment, and news. He helps the biggest media brands in the world leverage Twitter and new media spaces to generate revenue and connect with culture, and TJ shares his actionable takeaways in transformative speaking engagements.

TJ has appeared on CNBC, Good Morning America, ESPN, NBA TV, NFL Network, and more. He has been recognized by the American Advertising Federation as an inductee in the Hall of AchievementSports Business JournalAd Age, and Black Enterprise "40 Under 40" awards, and was named one of 29 "Young Influentials" by Adweek. Through all his ventures, TJ prioritizes amplifying diverse voices across the entertainment, music, and sports industries. Adeshola has been sought after for thought leadership on high profile stages and conferences including including Advertising WeekSXSWCannes LionsCESMIT Sloan and Harvard Business School, the World Congress of Sports and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TENOCH HUERTA

  • Actor, Writer, and Film Producer

Mexican actor, author, and activist Tenoch Huerta brings undeniable complexity and insights to his roles onscreen and his compelling conversations. Best known for his performances in Netflix’s Narcos: MexicoThe Forever PurgeDays of GraceGüeros, and Sin Nombre, Huerta joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his character Namor, in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. His work has received widespread praise and catapulted him onto the global stage, where he is leading vital conversations about race, identity, and representation.

Huerta combines his professional career with activism against racism and discrimination and speaks out in favor of various social causes including equality and the construction of new masculinities. He has received numerous accolades for his more than 70 films and television series, including the Ariel Award for Days of Grace and being named one of AP’s “Breakthrough Entertainers of 2022.” Huerta is the author of Orgullo prieto / Brown Pride, the #1 Best Seller on Amazon in its category, which he wrote with young people in mind: “I try to create, as much as I can, a better place to live for them.” Huerta brings star power and passionate insights about inclusivity and social justice to memorable events.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

TAMARA KEITH

  • NPR White House Correspondent

NPR White House correspondent Tamara Keith is the co-host of the NPR Politics podcast – the top political news podcast in America. Keith joined NPR in 2009 as a Business Reporter on topics spanning the business world, from policy debates to technology trends. Serving as the White House correspondent for NPR since 2014, she chronicled the final years of the Obama administration, covered Hillary Clinton’s failed bid for president, and documented the Trump administration. Keith is a sought-after speaker for events with groups including the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, Stable Value Investment Association, Johns Hopkins University, and many others.

Keith serves on the board of the White House Correspondents' Association and is the association's president through the middle of 2023. Her mission for the year of her presidency is to demystify the White House beat for the public, in an effort to help restore trust in the press, an essential pillar of American democracy. She also serves on advisory boards for the University of California Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement and the UC Berkeley J-School. Keith consistently receives glowing reviews for her events, such as: “It was honestly one of our best events (probably our best). She received a standing ovation and I’ve received non-stop kudos to and for her. Fantastic.” (Drury University)

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SHAUN TOMSON

  • World Champion Surfer

Team member disengagement is a fundamental problem across the world. (Gallup 2022) World champion surfer, bestselling author, and leadership expert Shaun Tomson lectures widely on the Code Method – a high-impact and transformational self-development program that activates the power of purpose to ignite engagement.

A former World Surfing Champion, Shaun has been described as one of the 10 greatest surfers of all time and one of the most influential surfers of the century. During his professional career he won 19 major pro events and is recognized as one of the world’s most innovative surfers. Shaun is the author of the bestsellers Surfer’s CodeThe Code: The Power of “I Will”, and the recent #1 Amazon bestseller The Surfer and the Sage. Shaun has lectured around the world and inspired corporations like General Motors, CiscoPricewaterhouseCoopers, Google, Disney, and The Gap.

As an entrepreneur, Shaun founded two market leading, international clothing brands – Instinct in the 80’s and Solitude, which he co-founded with his wife Carla, in the 90’s. He produced and co-wrote the award-winning documentary film Bustin’ down the Door, and is an inductee in the US, Jewish, and South African Sports Halls of Fame. Shaun’s powerful mission is to help individuals activate their own personal Code to deeply engage with others to live a better and more purposeful life.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

SABRINA IONESCU

  • Basketball Player for WNBA's New York Liberty

Professional basketball player Sabrina Ionescu plays for the New York Liberty of the WNBA and has been called the future of New York basketball. Before making the move to New York Liberty, Sabrina played for the University of Oregon where she accumulated numerous accomplishments including being unanimously voted the 2020 AP Women’s Basketball Player of the Year. She is also the first player, female, or male, in NCAA history with 2,000 career points (2,562), 1,000 career rebounds (1,040), and 1,000 career assists (1,091). Sabrina was selected first overall in the 2020 WNBA Draft, which was also the first number one overall draft pick in New York Liberty’s history. 

On May 18th, 2021, Sabrina became the youngest player in the WNBA history to record a triple double. Most recently in July 2022, Sabrina set multiple WNBA records by notching the league’s first-ever triple-double while scoring more than 30 points all while matching the current record for most all-time career triple-doubles at three. Additionally, she was voted by fans to the 2022 WNBA All-Star Game as a starter. Sabrina earned her first Gold Medal as a member of the U.S. Women’s Team during the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Australia. An engaging and inspirational speaker, Sabrina shares a message of empowerment and excellence in her motivational talks.

Sabrina is much more than just a basketball player; the 24-year-old star guard has quickly become one of the most marketable and successful names and brands in all of sports. In March of 2021, Sabrina was featured on the cover of SLAM Magazine for “The Future Issue” where she was penned as the future of New York basketball. Additionally, Sabrina is continuing her mission of inspiring the next generation to pursue athletic excellence, which led to her creating “SI20” youth basketball camps. A few of her brand partners include Nike, BodyArmor, Autograph, Division Street and The Boardroom. Offering major inspiration about teamwork, overcoming obstacles, and making a difference, Sabrina’s programs resonate with corporate audiences, organizations, and young people.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ROBIN THEDE

  • Multi-Talented Comedian, Writer, Actor and Producer

Multi-talented comedian, writer, actor, and producer Robin Thede is a powerhouse Hollywood creative and acclaimed storyteller who uses comedy to change the world. A five-time Emmy-nominee, Thede is the Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer, Writer, and Star of HBO’s Emmy-winning sketch comedy series, A Black Lady Sketch Show. Previously, she was the Creator, Executive Producer, Writer, and Host of The Rundown with Robin Thede on BET – where she made her mark as one of the only Black women to ever host a late-night television talk show. In profound and hilarious talks, Thede speaks to creativity and comedy, diversity and inclusion, and creating a path for your vision in any industry.

Thede holds the title to many firsts. She served as head writer and correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, becoming the first Black woman to earn the title of Head Writer in late-night television. She was also the first Black woman to be head writer for the White House Correspondents Dinner. Thede has received numerous awards and accolades, including being honored with the Innovator of the Year Award by the Culture Creators in 2022. She was named to the Variety 2022 Comedy Impact Report as well as to The Hollywood Reporter’s 2022 "Most Influential People in Comedy" list. She won a Black Reel Award in the category “Outstanding Actress, Comedy Series.” Thede currently develops projects for TV and film under her For Better or Words, Inc. banner, which has an overall deal at HBO/Max/Warner Brothers, and will star alongside Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross in the upcoming Amazon Studios feature, Candy Cane Lane.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RICK RUBIN

  • 9-Time Grammy Award-Winning Record Producer

Few individuals have affected as many corners of the musical universe for as long as Rick Rubin. He has collaborated with artists from Jay-Z to Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers to Johnny Cash, Adele to Slayer, Imagine Dragons to Lana Del Rey, Kevin Abstract to Black Sabbath. Rubin founded Def Jam recordings while studying fine art at New York University. Working from his dormitory, his first recordings with LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and Run DMC took hip-hop music out of the underground and into the mainstream. His success in selling tens of millions of albums worldwide was a shock to the established recording industry.

