The Power of Music
Cellist Paul Tseng has performed as a soloist, recitalist, orchestral, and chamber musician throughout the United States, Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and South Africa in concert halls such as Avery Fischer Hall, Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the Cairo Royal Opera House in Egypt, The Royal Cultural Center in Amman, Jordan.

The second cellist ever to be awarded the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Peabody Conservatory (Johns Hopkins University), Paul specialized in the cello music of Prokofiev. He also holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the Juilliard School. He has held various faculty positions in New York, Maryland, West Virginia, New York, and Washington DC.

Paul is a founding member of the Logos Trio and the artistic director of the San Diego Music Society.

Are Fisherfolk the Secret Key to Saving Coral Reefs?
Taylor Bratton is a marine social ecologist committed to the sustainable management of marine ecosystems and the advocacy for the rights of small-scale fishing communities. As the founder and director of Sea Collective, a research-driven non-profit, Taylor leads initiatives aimed at integrating the traditional knowledge of tropical fishing communities into conservation strategies to create resilient marine protected areas in the face of climate change.

Holding a master’s degree in marine ecology, Taylor's award-winning research and fieldwork before the age of 26 include the design and management of three marine protected areas across the globe. Her research in the Philippines and Belize have informed equitable fisheries regulations and underscored the connection between human and ecological health.

Write to Save Your Life
Rick Najera is an award-winning screenwriter, actor, director, producer, sketch comedian, author, playwright with an expansive portfolio of credits in all forms of entertainment. He has received numerous industry awards for his work.

From starring in films with Sidney Poitier, George Clooney and most recently Mario Lopez, to writing sketch comedy for Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx, Najera is best known for starring on Broadway in his award-winning, self-penned stageplay, Latinologues, directed by comedy legend Cheech Marin. Najera is only one of three Latinos to ever write and star in their own play on Broadway.

Empowering Advocacy:
Navigating Brain Injury and Building Inclusive Workplaces
Kelly Lewis is an author, model, business resource group leader, mother, and traumatic brain injury (PPCS) survivor. Her story resonates with audiences from all walks of life.

With over two decades of leadership experience, she has honed her ability to inspire and motivate others through her unique perspective and unwavering sense of humor.

Kelly’s captivating storytelling and authentic approach make her a sought-after speaker, leaving a lasting impact on every audience she addresses.

Cups to Service
Steve Dilley, MFA, is Executive Director of the Veterans Art Project, I was moved after 9/11 to help Veterans, Active Duty and spouses through Art making. Steve has an MFA in Ceramics from California State Fullerton Steve is a former Art/Sculpture/Ceramics adjunct Professor at Grossmont College in El Cajon, CA. When not walking on the beach, cooking for his family, Steve manages the day to day operations at the 5,000 sq ft VETART School of Ceramics and Glass in Vista Ca.

We’re not just Voters, We’re Investors
Jennifer Schoeneck, Director of Economic Development for the City of Escondido, is a leader in bringing tech-forward and innovative approaches to local government. Drawing on her extensive experience in the private sector, Jennifer has successfully translated best practices into public administration, achieving significant efficiencies and enhanced service delivery for businesses, residents, and visitors.

Recognized with several awards for innovative program design, Jennifer has created process improvements within local government to better serve the public. Her recent accomplishments include spearheading the region’s inaugural AgTech Startup Program, adopting the city’s first public art strategic work plan, streamlining business license processing, and leading policy design for short-term rentals and commercial building vacancies.

Words are Magical Spells
Zander Chan enjoys soccer, video games, and the epic adventures of One Piece. Beyond the virtual battles and on-field victories, one of the most fulfilling chapters of his life was his time as part of the leadership crew at Conway Academy, known as Ambassadors. As an Ambassador, he had the privilege of welcoming newcomers to the school, sharing its spirit, and leading informational tours. Beyond the school gates, he seized opportunities to speak at notable events hosted by EUSD, amplifying the school's voice in the community. Along the way, he has been honored with awards for his athleticism, dedication as an Active Citizen, and academic achievements as a Scholar at Conway. Excited for the next chapter of adventures, both on and off the field!

