Campus Speakers & Headliners (U)

<p>An inspiring story that ultimately proves that we all have the power to live our dreams – no matter how small or big they are, Jessica Watson became the youngest person to sail solo non-stop and unassisted around the world.  </p><p>Defying criticism from those who said her task was destined to fail, after 210 days at sea navigating some of the world’s most challenging stretches of oceans and surviving seven knockdowns, Jessica sailed back into Sydney Harbour on 15 May, 2010. </p><p>As she docked at the Sydney Opera House, the country wept with pride.

Dr. Dr. Dr. HC (Yes, it’s a thing), Professor of Practice Jamie Hyneman is best known as host and Executive Producer of Discovery Channel’s long running series, Mythbusters. 

Prior to Mythbusters, Jamie was a jack of all trades with jobs and skills ranging from wilderness survival and Russian linguist to sailboat captain and dive master. He is a lifetime member of both the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, as well as the National Science Teachers Association.

<p>Tyler James Williams is the 2023 Golden Globe Winner for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, Comedy or Drama for his role of ‘Gregory Eddie’ in the hit award-winning series <em>Abbott Elementary.</em></p><p>After hitting it off with Quinta Brunson on <em>A Black Lady Sketch Show</em>, she specifically wrote the Abbott Elementary substitute teacher character with Williams in mind.

<p>Julissa Calderon is an actress, writer, producer, and director from Miami. She is best known for playing the dynamic role of Yessika Castillo, a strong-willed activist, in the MACRO/Netflix series, <em>Gentefied</em>.

<p>Brendan Hunt is an actor and writer best known for co-creating the international smash hit TV comedy <i>Ted Lasso</i>, in which he also plays Coach Beard.</p><p>A Chicago native, he is a veteran of sketch and improv comedy, typified by his time with Amsterdam’s notorious Boom Chicago, where he performed with Jason Sudeikis, Seth Meyers, Jordan Peele, Amber Ruffin and other notables.

<p>Jessica Pressler is a contributing editor at <i>Vanity Fai</i>r.

<p>Growing up in inner-city Newark, New Jersey, Sampson Davis and two friends made a pact to “beat the street” and become doctors—and they did it.</p><p>Today, Dr. Sampson Davis is a board-certified ER physician who has appeared on numerous talk and radio shows including <i>Oprah</i>, <i>CNN</i>, <i>The Today Show</i>, <i>Dr. Oz</i>, <i>Anderson Cooper 360</i>, <i>The View</i>, <i>Tavis Smiley</i> and <i>NPR</i>.

<p>Shaquem Griffin made history as the NFL’s first-ever one-handed player. Now he inspires others to overcome adversity and persevere.</p><p>Shaquem Griffin was born just minutes after his twin, Shaquill.

<p>Weijia Jiang is CBS News&#39; senior White House correspondent based in Washington, D.C. Jiang&#39;s reporting is featured across all CBS News broadcasts and platforms, including the "<i>CBS Evening News with Norah O&#39;Donnell</i>," "<i>CBS Mornings</i>" and <i>CBSN</i>, CBS News&#39; 24/7 streaming news service.</p><p> Jiang has covered the White House beat since 2018, including the transition between the Trump and Biden administrations.

<p>Owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, Dominique opened the gyms to continue her commitment to developing a healthy and compassionate culture in the sport of gymnastics. Her first academy opened in the midst of a global pandemic, in July 2020, her second location opened in 2023, and she will be opening her third Academy in 2024 located in Columbia, MD. Dawes holds minority ownership of the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League, and she also became part of the Atlanta Falcons ownership group as a Limited Partner in 2024.