Too often do we distract ourselves with mindless scrolling on social media or get sucked up in the monotonous grind of life. Passions seem to tragically slip away from so many of us. We could be discovering a new hobby or uncovering something new about ourselves. Our professional speakers are here to reignite the flames within everyone's hearts and intensify the passion within our lives.
With lifelong resilience, perspective and wisdom, Jason Bardales’ signature themes include meritocracy in practical and every day settings, personal power and balance, "no nonsense" business acumen, and recovery after profound loss and grief. A graduate of Iowa State University, his accomplishments in sales, management, and financial planning have provided a solid understanding of the dedication and commitment needed to nurture a passion. He is the Phi Theta Kappa International Honorary Inductee for Service, and has been involved in statewide efforts to enhance education with Building a Better Colorado. Jason uses insight, humor, and sharp reflections to think usefully about topics ranging from meritocracy or business to grief and loss.
Andreas Braun is the Phi Theta Kappa International Honorary Inductee for Scholarship, and a Denver scholar and artist in residence. Andreas is multilingual, a prolific writer, multi-media artist and avid traveler of our world. His homeland is the renowned cultural mecca of Cologne, Germany. Andreas’ signature themes include intercultural communication, art, philosophy, psychosocial and sociocultural betterment, and quality of life. His work is known for being transformative through deeply engaging, creative metaphors. His curiosity has led him to already experience at least forty countries, pursuing passions for worldly discovery and expeditionary learning. He is a role model for language development, geography, lifelong learning, and sophistication through curiosity and creativity.
Bianca Machado is a Learning Manager for one of the largest corporations in the world and a decorated Bachelor of Communication. With her proud heritage in beautiful Brazil, Bianca’s immigration story, as a first-generation, Latinx student in higher education, inspires transformation in others’ lives. Bianca’s signature themes include “the ripple effect,” embracing cultural roots, and celebrating pride and joy in diversity, equity and inclusion. She emphasizes and models how discovering and nurturing passions as a driving force and guiding principle helps us learn, grow, and make meaningful differences in our world. Bianca illuminates power and positivity in education, professionalism, and in all life situations. To unlock infinite possibilities!
Brian Weaver has devoted his entire career to education. Brian is a public, state Associate Professor of Communication, holding multiple degrees and state licensure in Speech Communication. He has taught and mentored in public speaking throughout his career. His signature themes include limitlessness and human potential, and a spectrum of topics regarding the nature and needs of high ability/high achieving people (whom Brian has a long history of serving). He has delivered countless professional and academic lectures over the years, and always looks toward dynamic ideas and solutions, especially regarding cultural topics and the communication in unique and profound relationships. Brian is often celebrated in the local community.
Here are Brain's qualifications on display and he analyzes the act of listening: