Steve Binder is an American producer and director. He found success behind the camera on television shows showcasing music, when he was only in his early 20s. He was also influential in creating music programs with racially and ethnically diverse casts, featuring a variety of musical styles. Steve is an Emmy and ACE award-winning producer, director, writer, educator, and Golden Globe nominee. In 1968, Steve conceived, directed, and produced ELVIS, The ‘68 Comeback Special. TV Guide called this landmark event “the second greatest musical moment in television history next to the Beatles' debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.” Steve also proudly served in the U.S. Army in Europe as an announcer for the Armed Forces Radio network. He is currently an active member of the Directors and Producers Guilds of America and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California.

Barbara Coloroso is an international bestselling author and for the past 38 years an internationally recognized speaker and consultant on parenting, teaching, school discipline, positive school climate, bullying, grieving, nonviolent conflict resolution and restorative justice. She has appeared on Oprah, CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN and NPR and has been featured in the New York Times, Time, U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, and other national and international publications. Her uniquely effective parenting and teaching strategies were developed through her years of training in sociology, special education, and philosophy, as well as field-tested through her experiences as a classroom teacher, laboratory school instructor, university instructor, seminar leader, volunteer in Rwanda, and mother of three grown children. She is the author of four international bestsellers: kids are worth it! Giving Your Child the Gift of Inner Discipline; Parenting Through Crisis--Helping Kids in Times of Loss, Grief and Change; The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander--From Pre-School to High School, How Parents and Teachers Can Help Break the Cycle of Violence; and Just Because It's Not Wrong Doesn't Make It Right--From Toddlers to Teens, Teaching Kids to Think and Act Ethically. Barbara's latest book is Extraordinary Evil: A Brief History of Genocide...and Why it Matters. She also has two critically acclaimed video programs Winning at Parenting...without beating your kids and Winning at Teaching...without beating your kids.

Rich Bradley has played a prominent role in the mystery shopping industry, contributing decades of leadership and expertise through his involvement with MSPA Americas (Mystery Shopping Professionals Association).

He served as President of MSPA North America in 2015, where he worked to strengthen industry standards, promote best practices, and provide guidance to both businesses and consumers. In addition, Bradley has acted as a media contact for MSPA Americas, representing the organization in public discussions on the value and credibility of mystery shopping. Most recently, in 2023, he was listed as an Ex Officio Governor on the MSPA Americas Board of Directors, continuing to lend his insights to the association’s strategic direction.

Bradley is widely recognized for his emphasis on scam prevention and consumer education. He has cautioned prospective shoppers to avoid fraudulent offers, noting that legitimate mystery shopping firms never send advance checks or solicit individuals who have not signed up with their agency. His expertise has also guided businesses in selecting the right mystery shopping partners by encouraging them to seek companies with proven experience in their industries and to request tailored proposals.

Through his leadership, Rich Bradley has advanced MSPA’s mission to support ethical practices, enhance the customer experience profession, and promote the integrity of the mystery shopping industry.

Megan Van Petten is a purpose-driven leader who has spent over 20 years helping to transform nonprofit associations, foundations and societies while serving as CEO of Van Petten Group, an association management company. VPG helps organizations in transition by providing educational resources, bolstering national city tourism, event services and guidance to become self-managed. Megan coaches high-level executives and creates custom development opportunities to give organizations the research, tools and technology to bring their mission and vision to life.

During her time serving as the Fantasy Sports Trade Association (FSTA) Association Director, Megan was instrumental in scaling the association into one of the top 10 fastest growing industries in the country. She was also named by HuffPost as the Top 5 Most Influential Women in Fantasy Sports. This experience with sports and technology spurred Megan to launch a new association, the Esports Trade Association (ESTA), in 2017. ESTA is a nonprofit for the business of esports and video gaming industry based in Chicago, with Chapters positioned throughout the world. She actively oversees and contributes to the growth and development of this organization, with dedication and passion and is proud to have had a hand in launching the #LeadGenerously Leadership Program for ESTA Chapter leaders. She recently honored to be nominated for the WISE (Woman in Sports & Events) Women of Inspiration Awards.

Megan is an expert panelist, event speaker, and a host to two ESTA dedicated podcasts, EsportsConnected and EsportsNext, designed to showcase member stories, create personal and business connections within the esports community and highlight the annual EsportsNext conference.

She serves the esports community by being on the various advisory boards, including Stockton University and Beyond Sports Initiative. She also is a member of the National Speakers Association. Megan holds a Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and is pursuing Post Graduate work in Pastoral Studies to learn more about ways towards global peace. During her off time, she studies the global healing arts and is a volunteer lector for Holy Name Cathedral Parish.

Favorite motto/quote: The mind is everything; what you think, you become.
When you’re not at VPG, you’re: Engaging with fitness, spiritual development, and volunteering or exploring Chicago with friends.
One person you’d like to meet (dead or alive): My brother, John who passed before his time.
What do you want to be when you grow up: I want to do what I can to thank everyone who has shared my road and been part of this fantastic journey we call life.
Greatest achievement: Building my company from the ground up with a truly special group of people I respect and love.

Leah Galkowski has served CSS for more than 25 years. She is a certified trainer for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, Safe Dates Curriculum, and I Can Problem Solve. She is also the state leader for OBPP and a Technical Assistance Consultant. She is certified in the school climate improvement process through the National Center on School Climate. Leah holds a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice, with a minor in Spanish, from Penn State University.

Nicolo Banfi is an Italian explorer and photographer dedicated to capturing the beauty and resilience of the world’s most remote and secluded corners. Through his ongoing project, “Remoteness – Eyes to the Edge,” he documents the landscapes, cultures, and stories of places few have ever set foot, sharing a vision of the planet’s most isolated regions.

In 2022, Banfi embarked on a remarkable 52-day sailing expedition across the South Atlantic, beginning in Argentina and concluding in South Africa. The journey spanned 5,600 nautical miles and included awe-inspiring destinations such as Antarctica, South Georgia, and Tristan da Cunha.

His exploration continued in 2023 with over 30 days spent in the northern archipelago of the Cook Islands, highlighted by in-depth visits to the remote islands of Manihiki and Rakahanga.

Most recently, in 2024, Banfi set sail aboard an early 1900s ship to traverse the South Pacific. Over the course of 90 days and 6,500 nautical miles, he explored the Pitcairn Islands, the Marquesas, the Society Archipelago, and Tonga.

With each journey, Nicolo Banfi reaffirms his commitment to exploration, using his lens to reveal the raw beauty and cultural richness of the world’s farthest frontiers.

Edgar the Storm Chaser is a fearless storm chaser, weather journalist, and media personality with Team Dominator, one of the most well-known storm-chasing teams in the world. With a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business, Edgar has expertly combined his passion for extreme weather with his media expertise, bringing captivating storm coverage to audiences worldwide. From intercepting violent tornadoes to navigating extreme weather conditions, Edgar’s on-the-ground reports provide critical real-time updates, helping to educate and inform the public about severe weather threats. His adrenaline-fueled adventures have made him a standout figure in storm-chasing media, where he blends science, storytelling, and high-impact visuals to deliver compelling coverage. Whether braving the heart of a supercell or documenting the raw power of nature, Edgar’s dedication to storm chasing and weather journalism continues to inspire and inform audiences, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in the field.

Dr. P.J. Blount (Ph.D., M.S., Global Affairs, Rutgers University; LL.M., King's College London; J.D., University of Mississippi; B.A./A.B.J., University of Georgia) is Assistant Professor of Space Law at Durham University. He is also a visiting scholar at Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Previously, he served as a Lecturer in Law at Cardiff University, an adjunct professor for the LL.M. in the Air and Space Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Luxembourg, an adjunct professor at Montclair State University, and a Visiting Scholar at the Beijing Institute of Technology School of Law.  He also completed an industrial fellowship sponsored by the Luxembourg National Research Fund wherein he split his time between SES and the University of Luxembourg researching cybersecurity issues relevant to the space industry.

Blount’s primary research areas are international space law with a focus on space security and cyberspace law and governance. He has published and presented widely on the topic of space law and has given expert testimony on Space Traffic Management before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Space. His book, Reprogramming the World: Cyberspace and the Geography of Global Order, was published open access with e-International Relations Press in 2019.

He is an editor of the Proceedings of the International Institute of Space Law and was formerly the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Space Law. He currently serves as the Executive Secretary of the International Institute of Space Law and is a licensed attorney with the State Bar of Georgia (USA).

Join us for a powerful online learning event with Fentanyl Fathers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing fentanyl-related tragedies through education and awareness. Members of Fentanyl Fathers will share their personal stories of loss and resilience, shedding light on the devastating impact of fentanyl in communities across the country. They will also highlight the mission of their organization and the critical importance of prevention, awareness, and action in protecting young lives.

This event offers students, educators, and families an opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage in a conversation that could save lives.