Since that time, Rubin has produced and guided the most popular and cutting-edge musicians on the planet, in addition to owning and operating his own label, American Recordings. From 2007 to 2013, he moonlighted as the Co-Chairman of Columbia Records to revamp their artist roster and help the company transition from the traditional record business to the new digital model. Rubin was named a TIME "100 Most Influential People in the World.” He has won nine Grammys and two CMAs. In 2021, he interviewed Paul McCartney for the Emmy-nominated documentary series McCartney 3,2,1, which Rubin also executive produced. He recently released his first book The Creative Act which was an immediate #1 New York Times Bestseller and launched a global conversation about creativity, causing #RickRubin to trend on TikTok and receive over 39M views. Rubin is the host of the Broken Record podcast featuring conversations about life, inspiration, and craft.

In addition to being one of the most honored and prolific producers in the world, he is a renowned host and interviewer known for his incredible insights, attention, and curiosity.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

RABIA CHAUDRY

  • Acclaimed Attorney and Criminal Justice Advocate

Acclaimed attorney and advocate Rabia Chaudry is the New York Times bestselling author of Adnan’s Story and her critically acclaimed second book, Fatty Fatty Boom Boom: A Memoir of Food, Fat, and Family. Rabia is the Executive Producer of the HBO documentary series The Case Against Adnan Syed and also co-producer and host of the podcasts UndisclosedRabia and Ellyn Solve the CaseNighty NightThe Hidden Djinn, and The 45th. With over 400M downloads, Undisclosed is the most popular and impactful wrongful conviction podcast in the world. The Undisclosed team has helped exonerate over a dozen defendants and find new evidence to get nearly all of their defendants back in court. Rabia is sought after to speak about criminal justice, civil rights, and media advocacy through storytelling, regularly receiving glowing praise: “How good is Rabia? She was amazing! I wish [the event] had lasted longer...” (Velocity EHS)

Rabia is a 2021 Aspen Institute/ADL Civil Society Fellow and was previously a 2016 Aspen Ideas Scholar and on the Vanguard Board at the Aspen Institute. She has been awarded numerous fellowships and accolades and is a founding board member of the Inter-Jewish Muslim Alliance and the Muslim Jewish Advisory Council, both of which focus on building Muslim-Jewish coalitions around pressing policy issues and educating across communities to break barriers. With a background in immigration and civil rights law for over a decade, Rabia is a CVE (countering violent extremism) policy expert, senior analyst, and consultant, working on both domestic and international CVE projects with government and nonprofit sectors. She has been sought after by groups including Velocity EHS, Stanford, Princeton, Women and Extremism Summit, Abu Dhabi Ideas Weekend, and the American Bar Association, among others. See Rabia's full bio on her website: rabiachaudry.com.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MARTA KAUFFMAN

  • Television Creator, Writer and Producer

Famed TV writer and producer Marta Kauffman is known for creating the hit 10-season sitcom Friends and Grace and Frankie. Marta created NBC’s long-running hit Friends with David Crane, and the iconic series earned 63 Emmy nominations, winning Outstanding Comedy Series in 2002. They were awarded the 2016 Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for lifetime achievement in television writing by the WGA West, and reruns continue to delight with Friends: The Reunion being a ratings juggernaut. Marta recently finished the Netflix comedy Grace and Frankie starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin and has spoken about creating a hit show that features octogenarian actors and combatting ageism across industries.

Marta’s other credits include Georgia, Five, Veronica's Closet, The Powers That Be, Call Me Crazy: A Five Film, and the documentary Seeing Allred. She has served on several Boards of Trustees including CalArts, Oakwood School, The Lung Cancer Foundation of America, Big Sunday, and IKAR. Marta earned the 2016 Outstanding Television Writer award at the 23rd annual Austin Film Festival & Screenwriters Conference as well as the Kieser Humanitas Award. She recently received an Honorary Doctorate from Brandeis University. Marta has spoken for groups including The New Jewish Home, BANFF, and motivational commencement keynotes for Wesleyan University and Brandeis University.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

MARIKA LYSZCZYK

  • First-Ever Female Catcher in NCAA Men's College Baseball

College baseball player Marika Lyszczyk made history by becoming the first female catcher to play on an NCAA men’s baseball team, and the first Canadian woman to play US college men’s baseball. Recruited to play NCAA Division 3 men’s baseball as a catcher at Rivier University, Marika has broken gender barriers that others thought were improbable or impossible. She has moved up to NCAA Division 2 and is currently playing for Sonoma State University as a pitcher. Marika continues to break barriers and uses her motivational speaking events to inspire her audiences to do the same.

Determined to follow her dream no matter how difficult it gets, Marika has overcome adversity and learned to adapt along the way by working on her strengths, not taking no for an answer, and forging relationships with others that support and believe in her through her journey. She was a member of the MLB Creator Class of 2022, selected for her social media content which focuses on being a woman in male-dominated sport. T-Mobile tapped Marika to do on-field commentating at the MLB Home-Run Derby at Dodgers Stadium, where she also conducted red carpet interviews. An up-and-coming sports reporter in addition to being a trailblazing player, Marika uses her platform to inspire young women and others to follow their dreams and pursue their goals no matter the obstacles.

Watch the SPORTSNET interview, "How Marika Lyszczyk is paving the way for all young women in sports" >>

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LEE SUNG JIN

  • Emmy Award-Nominated Writer and Director

Creator, screenwriter, producer, and showrunner Lee Sung Jin is known for the hit series Beef for Netflix and A24 starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, which currently sits at 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. Beef received immediate critical acclaim as a visceral dark comedy that is also profoundly contemplative about the way people relate to one another through extreme emotions and ultimately shared experiences. A brilliant creative and storyteller, Lee speaks to the creative process and celebrating authentic voices in his uplifting and insightful events.

Lee’s past credits include FX’s Dave, Amazon's Undone, HBO’s Silicon Valley, and more. On the feature side, Lee is currently writing Thunderbolts for Marvel, among other projects. Beyond his numerous successful onscreen projects, Lee is an advocate for mental health and wellbeing, spiritual and personal growth, and speaks to shared human experiences that resonate across class and culture.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LAURA LYNNE JACKSON

  • Teacher and Practicing Psychic Medium

International speaker, teacher, and practicing psychic medium Laura Lynne Jackson is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe and The Light Between Us, which have been translated into more than 20 languages and are available in over 35 countries. Jackson is a Certified Research Medium with the Windbridge Institute for Applied Research in Human Potential in Arizona and member of the advisory board for the Forever Family Foundation – a group that promotes a better understanding of Afterlife Science and provides comfort and services to grieving people who have lost loved ones. She is dedicated to teaching people how to open to their own psychic and intuitive abilities to fully step into and embrace their divine energy and live their best lives.

Laura discovered her gift as a young woman, but kept her unique abilities hidden from her very normal, suburban life. By day she taught high school English and cared for her three children; at night, she would speak privately on the phone with celebrities, athletes, scientists, and CEOs, connecting them with loved ones who had passed away and conveying information with shocking accuracy and insight, building a bridge beyond the accepted bounds of human experience. Since embracing her gift, Jackson has been featured on The Today ShowDr. OzFox and FriendsGood Day New York, Telemundo, the Tokyo-based Fuji Television Network, The Huffington PostGoop.comOprah.com, and various news and media throughout the United States and abroad. She has been sought after to speak for groups including the Rhine Research Center, Penguin Random House, Pinterest Annual Conference, the Rubin Museum Speakers Series, the Goop Summit, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KJ ROSE

  • Author of 'The Rose Effect: Eight Steps to Delivering the Performance of Your Life'

Artist Development & Performance Director Keanna "KJ Rose" Henson, author of The Rose Effect: Eight Steps to Delivering The Performance of Your Life, is a powerful change agent with real world experience. KJ delivers real world results. KJ worked with Clive Davis at J Records and coached Lil Nas X, the Lumineers, 24k Goldn, The Kid Laroi, Rubi Rose, Justine Skye, Polo G., and others. She also performed with P. Diddy, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and Janet Jackson. KJ directed talent on national campaigns such as Doritos (Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sam Elliot) Uber Eats (Lil Nas X & Elton John), Taco Bell (Lil Nas X) & Roblox (Lil Nas X)

KJ Rose has shared her expertise on WGN America, NBC's News Now, Bloomberg News, and NBC's California Live. Additionally, KJ contributed by coaching talent on shows that include Saturday Night Live, The Voice, The Grammy Awards, MTV Music Video Awards, BET Awards, Amazon Music Holiday Plays, American Music Awards, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. KJ currently works as an actress on TriDestined Studios & BET+ The Family Business. KJ's dedication to excellence catapulted her to influencer status and creative innovator for initiatives led by TikTok, Janie and Jack, Harlem Fashion Row, REVOLT, and BET.com.

