Theme: Building Bridges

In a world often divided by differences, "Building Bridges" is about fostering connection, understanding, and collaboration. This theme explores how we can bridge gaps—between cultures, ideas, generations, industries, and perspectives—to create a more inclusive and innovative future.

Through thought-provoking talks, speakers will share insights on breaking down barriers, forging meaningful relationships, and uniting people across divides. Whether it's through technology, music, storytelling, science, or social change, "Building Bridges" challenges us to rethink how we connect and work together to shape a better world.

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center
1201 W Malvern Ave
Fullerton, California, 92833
United States

Alfredo Silva

Educator

Alfredo Silva brings over 20 years of educational experience as a passionate advocate and innovator, currently serving as Teacher on Special Assignment for Garden Grove Unified School District and Vice President of the California Council for the Social Studies. As host of the Teach4Justice Podcast and a sought-after speaker at premier conferences like ISTE, CUE, and IDEAcon, Alfredo inspires educators worldwide to embrace innovative practices that prepare students for our dynamic, interconnected world.

Annette Hines

Attorney and Special Needs Advocate

Annette Hines is an attorney, mother, author, advocate, and host of Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast. In the wake of losing her beloved daughter, Elizabeth, Annette found herself at a crossroads. Through her grief, she discovered what felt like a second chance—a renewed purpose to use her legal expertise to support families navigating the same challenges she once faced.

David Palmer

Educator

Dr. David A. Palmer, Ed.D., is an educator with over 30 years of experience in classroom and school administration, as well as the father of six adopted neurodivergent children. Through his trauma-informed, nervous-system-centered approach, he empowers overwhelmed parents and teachers to shift from compliance to connection, transforming the way we respond to fostering emotional regulation and resilience in children and teens.

Gil Rief

Writer

Gil Rief is a 13-time Emmy-winning comedy writer and former head writer at The Ellen Show and The Jennifer Hudson Show. Along with his work in television, Gil teaches organizations how to use creative leadership to boost innovation and teamwork.

Heather Willoughby

Professor

Dr. Heather A. Willoughby is a Professor in the Graduate School of International Studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, Korea. She teaches courses, provides guest lectures and coaching on topics related to cross-cultural communication and cultural competence, socio-cultural anthropology, Korean and East Asian studies and philosophy, ethnomusicology, and gender studies.

Jean-Sébastien Busque

Consultant and Author

After 20+ years in the corporate world, Jean-Sébastien Busque reinvented his life when grief, burnout, and a gender transition made it impossible to keep pretending. Now, he is a speaker, author of "My Apple Pie of Happiness" and founder of Cohérence conseil, guiding organizations and individuals from chaos to clarity with fearless authenticity!

Jeremy Siskind

Jazz Pianist and Educator

Pianist, composer, arranger, and educator Jeremy Siskind is a professor at Fullerton College and a best-selling author of globally used jazz instructional books. He heads the Creative Track at the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, has won the Nottingham International Jazz Piano Competition, and collaborates with Grammy-winning artists such as trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and soprano Julia Bullock.

Kristal DeSantis

Marriage and Family Therapist

Kristal DeSantis is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Austin, Texas, who specializes in helping individuals and couples build emotionally connected relationships. She is the author of STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man and works at the intersection of gender dynamics, emotional intelligence, and relationship health.

Natasha Valdes

Vocal Trauma Specialist

Natasha Valdes is a Vocal Trauma Specialist and creator of the Embodied Vocal Wellness Program, where she helps performers and professionals regulate anxiety through the healing power of voice, breath, and movement in connection with the vagus nerve. Her work bridges neuroscience and voice science, empowering people to reclaim safety in their bodies and unlock their full vocal potential and authentic expression.

Shane Adams

Songwriter and Educator

Shane Adams is a two-time GRAMMY-nominated educator, music producer, award-winning songwriter, author, and President of Artist Accelerator. He composed his first song at the age of ten—an early effort that lacked polish, but marked the beginning of a lifelong journey toward musical excellence.