Dr. Mae Jemison is enhancing life on Earth by working to accelerate knowledge, technology, design and thinking for human space travel beyond our solar system within the next 100 years. emison — the first woman of color in the world to go into space — served six years as a NASA astronaut.
Leadership was never meant to be a committee of one. Jimmy Casas lives the principle that he teaches every day. His commitment to creating a culture of excellence earned his school the title as one of the Best High Schools in the nation by Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report.
Casas served 22 years as a school leader, including 14 years as principal. He's influenced education policy at the national level. In 2014, he laid out a vision at the White House on how school leaders can implement innovative learning practices that support teachers and students. Casas is the author of eight books.
Casas brings his passion, energy and leadership knowledge to the 2022 Kiwanis International Convention on Thursday, June 9. His vision can transform your club, division and district to an organization that does more than just survive — it does something great for kids around the world.
Every moment is critical to helping kids develop healthy brains, says Rachel Giannini. She would know — her work as a preschool teacher earned her a prominent place in a documentary about the importance of early childhood education. And she can help your club serve kids in the community.
Rachel Giannini has great enthusiasm for all things early childhood. She specializes in creating experiences where kids play and learn at the same time. Getting dirty, pretending and climbing trees all have a place in childhood development. Rachel makes learning magical and develops better citizens through encouragement, love and teaching equality.
Rachel is so good at teaching pre-school, in fact, that she was asked to star in a documentary about the importance of early childhood education. “No Small Matter” examines why millions of children aren’t getting the care they need to succeed. She’s been published in the New York Times, Huffington Post and many others on the topic of children’s rights.
Ms. Rachel — as she is called — will help your Kiwanis club make sure it’s providing the care that kids in your community need. Join her Thursday, June 9, during the Ready to Learn Kiwanis Launchpad.
Dan Faill helps people become brave enough to have the conversations that matter. During the Ready to Lead Launchpad on Thursday, June 9, Faill will use humor and stories from his life to teach Kiwanians the best way to mentor youth leaders and inspire them to accomplish their greatest dreams.
Born and raised in North Carolina, Faill has degrees in communication studies and leadership development from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. He earned a master's degree from the University of the Pacific in educational administration and leadership.
Roger Thurow traveled the world as a foreign correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. His third book, “The First 1,000 Days: A Crucial Time for Mothers and Children — And the World,” is an inspiring and heartbreaking book reporting on the economic and social costs of childhood hunger and stunting.
Roger Thurow traveled the world as a foreign correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. In 2003, he and a colleague wrote a series of stories on famine in Africa that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in International Reporting. The United Nations honored his reporting on humanitarian and development issues, and in 2009, he and his colleague were awarded Action Against Hunger's Humanitarian Award.
In 2010, Thurow joined The Chicago Council on Global Affairs as senior fellow for global agriculture and food policy.
His third book, “The First 1,000 Days: A Crucial Time for Mothers and Children — And the World,” is an inspiring and heartbreaking book reporting on the economic and social costs of childhood hunger and stunting. Thurow illustrates how proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of children's lives — beginning with their mother's pregnancy — can profoundly influence an individual's ability to grow, learn and work.
Dillon Kalkhurst has a passion for helping individuals and organizations embrace the power of age diversity. Dillon is an intergenerational engagement maven and author of the book, “GENERATION EVERYONE! A Guide to Generational Harmony at Work, School and Home.”
Generational harmony requires a lot more than just trying to “understand Millennials and Gen Z.” Learning to speak the language of your multi-generational members translates into more members, increased productivity and harmony in the organization, higher engagement and, most importantly, a more inclusive culture and environment for everyone.
Kalkhurst is a proud member and president of the Kiwanis Club of Ormond Beach, Florida, and co-founder of the Kiwanis Club of Lake Mary, Florida, which is 100% comprised of millennial members.
Doneisha Posey spends her time ensuring that all students and families have access and opportunity to higher education. The civil rights attorney is regularly consulted on matters of diversity, equity and inclusion in leadership and community affairs.
Doneisha Posey spends her time ensuring that all students and families have access and opportunity to higher education. The civil rights attorney is regularly consulted on matters of diversity, equity and inclusion in leadership and community affairs. Posey received her Bachelor of Arts from Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana, and her Juris Doctorate from Indiana University McKinney School of Law, where she teaches social and racial justice courses.
During the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit on Friday, June 10, Posey will help your club work to mitigate bias while harnessing power and privilege to create a culture of belonging for all. The DEI Summit is available in person and virtually.
Michael Cavanaugh was handpicked by Billy Joel to portray the Piano Man and worked with the superstar musician to shape the Broadway musical that would be called "Movin’ Out." In the lead role, Cavanaugh received Tony and Grammy nominations.
Cavanaugh began playing at age 7 when his parents bought their first piano. He was jamming on the keyboard with bands at weddings and bar mitzvahs by age 14. By age 30, he was performing on the Las Vegas Strip. That's where Billy Joel saw him perform and knew, after only two songs, he had found his Piano Man. Cavanaugh relocated to New York, where he worked on the musical with Joel and acclaimed choreographer Twyla Tharp.
Cavanaugh has been touring on his own and taking up residencies with orchestras across the United States. Now he brings his high-energy performance and onstage charisma to the Celebrating Kiwanis Gala on Saturday, June 11. Tickets are available through the registration portal for US$125.
The Downtown Band plays the biggest hits from all eras and will bring its show-stopping energy and party vibe to the dance floor. The band has opened for Elton John, Sting, Enrique Iglesias, Seal, Tim McGraw and many more.
Be ready for a dance party while enjoying fellowship and fun during the Celebrating Kiwanis Gala on Saturday, June 11.
The Downtown Band plays the biggest hits from all eras and will bring its show-stopping energy and party vibe to the dance floor. The band has opened for Elton John, Sting, Enrique Iglesias, Seal, Tim McGraw and many more. It's been voted one of the Top 10 Best Party Bands in the United States.
The band takes the stage after the new piano man, Michael Cavanaugh.
UNFORTUNATELY, DIANA TRUJILLO IS NO LONGER ABLE TO ATTEND THE 2022 KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION.
Diana Trujillo picks up rocks on Mars. She also digs into the Martian soil. The aerospace engineer is in charge of the team that created — and now operates — the robotic arm on the spacecraft that landed on Mars. Perseverance rover has been exploring the red planet since February 2021.
In addition to being a rocket scientist, Trujillo has her sights set on opening doors for women and minorities in STEM. Hispanics hold only 8% of the science, technology, engineering and math workforce — of which Hispanic women comprise only 2%. Trujillo believes the way to break the glass ceiling is to have more role models.
A role model is what she needed when immigrating to the United States from Colombia at age 17. She had less than US$300 in her pocket and held full-time jobs as a housekeeper and a fast-food service worker to support her studies. It was a magazine cover in the dean's office that convinced her to become an aerospace engineer.
This advocate for providing distinctive educational opportunities will ignite your club’s passion for STEM service.
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