Keynote Speakers
Opening Keynote : Andy Goodman: Storytelling
Andy is best known for his speeches and workshops on storytelling, presenting, design and strategic communications, and has been invited to speak at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, the Woodrow Wilson School of Public Affairs at Princeton, as well as at major foundation and nonprofit conferences. He currently serves on the faculty of the Communications Leadership Institute, which trains nonprofit executive directors and grantmakers. In 2007, Al Gore selected Andy to train one thousand volunteers who are currently helping the former Vice President engage more Americans in the fight against global warming. In 2008, Andy co-founded The Goodman Center to offer online versions of his workshops and additional communications and marketing classes to nonprofits, foundations, government agencies and educational institutions across the U.S. and worldwide. When not teaching, traveling, or recovering from teaching and traveling, Andy also serves as a Senior Fellow for Civic Ventures and is on the advisory boards of VolunteerMatch and Great Nonprofits. His presentation is not to be missed as we kick-off the 2011 conference on Wednesday, February 23rd!
Middle Keynote: Mark Speckman: The Myths and Realities of Motivation
Mark Speckman has been coaching football at Willamette University for the past 15 seasons (1995 – 2008). In June 07′ Speckman was a finalist for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year and was inducted into the San Mateo County, California, Sports Hall of Fame. Prior to Speckman moving to Willamette University he had spent 14 seasons as a high school head football coach. He coached his teams to a sparkling 113-48-3 record (.689) winning percentage. Mark Speckman is so much more than a football coach. He is a teacher, a motivational speaker and a man who has learned to turn the adversity life has dealt him into a positive affirmation that speaks volumes about never giving up, always doing the very best you can regardless of the circumstances and how you can use your difficult, some would call it impossible situation to help others. You see, Mark Speckman was born without hands, a situation which might ultimately destroy the strongest of us. Speckman, to his eternal credit, has taken his physical liability and turned it into a positive. He has touched many thousands with his uplifting story. Speckman has spoken at over fifty football coaching clinics and given innumerable motivational talks to business, community and educational organizations throughout the United States. Mark’s easy-going manner and sense of humor have made him a sought after speaker across the U.S. Join us and be inspired on Thursday, February 24th!
Closing Keynote: Dr Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter: The Power of Education Fueled by Advancement
Rubin Carter is a former boxer, writer, human rights activist, Doctor of laws and CEO & Founder of INNOCENCE INTERNATIONAL, a new generation of wrongful conviction services. Born in The United States of America on May 6, 1937, he has lived in Toronto Canada since his release from prison. Defending innocent people from wrongful convictions has become his life’s work. The life of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter has taken many twists, from obscurity to acclaim and back again. Carter’s boxing career began in 1961, and his fast and furious style made him a crowd favourite. Five years later, while preparing for a World Championship fight, Carter was arrested for triple murder. Although steadfastly maintaining his innocence, he was convicted and sentenced to three life terms, narrowly escaping the electric chair. Carter spoke with former President Clinton and alongside President Nelson Mandela. His story was depicted in the critically acclaimed film, The Hurricane, starring Denzel Washington, and immortalized in the Bob Dylan song “Hurricane”. An articulate and charismatic speaker, Dr Carter lectures frequently at bar associations, universities, law schools, high schools, and libraries in The United States, Canada, and throughout the world. How many chances are there to listen to – and shake the hand of – a professional boxer who spent 25 years in prison after being wrongly convicted of murder? Hear The Hurricane as he closes our conference on Friday, February 25th with his amazing story and inspiring outlook. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!
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