Dr. Michael Allen, an educational sociologist, is deeply committed to unraveling the intricate threads that connect humanity. Dr. Allen began his formal principal career in Chicago at the age of 24. His work has been recognized with the prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Service, Principal of the Year, and recognition as one of Crain Chicago’s Notable Black Leaders and Executives. Dr. Allen has taught thousands of current school and district leaders how to integrate comprehensive mindfulness practices into student-centered learning environments. Recognizing the absence of authentic and relatable reading materials for young Black boys, Dr. Allen co-authored the best-selling children’s book, “Brotherly Love”. His commitment to dismantling policies that hinder students of color led him to contribute to the Inclusive Education Act in Illinois. This groundbreaking legislation mandates the teaching of pre-enslavement Black history to all students.

Jeff is a Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and international bestselling author of “The Playmaker Mindset: A Radically Fun Way To Build a Culture of Teamwork and Instant Innovation”. He’s an award-winning television & live event host, National Speakers Association Storytelling Champion, and a popular keynote speaker. Performing at The Second City Theater, Jeff learned improvisation while onstage with some of the top comedic actors and talents in the world. Jeff has won over thirty Telly, W3, Communicator, Hermes, and VEMA awards for writing, directing, and acting. Jeff has achieved certification in Design Thinking from Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. He uses his experiences to help organizations think differently, communicate clearly, and work better in teams through his two companies - Yes And University and Players Workshop, the oldest school of improvisation in the United States.

Heeyoung Kim, known as ‘wildflower painter’, has documented native plants of the Midwestern prairies and woods since 2007. New to the United States back then, she was curious about indigenous plants. Her passion led her to document and advocate for native flora and fauna. Kim’s masterfully depicted watercolors were quickly recognized internationally with the most prestigious awards in the botanical art genre. Awards include: Gold Medal (Royal Horticultural Society, London), Best of Show (American Society of Botanical Artists and New York Horticultural Society International), Diane Bouchier Artist Award for Excellence in Botanical Art (ASBA), and the invitation to The Prince of Whales (King Charles III) wildflower documentation project, Transylvania Florilegium. She is the founder of Heeyoung Kim Botanical Art Academy.

Dan Roberts has been leading non-profit organizations around the world for over two decades. Dan doesn’t just lead any standard non-profits; he designs, builds, and grows a unique style of company that strives to center artistic, athletic and personal development, called Social Circus. After graduating from Chicago College of Performing Arts with a degree in acting, Dan left the theater world for the circus! He’s worked for dozens of social circus and youth circus programs around the world, including founding a Social Circus program in Jakarta, Indonesia called Red Nose Foundation. Dan currently leads CircEsteem, the country’s largest Social Circus organization as its Executive Director, where he’s served in this capacity since 2016. In addition to running a circus, Dan is also an Adjunct Faculty member at Roosevelt University’s Theater Conservatory.

Lena Elkhatib, LMFT CST is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and self-designated intimacy aficionado. She is the founder of AVID Intimacy, a boutique private practice in Chicago, where she and her team of specialized clinicians devote their practice to working with clients on rediscovering and reimagining emotional and physical intimacy within themselves and in their relationships. Lena has been featured in several publications, including Healthline, Mashable and Insider Magazine, and has been a guest speaker on several podcasts. As an educator, she has served as Subject Matter Expert and Adjunct Professor as part of Adler University’s Certificate in Sex Therapy program aiding future sex therapists in honing their skills.

Dr. Don Parker is an educational leader and expert education speaker and professional development provider. He specializes in social and emotional learning and supporting teachers to build trusting relationships with students. Dr. Parker is a former school principal and improved the school culture, staff collaboration, parent engagement, and student achievement at the schools where he served. He also implemented a resilience program for students with trauma and managed the implementation of restorative justice. Dr. Parker has presented throughout the United States at hundreds of schools and has presented at the most esteemed educational conferences. He also received the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award from Governors State University. Dr. Parker is the author of “Building Bridges: Engaging Students At-Risk Through the Power of Relationships” and “Be the Driving Force: Leading Your School on the Road to Equity”.

Dee is the founder and CEO of a full-service marketing consultancy and creative agency. Over the years, she has worked with diverse organizations, from global giants to nimble startups, leveraging her strategic, hands-on leadership approach to build high-performing teams and award-winning work. Her expertise spans brand innovation, integrated marketing, and digital transformation. As a sought-after speaker, Dee inspires audiences with her insights on balancing high achievement with authentic living.

Sam is a senior at John Hersey High School, and a National Honor Society student. Sam is the president of Hersey’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) club, and also the founder of the first high school web3 club in Illinois. He has developed AI applications and games that have been featured at conferences and events in the Dominican Republic and Chicago. Sam has interned at Nakamoto, a trailblazer in Chicago’s artificial intelligence industry. He enjoys playing tennis and has been on the varsity Hersey tennis team all four years of high school.