KJ's compelling creative destiny and infectious energy lead brands such as Adidas, L'Oreal, Google, Pandora Media, Omnicom, Nickelodeon, Sony Music, Columbia Records, TriDestined Studios and Disney to deem her to be the "ultimate solution" to motivate and encourage their pool of talented employees.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KELSEY PLUM

  • WNBA Player for the Las Vegas Aces

Back-to-back WNBA Champion and 2022 All Star Game MVP Kelsey Plum brings motivational insights from her stellar career and commitment to mentorship to uplifting events. The “un-guardable” Kelsey graduated as the NCAA Division I women’s basketball all-time scoring leader, and went on to be named the AP, John Wooden, Naismith, and USBWA College Player of the Year, and went No. 1 overall in the 2017 WNBA Draft. Despite a huge setback with a torn Achilles injury during her 2020 season, Kelsey went on to lead the inaugural USA Olympic 3x3 Team to an Olympic gold medal, earned the WNBA 6th Woman of the Year and All-Star MVP awards, and was named to the All-WNBA First Team. Kelsey led her Las Vegas Aces to its first WNBA championship in franchise history.

Beyond her championship athleticism, Kelsey is a passionate advocate for family & faith, mental health awareness, and giving back to her community. She introduced her inaugural Dawg Class Camp with Under Armour that will work on and off the court with nine of the top women’s college basketball guards to navigate the transition to a professional career. Kelsey is known for her passion for philanthropy, working with Safe Haven NV and coaching several youth basketball clinics. Her meteoric rise to the top of her game has generated major social media capital and given her a platform she uses to share a positive message about being part of a winning culture, navigating life’s transitions, and leaving your legacy.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

KATIE STURINO

  • Body Acceptance Advocate & Creator of #SuperSizeTheLook and #MakeMySize

Entrepreneur, author, and body acceptance advocate Katie Sturino is the founder of Megababe Beauty. Katie lends her voice and personal style to raise awareness for size inclusivity, empowering women of all sizes to find their confidence and celebrate their style. Her regular content series #SuperSizeTheLook and #MakeMySize have gone viral, reaching millions of people and attracting global media attention. Katie’s firsthand experience in life and business makes her the perfect person to speak to being a female founder, breaking down barriers, body positivity, and the work it takes to change societal norms.

Katie is the author of Body Talk, an illustrated workbook that tackles how women everywhere have a bad relationship with their body, though in the end, that’s not their fault. She is also the host Boob Sweat, a podcast that delves into often “taboo” topics such as dating in your 30s, Botox, and divorce. Katie has participated in panels such as the Goldman Sachs Small Business Summit, Harvard Business School Luxury Retail & Fashion Panel, WSJ’s The Future of Everything Panel, Women’s Wear Daily Panel, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JUDY MURRAY OBE

  • Tennis Coach

Scottish tennis coach Judy Murray OBE is one of the most influential and inspiring voices in the sport. A former captain of Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team, Judy was the tartan Chris Evert of her time, winning 64 Scottish titles. She is also the mother of two World No. 1 tennis players – capturing Grand Slam and Olympic titles along the way. For a decade, Judy was the National Coach of Scotland, and was the first woman to pass the Lawn Tennis Association’s Performance Coach Award. Judy offers expert insights and inspiration on building teams, developing resilience, nurturing talent, creating a champion mindset, and the parallels between sport and business.

Judy has created several initiatives to grow grass roots tennis globally and has played a pivotal role with many governing bodies in encouraging more girls to play, as well as increasing the number of female coaches and developing female leaders. In 2017, Judy was awarded an OBE for her services to tennis, women in sport, and charity. In addition, she is known for her appearance on the reality TV show, Strictly Come Dancing and is the presenter of the Driving Force docuseries - which explores the back stories of 20 of Britain's most successful female athletes. Highly respected for her creativity and insight, Judy shares her inspirational story with groups including Brodies LLP Solicitors, HSBC, JP Morgan, WTA, IBM, Salesforce, Deloitte, Peugeot, PayPal UK, among others.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JESSICA WILLIS FISHER

  • Country and Americana Music Singer-Songwriter

Country and Americana music singer/songwriter, performing artist, and author Jessica Willis Fisher believes that sharing our stories with one another will change the world. Jessica grew up as the eldest daughter in a highly controlled and religious household and was the front woman in her celebrated family band, The Willis Clan, until her departure in 2016 at the age of 23. After six years of dedicated recovery, she is sharing the remarkable account of a life reclaimed from the toxic shame of abuse and harrowing trauma.

Jessica’s debut solo album, Brand New Day, was released in 2022 and Jessica uses it to reclaim her voice and her sound. Her unflinching memoir, Unspeakable: Surviving My Childhood and Finding My Voice, was also released in 2022 and is a #1 bestseller in its category on Amazon. A passionate advocate for survivors, Jessica now speaks and sings with a courageous and unique power, creating space to speak the unspeakable.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JENNA ELFMAN

  • Famed Golden Globe-Winning Actress

Famed Golden Globe-winning actress, podcaster, and philanthropist Jenna Elfman is perhaps best known for her roles on Fear the Walking Dead and Dharma & Greg. Elfman also starred in ABC’s Imaginary Mary and made critically-acclaimed guest appearances on Shameless and Damages. Her film credits include Barry, Friends with Benefits, Keeping the Faith, and the cult classic Can’t Hardly Wait, among others. Elfman brings Hollywood star power to events with groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Association for Better Living and Education, the United Nations, and numerous panels focused on women breaking barriers, career longevity as a woman, inspiration, and more.

Jenna, who is a mother of two, co-hosts a hit comedy podcast with her husband Bodhi, Kicking and Screaming. Jenna and Bodhi discuss marriage, life, and annoyance (not necessarily in that order) and offer an authentic and entertaining glimpse into their lives and work. With her signature and beloved humor, insight, and compassion, Elfman shares her one-of-a-kind perspective in events that resonate with audiences of all kinds.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JEFF DAVIS

  • Showrunner, Writer, and Director

Showrunner, writer, and director Jeff Davis is best known for creating CBS’s Criminal Minds and MTV’s Teen Wolf. Shortly after graduating from USC’s Graduate Film School, Davis had his first feature script optioned. He pitched and developed with numerous producers and production companies and turned his attention toward television. Davis had an idea for a crime procedural series about FBI profilers, which became Criminal Minds – which is in its 17th season with another in production. Davis is committed to including diverse perspectives and representation in his work, including centering LGBTQ+ characters and storylines – which has earned him praise and recognition in the film and TV world and beyond.

