Theme: Absurdity

When we explore our world, a lot of what we find could be considered absurd. Let’s seek out the absurdity around us and see what we learn, together.

Old Town Temecula Community Theater
42051 Main St.
Temecula, California, 92590
United States

Eric Karlan

Founder of Ivy Experience

Eric has published articles on sports, wildlife, Lyme disease, and the Holocaust. He co-founded a global education company and has spent the past decade guiding students and families through the college preparation process.

Gillian Larson

Founder, Reality Rally

Gillian Larson was born and raised in South Africa and now lives in California. She is married and has 3 married daughters and seven grandchildren. She worked as an RN for 38 years and is very involved in her community and taps into her many life experiences creating ongoing new chapters in her life to make a difference in the lives of others. One of Gillian’s significant achievements was being selected for the TV Show Survivor at the age of 61 in 2008, which she has parlayed into many opportunities, such as creating Reality Rally a 3-day fundraising event for a cancer resource center raising thousands of dollars every year.

Isaac Rosenbaum

Author and social entrepreneur

Isaac has organized several large events encouraging social change and human connection. He has authored a book about doing things outside our comfort zones.

Jack Park

Computer Scientist

Jack has spent the last 30 years exploring applications of artificial intelligence to assisting humans in problem solving. Since 2010, he has been engaged in the evolution of the non-profit TopicQuests Foundation to facilitate serious online conversations about matters that matter, a process called Knowledge Gardening.

Jami Buchanan McNees

Author, Cancer Survivor, Health Insurance Agent

Jami Buchanan McNees is a Health Insurance Agent and BEAUTIFUL CANCER Author. She values the privilege to share conversation and hope with new Cancer Patients, Survivors and Thrivers. No one should face Cancer alone. She considers herself to be the most fortunate woman in the world.

Jarred Vermillion

Public Education Specialist

"Jarred Vermillion is a transformation champion, educator and keynote speaker. Leading by his heart and motivation for change in the child welfare system and qualified by experience (QBE) for successful navigation of multiple systems, he has fueled many avenues for community impact. Currently at UC Davis Resource Center for Family Focused Practice, he is President and Founder of Vermillion Life Circle Consulting (VLCC) and is currently building a Wraparound informed diversion program for Temecula Valley youth called VIBE (Victory in Behavior Education). His knowledge and recognition as a California Wraparound Champion shines as he is a leader in shifting and innovating practice across Human Services to tomorrow's innovation.

Kohl Crecelius

Ethical Fashion CEO & Co-founder

Kohl Crecelius has over a decade of experience as a social entrepreneur in the fashion industry. Through his work as CEO / Co-founder of KNOWN SUPPLY and Krochet Kids intl. he has worked to highlight the forgotten individuals behind the clothing we wear, as well as raise awareness to shoppers about the impacts of their purchases. Ultimately, he has a vision to humanize the fashion industry in order to make it fairer for all involved. His brands are distributed internationally through their website and retail partners. Their partner-driven approach to apparel is even helping other companies use their clothing to share this positive message of transparency and impact.

Reinier van der Lee

CEO and founder of Vinduino, vineyard owner

"Reinier is a named inventor in 17 issued patents. He founded Vinduino, a company specializing in precision irrigation for agriculture. It has won the Hackaday 2015 ""Best Product"" prize, the IoT Award 2016 ""Editors Choice”, and the City of Temecula “Innovator of the Year 2018” award."