One of our most popular past presenters, Janet Vincent, returns to talk about creating the Costa Rican Roller Derby team and the experience they had at the world cup.

Molly Hagan-Ward knows from experience, that once you start wondering about what all the wild plants around you have to offer, you never stop! Let her encourage you to learn about the abundance that the earth is constantly providing. Whether outside your own front door, at work, or at your local park, there is green magic around every corner!

Jorge Goyco sees himself as a “revealer” of relatable truths through his colorfully simple drawings. Pulling from life experiences, deep thoughts, movie and music quotes, and unknowing remarks from friends and strangers, Jorge’s art taps into the confusion, devastation and inspiration that is life at this moment. In this talk, he presents a little bit of his own history, and then goes in to the back stories of some of his favorite drawings.

Beginning in Santa Monica, CA in early October of 2016, Lou Tassinary, and his wife, Melanie, (and their two dogs) began their attempt to walk across the USA, following to the greatest degree possible the path of the first intercontinental foot race across the country, one that was organized to promote the opening of Route 66. This presentation will chronicle their journey.

The magnificence in truth-telling and the healing power it offers the community. Speaking authentically can be one of the greatest gifts and challenges we face. Learn what happens when respectful listening meets acceptance in some of the toughest classrooms. Kate Fly believes that truth has the power to heal - it’s up to all of us whether we choose to make the courageous leap forward to make a change. 

How can Entrepreneurship in a region of Conflict, limited Connectivity, and Conservation concern (EC3) help people and protect the environment? Leslie Ruyle is testing this idea in Beni, North Kivu close to the border of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This location provides an excellent example of Entrepreneurship in the 3C context. Virunga is a World Heritage Site (Conservation), the electricity comes primarily from generators and there are no paved roads in the province (Connectivity), and the region has been in conflict for over 20 years (Conflict).

Laurie Lisonbee shows artworks of the human figure in yoga postures as metaphors for states of being. Depictions of bodily contortions and mudras of the hand are crafted into relic-like objects.  From art historical sources, junk piles, and yoga practice, Lisonbee derives a painting process akin to devotional meditation.

After a student lost his life from a driver texting in College Station, TX, Marci Corry decided to make an impact on safe driving in communities throughout Texas. After researching behavior change and observing that her young children responded well with positive reinforcement, Corry decided to encourage people in a positive way to stay off their phones while driving. She founded SAFE 2 SAVE in October 2016.

Adults are often quick to make decisions that affect young people or on their behalves. They take for granted that children, even very young ones, have strong ideas about the world and their place in it. In this presentation, Dawn Jourdan seeks to explore and advocate for a stronger role for youth in decision making.

Madeline Zwicke and Carl Orozco talk about their experiences working with Habitat for Humanity in Bryan/College Station, Texas. 

Margot Newcomb discusses her life as a rule follower. "I love a law, guideline, rule, commandment, and an instruction. In fact, the PechaKucha presentation appeals to me because it has specific instructions. I will discuss my love of a good edict and how it has led to over 20 years of volunteering." Margot talks about the organization she works with, Mobility Worldwide - Brazos Valley. 

Kyle Dolliver talks about the organization he started with his wife to save their son Ryan’s life. Their mission is to raise awareness and fund research to cure vascular Ehler-Danlos Syndrome and their vision is to create a world where vascular Ehlers-Danolos Symdrome no longer has a negative impact on children and families.