Anna Lee Fleming was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She was gifted her first guitar in the 2nd grade and started writing songs in middle school. After graduating from San Diego State University as an English Major, she formed a 6-piece band with her brother, Willie Fleming, called “Finnegan Blue,” which pulls inspiration from Irish and American folk music. Finnegan Blue has performed coast to coast and released a self titled album of all original music, 6 of those songs were written by Anna Lee. She still performs regularly as a duo with her brother and as a full band with Finnegan Blue.

Metamorphisis of Love
Roger Rolim de Moura, born in Curitiba, Brazil, is a multifaceted individual currently residing in Escondido, California. He is an entrepreneur, coach and motivational speaker with a rich background in human development, coaching and leadership, Roger passionately manage his own business while actively contributing to well-being of youth and families. His expertise extends to promoting values through courses and seminars on effective communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal relationships.

His influence extends beyond corporate settings, as he has authored the novel “ En el Oculto de tus Ojos “, specifically designed to connect with youth.

A Defense of Victim Mentality
Rachel S. Heslin has been immersed in the study of both individual and social psychology for over 4 decades, with an emphasis on how interactions between groups and individuals affect our identity and experience. Her father, a clinical psychologist, taught his children his craft such that Rachel was first introduced to Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) concepts when she was 9 years old, and she has been performing PartsWork and refining her reframing skills since the age of 11. 

Over the years, Rachel has facilitated trainings for the Southern California Society for Ericksonian Psychotherapy and Hypnosis (SCSEPH), acted as the Director of Exhibitors for the California Women's Conference, helped co-host the WBECS (World Business and Executive Coach Summit) pre-summit sessions, and was a WBECS Implementation Mastery Facilitator. She has been cited in Psychology Today, featured in Authority Magazine, was a contributor to the Milton H. Erickson Foundation Newsletter, and is also the past president of the Mountain Healing Arts Association.

Rachel is currently the author of two books: Navigating Life: 8 Different Strategies to Guide Your Way, and Rituals of Release: How to Make Room for Your New Life. Her work through her company, The Fullness of Your Power, helps people embrace all parts of their experience so they can live happier, more successful, and more deeply fulfilling lives. You can learn more at https://www.thefullnessofyourpower.com.

From Mom & Pop to #3 in the Nation
Kate and Bob are the owners of Sunny Side Kitchen in historic downtown Escondido. Recently named the #3 place to eat in the nation by Yelp, Sunny Side Kitchen is a small, off-the-beaten-path panini shop that set out from the beginning to be just different enough and connect the community through food and friendship.

This is not the first career for Kate or Bob, they started out as journalists and that background was key to their ability to talk to people, ask for help, collaborate with experts in order to achieve the success they have experienced.

Creativity Beyond the Canvas
Pako Pablos is known for his contemporary style, mixed media artist Pako Pablos is recognized internationally for his stylistic approach by industry and social icons.

​From world class athletes to cutting edge musicians and entertainment figures, his artistic commentary on pop culture through the use of digital art, painting with acrylics and the creation of images in pastels is gaining widespread exposure and popularity.

History Is Calling, How Will We Answer?
Tad Seth Parzen is the President and CEO of the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, which he co-founded alongside longtime civic leader Malin Burnham in 2021. The Burnham Center seeks to create a thriving future for our region through building collaborative efforts to solve problems and maximize our opportunities. Tad is well known for his long-standing commitment to community and civic causes, and expertise in collaborative community development. With extensive executive experience in the legal, education, philanthropy, government, and nonprofit sectors, he brings a unique and multi-faceted perspective to his work.

Tad was named a 2023 Nonprofit CEO of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal and the 2023 Champion for Community & Education at IQ Podcasts’ Annual San Diego Academia Awards.

The Comparison Monster
Royce Escobar attends Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning. Through courage, perseverance, and commitment to her goals, she has been honored with many academic and citizenship awards such as the EPIC Scholar Award and the YMCA Outstanding Attitude Award.

