Pilot Gabriel Wall is was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, he has always had a passion for aviation. Despite not finishing high school, he dedicated himself to hard work and determination to achieve his dreams. In his 20s, he worked in information technology sales, allowing him to save up enough to start flying lessons—a lifelong aspiration he’d held since childhood. He first flew solo at the age of 16 in 2002, even before he could drive. However, due to financial limitations, his progress was temporarily paused. It wasn’t until 2013 that he completed his commercial license, and by 2016, he secured his first job as a flight instructor.

In 2019, he moved to the United States, where he began his career with a regional airline, progressing to the role of captain in 2021. In 2022, he joined Frontier Airlines as a first officer and recently upgraded to captain in September this year. His journey is a testament to resilience and the belief that the path to one’s goals is as significant as the destination itself. His experiences echo those of many in the field, as he finds inspiration in the diverse backgrounds of his fellow aviators, some of whom have transitioned from careers as police officers, paramedics, and business owners. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of a lifelong dream.

Tracey Cutler is the founder and owner of The Stage. Tracey has been a professional dancer on Broadway, a choreographer, and an innovator in the fitness industry for over 20 years. Classically trained at the School of American Ballet in New York City and taught by renowned choreographers Mia Michaels and Joe Lanteri, she has enjoyed a successful career in the dance and theater industry.

As a gifted performer, Tracey earned leading roles in The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Camelot, and A Chorus Line, in addition to performing as a Knicks City Dancer, being featured in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and much more. Tracey has also spent many years as a dance and fitness instructor, leading professional level classes at the prestigious Reebok Sports Club New York and Club Sport in Las Vegas, and is the former owner of Project Dance in California, a performing arts program that brought music, dance, and theater to the public school system. Tracey‘s choreography has been featured in several musicals, including The Drowsy Chaperone, Love 2 Dance, Thunder From Down Under and The Beatles Love.

Currently, Tracey competes in world renowned Ballroom competitions sponsored by the NDCA, and has won multiple awards for her excellence in American Rhythm and International Latin. Tracey has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Education degree. She is certified by the American Council on Exercise ACE, ZUMBA, SH’BAM, TKB, LaBlast and CPR.

Josh has almost 20 years’ experience working in Australia, London and currently based in the US. He has worked across a broad range of industries including finance, manufacturing, gaming and more. He has recently started his new role as the Senior Director of Product Management for a Gaming company in Las Vegas.

Having started in Customer Service answering customer support calls, Josh has worked his way up through project management, IT, Operations and Product Management to get to his current role. There have been a lot of learnings on the way for him around leadership, people management, time management, strategy, prioritization, problem solving and much more. 

Josh is based on Las Vegas and loves to bake, and enjoys cars, flying and gaming. 

Ulysses "Uly Monster" Diaz is a professional boxer, MMA fighter, and bare-knuckle warrior who defied the odds to become a record-breaking athlete. Known for holding the world record for the fastest knockout in combat sports history—an astonishing three seconds—Uly’s journey is not just about power in the ring but about resilience in life.

His path to success was anything but conventional. In his younger years, Uly found himself caught in a cycle of trouble, often fighting on the streets and landing in and out of prison. The very thing that once led him down a destructive path—his ability to fight—ultimately became the key to his redemption. At an age when most fighters are retiring, Uly laced up his gloves for the first time professionally at 35, proving that it’s never too late to change your life’s trajectory.

Fighting didn’t just give Uly a career—it saved his life. It became a vehicle for discipline, self-respect, and purpose. Instead of being defined by his past, he used it as fuel to build a future. Today, he stands as a testament to the power of second chances, proving that no matter where you come from, you have the power to write your own comeback story.

Tawni Nguyen didn’t follow the traditional path to success—she built it from the ground up, one reinvention at a time. As a first-generation entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist, she grew up working in restaurant kitchens, watching her immigrant family rebuild from nothing. That same resourcefulness led her from a biochem college dropout to a human communications college educator, proving that real-world experience, soft skills, and adaptability will take you further than any classroom ever could. She learned business in the trenches—behind the bar, running events, and leading private acquisitions. Now, as Managing Partner of Evergreen Home Services, she helps business owners scale, optimize, and exit—without losing their legacy (or their soul in the process). She’s also the creator of The Tawni Nguyen Show, where she challenges conventional thinking about success, and co-founder of Pursue Vegas, a platform amplifying community leaders, risk-takers, and visionaries shaping the future of business. In a world obsessed with automation and quick wins, Tawni believes business will always be human at its core—built on trust, connection, and the ability to lead with both strategy and heart. She believes the best way to build leaders is by helping them recognize the power they’ve had all along. Tawni’s proudest achievement is her sobriety and unplugging from social media—choosing to play full out, fully present, and fully aligned. To her, success means nothing if you don’t pass it on—reach one, teach one, and create a ripple that outlives you.

Rukmini Callimachi is a journalist known for her in-depth reporting on terrorism and international conflicts. Born in Bucharest, Romania, she and her family fled the country when she was five years old, seeking refuge in Switzerland before immigrating to the United States. She grew up in Ojai, California, and pursued higher education at Dartmouth College and the University of Oxford.

