OUR 2023 SPEAKERS
We are thrilled to announce a dynamic group of keynote speakers at the 2023 California Schools JPA Annual Conference. Michelle Gielan is a best-selling author of Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change and was named one of the Top 10 authors on resilience by the Harvard Business Review. Brandon Fleming is a renowned speaker, nationally acclaimed educator, and author of Miseducated: A Memoir. His triumphant story of struggle, success, and service has captured the heart of national media and inspired millions of people around the world. Dr. Sabba Quidwai is a passionate advocate for reimagining education and believes that a culture of innovation begins with a culture of empathy.
KEYNOTE - MICHELLE GIELAN
Michelle Gielan has spent the past decade researching the link between happiness and success. She is the best selling author of Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change and was named one of the Top 10 authors on resilience by the Harvard Business Review.
Michelle is an Executive Producer of “The Happiness Advantage” on PBS and a featured professor in Oprah’s Happiness course. She formerly served as anchor of The CBS Morning News, and her research has received attention from dozens of media outlets including The Washington Post, FORBES, and The New York Times.
www.michellegielan.com
KEYNOTE 2 - BRANDON FLEMING
Brandon P. Fleming is a renowned speaker, nationally acclaimed educator, and author of MISEDUCATED: A Memoir. His triumphant story of struggle, success, and service has captured the heart of national media and inspired millions of people around the world. An at-risk youth and college dropout turned award-winning educator, Fleming is a former debate coach at Harvard University and Founder & CEO of the Veritas School of Social Sciences in Atlanta, GA.
In 2017, Fleming was recruited to become Harvard University’s assistant debate coach at the age of 26. Fleming soon made history at Harvard as the founder of the first Black pipeline program called the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, which was designed to increase Black enrollment at Harvard’s residential debate program where hundreds of gifted young scholars from over 25 different countries study and compete in an international debate competition.
www.bpfleming.com
keynote 3 - Dr. Sabba Quidwai
Dr. Sabba Quidwai is a passionate advocate for reimagining education and believes that a culture of innovation begins with a culture of empathy. Starting her journey as a high school teacher, she harnessed her innate drive to transform learning, which eventually propelled her into an executive role with Apple Education.
Today, Dr. Quidwai applies her comprehensive understanding of design thinking and AI to guide organizations in crafting future-ready, human-centered educational environments. Her work empowers individuals with the knowledge, skills, and mindsets required to thrive in an AI-driven world. As the host of the 'Designing Schools' podcast, she facilitates engaging discussions on the future of education. Her groundbreaking documentary further explores her research on design thinking in K-12 education, offering unique insights to educators and leaders worldwide. Ever focused on the intersection of empathy, technology, and education, Sabba remains dedicated to equipping young people with the tools to become successful global citizens in a rapidly evolving world.
www.designingschools.org
featured speaker - josh newman
Josh Newman is a California State Senator that represents California’s 29th Senate District and is running for re-election in 2024 to represent California’s recently redrawn 37th Senate District, which covers portions of north and central Orange County. He currently serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Education and the Senate Select Committee on Transitioning to a Zero Emission Energy Future, as well as a member on the senate committees for Transportation; Elections & Constitutional Amendments; Energy, Utilities and Communication; Budget & Fiscal Review; and the Select Committee on Hydrogen. He also serves on the State Allocations Board and as the State Senate’s ex official representative to the California Transportation Commission.
kevin smith
Kevin Smith has over 26 years of experience as a federal and state prosecutor, including as a former U.S. Department of Justice federal counter-terrorism prosecutor and as a former homicide prosecutor. Smith is currently a Deputy District Attorney in the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office working in the Specialized Prosecutions Division, where he handles forensic psychological litigation including criminal insanity, sexually violent predator status, offender with a mental health disorder status, and mental competence for trial.