From there, Davis pitched and sold projects to ABC, SyFY Channel, TNT, and FOX. He was approached by MTV to develop a series based on the cult classic Michael J. Fox movie Teen Wolf – which ran for six seasons and 100 episodes and led to a follow-up movie for Paramount Plus. Davis’ newest series Wolf Pack stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and has received critical and popular acclaim. In engaging events, Davis shares his journey in Hollywood, the importance of being able to tell your authentic story, and the value of creativity for any industry.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JAMES CONLON

  • Renowned International Symphonic/Operatic Conductor and Educator

Renowned conductor James Conlon has cultivated a vast symphonic, operatic, and choral repertoire and is one of today’s most versatile and respected conductors and educators. Mr. Conlon has spoken internationally about the power of creativity, the enduring importance of classical music, and leadership insights that resonate across industries.

Since his 1974 debut with the New York Philharmonic, Mr. Conlon has conducted virtually every major American and European symphony orchestra. He is Music Director of LA Opera, with whom he has won four Grammy Awards and led more performances than any other conductor in the company’s history, and also serves as Artistic Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Through worldwide touring, an extensive discography and videography, numerous writings, television appearances and guest speaking engagements, he is one of classical music’s most recognized and prolific figures.

Mr. Conlon is an enthusiastic advocate of the role music plays in our shared humanity and civic life. He has worked to call attention to the works of composers silenced by the Nazi regime – which led to the creation of The OREL Foundation, the Ziering-Conlon Initiative for Recovered Voices, and his popular TEDx Talk “Resurrecting Forbidden Music.” Mr. Conlon has received numerous honorary doctorates and accolades including the Legion d’Honneur – France’s highest honor – and was personally inducted by then-President Jacques Chirac.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

IAN HAPP

  • MLB All-Star, Entrepreneur, and Media Personality

MLB All-Star, entrepreneur, and podcaster Ian Happ is one of the most versatile players in Major League Baseball, both on and off the field. In 2022, Happ became an MLB All-Star and was also named a 2022 National League Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner. He is also the MLBPA Player Representative for the Cubs – taking a leadership role in negotiations between the union and the league owners to find common ground. As a professional athlete, Ian is uniquely positioned to discuss the discipline it takes to be great at your craft, the importance of teamwork, and a having winning mindset – the same principles for success that can be applied in the workplace.

Prior to being draft by the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft, Happ was a finance major. Ian is involved with a diverse and growing portfolio of companies and takes an active role in building true partnerships by focusing on investment opportunities that make an impact. He shares his love of business with his brother, Chris, who is a CPA. Ian also leverages his platform to connect with charities that speak to his values. Ian is also the Host and Executive Producer of The Compound, a weekly podcast hosted on Jomboy Media – for which Happ is an investor. The podcast brings entertainment and levity to conversations about sports and beyond. Ian delivers sports inspiration, business strategy, and uplifting mental health insights that make an lasting impact with audiences.

HWA CO-EXCLUSIVE

FREYA AIR ASPINALL

  • Influential Conservationist and Model

Influential conservationist and model Freya Air Aspinall is the only woman in the world to go in with Silverback Gorillas. Freya is the daughter of Damian Aspinall, a prominent conservationist, businessman, and Chairman of internationally renowned animal conservation charity, The Aspinall Foundation. The Aspinall Foundation runs the most ambitious rewilding program in the world, rescuing over 600 animals to date. Championing this essential work, Freya is uniquely positioned to raise awareness about the importance of rewilding, the truth about zoos, and the welfare of animals in captivity.

Having already reached over 80M people worldwide on her social media platforms, Freya is determined to save as many wild animals as possible while inspiring her peers to do the same. As Freya shares in sought-after speaking engagements: ”I have lived with animals my whole life and have been able to develop completely natural relationships with them. No training, no taming – bonds built on pure love and trust. Wild animals belong in the wild and I will not rest until I have saved as many of them as possible.”

HWA EXCLUSIVE

DAVID NIHILL

  • Award-Winning Comedian

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, David Nihill is the author of the bestselling book Do You Talk Funny? and the Founder of FunnyBizz Conference. His work has been featured in Inc.LifehackerThe Huffington PostFast CompanyEntrepreneurForbes, NPR, The Wall Street JournalThe Irish Times, Amazon Prime Video, Dry Bar Comedy, TED, and the Irish Independent. A sought-after international business speaker, David also performs standup comedy where his videos have received over 300M views and amassed a social following of over 1.5M people.

“One of the best speaking coaches out there” according to Forbes, David’s program with over 34,000 students has also been featured by Prezi as one of the best training courses for presenters. His book remains one of the highest rated in the world on the (usually not so wildly exciting) topic of public speaking, and his content has been read by over one million people. David was the winner of the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition and runner up in NPR’s the Moth’s largest US story telling competition. As a lecturer, he has taught at Stanford Graduate Business School, University of Oxford, UC Berkeley, and University College Dublin.

Generali Worldwide raved, “For impact, content and valuable takeaways David’s presentation to our Sales team was exceptional – a highly energized, engaging and yes funny (very, very funny) session. In fact, feedback from the team was that his presentation was the best they have had in thirteen years of the conference.”

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BLAKE NEWBY

  • Beauty & Style Consultant and Creator

Writer, commentator, and venture capitalist Blake Newby is a longtime beauty industry expert who bridges the gap between culture and capital. Blake has had bylines across major publications including The Zoe Report, Allure, Cosmo, NYLON, Essence, and Hello Giggles. After joining Essence as an intern in 2012, she rose to become the publication’s Beauty & Style Editor – writing, conceptualizing, and reporting as a beauty industry expert and brand leader. A 360° industry authority, Blake serves as a Beauty Venture Scout for a major investment fund. Blake speaks to the cultural and commercial storytelling in the beauty and fashion industries, inclusivity as a brand and team leader, and lessons for organizations looking to grow and connect with their audience.

With a gift for nailing viral interviews with celebrities including Lori Harvey, Jack Harlow, Halle Bailey, and Rihanna, just to name a few, Blake is in-demand as a host and moderator. She has been a frequent guest on shows such as Good Morning AmericaAccess Hollywood, and The Tamron Hall Show. Blake is also a member of the Board of Directors for Iced Media, serving on their Growth Advisory Board. As a sought-after host and speaker, Blake has shared her informative and engaging perspective at events with groups such as CultureCon, Target, Association of National Advertisers, Dark & Lovely, L’Oreal, Unilever, and more.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ARTHUR SMITH

  • Chairman & CEO, A. Smith & Co Productions Known for 'Hell's Kitchen', 'American Ninja Warrior', and More

Pioneer in nonfiction television Arthur Smith has been a hands-on, trendsetting producer in the unscripted television space, creating innovative, larger-than-life formats for two decades and counting. Since founding A. Smith & Co. in 2000, Smith has created some of the longest-running, culture-shaping unscripted series in television history. With more than 200 shows for over 50 networks, under Smith’s leadership, A. Smith & Co. essentially forged the modern food competition reality genre in the United States with the launch of FOX’s longest-running reality show Hell’s Kitchen. His flagship summer primetime show, American Ninja Warrior, now in its 15th season on NBC has garnered seven Emmy nominations. Smith is the author of REACH: Hard Lessons and Learned Truths from a Lifetime in Television, which Forbes called “an immediate must-read.” In his motivational keynotes, Smith illustrates just how far you can go when you work hard, take risks, and reach for your dreams.

Smith embarked on his career as a television producer as a 22-two-year-old wunderkind, talking his way into sports production at CBC in his native Canada. He quickly distinguished himself as a rising star at the network, where he produced three Olympic Games among countless other high-profile events. He has been honored as one of Variety’s “Titans of Unscripted TV” in 2022, inducted into the Realscreen Awards Hall of Fame in 2021, awarded Broadcasting & Cable’s “Producer of the Year” in 2020, and is the recipient of dozens of industry awards. An engaging and energizing speaker, Smith has been in-demand with groups including the U.S. Olympic Academy, Vulcan Media, Beverly Hills Rotary Club, Ryerson University, UCLA, NYU, and many others.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ALIYAH BOSTON

  • #1 Overall Pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft

Rising WNBA star Aliyah Boston is a trailblazer in the new generation of athletes. From an early age, Aliyah has courageously pursued her dream of a future in basketball. At the age of 12, Aliyah and her sister Alexis moved to Massachusetts from their hometown St. Thomas, USVI to live with their aunt and pursue more basketball opportunities. Aliyah joined USA’s national basketball team, was a McDonald’s All-American in high school, and led the University of South Carolina’s program to their 2nd national championship – winning both the SEC Player of the Year and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year as the most decorated player in program history.

