Theme: Audacious | Shamelessly Different

Audacious | Shamelessly Different —The daily challenge for humans: to conform or to go against the norm. Few things we consider essential today would exist if someone didn’t have the curiosity and courage to explore something different — because normal is BOR-ING. Audacious comes from the Latin root audeō, meaning to act boldly, to dare. Celebrate the spirit of unconventional ideas that transform innovations across industries, societal standards, and communities. As the greater Greensboro area continues to grow and thrive fueled by our diverse, driven community, join us as we honor ideas that break barriers, challenge the status quo, and fearlessly take risks to drive authentic experiences.

Van Dyke Performance Space at Greemsbprp Cultural Center
200 North Davie Street
Greensboro, North Carolina, 27401
United States

CECILIA FERNANDES

Pediatric Neurologist, Speaker, Spiritual Health Advocate

Board Certified Clinical Neurologist and Researcher, Dr. Fernandes graduated from Duke University and is currently working at Levine Children’s Hospital. Additionally, she serves as an Assistant Professor at Wake Forest University and is soon to graduate from The Academy Scholars Pediatric Integrative Medicine Program. Inspired by her spiritual guide, Maitreya Dadashreeji, she is the director of a US-based nonprofit organization that conducts meditations and holistic transformation workshops. She empowers aspiring medical students and mentors youth, towards holistic growth and well-being. “Together, realizing our fullest potential brings authentic well-being and lasting peace!”

Harvey Singh

EdTech Innovator, AI Innovator, Human Potential Advocate

Harvey Singh, CEO and founder of Instancy, brings over three decades of experience to pioneering AI-Agent Learning and Learning Ecosystems. As a seasoned entrepreneur in the EdTech industry, he develops generative AI systems to personalize learning for global corporations and educational institutions. Harvey is passionate about leveraging technological and human psychological revolutions to empower individuals to develop their full human potential and create a harmonious society. He holds a Master’s in Computer Science and Education from Stanford and started his career at Apple’s ACOT project. “Amid the AI revolution, humanity needs wisdom through self-reflection to create a harmonious future.”

Jonathan Timber

Singer, Musician, Producer

J Timber, a captivating musician from North Carolina, blends genres like no other. His continued victory over addiction comes through his music. His EP Drink the Music hopes to leave you feeling better that when you came to it. “Everyone is capable of a ‘lil audacity!”

Kevin Cassidy

Mentor, Entrepreneur, Protector

Born with a severe birth defect and speech impediment Kevin experienced extreme bullying as a child. As an adult he became a school teacher, professional athlete, Hollywood stuntman, business owner, author, and speaker. He has worked on some of the biggest movies in the world including 10 Marvel films in his time in Hollywood. He accredits his many successes in life to the mentality and habits he formed as a child and is outlined in his best selling book, “Falling Down to Find Myself.” “One thought and a few habits can change your life.”

LeDarius Parker

choreographer and street dancer

LeDarius Gipsi Parker is a choreographer and street dancer from Greensboro, North Carolina who focuses primarily on Hip Hop freestyle and movement. Along with Hip hop he is versatile with other dance focuses such as on Whacking, Popping, Krump, Jazz Funk, Afro Beats, and Dance hall. He is inspired by hip hop culture, visual art, and take a influence of movement from other countries, Street dancers, and street foundational styles, as well as his own creativity. He has worked in professional industry settings like films, music videos, live stages and theaters. “Stop trying to be seen by the world and let the world see you.”

Matthew Maxey

Social Entrepreneur, Visionary, Community Activist

Born with a severely profound hearing loss, and outfitted with hearing aids at 2 years old, it became apparent at an early age that life would be anything but ordinary for Matthew Maxey who founded DEAFinitely Dope in 2014. DEAFinitely Dope started as an idea based on providing support to those that felt marginalized and ignored by mainstream America and slowly blossomed into a movement, attracting the likes of educational institutions nationwide, CNN, ESPN, GQ, ABC news, Chance The Rapper, and countless more! With both hearing and deaf partnerships in play, Matt strives to continue to break barriers and defy the norms with a fresh perspective on interaction, inclusion, accessibility, and equality, as awareness continues to grow! “Too hearing for the deaf world and too deaf for the hearing world, but a true community loves you regardless of your ability.”