Shelley Roden is an award-winning Foley Artist working at Skywalker Sound in Northern CA.  She has created and performed foley sound effects for over two hundred fifty live-action films, animated films, and series.  Recent projects include Universal Pictures’ Jurassic World:  Rebirth and How to Train Your Dragon, Warner Bros. Pictures' F1: The Movie, Pixar's Inside Out 2, David Fincher's The Killer and the Tony Gilroy series Andor.  

With a background in athletics, music, and theatre, Roden's creative process is rooted in exploratory improvisation, experimentation and discovery.  She conceives foley sound effects as carefully orchestrated, nuanced, and perfectly executed musical notes that are more felt than heard, concealed within the fabric of a feature film soundtrack.  

Roden is a dedicated mentor to aspiring sound artists, filmmakers, and children with special needs.  Artist visits include The Savannah College of Art and Design, Drexel University, Ithaca College, Sonic College in Denmark, annual visits with Virginia Commonwealth University's department of Kinetic Imaging where she is an affiliate faculty member, and Hillsides and Vista del Mar residential facilities in Los Angeles.  

Roden is in the process of writing a book that will feature personal interviews with veteran foley artists and sound designers.  She recently wrote the first chapter during a two-week artist residency at the Ingmar Bergman estate on Fårö. 

Fight Capital Gym owner Skipper Kelp began his journey in combat sports as a child with black belts in Taekwondo and Japanese Karate. Kelp began boxing at the age of 12 and won several nation championships including the 1987 Olympic Sports Festival, 1987 and 1988 National Golden Gloves and had the privilege of representing the U.S. in several international competitions. Kelp turned pro in 1991 and had an entertaining career with "Tuesday Night Fights" Fight of the Year honors and retired 24-4-1 with 16 Ko's. After boxing Kelp formed the UNLV boxing team and produced over 20 National Collegiate Champions. In 2006 Kelp led the UNLV boxing team to a National Collegiate Title becoming the first non military academy in over 20 years to accomplish that feat. Kelp now devotes his time and energy to the amazing members of the Fight Capital Gym and the Fight Capital Youth Foundation.

Amber Ciminise is a finance professional and Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Boyd School of Law (Class of 2026), with more than fifteen years of progressive experience in hospitality finance, accounting, and operations. Her career spans senior roles at world-class resorts and hotels, including Waldorf Astoria, Virgin Hotels, MGM Resorts International, and Hilton Hotels, where she developed extensive expertise in budgeting, financial planning, forensic accounting, and collective bargaining agreement management.

Before pursuing a legal career, Amber served as Assistant Director of Finance at Virgin Hotels and Senior Financial Accountant at MGM Resorts’ Aria Resort and Casino, where she directed audits, ensured compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements, and advised executives on financial performance and operational strategy. She began her career in hospitality leadership and held roles such as General Manager of Restaurants at Mandalay Bay, overseeing multiple outlets and a team of more than seventy employees.

Transitioning into law, Amber brings her financial acumen to legal practice. As a legal intern with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, she gained hands-on experience in litigation support, including legal research, drafting motions and briefs, organizing discovery, and assisting with trial preparation. This unique combination of financial and legal expertise positions her to address complex issues at the intersection of law, business, and financial accountability.

In addition to her professional and academic accomplishments, Amber is an active leader within the Boyd School of Law community. She served as Vice President of Part-Time Students for the Student Bar Association and previously held the role of 2L Part-Time Representative. She is also a member of the Criminal Law Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success, Golden Key International Honour Society, and Phi Theta Kappa.

Amber holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she graduated cum laude. She is certified in IC3 Digital Literacy and as a Certified Beer Server through the Cicerone Program.

With a strong foundation in both finance and law, Amber is building a career dedicated to supporting organizations in navigating financial, regulatory, and legal challenges with integrity and precision.

Jedidiah Collins, a former NFL player turned Certified Financial Planner, faced financial challenges in his sports career, leading him to pursue financial education. He founded Money Vehicle, an education technology company, with a mission to provide engaging financial literacy curriculum, empowering individuals, including professional athletes and young professionals.

Glenn Jacobs is currently serving his second term as Mayor of Knox County, TN. Prior to becoming Mayor in 2018, Jacobs enjoyed a successful career in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)—most notably under the stage name “Kane”—culminating in his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020. A staunch fiscal conservative and fierce advocate for limited government, during his first term, Jacobs delivered on his campaign promise of no tax hikes as well as pushed back against government overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his second term, he is prioritizing workforce and economic development to make East Tennessee even more competitive in a rapidly evolving innovation-based global economy. Glenn and his wife, Crystal, have two daughters and two grandchildren.