Callimachi began her journalism career covering local news in Illinois before joining the Associated Press, where she reported on various issues across West Africa. In 2014, she joined The New York Times as a foreign correspondent, focusing on terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda. Her work often involved analyzing documents left behind by these groups, providing insights into their operations. ​

Throughout her career, Callimachi has been recognized as a Pulitzer Prize finalist multiple times and has received awards such as the George Polk Award and the Michael Kelly Award. Her dedication to uncovering the complexities of global terrorism has made her a significant figure in international journalism.

Merideth Scott Lynn is an accomplished American actress, producer, and director with a dynamic career in film, television, and education. She is best known for her role as the sharp-witted Anne Milbauer on NBC’s long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives (2012–2017), where her memorable performances made her a fan favorite.

Lynn’s on-screen journey began with appearances in the final two episodes of the beloved sitcom The Facts of Life, and since then, she has amassed over 60 film and television credits. Her career spans decades of work in both comedic and dramatic roles, showcasing her range and dedication to the craft of storytelling.

In addition to her work in entertainment, Merideth Scott Lynn is the founder and CEO of WRiTE BRAiN BOOKS, a nationally recognized educational publishing company that empowers children and young adults to become authors of their own original stories. Through her company’s unique programs, Lynn has fused creativity, literacy, and confidence-building into classrooms and communities across the country.

A passionate advocate for youth voice and self-expression, Lynn continues to inspire both on screen and off, using her platform to impact lives through storytelling and education.

Dr. Ricardo Villalobos currently serves as the Chief Programs Officer for Workforce Connections, Southern Nevada’s Local Workforce Development Board, which oversees WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Workers, and Youth Programs. Dr. Villalobos received a Bachelor of Science degree from BIOLA University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of San Diego.

In 2017, he graduated with a Ph.D. in Workforce Development from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, and a proud father of two sons, Ricardo A. Villalobos and Daniel P. Villalobos.

Nick Gross is the founder of Gross Labs, his family office, incubation, and investment firm founded in 2019. He is also the active CEO and founder of Find Your Grind, a student-led learning and self discovery software in K12.

The Gross Labs ecosystem includes the K12 learning technology company Find Your Grind; an investment portfolio of over 50 companies, including X Games, 100 Thieves, Breakaway Music Festival, Beatbox Beverages, and more; a music division with John "Feldy" Feldmann with artists including Mod Sun, The Used, and The Veronicas; and minority stakes in DC Pickleball Club and Liga MX Club Necaxa. Gross also built Los Angeles recording studio and content facility The Noise Nest.

Gross has had an extensive music career as the drummer for Sony Epic and MTV recording artist Open Air Stereo, and more recently, girlfriends, a pop-punk duo with Apple Music & MTV host Travis Mills. Girlfriends has recently toured in 2023 with Avril Lavingne and Machine Gun Kelly. He has parlayed this experience in the music industry into a career as an entrepreneur within both the music and entertainment industries.

In 2018, Gross launched Find Your Grind- a software in schools that helps students discover who they are and where they want to go. Find Your Grind started hosting nation-wide speaking tours in high schools and major college campuses w/ partners Amazon Prime Student, TikTok, Twitch and more.

In addition to his business ventures, Gross is the Executive Director of the Find Your Grind Foundation- a non profit focused on enriching the lives of the next generation through sports, education and music. In addition to the Find Your Grind Foundation, Gross sits on the board of The Gross Family Foundation.

Nick is on the advisory board of Breakaway Music Festival.

Coby is a dedicated mortgage professional with a passion for helping families achieve the American dream of homeownership. Born in New Orleans, raised in Nashville, and now residing in Las Vegas, he has always been committed to giving back to the communities he has called home. Through local government, service organizations, and community outreach, he has worked to create opportunities for others to reach their goals.

As the owner of Living Large Las Vegas and a board member for Pinecrest Academy of Nevada Charter Schools, Coby brings a deep passion for education and financial empowerment. He offers a wide range of loan products, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, to help individuals and families secure their dream homes. From the initial consultation to the final closing, he is dedicated to providing expert guidance, answering questions, and ensuring a smooth financing process.

Coby is proud to serve the Henderson, NV team at America’s #1 Retail Mortgage Lender and looks forward to assisting clients on their journey to homeownership.

CSMC President, Sandro Lanni, was searching for a better school for his children, unsatisfied with his options he decided to start a charter school.

He quickly realized that charter schools needed financial and business support that he did not have. He used his professional experience to launch an organization that provides expert back-office support services at affordable rates with input from education leaders he met along the way.

Kurtis Blow, born Kurtis Walker on August 9, 1959, is a legendary rapper, producer, and entrepreneur widely regarded as one of the founding figures of hip-hop music. As the first rapper to sign with a major record label, he played a crucial role in bringing hip-hop from the streets of New York to mainstream audiences. His influence spans decades, shaping the genre’s evolution and inspiring generations of artists.

