Find the right speaker for your next event
Calida Jones began studying the piano at the age of 3 while attending Nursery School, and switched to violin at the age of 6 when she entered Thomas G. Pullen Performing Arts School in Landover, Maryland. In 2012, Calida was hired by the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra to design and implement the El Sistema inspired program “Bravo Waterbury!”. She continued her work in Waterbury until August of 2018. She is currently working with PROJECT MUSIC out of Stamford, Connecticut and she continues to consult with organizations all over the country. An accomplished musician, social justice advocate and educator, Calida’s work has taken her all over the world teaching and performing. Calida is passionate about intentional purposeful teaching and community engagement. She is committed to correlating the art of teaching to life skills, and community building. During her tenure as the Artistic Director of Bravo in Waterbury, she had the privilege of creating dozens of community collaborations, as well as ongoing performance opportunities for the youth in Waterbury. Calida has had the privilege of speaking multiple times at the prestigious Yale School of Music, Duke University, Ravinia, The Connecticut State Capitol, The Hartt School of Music, and was a Tedx speaker in San Jose, CA. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, she received her Masters in Violin Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from The Hartt School of Music. Calida is honored and humbled to have received awards, and honors during her career including a scholar fellowship at the Aspen Festival of Ideas, The Elizabeth Mahaffey Fellowship, a Grammy nomination for the Music Educator Excellence Award, the Father Thomas H. Dwyer Humanitarian Award for her work in Waterbury, Connecticut, and the 2018 CT Arts Hero Award in Waterbury CT. Calida serves on the Board of El Sistema USA, and chairs the Racial Diversity and Cultural Understanding Committee; she also serves on the board of the Connecticut Arts Alliance and was most recently voted onto The Hartt School’s Board of Trustees.
Request Pricing
Kayla Ghassemi’s varied career experience has led her to develop years of marketing expertise. She has also taken care of marketing for her own business and spent time as both a marketing intern and a marketing manager.
Request Pricing
The Middle East is a Chain of Links. What Happens in one part impacts what happens in another. And what happens in the Middle East does not stay in the Middle East. I am a former Intelligence Official and Senior Official on Arab Affairs. In my public service, I have held high-risk Government, Senior Advisory, Intelligence and Counter-Terrorist intelligence positions in Arab cities and communities throughout the region – often in very sensitive times. I use my decades of experience in Government, Senior Advisory, Intelligence and Counterterrorism in Arab cities and communities throughout the region to take you Inside the Middle East and to Help You Connect the Dots and Build A Three-Dimensional Picture of Reality. Today I am a Strategic Intelligence Analyst, an Expert on the Current Affairs in the Arab and Muslim World and their impact on the Middle East. I am an Author, Educator, Intelligence Analyst, Lecturer, Middle East Expert, and Social Entrepreneur. An an Educator and Social Entrepreneur, I am the Founder and CEO of Inside the Middle East: Intelligence Perspectives (ITME). I train current and future leaders from High School to Capitol Hill to accurately interpret the Middle East through an empowering intelligence analysis praxis that transforms students and practitioners into knowledgeable, media literate, critical thinkers. As an author, my newest book is called Inside the Middle East: Making Sense of the Most Dangerous and Complicated Region on Earth. It is a GPS to help you navigate the dramatically changing Middle East, offers a unique insight into the Arab world, challenges widely-accepted perceptions, provides a guide to make sense of the events unfolding in the region, and offers an out of the box idea that could lead to a positive breakthrough in the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. As an analyst, expert, and writer, I provide intelligence analysis, briefings and tours to diplomats, policy makers, global media outlets, and a wide variety of international businesses, organizations, and private clients on a range of Israel and Middle East Affairs. I have a unique understanding of Arab society. I keep my finger pulse on the Arab world. I have a proven record of foreseeing the evolution of events in the Middle East and their impact on a local and regional level. Through all my efforts, I am a bridge-builder, dedicated to enhancing the Arabic, English and Hebrew speaking audience’s comprehensive understanding of the Middle East and of each other. I Take You Inside the Middle East. My decades of experience in Government, Senior Advisory, Intelligence and Counterterrorism in Arab cities and communities throughout the region Help You Connect The Dots and Build A Three Dimensional Picture of Reality. Because True Knowledge is a Real Asset.
