Speakers
Debbie Allen
Keynote Speaker
In a career that spans three decades, the name Debbie Allen is synonymous with dynamic energy, creative talent and innovation.
For her vast body of work, Ms. Allen has earned six Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, five NAACP Image Awards, a Drama Desk, and the first Astaire Award (for Best Dancer). Her production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof on London’s West End won the Olivier Award. She holds five honorary Doctorate degrees, is a Kennedy Center Honoree, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She was appointed by President George W. Bush to represent the United States as a Cultural Ambassador of Dance. She has been artist in residence at the Kennedy Center for over 15 years, writing and directing original works with the legendary Arturo Sandoval and James Ingram, such as: Pepito’s Story, Brothers of the Knight, Dreams, Alex in Wonderland, Soul Possessed, Pearl, Dancing in the Wings, Oman O Man and Freeze Frame… Stop the Madness. Her stage credits also include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (on Broadway and London’s West End).
Kelly Corrigan
Keynote Speaker
Kelly Corrigan may not be in school anymore, but that hasn’t stopped her from being a student for life. This successful journalist, gifted storyteller and bestselling author, who’s always had a strong interest in culture, caregiving and matters of society, has spent hundreds of hours interviewing some of the top change-makers in the world. She’s taken these lessons to heart — and to audiences across the country.
Constantly noted as one of the best storytellers around, Corrigan connects in a very intimate and empowering way. Described as touching, heartwarming and empathetic, Corrigan is just as likely to be called cool, funny, smart and irresistibly authentic. Her inspirational words elevate the experiences of everyday life and uplift our darkest moments with humor, humanity and unforgettable eloquence.
Jamie Kern Lima
Keynote Speaker
Jamie Kern Lima is a New York Times bestselling author of her new book WORTHY: How to Believe You Are and Transform Your Life, she’s a guest teacher of the Life You Want class live with Oprah Winfrey, and Founder of IT Cosmetics, a company she started in her living room and grew to the largest luxury makeup brand in the country. She sold the company to L’Oréal in a billion-dollar deal and became the first female CEO of a brand in its 100+ year history.
Lauren Cook
Ticktocker College and Career Fair Host
Dr. Lauren Cook is a clinical psychologist, career coach, speaker, and author. She travels around the country (and from her computer screen) to provide education on how we can integrate mental health into our professional and personal lives. With more people experiencing burnout, anxiety, and isolation than ever before, Dr. Lauren is committed to helping us find connection and meaning in all that we do.
Dr. Lauren began her training at UCLA, where she majored in Psychology and Communication Studies. She earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California and went on to complete her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University.
Maria Johnson
Workshop Speaker
Maria Johnson, MA, CCC-SLP, Director of Youth & Family Innovations at Center for BrainHealth, advocates for social-emotional brain health and science-backed innovation in the delivery of education and healthcare. She is a dynamic leader and speaker at the forefront of leveraging technology to engage with individuals in creative, meaningful ways. A core focus is on understanding the impact of technology on the developing brain and the neurodiverse mind, and the multi-faceted effect of social media on resilience and emotional connectedness.
Maria has dedicated more than two decades of research and clinical expertise to developing technology tools and training programs that provide support and enhancement of social, emotional and cognitive brain health, working with youth, teachers, clinicians, families and organizations to implement these evidence-based protocols and technologies.
Myka Meier
Workshop Speaker
Myka Meier is a 2x best selling etiquette author, entrepreneur, and media personality. Myka is the founder of Beaumont Etiquette, a New York City based etiquette company and the co-founder of The Plaza Hotel Finishing Program. Named “America’s Queen of Good Manners” by The Times Magazine, and “The Queen of Etiquette” by The DailyMail, Myka is the author of Modern Etiquette Made Easy and Business Etiquette Made Easy.
A dual British-American citizen, Myka was trained in London under a former member of The Royal Household of Her Majesty the Queen, and also attended some of the world’s most prestigious finishing schools in Switzerland and England. Myka has two years experience working on a global endeavor initiated by its patron, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and her company was named the official etiquette partner of Downton Abbey the exhibition touring America. For over a decade, Myka has instructed courses in dining, social, business and royal etiquette for adults and children, and in 2018 opened her corporate training division which works with small to Fortune 100 companies globally.
Shabnam Mogharabi
Workshop Speaker
Shabnam Mogharabi is an entertainment entrepreneur, author, and journalist with more than 15 years of leadership experience in media and storytelling. She is a lifelong student of positive psychology, a freelance documentary film producer, and an expert on how to create socially impactful and entertaining content.
With actor Rainn Wilson, Shabnam co-founded SoulPancake, the inspiring entertainment company behind beloved video series such as Kid President and My Last Days. Under her tenure, SoulPancake amassed 10M social media fans and nearly 1B video views on its daily positive videos about human connection. The company eventually had a successful exit to social impact film studio Participant.
Rosalind Wiseman
Workshop Speaker
Rosalind Wiseman challenges us to understand the power of dignity to build courage, connection, and community.
She is a speaker, writer, advisor, and thought leader on leadership, culture, conflict, and young people. Currently, she serves as the senior leadership consultant at the US State Department’s Office for Overseas Schools which serves over 195 schools throughout the world and is supporting Professor David Yeager at the University of Texas on a forthcoming book on young people and motivation.
She is the author of nine books including the multiple New York Times Best Sellers: Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and the New Realities of Girl World—the groundbreaking book that was the basis for the movie and Broadway Musical Mean Girls.