Blow made history in 1979 when he became the first rapper to be signed by a major label, Mercury Records. That same year, he released the groundbreaking single “Christmas Rappin’”, which sold over 400,000 copies, proving that hip-hop was not just a passing fad but a cultural movement. However, it was his 1980 hit “The Breaks” that cemented his legacy. The song became the first certified gold record in hip-hop history, selling over half a million copies and establishing the commercial viability of rap music.

Throughout the 1980s, Kurtis Blow continued to release a series of influential albums, including Kurtis Blow (1980), Deuce (1981), and The Best Rapper on the Scene (1983). His music was known for its socially conscious lyrics, party anthems, and pioneering production techniques. In addition to his own career, Blow was instrumental in mentoring and producing for future legends such as Run-D.M.C. and The Fat Boys, further shaping the sound and direction of hip-hop.

Beyond music, Kurtis Blow has been an advocate for social change and youth empowerment. As an ordained minister, he has used his platform to spread messages of positivity, faith, and community engagement. He has also been involved in numerous initiatives promoting the preservation and recognition of hip-hop culture, including his role as the Chairman of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, which celebrates the genre’s rich history.

Accolades and Achievements:

• First rapper to sign with a major record label (Mercury Records, 1979).
• First rapper to earn a gold-certified single with “The Breaks” (1980).
• Released 15 albums, many of which contributed to the foundation of hip-hop.
• Produced for and mentored future hip-hop icons, including Run-D.M.C. and The Fat Boys.
• Pioneer of early hip-hop music videos, appearing on platforms such as MTV when rap was still emerging.
• Inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the genre’s growth and evolution.
• Founding Chairman of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, dedicated to preserving hip-hop’s history.
• Recognized by various hip-hop organizations and institutions for his lifelong contributions to the genre.
• Ordained minister and advocate for social justice and community programs.

Kurtis Blow’s legacy is one of innovation, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements. As one of hip-hop’s true trailblazers, his impact on music and culture is undeniable, paving the way for future artists and ensuring that the art form he helped pioneer continues to thrive.

Nada Lena Nasserdeen is an internationally acclaimed thought leader, visionary, and advocate for personal and professional empowerment. As the Founder and CEO of Rise Up For You, she is a two-time #1 best-selling author and a two-time TEDx motivational speaker. 

Over the past five years, Nada and her team have inspired and transformed the lives of over 100,000 individuals worldwide, equipping leaders and teams with the tools to excel and thrive in dynamic environments.

Through her company, Rise Up For You, Nada has partnered with an impressive array of clients, including Fortune 5 corporations, industry-leading tech and pharmaceutical organizations, small businesses, and educational institutions. Leveraging their proprietary soft skills framework, the Rise Power Up Method, they’ve extended their influence to more than 50 countries, redefining success through innovative programming and transformative development.

​Nada’s expertise and dynamic voice have been showcased on hundreds of podcasts and radio shows, as well as prestigious stages such as TEDx, Google, The California HR Conference, and The World in Leadership Diversity Conference. She has shared the spotlight with iconic figures like Tony Robbins, Les Brown, Adam Grant, Sharon Lechter, and David Meltzer, solidifying her reputation as a leading authority in leadership and self-development.

​Her work has garnered media attention across prominent platforms, including Apple TV, Bloomberg, Canada’s Global TV, Radio Canada, and Amazon Prime TV. Nada can also be seen as one of the few female co-hosts of The Office Hours, a groundbreaking talk show that features interviews with celebrities, athletes, and world-renowned entrepreneurs.

​In 2023, her extraordinary contributions to leadership and personal development were celebrated with a Times Square billboard in New York, a testament to her unparalleled impact.

​Nada’s deepest passion lies in giving back. She is especially proud of her philanthropic efforts with underprivileged youth, including teaching essential soft skills to young men and women in juvenile detention centers—a commitment that earned her the prestigious OC Sheriff’s Award."

Eliot Sloan is an American musician best known as the charismatic lead singer of Blessid Union of Souls—a band that captured hearts in the 1990s with its blend of heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies. Sloan’s soulful voice and genuine songwriting helped define the band’s signature sound on hits like “I Believe” and “Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me for Me),” resonating with fans around the globe.

Before his breakthrough in the music scene, Sloan honed his craft through years of performing and writing songs that speak to real-life emotions and experiences. His work with Blessid Union of Souls not only established him as a dynamic frontman but also showcased his ability to connect with audiences on a deep, personal level.

Beyond his role in the band, Eliot Sloan has remained committed to exploring new creative avenues, engaging in various musical projects and collaborations over the years. His passion for music and dedication to authenticity continue to inspire listeners, proving that great art comes from the heart.

Ben Lesser was a prisoner in Auschwitz, Dachau, and Buchenwald Concentration Camps. He is also the last surviving occupant of the Dachau death train. Since surviving the Holocaust, he has led a successful professional life and raised a family. He is the founder of the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation and Zachor Learn, a free online Holocaust curriculum for schools around the world. Join us as Ben shares his story and answers any questions classes may have.

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.

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.