Aliyah was the #1 overall draft pick in the 2023 WNBA season, joining the Indiana Fever as the team’s centerpiece. A celebratory New York Times profile declared that Boston “has already become the face of the WNBA just months into her professional career.” She is the only player ranked in the top 20 in both offensive and defensive win shares, demonstrating her dominance on both ends of the court. And Boston is the youngest player and only the eighth rookie ever to start a WNBA All-Star game. Aliyah showcases her heart and passion on and off the court, consistently giving back to her community. Sought-after for her motivational story, Aliyah speaks about staying true to yourself, focusing on faith and family, and how to apply teamwork on and off the court.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

ATTICA LOCKE

  • Award-Winning Author, Screenwriter, and Film & TV Producer

Acclaimed and award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and producer Attica Locke is an unparalleled storyteller whose uplifting delivery resonate with audiences of all kinds. A New York Times bestselling author, Locke’s novels include: Heaven, My Home, sequel to the Edgar Award-winning Bluebird, Bluebird; Pleasantville, winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and longlisted for the Bailey’s Prize for Women’s Fiction; The Cutting Season, winner of the Ernest Gaines Award for Literary Excellence; and her debut Black Water Rising, which was nominated for an Edgar Award, an NAACP Image Award, as well as a Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and was short-listed for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Her books have appeared on countless Best Book of the Year lists including The New York Times, Washington Post, Financial Times, and receive glowing praise by critics and devoted readers alike. As she does in her creative work, Locke offers a powerful experience for audiences, leaving them feeling more motivated, connected, and hopeful than before.

Locke is also an award-winning screenwriter and producer for TV and film. A former fellow at the Sundance Institute’s Feature Filmmaker’s Lab, she wrote and produced on Ava Duvernay’s Netflix miniseries When They See Us, Fox’s Empire, and Hulu’s Emmy-nominated limited series Little Fires Everywhere – for which she won an NAACP Image Award. Locke co-created and executive produced an adaptation of her sister Tembi Locke’s bestselling memoir From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home for Netflix, which was a top 10 hit in 50+ countries during its first weeks on air. In her delightful and engaging talks, Locke shares insights about authenticity, transformation, leadership, and teamwork that resonate with audiences across industries.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

BEN AFFLECK

  • Critically Acclaimed Award-Winning Actor, Director, and Producer

Ben Affleck is an Academy Award winner who has been widely recognized for his work as a director, actor, writer and producer. During his impressive and long-running career, he has appeared in iconic projects spanning all genres including Argo, Gone Girl, and Good Will Hunting, and he has played Batman in several films within the comic franchise.  Affleck has been honored with some of the entertainment industry's highest awards, including the Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Screen Actor's Guild awards for the span of his work both in front of and behind the camera.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOHN J. SULLIVAN

  • Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia (2019-2022)

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John J. Sullivan was appointed a Distinguished Fellow at Georgetown University effective November 1, 2022, after retiring from a career in public service that has spanned four decades and five U.S. presidents.  Before his most recent post in Moscow, Ambassador Sullivan served as the 19th U.S. Deputy Secretary of State from 2017 to 2019, as well as the Acting U.S. Secretary of State in March-April 2018. In the Obama Administration, he was chairman of the U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue, a government advisory committee on U.S.-Iraq commercial relations.  In the private sector, as a partner in the global law firm MayerBrown LLP, Ambassador Sullivan was a sought-after advisor to CEOs, general counsels, and senior executives.

A graduate of Brown University, Ambassador Sullivan attended Columbia University School of Law, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and Book Reviews Editor of the Columbia Law Review.  He served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter and Judge John Minor Wisdom.  Ambassador Sullivan is a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy and the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Secretary of State's Distinguished Service Award, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Secretary of Defense’s Medal for Exceptional Public Service, and many others. 

For the last three years, Ambassador Sullivan managed the U.S. Embassy in Russia during its most difficult period in many decades, exemplifying service, leadership, and crisis management through unprecedented challenges.  His vast experience and insights contribute to riveting programs about global affairs, the impacts of national security and foreign policy on industries and business, and much more.

HWA

SCOTT GALLOWAY

  • New York Times Bestselling Author of 'The Four' and 'The Algebra of Happiness'

Scott Galloway is Professor of Marketing at NYU’s Stern School of Business and a serial entrepreneur. He was named one of the world’s best business professors by Poets & Quants. Scott has founded nine companies, including Prophet, RedEnvelope, L2, and Section School, where he also teaches. He is the New York Times–bestselling author of The Four,The Algebra of Happiness, Post Corona and Adrift: America in 100 Charts, and the upcoming Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security, forthcoming from Portfolio in April. Scott has served on the boards of directors of The New York Times Company, Urban Outfitters, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Panera Bread, and Ledger. He has won multiple Webby and Best Podcast awards, and his books have been translated into 28 languages. Across his Prof G and Pivot podcasts, No Mercy / No Malice newsletter, and his YouTube channel, Scott reaches millions. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOE PLUMERI

  • CEO & High-Energy Motivational Speaker for Teams & Individuals

Joe Plumeri is the larger-than-life CEO known for his electrifying speeches and talent for transforming the way companies think and operate. Plumeri believes what sets the most successful leaders apart is their ability to harness their own passions, in their own authentic ways. Audiences find not only optimistic relief in Plumeri’s message but also key strategies to cultivate authentic power. Shortly after he takes his place on the podium, Plumeri becomes relatable to each of us trying to succeed on our own terms, in ways that produce significant results for our careers, companies and stakeholders.

In his speeches, he shares personal stories of struggle and inspiration which led him to become CEO of many companies, including Willis Group, a company nearly bankrupt when he first began but which he transformed into one of the world’s leading insurance brokers. Plumeri offers simple yet profound guidance on how to stay positive, motivate yourself and others, and achieve success in your life and work. National Public Radio has included one of Plumeri’s speeches in its list of “Best Commencement Speeches, Ever.”

Takeaways from Plumeri’s Speeches:

  • How to instill passion in your sales teams that will drive success
  • How to cultivate "The Power of Being Yourself"
  • How to put your life and passion to work
  • How to find and cultivate purpose
  • Using emotional authenticity as a career strategy
HWA EXCLUSIVE

JOHN LIPSKY

  • First Deputy Managing Director, IMF (2006-2011)

John Lipsky’s service at the International Monetary Fund coincided with the onset of the greatest economic and financial challenges faced yet by the rapidly globalizing world. Having served as the IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director between 2006-2011, as well as Acting Managing Director from May-July 2011, Lipsky helped lead the IMF’s efforts to halt the global downturn, to reestablish economic and financial stability, and to restart growth through unprecedented international policy cooperation in the face of historic market upheavals and systemic disruption.

Over the course of his distinguished career in both the private and public sectors, he has earned the credentials that give him the respect of leaders from both sectors around the world. Lipsky offers a unique insight into how economic policy is being negotiated and implemented today, reflecting the unique challenges and the global realities of shifting relative power in both economic and political arenas.

