Campus Speakers & Headliners (U)

<p>Sarah Thomas changed the game in the world’s most quintessential male-dominated sport—football—when she became the first female NFL official. Now she’s inspiring others to dream big and believe anything is possible.</p><p>She officiated her first game September 13, 2015, between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans. Today, Sarah Thomas’s hat, whistle, and flag are on display at the NFL Hall of Fame and serve as a testament to this historic achievement.

<p>Zeke Thomas is a renowned Open Format DJ and Producer.

<p>Alex Sheen inspires audiences to make a positive impact on the world, simply by keeping their promises and honoring their commitments.</p><p>Alex is the founder of because I said I would, a global social movement and nonprofit dedicated to bettering humanity through promises made and kept, created in memory of his father, whose word was his bond. To help others remember the importance of their goals and commitments, Alex and his organization send “promise cards” to anyone anywhere in the world at no cost.</p><p>Alex embodies the meaning of commitment.

<p>MILCK is an artist and activist who has made significant strides in both music and social advocacy tackling themes of inclusion and leadership.</p><p>MILCK appeared in TOMS' apparels 2024 spring "Wear Good" campaign and launched a brand partnership with Girl Up, a UN foundation for supporting and uplifting global female youth leadership.

<p>Anderson Cooper takes audiences inside the news of the day, sharing sometimes provocative yet always eye-opening insights on the stories impacting people and issues around the world.</p><p>As the anchor of the Emmy-winning CNN news program Anderson Cooper 360°, he brings the most pressing stories of the day to a worldwide audience from multiple perspectives.

From the pages of her #1 New York Times best-selling book and the critically-acclaimed recently released film, Jeannette Walls moves you to realize the power of the human spirit as she inspires courage in the face of new and longstanding fears, and reveals how our weaknesses can be our greatest strengths.

<p>Celebrated for her compelling storytelling and in-depth reporting, Soledad O’Brien shares with audiences her thought-provoking insights on media, race, class, and socioeconomic issues—and how the power of our stories can drive change. </p><p>Soledad O’Brien is an award-winning documentarian, journalist, speaker, author, philanthropist, and founder of Soledad O’Brien Productions, a media production company dedicated to telling empowering and authentic stories on a range of social issues.

<p>Jodie Sweetin opens up about her struggles with drug and alcohol addiction and her road to recovery, offering hopeful and empowering perspective about self-worth and summoning the strength to confront personal demons.</p><p>Best known for playing Stephanie Tanner on the ’90s sitcom “Full House,” Jodie has lived a life far darker than her sweet-as-pie TV personality. After the show’s final season, at just 13 years old, Jodie spiraled into a long and devastating cycle of drug and alcohol abuse and has emerged triumphant over its unyielding grip.

<p>Actor, musician, activist, and feminist Jackie Cruz currently stars as “Marisol ‘Flaca’ Gonzales" on Netflix&#39;s critically-acclaimed series, <i>Orange Is the New Black</i>. </p>

<p>Brandon Stanton shares his journey of personal growth and discovery, and uncovers the stories behind the stories featured on <i>Humans of New York</i>, powerfully illustrating the value of sharing your experiences. </p><p>As the founder of the street portrait blog, <i>Humans of New York</i>, Brandon has emerged as a worldwide Internet phenomenon and one of today’s most influential storytellers.