Whale researcher, Science Communication
From her humble beginnings in the French Alps, Dr. Anaïs Remili nurtured a deep fascination for the ocean, steering her life on a path of remarkable discoveries and environmental advocacy. Now a dedicated whale researcher and science communicator at McGill University, Anaïs has come face to face with the majestic killer whales (also known as orcas), immersing herself in studies that decipher the relationships between their diets, and the alarming levels of chemical contaminants that threaten their health. Join Anaïs as she unravels the intricate world of these apex predators, sharing her profound experiences from extensive research across various countries, emphasizing the pressing need to address chemical pollution in our oceans to safeguard these magnificent creatures and, by extension, our planet.
Filmmaker and illusionist
Derek is an award-winning filmmaker and created a number of short films that were screened at Film Festivals throughout North America. His original work on the music video honoring veterans, “Never Been to War”, won him multiple awards including “Best Music Video”. He is a passionate entrepreneur and is involved in several community causes.
Derek is also an award-winning illusionist, winning such honors as the 1st Prize at the Canadian Magic Championships and “The People’s Choice Award” at the world championships. He has performed around the world, from Las Vegas to Malaysia and on television, including his most recent performance on the CW Network’s hit show “Penn and Teller: Fool Us”.
In all aspects of Derek’s professional life he has sought to create excellence and to encourage and inspire those around him not only dream … but dream big. He realizes that no one wins on their own. And indeed … it all starts with a dream.
Hazel Clark
Athlete
Hazel holds seven national titles, three Olympic team berths, and numerous appearances in the World and Olympic finals, solidifying her as one of the best middle-distance runners in history. Hazel is the daughter of Joe Clark, the subject of the movie "Lean on Me." Dr. Joe Clark was featured on the TIME magazine cover and is still considered one of the most influential educators in history. Hazel's sister is four-time Olympian Joetta Clark-Diggs, and her sister-in-law is five-time Olympian Jearl Miles-Clark. All three were coached by her brother, world-renowned coach JJ Clark. The Clark sisters made history when they swept the 800 meters at the 2000 Olympic trials led by Hazel. A member of the Clark family has been on the last seven Olympic teams.
Performance coach
Laura Baxter, opera singer, international keynote speaker, performance coach, and author, has been studying the effect of voice and body language on nonverbal communication and leadership for over 25 years. She combines her experience and knowledge to help her clients communicate better and be more confident, authentic, and persuasive. In her work, presence is the key to success – whether onstage, giving presentations, or dealing with others.
Laura Baxter was on the voice faculty at Duke University and has been on the faculty of the Friedrich-Alexander University in Erlangen, Germany, since 1999. She is the author of several books, including Dealing with Divas and Other Difficult Personalities: A Mindful Approach to Improving Relationships in Your Business or Organization! As a keynote speaker and singer, she has performed on stage, on radio and television, and she was the singing voice for Faye Dunaway in the feature film The Handmaid’s Tale.
Wellness Instructor
Max Strom is a global speaker, trainer, and author known for inspiring and impacting the lives of people from all walks of life for over 30 years. He is an innovator in the field of breathing patterns and personal transformation to alleviate anxiety and PTSD. He presents keynotes and trainings worldwide and is the author of two books, "A Life Worth Breathing," and "There is No App for Happiness.”
Economist and Author
Richard Vague served as Secretary of Banking and Securities for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as Chair of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, and as board trustee for Pennsylvania’s two largest pension funds, the Public School Employees' Retirement System and the Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement System. He is the author of The Paradox of Debt, which presents a new view of macroeconomics and will be released in July 2023. He authored The Case for a Debt Jubilee, a policy exploration of debt relief, An Illustrated Business History of the United States, the story of our nation’s business progress, A Brief History of Doom, a chronicle of major world financial crises, and The Next Economic Disaster, a new approach for predicting and preventing financial crises.
Richard is chair of the University of Pennsylvania Press, and chair of the Innovation Advisory Board of the Abramson Cancer Center and serves on the Governing Board of the Institute for New Economic Thinking.
Physician
Dr. Samuel Mann is a physician, researcher, and author. He specializes in the management of hypertension at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, where he is a Professor of Clinical Medicine. In his research and clinical practice he has focused on the optimization of pharmacologic treatment of hypertension, while also pioneering a new understanding of the mind/body connection that brings attention to the unrecognized role of repressed emotions.
Dr. Mann has published numerous papers in leading medicine, hypertension and psychology journals, and numerous book chapters. His most recent book, Hidden Within Us; a Radical New Understanding of the Mind-Body Connection, focuses on the role of repressed emotions as an unrecognized cause or contributor to many common medical conditions.
Business executive
Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi is a former Global Engineering & Manufacturing Executive at a Fortune 200 company. She co-chaired the Technology & Manufacturing Women’s ERG which supported over 500 employees across 3 continents and 8 countries. She is getting ready to launch “Sahita” a women-focused business enabling women to come together to build the Life of their dreams. Sirisha hosts the Podcast “Women, Career & Life” and the Radio Show “Life Beats with Sirisha”. Her podcast is listed in the top 30% of Spotify podcasts. Her mission is to provide practical ideas and resources for women to further their career & life goals as they strive toward financial independence.
Clinical Social Worker
Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S is an accomplished author, international speaker, licensed clinical social worker, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She is the owner of Main Line Play Therapy and has more than 25 years of experience working with children and families. She is a certified Advanced Trainer for the Nurtured Heart Approach® and a certified FirstPlay® practitioner. Additionally, she is as a founding board member of The World Association for Sand Therapy Professionals (WASTP). Tammi is well-known for offering virtual and in-person sandtray and play therapy workshops to clinicians and school counselors. She played a pivotal role in co-teaching the first sandtray therapy class in China, introducing this therapeutic modality to the country. Tammi is an internationally sought-after presenter, and her innovative approach, particularly her Greatness Sticks, has garnered significant international recognition.