HWA CO-EXCLUSIVE

MARGARET TRUDEAU

  • Former First Lady of Canada & Mother of Current Prime Minister

Margaret Trudeau is celebrated for her role as a respected mental-health issues advocate and proponent of living a vibrant, joyful life especially as we age. From becoming the Canadian prime minister’s wife at a young age, to the loss of both her son and her former husband, to living with bi-polar disorder, Margaret shares her personal stories to remind others of the importance of nurturing the body, mind, and spirit.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CAROL BROWNER

  • Director, White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy (2009-2011)

For over a quarter of a century, Carol Browner has been at the forefront of the United States’ environmental and energy polices. As President Clinton’s EPA Administrator, President Obama’s "Energy Czar," and one of six members of President Biden's Climate Engagement Advisory Council during his campaign, Browner has negotiated, developed, proposed and implemented U.S. policy affecting global energy, environment, public health, and business matters.

Today, Browner provides her expertise through dual roles in the business and policymaking arenas and serves as a Senior of Counsel at Covington & Burling, as well as board chair of the League of Conservation Voters. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

LYNNE CHENEY

  • Bestselling Author

Called “the really indispensable Cheney” by columnist George Will, Lynne Cheney enlivens audiences and lights up TV screens while arguing for the need to teach America’s story fully and fairly. As chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities and second lady, she brought this message to audiences across the country. 

With a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Cheney also speaks forcefully on the importance of nurturing a diversity of viewpoints on college campuses, as well as in the mainstream media. Through speeches and appearances on radio and television - including a stint as co-host on Crossfire Sunday - she has established her identity as an incisive commentator on culture and politics.

Dr. Cheney's 12th and newest book, The Virginia Dynasty: Four Presidents and the Creation of the American Nation, adds to her oeuvre on American history.  In a recent profile by the Wall Street Journal, Dr. Cheney said she hopes that by studying America's origins we can understand and reassert the 'civic glue that has held us together.' 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

L. JON WERTHEIM

  • Renowned Sports Journalist

Former executive editor and a senior writer for Sports Illustrated, L. Jon Wertheim is one of the most accomplished sports journalists in America. He's also the New York Times bestselling author of Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Behind How Sports Are Played and Games Are Won, which uses economic principles to explain sports, and This Is Your Brain on Sports: The Science of Underdogs, the Value of Rivalry, and What We Can Learn from the T-Shirt Cannon, which, through the prism of behavioral economics, neuroscience, and psychology, reveals the hidden influences and surprising cues that inspire and derail us—on the field and in the stands—and by extension, in corporate board rooms, office settings, and our daily lives. 

In his compelling and engaging presentations, Wertheim offers innovative ideas that focus on a fusion of sports anecdotes and business trends to provide pioneering lessons for the business world. A seasoned sports broadcaster, Mr. Wertheim is also available to host or emcee events.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

NICOLE KRAUSS

  • International Bestselling Author, Great House, The History of Love, Forest Dark, and To Be A Man

Nicole Krauss has been hailed by the New York Times as "one of America's most important novelists."

She is the award-winning fiction writer and internationally bestselling author of Great House, The History of Love, Forest Dark: A Novel and To Be A Man. 

Her most recent book, To Be A Man, made the TIME Magazine Must-Read Books of 2020 list

In her custom-tailored programs, Ms. Krauss discusses what it means to create, live and write.

HWA EXCLUSIVE

CAPRICIA MARSHALL

  • Chief of Protocol of the United States (2009-2013)

As a former U.S. Chief of Protocol (2009-13), White House Social Secretary (1997-2001) and Special Assistant to then-First Lady Hillary Clinton (1993-97), Capricia Marshall has set the stage for diplomacy at the highest levels. Consistently recognized as one of the leading female power players in Washington, Marshall is an inductee of the BizBash Hall of Fame as an "event industry game-changer," has been featured in Elle's "Setting the Agenda: How 43 Women are Changing the World for Women," as well as Elle's "10 Most Powerful Women in DC," and Washington Life's "Power 100."

Marshall has devoted her life to public service, working to transform and create new methods of global engagement to build international goodwill. She provides audiences with illuminating insight on the art of diplomacy and power of protocol, bold inspiration on thriving as a woman in any role, and actionable strategies on effective communication and relationship-building. 

HWA EXCLUSIVE

GLENNON DOYLE & ABBY WAMBACH

Beloved activist, bestselling author, and philanthropist Glennon Doyle and soccer legend and bestselling author Abby Wambach are a power couple. Seeking to live authentically, they speak on often-overlooked topics such as addiction, mental health, parenting, boundaries, and what it means to live well.

Glennon Doyle is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller UNTAMED, which has sold nearly three million copies, as well as the #1 New York Times bestsellers LOVE WARRIOR and CARRY ON, WARRIOR. She is the founder and president of Together Rising, an all-women-led nonprofit organization that has revolutionized grassroots philanthropy.

Abby Wambach is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA World Cup Champion, and author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers WOLFPACK and WOLFPACK (YOUNG READER’S EDITION). She is also a founder and part owner of Angel City FC, the first majority-female-owned Soccer team in history. 

Doyle and Wambach co-host the podcast WE CAN DO HARD THINGS with Doyle’s sister, Amanda Doyle. The podcast debuted at #1 on Apple’s podcast charts on launch and was named the #1 New Podcast of 2021. They have hosted guests such as Vice President Kamala Harris, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Tracee Ellis Ross, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda, Gloria Steinem, and Tarana Burke. The pair has spoken at Ralph Lauren, ADP, ServiceNow, Apple Leisure Group Vacations, and more. Their inspiring story of choosing love and building a life worth living inspires audiences globally.

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STEVE MARTIN & MARTIN SHORT

  • Steve Martin: Actor and Comedian, NYT Bestselling Author, and Grammy Award-winning Banjoist and Composer

Comedy and entertainment titans Steve Martin and Martin Short have delighted fans for decades with their organic comedic chemistry across television, film, and live performances. Martin and Short first appeared together as co-stars with Chevy Chase in Three Amigos!, and their creative partnership has since blossomed across countless notable projects. The duo received three Primetime Emmy nominations for their Netflix special, An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life. They have also collaborated on several national live comedy tours: A Very Stupid Conversation, The Funniest Show in Town at the Moment, You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!, and Dukes of Funnytown. Martin and Short’s must-watch Hulu comedy series with Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building, has garnered another 3 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, 2 Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, a Golden Globe Award nomination, and a Peabody Award nomination.

Captivating new and lifelong fans alike, Steve Martin and Martin Short turn any engagement into a once-in-a-lifetime comedic experience. Martin and Short bring audiences closer than ever to the inner lives and comedic genius of two funny men. These legends blend comedy, music, and the stories of their lives in dynamic live events that will inspire, uplift, and entertain every audience.

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TINA TCHEN

  • Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Policy Officer, Obama Foundation

Tina Tchen shares hope, ideas and strategies that inspire others to recognize the power of diverse teams and keep equality on the forefront of the global agenda.

A high-powered lawyer, Tina’s career accomplishments have established her as a powerful advocate for gender equality. As the former President and CEO of TIME’S UP Now and the TIME’S UP Foundation, Tina oversaw the organizations’ efforts to change culture, companies, and laws in order to make work safe, fair, and dignified for women of all kinds. In 2017, Tina co-founded the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund, which has connected more than 3,600 people to legal or PR support for sexual harassment across dozens of different industries. Tina currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Policy Officer for the Obama Foundation.

During her eight years at the White House, Tina served as chief of staff to First Lady Michelle Obama, special assistant to President Barack Obama, and the executive director of the Council on Women and Girls, leading the first-ever White House Summit on Working Families and the first-ever United State of Women Summit. 

A passionate champion for women’s and children’s issues, including women in positions of leadership, Tina shares her unique perspective and insights on workforce diversity and inclusion, breaking through male-dominated industries, and ending campus assault. Energetic, authentic and engaging on stage, she empowers the next generation to raise their voices and take action now to secure a better tomorrow for women and minorities across the country and world.

