Actor and filmmaker Kevin Costner’s esteemed career has been critically recognized with two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. With past roles across comedy, action, and drama, most movie lovers have seen Costner’s work. He has appeared in box-office hits including Silverado, No Way Out, Bull Durham, JFK, The Untouchables, Field of Dreams, The Bodyguard, and Wyatt Earp, among many others. In addition, he starred in and executive produced the Paramount Network’s hit-drama, Yellowstone, a role for which he received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Drama. Costner’s exceptional filmmaking abilities were showcased in Dances with Wolves, which he produced, directed and starred in, and which won seven Academy Awards including “Best Picture” and “Best Director.” Costner also produced and co-authored the New York Times bestselling adventure novel The Explorers Guild. Costner captivates audiences not only as a legendary figure in the entertainment industry but as a remarkable storyteller. Whether discussing his experiences in film, the demands of creativity, or the enduring value of hard work, Costner leaves audiences entertained, inspired, and deeply connected to his story.

When Costner is not working on films, he sings lead vocals and plays lead guitar in his band, Modern West, and can be seen playing venues across the country. The band’s song "The Angels Came Down" was adopted by the Gold Star Moms and Gold Star Wives organizations, which support the mothers, wives, and families of fallen soldiers. Costner also fundraises for first responders through hosting appearances and charity concerts.

A cultural architect whose storytelling, creativity, and unmatched musical insight inspire audiences to reimagine the power of art, history, and innovation.

As musical director of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the heartbeat of The Roots, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is a singular cultural force whose dynamic career as an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, six-time Grammy-winning musician, bestselling author, and thought-leading creative visionary makes him one of the most compelling public speakers of our time.

Questlove bridges art, history, and innovation in every endeavor, from directing the Oscar- and BAFTA-winning documentary Summer of Soul to producing powerful cultural narratives like Sly Lives! and Descendant. With a deep knowledge of music, storytelling, and Black history, and an uncanny ability to connect with audiences of all kinds, Questlove inspires conversations around creativity, equity, cultural preservation, and the power of artistic expression. Whether addressing leaders, students, or creatives, Questlove offers a rare blend of insight, humor, and authenticity that leaves a lasting impact.

Emmy Award®-winning animation veteran Dan Povenmire is co-creator and executive producer of Disney Branded Television’s mega-hit and beloved animated series, Phineas and Ferb. He's famous for his role as the ridiculously evil Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz and his massive popularity on Tik Tok and Instagram (where he's amassed over 7.5+ million followers).

With over 25 years of experience in directing, storyboarding and writing, Povenmire has worked on multiple critically acclaimed animated series including Family Guy, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Simpsons, Rocko's Modern Life and Hey Arnold!

Balancing humor with substance, Povenmire delivers insightful anecdotes in his naturally witty style (often in character!). His talks give unique insider glimpses into iconic shows, character voices, theme-song creation, and writer room dynamics. Beloved for his stage presence, Povenmire’s signature qualities of heartfelt empathy, sharp humor, and unstoppable creative drive continue to make him an instant favorite for audiences of all kinds.

Shaina Taub is a powerhouse voice in American musical theater: a two-time Tony Award-winning and Grammy-nominated songwriter, performer, and creator whose work is reshaping Broadway and beyond. She won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score for Suffs, in which she also starred as suffragist Alice Paul, earning a Grammy nomination and sweeping accolades from the Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk. An artist-in-residence at The Public Theater, Taub has written and headlined innovative musical adaptations like Twelfth Night and As You Like It, now produced worldwide after acclaimed runs in New York and London. She penned the lyrics for The Devil Wears Prada alongside Sir Elton John and has received top honors including the Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award, Kleban Prize, and Fred Ebb Award. A gifted performer, she’s appeared in Hadestown, Great Comet, and concerts at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, and Carnegie Hall. Her television credits include Sesame Street, Central Park, and the Emmy-nominated 2018 Tony Awards opening number. Named to the TIME100 Next list, Taub is also a passionate activist recognized by the NYCLU, League of Women Voters, and others for using her artistry to drive change.

Book Shaina Taub for a powerful, inspiring keynote or performance that blends artistry, activism, and storytelling at the highest level. For her work, she has received an honorary doctorate from the Manhattan School of Music. With her award-winning work on Broadway and deep commitment to social change, she offers a unique voice that resonates across generations and industries.

Emmy Rossum – Actress, Activist, Artist

Emmy Rossum is a dynamic force in the entertainment world whose influence extends far beyond the screen. Best known for her unforgettable role as Fiona Gallagher in the acclaimed series Shameless, Rossum is a classically trained opera singer, accomplished actress, director, and passionate advocate for social change.

A compelling and articulate speaker, Emmy brings a rare blend of artistic insight, personal authenticity, and advocacy to every stage. She speaks candidly about her journey in Hollywood, the pressures of fame, the power of storytelling, and what it means to take control of your narrative as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Her work off-screen is equally impactful—championing causes including women's rights, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.

Whether discussing creativity, resilience, or activism, Emmy Rossum inspires audiences with her thoughtful perspective, emotional honesty, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. Her voice is one of empowerment, transformation, and purpose.