terri lynn
Terri Lynn is a Retiree Solutions Manager with Kaiser Permanente, with over 25 years of healthcare experience, specializing in Medicare. She has a passion for educating retirees, providing them with the knowledge to make the right decision for themselves when it comes time to enroll in Medicare.
adriana vazquez
Adriana Vazquez is currently an Equity via Multilingual Innovation Coordinator serving Val Verde Unified School District’s community, in Southern California. She has been in the field of education for over 20 years with experience in multiple roles; instructional aide, teacher, Teacher on Special Assignment, and most recently an educational district administrator. Adriana's teaching and leadership experience has included serving Multilingual students (English learners, Newcomers, Dual Immersion students), as well as Gifted & Talented students. Adriana is passionate about incorporating & promoting equity & access for all students through social justice, inclusion, and diversity in every aspect of the teaching and learning context.
lynn riemer
Lynn Riemer has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biology and is an internationally recognized speaker, trainer, and advocate on issues relating to substance abuse. Lynn is president of ACT on Drugs, Inc., A non-profit organization with a mission to educate parents, teens, and professionals about addictive and psychoactive substances, both legal and illegal, which are available in their community.
scott miller
Scott Miller is a Certified Professional Retirement Coach who, after having gone through the retirement transition himself, has made it his mission to guide others to find meaning, live with purpose and leave a legacy in retirement!
tony hixon
Tony Hixon is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hixon Zuercher Capital Management. His firm empowers clients to leverage their finances in a way that helps them reach their goals and live the life they imagine for themselves.
sara fisher
Sara Fisher is a Client Partner for Franklin Covey Education. She is passionate about helping others find their unique gifts and equipping them with the tools necessary to live an abundant life. Before her role with FC, she was an Interventionist, Curriculum Specialist, and 3rd and 4th-grade teacher. In addition, she has consulted for companies such as Scholastic, HMH, Zaner-Bloser, and Istation. You can find her sharpening the saw in a yoga class, at the beach, or on hikes with her husband and dog.
ricky alyassi
Ricky Alyassi serves as the Chief Administrator Officer for the West End Special Education Local Plan Area, a large multi-district SELPA with nine member districts in the western region of San Bernardino County. Mr. Alyassi has a wealth of experience serving in various positions, including Para-educator, Teacher, Counselor, Psychologist, Program Specialist, Coordinator, Director of Special Education and Student Services, and Director of SELPA.
rachel shaw
Rachel Shaw is the president and principal consultant of Shaw HR Consulting, Incorporated. With 20 years of executive-level Human Resources experience, Rachel is recognized nationwide as a leader in helping public and private sector employers manage their most challenging personnel issues. Rachel and her team provide comprehensive solutions to employers on how to successfully manage the interconnected roles of human resources, workers’ compensation, and disability compliance to successfully reduce litigation, the costs of claims and improve employee-employer relations throughout the process. Rachel is known as the authority on how to implement and manage the FEHA/ADA Disability Interactive Process for candidates and employees.
chef matt tuazon
Chef Matt Tuazon is one of the many talented Chefs that help make magic every day at the Walt Disney Company! After nearly 7 years of working with Mickey Mouse, Chef Matt has found passion in making delicious, and healthy offerings for Guests to enjoy each and every day! Born and raised in Southern California, Chef Matt has created menus for multitudes of restaurants from Haute Cuisine to Hotel Fine Dining. With an emphasis on Southeast Asian Cuisine, you’ll be sure to enjoy flavors new and novel with every bite of his dishes!
pedro molina
Pedro Molina is a Senior Learning Consultant with Kaiser Permanente's Center for Healthy Living supporting our corporate customers through wellness programming and Health Coaching. He has been in the Health and Wellness industry for over 20 years developing wellness programs for corporations and inspiring individuals to live healthier lives.
dr. tracy lawrence
Dr. Tracy Lawrence is a board-certified cardiologist and internist who was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. In her clinical work, she has focused on preventive health and continues that focus today with a passion for bringing wellness and preventive health programs to employer sponsored health plans.