 

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DANIEL HOFFMAN

  • CIA Russian Operations Expert

Daniel Hoffman is a former Senior Executive Clandestine Service Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. His combined 30 years of distinguished government service included high-level positions not only within the CIA, but also with the U.S. military, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Department of Commerce. Assignments included tours of duty in the former Soviet Union, Europe, and war zones in both the Middle East and South Asia. During this time, Mr. Hoffman developed extensive, substantive expertise on geopolitical and transnational issues related to the Middle East, South Asia, Russia, counterterrorism, and cyber and counter-intelligence. Now in the private sector, Mr. Hoffman remains highly regarded for his policy experience and his work with foreign officials in the regions where he served. He has been a Fox News contributor since April 2018, and serves on the advisory board of the Federal Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation.

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JANET STOVALL

  • Diversity & Inclusion Pragmatist

Janet M. Stovall has flourished in the highly competitive corporate FORTUNE 500 world. A long history of driving change and building culture in large, complex organizations has given her deep expertise around DEI practices and principles, especially in the area of communications. In fact, she broke barriers as one of the few Black C-level speechwriters in the Fortune 100. 

A self-described diversity pragmatist, Stovall is best known for her TED talk challenging business to get serious about inclusion. Collectively, Stovall’s three TED presentations have nearly 3 million views. 

Stovall is Global Head of DEI at  the NeuroLeadership Institute, a global think tank, consultancy, and research organization that uses neuroscience to improve business performance. A firm believer in action over aspiration, intent over impact and objectivity over subjectivity, Janet works with organizations and leaders that truly value diversity as an asset. Her consultancy, Pragmatic Diversity, helps them unlock that value through accountable inclusion and equity. Through direct consultation with leaders, teams and individuals, as well as keynote speeches and workshops, she helps business get real about DEI and dismantling systemic inequity.

On stage, her approach tackles workplace inequity head-on with a straightforward formula for creating an inclusive workplace that unlocks the power of diversity. Her superpowers? Applying objective solutions to solve subjective DEI challenges, building actionable DEI frameworks and strategies, and brokering honest DEI conversations among top leaders.  

Co-author of The Conscious Communicator: The Fine Art of Not Saying Stupid Sh*t, Stovall also speaks to challenges of communicating authentically about DEI and social justice. Her groundbreaking book introduces a framework and practical tool to help leaders shape DEI and social justice and visions and messages aligned with organizational mission, vision, and values – consistently,  proactively,  and in ways that are powerful rather than performative.

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VAN JONES

  • Political Contributor, CNN

Van Jones’ honest and poignant social commentary has made him one of the most compelling and powerful public voices in America.  A U.S. media personality, New York Times bestselling author, social entrepreneur, and world-class change maker, his reach transcends age, race, geography and political ideology.

A CNN political contributor, Jones is the host of The Van Jones Showin which he offers his unique take on the future political landscape, and The Redemption Project, which is focused on criminal justice reform. A go-to voice of reason, heralded for his bipartisan, solutions-oriented approach, Jones burst into the American consciousness during the 2016 presidential campaign with an unscripted, truth-telling style and an already established history of bridge-building across party lines.

A longtime progressive activist with deep roots in the conservative South, he has made it his mission to challenge voters and viewers to stand in one another’s shoes and disagree constructively. He pushes people on both the left and the right to be better with experience working with the last four consecutive presidents to sign legislation on issues like prison reform, the green jobs act, and opioid recovery, Jones is a true Washington insider. He is also the author of three New York Times bestselling books, Beyond the Messy Truth, Rebuild the Dream, and The Green Collar Economy, and the host of the Webby Award-nominated podcast Uncommon Ground, where he is on a journey to find unifying solutions to our country’s biggest problems. A dynamic speaker sought-out to speak at financial institutions and college campuses alike, he offers unvarnished and future-looking analysis on politics, policy, climate change, and being a change-maker in a complicated world. 

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FRED HOCHBERG

  • Longest-serving Chairman in Export-Import Bank history

Fred P. Hochberg is the longest-serving chairman in the history of the Export-Import Bank of the United States and was one of the highest-ranking business leaders in the Obama Administration. Throughout nearly eight years of his leadership, EXIM Bank supported more than 1.4 million American jobs and financed exports with a value exceeding $240 billion. The Bank also generated $3.8 billion in surplus revenue for U.S. taxpayers during that time and Hochberg reduced internal costs by nearly 30 percent. Hochberg increased the Bank's focus on its customers, cutting transaction times and introducing new products. He also put America’s small business exporters at the top of the Bank's agenda and, as a result, nearly 90 percent of EXIM Bank authorizations directly supported small businesses on his watch. 

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URBAN MEYER

  • Legendary College Football Coach

One of the most prolific coaches in football history, Urban Meyer’s accomplishments have cemented his legacy in college football history. With one of the highest winning percentages of all time, Meyer boasts an incredible 187-32 overall record and three national championship wins. He has brought his expertise to his role as an analyst for both ESPN and most recently FOX Sports, appearing weekly on their Big Noon Kickoff pre-game show, and went on to coach in the NFL as Head Coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. A New York Times bestselling author of Above the Line: Lessons in Leadership and Life from a Championship Program, Meyer engages audiences across industries with profound insights on leadership skills, team building, the keys to empowering people to achieve things they never thought possible, and turning setbacks into victories

Meyer has become one of the most decorated college football coaches in history, receiving such honors as “Coach of the Decade,” and several “Coach of the Year” awards, among others. Faith and philanthropy are key tenets in Meyer’s life and have contributed to his successes on and off the field. Joining the fight against cancer, Meyer and his wife, Shelley, founded the Urban and Shelley Meyer Fund for Cancer Research in 2012, a support fund dedicated to advancing research for all cancers. Their fund helps recruit experts in the field to Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. Meyer is an expert at empowering people to achieve things they might never have thought possible, and inspires audiences to create clear goals and a winning strategy to execute them. Audiences consistently share positive feedback about his motivational keynotes, like his address at Grambling State University: “Anytime you get someone of his caliber to spend an evening, an entire day with you, it’s an honor and truly amazing” and ”Anybody that can make you better in a matter of minutes is someone that you want to be around.”

 

 

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KWAME ALEXANDER

  • NYT Bestselling Author of 40 Books

Internationally renowned poet, New York Times bestselling author of 40 books, Emmy-winning producer, and educator Kwame Alexander is on a mission to change the world one word at a time. His latest book, Why Fathers Cry at Night, is a powerfully intimate and non-traditional memoir steeped in family history, recipes and poetry. With this vulnerable new offering, Kwame offers people the opportunity to get to know and appreciate his writing on a deeper and more personal level.. Kwame has led cultural exchange delegations to Brazil, Italy, Singapore, and Ghana, where he opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic in Ghana, as a part of LEAP for Ghana – now LEAP Global – an international literacy program he co-founded. He is the Writer and Executive Producer of the Disney+ series The Crossover, based on his bestselling novel of the same name, is the founder of Big Sea Entertainment, and is the Executive Producer and Host of the groundbreaking reality TV series America’s Next Great AuthorIn sought-after engagements, Kwame offers inspiring insights and his powerful storytelling resonates with audiences of all kinds.

Twice long-listed for the National Book Award, Kwame is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including The Newbery Award, The Coretta Scott King Author Honor, three NAACP Image Award Nominations, the Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award, The Dominion Energy Strong Men and Women of Virginia, and the Penn State Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award. A regular contributor to NPR’s Morning Edition and NPR’s Poet in Residence, he has appeared in or on: The Today Show, Comedy Central, BET, The New York TimesThe Washington PostParade Magazine, and ESPN’s TheUndefeated.com. Kwame has delivered hundreds of riveting keynote speeches for corporations, educational institutions, commencements, and annual organization conferences such as Hallmark, Qualtrics, Kidscreen, Teachers College Columbia University, OpenText, and The International Literacy Association.