$1,501 - $5,000
Darrell Williams is a distinguished member of the White House Communications Agency Hall of Fame. He is also CEO of Alliance Seminars Coaching, which is a veteran-owned, faith-based organization that provides clients with motivational speaking, certified workshops, and coaching services. His primary focus is leadership, relationships, and purpose. Mr. Williams grew up in Compton, California, which was ranked the fourth most dangerous city in America at that time. He is a retired United States Army veteran and served at various stateside and overseas locations. Prior to his current role, he served as an Operations and Vice Presidential Communications Officer in the White House Communications Agency (WHCA), where he led over 500 White House missions. Following the tragedies of September 11, 2001, Mr. Williams was selected as one of five key leaders out of 30 senior managers, to direct emergency action communications for the Vice President of the United States, including duties as an Air Force Two Command Representative. In addition to being a master certified life coach, he is a certified facilitator who trained senior managers at the White House Communications Agency Training Academy to travel as Vice Presidential Team Leads, serving as the primary contact for the traveling White House Staff, while simultaneously training mid-level managers to travel as Presidential Operations Team Leads. Career highlights include leading short-notice, complex presidential missions to examine the effects of Hurricane Andrew in Florida and tornado damage in Arkansas; selection as Staff Support Unit Manager of the Year; selection as a WHCA All-Star member; as well as the White House Communications Agency Senior Manager of the Year. Additionally, he was selected as a DOD Outstanding Mentor and Human Resources Team Lead of the Year. He is also part of the Federal Coaching Network. He has received numerous professional awards, to include the Presidential Service Badge; Lacey B. Ivory Service Award; Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award; National Louis University Reach Award; and the Strayer University Outstanding Alumni Award. Mr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from National Louis University and an MBA from Strayer University.
$1,501 - $5,000
TRISH HELPS FOLKS BECOME UNSHAKABLE AND LEARN TO THRIVE AMIDST CHALLENGE AND CHANGE. If there is anything we can count on it’s this: Life (and work) is always changing and evolving. Just when we think we’ve got things dialed the way they are - - CHANGE HAPPENS. Along with it often comes stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, overwhelm and burnout. This state has become the norm for many of us. BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. After years of working in cultures where stress and burnout were the norm, Trish suffered a shocking loss and gained clarity: while stress in life is unavoidable, it doesn’t have to dictate our lives in the form of burnout and overwhelm. Trish’s highlights include: · A background in non-profit events organization and a deep appreciation for those working in high-stress environments. · Over 15 years of personal practice and study with world class teachers like Jon Kabat-Zinn, Tara Brach, Mark Coleman, Bernie Clark, Joseph Goldstein, and more. · Mindfulness Based Stress, Reduction via University of Massachusetts Medical Centre · Search Inside Yourself, Google’s Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence course · Fundamentals of Coaching, via Co-Active Coaching · Science of Well-being, via Yale University In the last decade she’s taught thousands of folks across North America simple strategies they can use to build an unshakable mindset to thrive - to manage stress, to feel more peace, wellbeing and fulfillment in life during the inevitable change and chaos life deals us. Check out my speaker promo video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czqnoJ_eLbQ
$1,501 - $5,000
Over his thirty plus year career in education, Phil Harrison has been a music teacher, assistant principal, principal, professor, and superintendent. Phil's ability to make the complex simple, using common sense and a quirky sense of humor, helps schools, businesses, and other organizations clarify and articulate their beliefs, values, mission, and vision in order to move forward with large-scale change. Phil is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member and DISC Consultant. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and is currently a practicing school superintendent in rural western Indiana.
