Theme: Laying the Groundwork

“Laying the Groundwork”
Laying the groundwork describes the process of establishing a solid base for anything in life. It is foundational to achieving success in life. It could be personal growth, professional development, or the execution of a project. It involves setting the stage, defining clear objectives, and understanding the basic principles of success. By laying the groundwork, people and organizations can have a robust foundation that promotes future growth and innovation. It is a tough process that ultimately paves the way for your journey ahead.
Furthermore, laying the groundwork embodies the notion of taking proactive steps to create a solid framework that can withstand challenges and uncertainties. It involves fostering a culture of adaptability, where you anticipate potential obstacles and devise contingency plans to address them. You lay the foundation with the flexibility to overcome any hardship that may come your way.

Probasco Auditorium
2839 Clifton Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45220
United States

Aashka Raval

Aashka received her Bachelors of Science in Business Analytics with a minor in Computer Science from the University of Cincinnati. Aashka served as the Speaker of Undergraduate Student Government Senate from 2022-2023 where she was able to advocate extensively for students on campus. Aashka has now cofounded Grassroots AI, a podcast and research project dedicated to engaging with small businesses, non-profits, and community organizers to understand the potentials of Generative AI at a local community level.

Brian Will

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Brian Will

Brian is a serial entrepreneur, a two-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and a leading consultant in business and sales management. Throughout his dynamic career, he’s had the privilege of founding or co-founding seven highly successful companies across four distinct industries, with valuations soaring over half a billion dollars at their height. In Brian’s current ventures, he is proud to be at the helm of a flourishing chain of restaurants in the Atlanta area and managing a robust portfolio of residential and commercial real estate across Georgia and Florida. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Brian is dedicated to serving his community as a member of the city council in his beloved hometown of Alpharetta, Georgia.

Dr. Alvaro Ortiz Lugo

Dr. Alvaro Ortiz Lugo is an assistant professor of mathematics at the University of Cincinnati. He obtained both his Bachelor’s (2007) and master’s degrees in mathematics (2011) from Universidad del Valle, in Cali, Colombia, where he was born, and a Doctoral degree in applied mathematics from the University of Cincinnati (2019). Dr. Ortiz’s work research interests are math biology, data science, and video game development math tools. He enjoys being an educator and is a part of the MAA Project Next Brown 20 Cohort, a SIAM Next Fellow, and a Member of the SIAM Education Committee.

Dr. Alvaro Ortiz Lugo

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Dr. Delaney Harness

Dr. Harness is a Professor at the University of Cincinnati with a Ph.D in Organizational Communication and Technology from the University of Texas.

Dr. Salwa Arafa

Salwa Arafa, PhD, RPh, received her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (major of Neuroscience) from James L Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati. She is a retired competitive crossfitter, avid reader, and mommy to three little cute kiddos. She is still committed to powerlifting in her garage gym and her life goal is to spread awareness about the importance of physical activity to improve quality of life. Currently, she is a pharmacist at the inpatient pharmacy, Cincinnati Children’s hospital.

Dr. Sarah Jernigan

Sarah Jernigan, PhD is a senior academic advisor for the Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati. Sarah received her PhD in educational studies with an emphasis in educational and community-based action research within higher education. Her dissertation work explored international student mental health. She also earned her BA and MA in communication at the University of Cincinnati. Outside of academia, Sarah is a proud Cincinnati native, and is passionate about exploring her city, as well as the globe more broadly.

Isaac Smitherman

Isaac received his Bachelors of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Isaac served as the Student Body President of UC from 2022-2023 where he was able to advocate extensively for students on campus. Isaac has now cofounded Grassroots AI, a podcast and research project dedicated to engaging with small businesses, non-profits, and community organizers to understand the potentials of Generative AI at a local community level.

Patrick Coyne

Patrick is an owner of two successful businesses here in Cincinnati and has impacted thousands of Cincinnatian’s lives. He has also been a guest professor at UC multiple times and is a speaker for 1n5, a national mental health organization.

Salwa Arafa

We are excited to announce that Dr. Salwa Arafa is our next mainstage speaker! Salwa Arafa, PhD, RPh, received her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (major of Neuroscience) from James L Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati. She is a retired competitive crossfitter, avid reader, and mommy to three little cute kiddos. She is still committed to powerlifting in her garage gym and her life goal is to spread awareness about the importance of physical activity to improve quality of life. Currently, she is a pharmacist at the inpatient pharmacy, Cincinnati Children’s hospital. Her idea worth sharing will be centered around how to unlock what she calls “the 3 superpowers” of exercise to optimize physical and mental health.