Last year, she had the opportunity to develop her public speaking skills as an Ambassador CREW Leader at his school, where she gave numerous tours to visitors, educational leaders, and teachers from all over the country. She also had the opportunity to speak to the district, advocating for improved waste management systems in district schools. She is grateful for these experiences because she has learned not to let her fears get in the way of trying new things and that we can accomplish anything to which we put our minds.

Outside of school, she loves making music, playing the trumpet, recorder, and piano, riding bikes, swimming, camping, and all things outdoors. Most of all, she loves to laugh and make others laugh with her jokes and pranks. She looks forward to presenting at TEDxEscondido this year and inspiring others.

The Value of Dance for Youth Development
Jennifer Oliver earned a B.A. in Dance at U.C. Irvine and a M.A. in Expressive Arts Therapy from The European Graduate School. Teaching dance was her first career choice and still is. Along the way she became an arts education administrator, providing and advocating for access to quality arts instruction for all. Jennifer is the co-founder of several collective impact and community initiatives including Arts Empower, the Arts Education Resources Organization (AERO), the San Diego Teaching Artist Institute, the Teaching Artist Support Collaborative (now TAG), the Carrie Anne Fipps Memorial Scholarship, and The San Diego Youth Dance Festival.

Jennifer is the Artistic Director of A Step Beyond, a creative youth development organization providing dance, academic and counseling services to youth and has certifications in somatic movement, leadership, youth in nature, dance therapy, and youth development.

Dancers: Horacio Castañeda , Hana Ibrahim, Jana Ibrahim, Alexa Rodarte, Jocelyn Cancino, Monserrat Torres, Ruby Peña, Sebastian Flores

The Value of Building Business Relationships
David is a marketing advocate for the community. His passion is bringing the community together and sharing the best of San Diego North County with his online directory and social media channels. As a former banker, marketing representative, and photographer, David combines his experience to deliver marketing services to his clients, including working with the Small Business Development Center as a business advisor and community outreach. At the age of 50, David returned to complete his master’s degree in Internet Marketing. This allowed him to complete his goal of being a college and university professor.

David has served in many roles with the local chamber of commerce from Escondido to Oceanside, managing digital marketing, being the membership director, and supporting local businesses. This experience is how he created My San Diego North County community and business directory and the very popular Cafecito Business Networking events.

Farming for our Future
Bill Toone is an internationally recognized conservation biologist. He developed many of the techniques that lead to the highly publicized and groundbreaking recovery of the California condor. He has led biological transects and expeditions through the rainforests of Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Cameroon, and many other remote areas. Over the last 30 years a great deal of Bill’s work has been focused on the conservation of the monarch butterfly.

Bill has appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, worked on wildlife films with Olivia Newton-John, was featured on CBS Sunday Morning Show with Charles Osgood. Bill is a winner of the 2023 AARP Purpose Prize, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, founder of ECOLIFE Conservation and the author of On the Wings of the Condor.

How to Have Collaborative Conversations in a Politically Divisive World
Richard is a seasoned professional and the Owner of RDM Management Group, a distinguished training company founded in 2014. RDM Management Group, a proud veteran-owned enterprise, specializes in a comprehensive array of training services, encompassing leadership skills, diversity, equity, inclusion with emotional intelligence, professional development, performance coaching, sales training, conflict resolution, and assessments.

With a robust background that spans over 30 years, Richard’s professional journey has taken him from an individual contributor to mid-level management, and finally to senior leadership roles across various corporate settings. This extensive corporate experience has instilled in him a profound grasp of strategic thinking and tactical execution, equipping him with the ability to establish meaningful connections with audiences on a global scale.

Building Community through Art
Carol is presently a fulltime volunteer. She built her network and developed her personal mission while working alongside her husband in his Escondido based art glass studio and gallery, “Stone and Glass”. Previously she was VP of Operations at Progressive Technology, VP at TMP Services and Western Region VP of Operations with WMI Services. This experience is the base for Carol’s team building and collaborative approach to leading projects and making things happen. Early in Carol’s professional career she also owned a retail travel agency specializing in honeymoon destinations, and co-hosted a caller driven radio talk show “Travel Talk” on KFBK in Sacramento. Travel remains a passion for Carol today.