Request Pricing
Jennifer Michelle is "More Than A Mannequin". She is a model, mother, survivor, business owner, speaker and more. What does that mean for you and your group? Jennifer is a fashion model who uses her passion for fashion to speak words of encouragement, empowerment and inspiration to all she interacts with. Having a heart for women, Jennifer shares her life story to give those who will listen and hear her words, hope. As a single mother Jennifer has defeated the odds and destroyed the stereotypes long before the world saw being a single mother a blessing. Jennifer has been in the fashion industry for over 20 years and shares the lessons learned with women to use in everyday life. Her television show, Everyday Runway, gives everyday women the tips and tools to be runway ready, everyday. Teaching life skills confidence and acceptance of their unique being is the core of her message. Jennifer shares the raw truth of her life, from the suicide attempts to the success she now enjoys. There is no stone left unturned and no woman left without knowing she is special, valuable and needed. Healing is essential for every woman, every age, every audience. Jennifer understands the challenges women face and how difficult it can be to focus on their personal dreams. She knows how we as women want to save everyone else even when she herself is drowning. This understanding makes it easy for Jennifer to share and educate woman on how to place themselves first and prioritize their life goals and dreams. Graduating with honors was one of the goals and accomplishments Jennifer completed after dropping out of college her first attempt. Years of experience in Corporate America and a Business Management degree have created the perfect combination for Jennifer to start her company, J Model Executives. A lover of sports, fashion and food, Jennifer delivers the message to attendees using popular topics and the latest trends. Remaining authentic to her message, Jennifer speaks from her heart, centered in faith. The support of her family, love of GOD and faith continues to prove that underdogs can be victorious!
Request Pricing
Pat McAuley is a Boston-based serial entrepreneur, author, TEDx speaker, and wellness advocate. After a plant-based diet changed his life, Pat shifted his focus to building and supporting businesses in the plant-based space. He is the host of the popular Eat Green Make Green Podcast and Founder of PlantPub, a plant-based fast casual food brand, and Plant Athletic, a plant-based endurance sportswear brand.
$5,001 - $10,000
Founder and CEO
Thembi Bheka is an international entrepreneur, AI strategist, and keynote speaker who went from arriving in Canada with just $5 to building a global business and being selected for the prestigious Stanford Seed Transformation Program. Today, she helps entrepreneurs and organizations harness the power of Agentic AI and connection-driven growth strategies to scale authentically in a rapidly changing digital economy. Thembi has spoken on world-recognized platforms, including Podfest, Inbound, Smart Passive Income, LaunchCon, and PLF Live, inspiring audiences with her message of resilience and transformation. She has also been honored as Spokesperson of the Year in one of the world’s top entrepreneurial communities for her ability to inspire action and results. What sets Thembi apart is her rare blend of vision and practicality. Her journey — from nurse to global entrepreneur, from immigrant struggles to global stages — reflects the same principles she teaches: how to embrace innovation, leverage AI, and build businesses that are both profitable and human-centered. Her talks leave audiences not just inspired, but equipped with practical tools to thrive in the future of business.
Request Pricing
Candice is a radical rule-breaker on a mission to change the world through media. As a certified coach and the host of the Mental Cement podcast, she provides a no BS approach to personal development that cuts through the noise. Candice leverages the power of story to create visceral lasting transformation for her clients.
$251 - $1,500
Chief Scott Silverii, PhD is passionate to share his unique and inspirational testimony with you. Having survived a dangerous law enforcement career that included 12 years of undercover work and 16 years of SWAT special operations before retiring as a chief of police, Scott was called into marriage and men's ministry. He and his wife, Leah have blended their family of seven kids and a French Bulldog named Bacon through faith, failures and a refusal to fail. A national subject matter expert, and bestselling author of over 40 titles, the Chief admits that what he learned commanding public servants was nothing like leading people to know Christ. Having earned a Master of Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology, Scott is currently in seminary studies to earn a Doctorate of Ministry. Scott also serves on the team at MarriageToday as the director of content development, and publishing. Leadership, faith, inspiration, recovery and victory are just a few of the topics Scott is ready to share with your church, workshop, conference or casual get togethers.
Request Pricing