Sabrina Woods

Entreprenuer, Solution Seeker, Artist

Woods is the owner of Fitness1 Studios and Triad Aerial Arts. A fitness professional of more than 20 years, she teaches traditional exercise as well as artistic dance movement. Her practice combines flexibility training, core conditioning, and musicality to choreograph dance arts using Aerial Silks, Lyra, Trapeze, Pole, and Acrobatic Yoga. “Explore the unconventional and embrace the unfamiliar – the versatility & enthusiasm that result are synergistic.”

Sean Leavitt

Seer, Reformer, Advocate

Sean Leavitt, CEO of Maclens Inclusive Leadership, brings 30+ years of inclusive business leadership and 20 years as a certified Diversity practitioner. He develops inclusive leadership skills for mid-to-senior-level executives, helping them see, respect, and leverage diversity as a competitive advantage. Sean’s unique perspective as a white male allows him to bridge gaps and advocate for increasing white male involvement in DEI initiatives. His holistic offerings are tailored to drive sustainable culture change aligned with an organization’s mission and strategic objectives. “See, respect, leverage diversity. To reform DEI, white men have a key role in driving inclusion.”

Shane Lukas

Activist, Business Owner, Adventurer

Lukas combines an award-winning design career with a life of grassroots activism. He leads the team at A Great Idea, a brand communications firm serving mission-driven partners. His writing has appeared in many books about sex work, and he has spoken internationally about harm reduction for men in the sex industry. He was recently featured in GDUSA’s “Designers for Good.” “Stigma stops businesses from seeing what’s possible.”

Sheena White

Futurist, Space Maker, Humanitarian

Sheena White is a seasoned professional with extensive competencies in Arc GIS, marketing, data collection, project management, and strategic leadership. Her excellent communication skills have facilitated her success in post mortem beauty services, emergency management, training, Power BI, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. She is also skilled in personnel management, entrepreneurship, and change management. “Make the rest of the day the best day ever!”

Tony Polion

Founder of ” A Haaven For Men, Men's Wellness Advocate, Former Law Enforment

Tony Polion, founder of ” A Haven For Men,” specializes in men’s mental health and well-being. He advocates for globally dismantling the “Real Men Don’t” culture through transformative workshops that provide tools for mental, physical, and spiritual wellness, impacting, “The Whole Man”. Tony has a background in mental health, martial arts and fitness, and community oriented law enforcement. Tony tailors his engaging presentations to inspire personal and professional growth and fulfillment. His diverse experience and passion for helping others make him an invaluable asset to any event. “Let’s create environments of appreciation that destroy The Real Men Don’t Culture.”

Valda Ford

Advocate, Educator, Communicator

Since nearly losing her own life after her second child was born and suffering the loss of her second son Valda Ford has been tirelessly working to make health care make sense. In 60 countries on 6 continents she has been a care providers, created sustainable health initiatives and provided resources to some of the most vulnerable populations on earth. As a Registered Nurse, a Public Health expert, serial entrepreneur and mother she spends her time getting the message out in a way that knowledge, being powerful, is provided to those typically powerless. “Let’s save the mothers we can save. 80% do not need to die!

Zalyia Grillet

Community Architect, Incisive Visionary, Intentional Human

Zalyia Grillet, the UX Conceptual Creative, is a trailblazer in the tech industry, blending her unique background in ethnomusicology with over 11 years of UX expertise, including roles at Fortune’s Top 50 companies. As a dynamic community builder, captivating speaker, and fashion aficionado, she spearheads TechUnleashed, a community for black creatives in tech through community, immersive experiences, and hands-on mentorship, inspired by her “Imposter Syndrome Toolkit”. Her journey reshapes tech with practical yet innovative approaches, paving the way for a more inclusive and authentic future. “Immerse in the symphony of innovation: where music, sound and design converge to unleash your genius.”