Theme: Anything But Normal

Our theme is Anything But Normal! There is the normal way most people think about and interact with life. Then there is the way instigators, disruptors, troublemakers, and change agents do it. Those are the stories we highlight.

Our Goal: We want to start conversations about new approaches to life’s opportunities and challenges. More importantly, we want to ignite small changes that have huge ripple effects.

Our Challenge. Don’t be normal. Don’t act normal. Don’t think normally. We challenge you to do something different today. Break your routine. Give when you would normally take. Pause when you would normally rush.

Normal Theater
209 W North St
Normal, Illinois, 61761
United States

Alex Solis

Illustrator and BBoy

Alex is an illustrator, designer, full-time father and Bboy. Born in Mexico, raised and living in Wisconsin. Bridging cultural gaps with the universal language of art with viral art series like "Famous Chunkies", "Icons Unmasked", "Adorable Circle of Life".

Amanda Slavin

Founder, CatalystCreativ

Amanda wants to be a mom. She currently builds experiences with her millennial and Generation Z expertise. How does a super successful woman plan for motherhood while still in the workplace?

Ann Marie M

Investor and Tsui Reiki Master Teacher

Ann Marie relishes accomplishing what people tell her she can't. The first female trader at her firm? Done. A major investor and player in the Chicago startup scene? Done. A talk show host? Done. A Usui Reiki Master Teacher? Done. Ann Marie gives hugs and wears capes.

Dana Vogelmeier

Learning and Development Leader

Dana builds learning programs and creates engaging work environments. She helps individuals discover what motivates them and how to create that dream job!

Debra Giunta

Dance Educator and Entrepreneur

Debra uses her background in the arts to affect change through non-traditional educational experiences that foster courage, connection, and self-awareness. She brings dance education to children in all communities regardless of age, experience level, background and income through partnership with schools and community centers.

Elizabeth Plank

Correspondent and Media Provocateur

Liz uses her powerful voice to provide the millennial perspective on women’s issues, reproductive rights, and politics. Through her activism and creative approach to journalism, Liz has made it her mission to elevate the voices of those who are often not heard.

Elizabeth Timperley

Elizabeth is an 11 year old storm of confidence, creativity, gymnastics and ideas. She dreams of developing a truly cruelty free makeup line, and developing her inquisitive nature into a powerful force for others.

Felicia Shaw

Life Coach

Felicia believes if we help one another, we can all grow and move toward our greatness. As a balance expert, best-selling author and radio host, and CEO of Simply In Your Purpose, Felicia helps high-achievers simplify their lives and reach their goals by gaining a sense of their priorities. Felicia asks the hard questions, trusts in their ability to go there, and takes a stand for what they want in life.

Heather Bischoff

Empowerment Through Authenticity

Heather is a fresh voice for women; inspiring shifts toward authenticity. Heather teaches people how to gain power over limiting labels, while creating environments that improve effectiveness through understanding the nuances of personality.

Jen Friel

Chief Revenue Officer, DropIn, Inc.

Jen's website Talk Nerdy To Me, Lover was optioned by Warner Bros. and Jerry Bruckheimer, and is now a pilot at CBS. She was part of Comcast's first “social television” network Vidblogger Nation, and was featured on West Texas Investors Club. Social media is her game!

Kate Browne

Narrative and Memoir Expert

Kate is the founder of Ramp and Stair Exercise Club, a community of activists that put access at the center of their mission to advocate for radical body positivity, inclusion, and social justice in fitness. Kate is writing her dissertation on the historical and cultural function of weight loss success narratives as “inspiration porn.”

Meghan Conley

Consumer Research Specialist

Meghan, like most of us, filled her life with distractions. Family, friends, technology, drinking, sleeping . . . it was always something. We all stay busy, we all run from certain memories, or run towards certain moments. But what if we stopped, for even just a moment?

Michael Callahan

Inventor and Tech Entrepreneur

Michael has devoted his life to how technology can enhance communication. He made the world's first voiceless telephone call, and most recently helped build the largest teen-based social network in the U.S. Michael is changing the world positively by giving teens an online space where they can be themselves, share and connect with their school, and engage in positive online and offline activities.

Mike Shannon

Shark Tank Veteran and Hip-Hop Artist

From Chicago Bulls ball boy to Shark Tank superstar, Mike Shannon has an eclectic life story given his young age. He co-founded Packback, an education technology startup in Chicago, and also writes and performs hip-hop music.

Naomi Timperley

Entrepreneurial Networker

Naomi is a connector extraordinaire - able to motivate, inspire, and lead in an inclusive way. She breaks boundaries and builds possibility, always with a socially conscious mindset and an eye toward supporting others.

Robbie Osenga

Chief Potential Officer

Robbie is an “elder statesmen” of the Millennial Generation, and works passionately as an advocate to bridge the gap, as the Millennial Generation transitions into our workforce & culture. Robbie's passion, sense of humor & compelling message make a positive dent in people’s lives

Sarah Moshman

Documentary Filmmaker

Sarah tells stories that inspire women, using the power of cinema to create change. Her documentary films The Empowerment Project and Losing Sight of Shore have won awards and are triggering important conversations around the world about gender equality.

Tom Walter

Serial Entrepreneur

Tom builds companies, but more importantly builds a culture that is inclusive and focused on millennials. Seven of the companies in which he is a principal were cofounded by millennials. Tom is the Chief Culture Officer of Tasty Catering, the APA’s Psychologically Healthiest Workplace and a Forbes Magazine’s Best Small Workplace.