brenda dowdy
Brenda Dowdy is the Homeless Education Project Manager for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Brenda works to ensure that Children and families in our community receive the resources needed to become self-sufficient and meet their educational needs.
kevon lee
Kevon Lee is a nationally recognized speaker and author in the field of education, known for his ability to inspire and motivate audiences. Kevon has written a children's book, "Kevon’s Big Field Day, We Should All Have A Chance," encouraging students to support and uplift each other.
kristine kwong
Kristine Kwong is a partner in the Firm’s Los Angeles office and advises and counsels clients on a wide range of business, corporate, operational and employment issues, including business counseling, contract negotiations and a range of employment matters. She has represented both public and private health care entities, including, clinics, hospitals, medical offices, and Federally Qualified Health Centers in a variety of business and operational issues.
rose luna
Rose Luna has worked in various capacities for the California Teachers Association for 30 years. For the last 14 years, she has been the Bargaining Specialist supporting locals and staff in the Inland Empire. Additionally, she is a co-consultant to the CTA Retirement Committee of CTA State Council. As part of that assignment, she works closely with all issues pertaining to Defined Benefits with CalSTRS and CalPERS for education employees.
vanessa eastland
Vanessa Eastland serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Ontario-Montclair School District, where she has skillfully guided the Fiscal Services Team for over four years. With over ten years of financial experience in both public accounting and the school district sector, Vanessa has demonstrated her expertise and dedication to her craft. As a Certified Public Accountant, Vanessa's education includes a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from California Baptist University. Her true passion lies in the strategic management of resources to create a high-quality, secure learning environment for students.
cristina puraci
Cristina Puraci is a dedicated and passionate educator, and has made a significant impact in the field of education, leaving a lasting legacy in the communities she serves. With a career spanning two decades, she has been a driving force in the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) and beyond.
Cristina began her journey as a kindergarten teacher in CJUSD, where she quickly demonstrated her commitment to nurturing young minds and creating a positive learning environment for her students. Cristina’s colleagues recognized her leadership qualities and dedication to the betterment of education, and they eventually elected Cristina as the Association of Colton Educators (ACE) President, a position she has held for the past five years. In this role, she has tirelessly advocated for the rights and welfare of educators, ensuring that they receive the support and recognition they deserve. Her visionary leadership has empowered teachers to excel in their profession and has enhanced the overall educational experience at CJUSD.
As part of her role as ACE President, Cristina has been an instrumental member of the Health Benefits Committee for Colton Joint Unified School District. Through her contributions to the committee, she has played a crucial part in securing comprehensive health benefits for CJUSD's staff, fostering a healthier and more contented workforce.
dr. mark dundee
Dr. Mark Dundee is a senior vice president and public sector practice leader in Aon’s Health Solutions practice in Los Angeles. In his role, he is responsible for collaborating with clients on health & benefit policy issues that help clients mitigate rising healthcare costs and improve employee health and wellbeing. Mark has worked closely with a variety of large public, private, and non-profit sector organizations in the areas of health, retirement, and ancillary employee benefits. He focuses on benefit strategy, carrier negotiations, compliance, audit, governance, strategic planning, labor contract negotiations, fiduciary responsibilities, plan administration, and data privacy and cybersecurity.
dr. suzette lovely
Dr. Suzette Lovely spent 35 years serving K-12 schools in every capacity from instructional aide to teacher to principal to central office administrator to Superintendent working in San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego Counties. In 2016, she retired as Superintendent in Carlsbad Unified School District. Prior to becoming superintendent, Dr. Lovely spent 10 years as Deputy Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, HR in Capistrano Unified and Placentia Unified School Districts, where she remained highly engaged in risk management functions. During her superintendency, Suzette spearheaded several efforts to engage stakeholders in the work of public education and was among a select group of San Diego superintendents invited to meet with the Governor to discuss LCAP implementation and state-wide education priorities.
