Theme: Knowing Ourselves, Knowing Each Other: Creating Our Future

Third of a 3-part.

Decatur Public Library
130 N. Franklin St.
Madden Auditorium
Decatur, Illinois, 62523
United States

Lisa Powell

Author, Speaker, Journalist, Singer

Lisa Finn-Powell has worked in radio, television, newspaper and magazine as a creative director, humour columnist, feature writer, copywriter, producer, editor, voice-over talent and on-air personality. Her musical background is as a singer and band leader for jazz, rock and function bands as well as big swing bands and orchestras. She is a vocal coach and trained in London as a conductor and choir director, and has founded and led many choirs in London and Sydney. In Sydney, Australia, she founded Inspire Harmony and created the Notes to Self and Writing in the Dark personal development and leadership training workshops. She is a dynamic speaker on life writing, migration, grief, resilience, authenticity and vulnerability. Her books include ‘The Thin Time’ - a travel memoir of grief, loss and hope as an expat widow and mother of four, ’Accidental Expat’ - the upcoming series chronicling the highs and lows of migrating and ’Under the Same Moon’ - interviews with expatriots.

Monica Genta

Teacher, Consultant, Presenter

For ten years, Monica has taught science and advisory and served as a technology specialist at Mattoon Middle School (in Illinois). She is also a dynamic consultant and presenter with expertise in student motivation, instructional strategies, science education with NGSS, strength-based teaching, growth mindset, advisory curriculum, anti-bullying programs, goal setting, and the power of positivity. She has a diverse understanding of educational topics and issues and knows how to share it in a captivating way. A National Board Certified Master Teacher and the Illinois Service Provider for the Next Generation Science Standards, Monica holds one Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction and another in Educational Leadership and Administration. She's the author of Game Changers-the popular guide that helps teachers discover how to revolutionize classrooms with innovative teaching strategies and 180 Days of Awesome- the journey to celebrating every single day of education.