Diversity & Inclusion (U)

<p>Jeff is a teller of stories, developer of messages, and architect of social solutions who’s as comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind the scenes developing strategy and messages for his clients. </p>

<p>Bob Zellner brings to life the victories, struggles and heartbreaks of the Civil Rights era in a way that empowers and instructs audiences and the modern-day movement. </p><p>Bob is one of the most influential leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, from the 1960s to today. The son and grandson of Ku Klux Klan members, he risked his life – and nearly lost it – many times in the fight to achieve The Second Emancipation.

<p>Chosen by Oprah's O Magazine as one of 20 women on the first "O Power List," Mayda del Valle has been described by the Chicago Sun-Times as having, "a way with words." Indeed, the powerhouse performance poet does.</p>

<p>Edward James Olmos is more than an award-winning actor—he is a cultural icon whose voice carries the weight of history, artistry, and activism.</p><p> From his Academy Award–nominated role in Stand and Deliver to unforgettable performances in <em>Selena, Blade Runner, </em>and <em>Battlestar Galactica</em>, Olmos has built one of the most enduring legacies in Hollywood. But his story extends far beyond the screen.

<p>A Native American activist, Harvard-educated economist and author, Winona LaDuke has devoted her life to advocating for indigenous people’s rights and environmental justice.</p><p>In 1985, LaDuke co-founded and co-chaired the Indigenous Women’s Network (IWN), a coalition dedicated to empowering women to take active roles in tribal politics and culture. In 1989, she founded the White Earth Land Recovery Project (WELRP), a tribal land re-acquisition and environmental advocacy effort and one of the largest reservation-based nonprofits in the country.

<p>Over almost two decades, award-winning journalist and web and TV host, Laura Ling has dedicated herself to exposing the world to critical global issues, including slave labor in the Amazon, the drug war in Mexico, Internet censorship in China, and women’s rights in Turkey.</p><p>As the Director of Development for Discovery Digital Networks, Ling oversees the creation and production of original web series.

<p>Kristina Wong is a performance artist, actor, comedian, writer and elected representative in Koreatown Los Angeles. Following its highly acclaimed premiere at New York Theater Workshop, <em>Kristina Wong: Sweatshop Overlord</em>, was a <em>New York Times</em> “Critics Pick.” </p><p>Wong was then named a Pulitzer Prize finalist in Drama, (2022). <em>Sweatshop Overlord</em> also garnered a veritable awards sweep this year including The Drama Desk Award, The Lucille Lortel Award and The Outer Critics Circle Award.

<p>Crystal Kadakia is a two-time TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and trusted advisor to mission-driven and STEM organizations navigating the complexities of culture change.

<p>Dr. Leroy Chiao speaks from his breadth of experience to deliver applicable insights for business audiences on leadership, combatting complacency, and achieving peak performance. </p><p>A pioneer in the commercial space sector, Dr. Leroy Chiao’s accomplished track record in space, in the lab, and in the business world offers audiences an unparalleled perspective into space exploration and how lessons learned apply to businesses worldwide.

<p>Todrick Hall blends activism and art during a compelling live experience that inspires audiences to believe they can accomplish anything when they take control of their destinies.</p>

<p>Raised on a Texas farm, Todrick tapped into his lifelong passion for the performing arts at an early age, landing a role in Broadway’s “The Color Purple.” He subsequently appeared on Season 9 of “American Idol” before being voted off as a semifinalist.</p>