Karith Foster

Karith Foster

Karith is a Diversity Engagement Specialist whose signature programs are impacting lives at academic institutions, organizations and corporations across America in a time when humor, understanding, acceptance and respect are so desperately needed.For over two decades Karith Foster has taken her passion for entertaining and critical thinking nationwide- from the airwaves to organizations; from universities to corporations creating a seismic shift in mindsets and revolutionizing the way we address issues of diversity and leadership.

The former co-host of controversial radio personality Don Imus and former Fortune 500 human resources executive administrator brings the perfect blend of humor, knowledge and experience when conveying the ever-present need to address diversity & inclusion, effective communication, leadership and self-care. Karith leaves her audiences feeling engaged, connected, inspired and encouraged to commit to the journey of mutual respect, acceptance and a greater sense of belonging.

“If you can laugh at it you can get through it,” is not only her motto, but the invaluable lesson she seeks to instill in others. As a speaker, humorist, TV & radio personality, author, entrepreneur, wife, and mother Karith’s sense of duty, service, along with her riotous sense of humor, have made her a positive force of change. The words “no” and “impossible” are not in her vocabulary as evidenced by her career path, life challenges, chosen adventures and desire to help others. She is a featured comedian in two hit documentary films, “Can We Take a Joke?” and “No Safe Spaces” which have garnered accolades in The Washington Post and TIME Magazine, as has her TEDx Talk “The Art of Defying Stereotypes: Learning to be True to Your Voice” from TEDx LincolnSquare Risk Takers and Change Makers in New York City.

Kelsey Tainsh

Kelsey Tainsh

Kelsey Tainsh has been through more in her 30 years than most will endure in a lifetime. Successfully overcoming a brain tumor at only 5 years of age, Kelsey went on to be a happy, healthy kid and a champion athlete. 10 years later, at 15, it all came crashing down when the tumor returned followed by a crippling stroke. Her friends had disappeared, her right side didn’t function and she became paralyzed with fear and self-doubt. Despite her significant physical challenges, she worked hard to pull herself up and charged back into life graduating magna cum laude from the University of Florida and going on to work for one of the most recognized companies in the world.

Today, this remarkable young woman has become a champion for the rest of us. An acclaimed professional speaker, Kelsey travels the country speaking to colleges, organizations and corporations about the power of persistence and perspective. Her clients include: The Coca-Cola Company, Harvard Medical School, Automotive Training Institute, Atrius Health, Society For Pediatric Anesthesia, INBOUND, HubSpot and more.

Kelsey Tainsh has also been featured in BYOU Magazine, Coca-Cola Journey, the Orlando Sentinel, Our Town Magazine and Home Magazine and National Speaker’s Association (NSA) Speaker Magazine.

Chris Heeter

Chris Heeter

Selected as a Top Ten Speaker by MeetingsNet, and as the highest rated speaker of Meeting Professional International’s 2014 World Education Congress, Chris Heeter is out to create a Wild revolution in the workplace. A wilderness guide since 1984 and professional speaker since 2001, Chris has led and worked with a diverse array of teams, both canine and human!

Featured on The Discovery Channel’s “National Geographic Today,” she brings decades of leadership experience indoors, to conferences and offices, working with teams and leaders, helping us recognize that leadership, teamwork, and inclusion don’t have to be so complicated.

Combining business expertise with hilarious stories from her sled dog team and from guiding whitewater trips, Chris challenges and inspires organizations and individuals to be Wildly Present, Wildly Original, and Wildly Welcoming

Lea B. Olsen

Lea B. Olsen

Growing up in poverty in a racially-blended family created social dilemmas for Lea at a young age. She learned that when your family doesn’t fit the mold, you have to get comfortable breaking the mold. It was one of her first Wins in Life.

Lea began her basketball career in the junior year of high school and, after only two years, went on to play Division I basketball at the University of Minnesota. Surrounded by coaches and teammates while doing what she loved was transformational. She developed an appreciation for the critical role process plays in achieving your goals.

Lea’s unique perspective on Winning in sports, business, and life has given her a game plan on how to Win with purpose and passion. As a speaker and thought leader, she thrives on helping people and businesses find their Wins while staying true to their core values and beliefs.

Jeff Kortes

Jeff Kortes

Jeff has more than 25 years experience in human resources. He has worked at companies that specialize in manufacturing, construction, and high tech. During his career he has worked to recruit, retain and develop employees, at companies including ConAgra Foods, SPX, Midas International and American Crystal Sugar.

Jeff is the founder of Human Asset Management LLC, which helps organizations to recruit, engage, develop and retain talent. Organizations that embrace his process have experienced reductions in employee turnover of 40-80%. He is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and a frequent speaker on the topic of loyalty, employee retention, recruitment and culture building. He is an avid high school wrestling fan, CrossFit participant and US Army veteran. Jeff is the author of Give Your Employees C.R.A.P…and 7 Other Secrets to Employee Retention and HR Horror Stories…True Tales from the Trenches.