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JUSTIN BALDONI

  • Actor, Director, and Producer

Actor, director, author, podcaster, and entrepreneur Justin Baldoni is a change-maker on a mission to create impactful media and entertainment. Baldoni spreads a powerful and vulnerable message of positive masculinity via brutal honesty and self-reflection that first went viral in his 2017 TED Talk Why I’m Done Trying to be ‘Man Enough’, which became the basis for his book Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity and his hit podcast The Man Enough Podcast.  He is the co-founder of Wayfarer Studios, a pioneering purpose-driven film and television studio that aims to elevate the human spirit and inspire change.  Best known as Rafael on Jane The Virgin, Baldoni first created and directed “My Last Days,” an award winning uplifting documentary series about life as told by courageous people living with a terminal illness, and made his feature film directorial debut in March 2019 with “Five Feet Apart,” which went on to become CBS Films’ third highest grossing film of all time earning over $91 million worldwide. In 2020, he directed and produced Wayfarer Studios’ first film project “Clouds,” which is now streaming on Disney+. The film is Disney’s first-ever narrative acquisition on its global platform. An insightful cultural commentator, his passionate anecdotes and analysis resonate long after the event’s conclusion.

Baldoni is also co-founder and co- chairman of BeLove.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the way communities see and respond to the needs of people experiencing homelessness. He is an in-demand speaker for college events, motivating audiences to reconsider their role in relationships and community, and transform their narratives to become true agents for social change by first transforming the person they see in the mirror.

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NATALY KOGAN

  • Founder of Happier, a global technology and learning platform enabling users to discover new methods of pursuing emotional wellbeing

A successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Nataly found that after reaching the highest levels of corporate America, she still wasn’t happy. Nataly came to the United States as a refugee from Russia when she was 13 and overcame significant obstacles on her way to achieving career success. But while her achievements left her proud, she was unfulfilled, so she became inspired to figure out how to live a truly meaningful, happier life. In the process, she found the answers each person and organization needs to unlock their maximum potential, making them not just more productive and innovative, but helping them to find more joy in everyday moments and get through challenging ones with resilience.

The CEO and Founder of Happier—an award-winning global technology and learning platform—Nataly is a leading expert on how people and organizations can transform their individual and team culture so that they can thrive.  Having helped more than a million people and employees dramatically improve their emotional health and resilience by cultivating her Five Core Happier Skills, Nataly demonstrates that happiness is not just a feeling, but a skill that can be learned and improved through practice, and that in turn boosts creativity, productivity and profits.

Nataly’s received standing ovations from groups such as Million Dollar Roundtable, Fortune's Tech Brainstorm, SXSW, Harvard Women's Leadership Conference, Gillette, Pendulum Leadership Summit, Atrium Innocations, TEDx Boston, and many more, thanks to her instantly implementable takeaways that transform the way people work and live. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, New York Magazine, Time Magazine and more, and her new book Happier Now: How to Stop Striving For Perfection and Embrace Everyday Moments (Even the Difficult Ones) provides a roadmap for how to cultivate genuine, lasting happiness in every facet of our lives.

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JAMES BROWN

  • Three-Time Emmy Award-Winning Sportscaster & Journalist

Three-time Emmy Award-winning sportscaster, special correspondent, producer, and author James Brown is a legend in the world of broadcast sports and beyond. He hosts The NFL Today and Inside the NFL on Paramount+, and has hosted a record-breaking 10 Super Bowls. Brown also serves as a Special Correspondent for CBS News, contributing to 60 Minutes, CBS Mornings, CBS Evening News, 48 Hours, Face the Nation, and more. Brown has been a trusted host and analyst in the worlds of sports and news for decades, offering expert insights and indelible takeaways. In his memoir, Role of a Lifetime: Reflections on Faith, Family and Significant Living, he shares powerful stories about finding his passion, how to discover life’s purpose, and his faith journey that leave audiences inspired.

In addition to three Emmy Awards, Brown has received numerous accolades for his expertise as an engaging host and speaker, including “Best Studio Host of the Decade” by Sports Illustrated, the 2023 Distinguished Service Award - the National Association of Broadcasters' highest honor - and was inducted into the Broadcast Wing of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He has received the prestigious Pete Rozelle Award for Excellence, as well as the Jackie Robinson Award for Excellence in Broadcasting by One Hundred Black Men of New York. Brown is a founding partner of the Washington Nationals, as well as co-owner of Fair Play Productions Company, and executive produced the documentaries The Carnival: 125 Years of the Penn Relays and For Aaron, which won “Best Documentary” at several festivals. He has partnered with the Verizon Foundation to lead a national dialogue to address their work in domestic violence prevention. Brown became an ordained minister in 2009 and galvanizes audiences with the story of his faith journey.

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CHELLA MAN

  • Artist

Renowned for his personal documentation of his experience in gender transition, Chella Man is celebrated for his motto "be your own representation." As a deaf, genderqueer, Chinese, and Jewish individual, Chella found he didn’t have role models to look up to, and so he became a voice and a true representation for himself and for others. With over 257K subscribers and many millions of views on his YouTube video entitled "One year on testosterone: voice updates," Chella is normalizing the conversation around gender issues for disabled and LGBTQ+ youth. 

A New York-based artist, director, and author, Chella's work features the continuums of disability, race, gender, and sexuality. He blends the genres of painting and performance art while simultaneously exploring sculpture, writing, and live workshops. He is currently a mentor and resident at Silver Art Projects located in The World Trade Center. Man has shown at institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum, Mana Contemporary, and will be exhibiting at The Pacific Design Center and The Abrons Arts Center this coming year. He was an artist-in-residence at the Palazzo Monti in Brescia, Italy in 2020. This past year, Man published his first book, Continuum, with Penguin Publishing, highlighting how to heal from systemic oppression and the revelations he has come to growing up. 

Through his talks, Chella opens up about his experiences transitioning on testosterone, navigating the world with a disability, and facing isolation while growing up within a small and conservative town in Central Pennsylvania. His TED Talk, "Becoming Him," offers an empowering investigation of gender, identity, race and disability. He hopes to continue pushing the boundaries of what it means to be accessible, inclusive, and equal in this world.

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DONNA BRAZILE & KARL ROVE

  • Donna Brazile: Veteran Democratic Political Strategist

Political powerhouses Donna Brazile and Karl Rove square off in a candid, informative, and at times hilarious debate to decode the uncertainty and partisanship of Washington today and provide prescient insight and actionable takeaways on the future political landscape.

Donna Brazile, a well-versed Democratic political strategist, provides an insider's perspective on the challenges in Washington and where we go from here. Ms. Brazile is a New York Times bestselling author, Chair of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, and sought-after Emmy- and Peabody-award-winning media contributor to such outlets as ABC News, USA Today and TheGrio. Brazile’s unique perspective into national and local elections makes her a fixture in American politics.

Aided by his work as a Wall Street Journal weekly columnist, frequent Fox News contributor, and New York Times bestselling author, Karl Rove examines issues taken from today’s headlines, puts them in a broader historical context, and walks listeners through what’s likely to happen. Rove served as Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush. Drawing on his experiences as one of America’s leading campaign strategists and a White House senior advisor, Karl Rove offers thoughtful analysis, historical insights and informed predictions about current issues, the tests America faces today, and our nation’s turbulent politics.

Renowned political strategists from opposite ends of the aisle, Brazile and Rove delve into the dynamics of their respective parties, and dive into everything from health care to taxes and the evolving American electorate. True Washington insiders with decades of experience, they take audiences through the campaign trail, Capitol Hill, and all the way to the White House.

Substantive, dynamic, and with an undeniable repartee, Brazile and Rove receive rave reviews every time they speak. "They were both awesome and the audience appreciated the humor throughout... they kept it diplomatic." (Marcus Evans)