Adam Russell is the Founder, Board Member, and Western Region Director for LifeSteps Bank, where he leads strategic initiatives to grow the bank’s presence. As the Owner of Services and Solutions for Business, he supported hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses with PPP and SBA loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adam brings decades of valuable banking experience, including as a Senior Vice President and Regional Manager in Inland Empire Commercial Banking at Opus Bank.

In addition to his leadership roles, he has served as an adjunct professor of finance at CSU San Bernardino and has been a contributing broadcaster since 2010. Having lived globally, Adam’s diverse experience informs his work and passions.

Cheryl Chesnut, VP of Operations for the Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center, is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in local government, transportation, energy, healthcare, and workforce development. She excels at driving organizational change, leading strategic initiatives, and collaborating with partners across education, business, and community sectors to create impactful programs.

A seasoned professional, Cheryl has expertise in contract administration, project management, grant management, and small business ownership. Notably, she co-led efforts to develop a workforce education and training program for the energy efficiency sector.

Cheryl holds an M.P.A. and an M.S. in Energy Management and is pursuing a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Administration. With a passion for bridging industry needs with workforce development, she is dedicated to empowering organizations and fostering meaningful economic impact.

Cicero is a financial and mental health-focused speaker. His three key principles, INSPIRE, REINFORCE, and MOTIVATE are relevant for professional development as well as motivating and inspiring our youth. With years of work in TV and Film as well as his financial acumen as a business owner, and investor he provides insight, unlike other speakers. His experience in mental health support allows for his speeches to intertwine how mental health plays a factor in our achievements and how to work through struggles.

Growing up in the Bronx, NY, Cicero experienced many academic and social challenges that led to academic struggles and behavioral concerns in school.

During his motivational speeches, he shares what changed his worldview, and allowed him to go from public housing in the Bronx to financial freedom, academic success, and a life of self-reflection and understanding.

Dr. Alberto Yanez, an immigrant from Mexico raised in Baldwin Park, has always been driven by a passion for medicine and a deep commitment to community health. Now a dedicated Family Medicine physician, he remains closely connected to the region he calls home. Whether exploring the vibrant Bay Area, skiing in Southern California’s mountains, or unwinding on the beaches of San Diego, Dr. Yanez embraces all that California has to offer.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine - Chicago and completed his Family Medicine residency at San Bernardino County Medical Center. Board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, Dr. Yanez continues to make a lasting impact on patient care and public health initiatives across the region.

Dr. Alex McDonald is a Southern California Permanente Medical Group physician specializing in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Sports Medicine, and other professional organizations.

Education and Training

Degrees

BA, Connecticut College
MD, University of Vermont School of Medicine

Postdoctoral training

Intern, Duke University
Resident, Family Medicine; third-year Clinic Director, Kaiser Permanente Fontana
Fellow, Sports Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Fontana

Dr. Marsden is Tomorrow's Talent's award-winning, visionary founder, after serving as one of California’s longest-tenured urban Superintendents.  Dr. Marsden is a veteran educator with a proven track record of transforming educational systems by focusing on a broadbased community engagement approach that has resulted in historic increases of graduation rates, 50 percent reduction of suspensions and citations, and the creation of robust career pathways that have students in elementary through high school developing the skills and certifications necessary to succeed in both college and careers. 

Dr. Marsden earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, San Bernardino in Liberal Studies with a minor in mathematics, a master’s degree in Educational Administration, and a doctorate of education in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Pepperdine University. 

Dr. Dravon James’s journey began in poverty on the South Side of Chicago. Though she had always dreamt of a career on the stage, Dravon went on to earn a doctorate in pharmacy from Creighton University and has worked as a pharmacist all of her adult life. Along with her medical career and theatrical aspirations, Dr. Dravon has also always had a keen interest in personal development. After reading Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking in college, she went on to make a lifelong study of the power we all have to create the life we want.

Dr. Frieda Birnbaum is a sought after research psychologist and personality on radio and television. She is the published author of Life Begins at 60 and is an award winning speaker.

​

Her podcast The Doctor Frieda Show: Pushing the Limits, cohosting for Korelin Reports and thriving psychological practice have kept her busy.

​

She has been on the Fox Radio news circuit, national TV and radio.

Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers is a passionate advocate, dynamic leader, and lifelong San Bernardino resident. With advanced degrees in behavioral health, human resources, and educational leadership, she champions foster youth, equity in education, and community well-being. She’s the founder of Young Women’s Empowerment, helping young women pursue their highest aspirations, and brings over 20 years of business finance experience to her work.

Dr. Dowdy-Rodgers serves as a First 5 San Bernardino Commissioner, Vice President of the San Bernardino County Board of Education, and a former president and trustee of the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education. In 2022, she became the first Black woman elected to the County Board representing Area D (San Bernardino, Rialto, and Snowline).

Dr. Latashia Kelly is the Director of Child Development for the San Bernardino City Unified School District. She earned her MA in Educational Leadership from Pacific Oaks College and her Ed.D. from Walden University. 

Dr. Pamela Buchanan, a board-certified physician and author, brings her unique blend of compassion and knowledge to empower audiences with insights on healing, connection, and personal growth.

As an ambassador for the Lorna Beene Foundation and the author of Emotional Flatline, she has inspired many through her dynamic presentations and literary contributions, including her feature in the anthology Healing in Color.

Whether in the emergency room or on stage, Dr. Buchanan’s ability to connect effortlessly with people leaves a lasting impression, fostering understanding and transformation.

Dr. Vora is the Chief of Oncology at Kaiser Permanente in San Bernardino County. She also specializes in hematology.

Education & Training

• Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
  Fellowship, Hematology and Medical Oncology, 2010 - 2013
• Rutgers Health/Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
  Residency, Internal Medicine, 2007 - 2010
• Pramukhswami Medical College
  Class of 2004

Certifications & Licensure

• CA State Medical License
  2013 - 2026
• NY State Medical License
  2010 - 2013
• NJ State Medical License
  2008 - 2012
• American Board of Internal Medicine
  Internal Medicine
• American Board of Internal Medicine
  Hematology
• American Board of Internal Medicine
  Medical Oncology

Timothy Jenkins, MD, FACP, has been named the new area medical director and chief of staff for the Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County Service Area, which includes the Fontana Medical Center.

Dr. Jenkins is a graduate of Harvard Medical School, did his residency in internal medicine, and is a fellow in gastroenterology at Massachusetts General Hospital.

He joined Kaiser Permanente in 1999 as a gastroenterologist at the Fontana Medical Center. Over the years, he has held many other positions at FMC.

“I love the members, staff, and physicians. It is a wonderful privilege and honor to serve,” said Jenkins. “I am excited to help take our medical centers to the next level, with a focus on innovation and continued commitment to providing the highest quality care and service for our members.”

Dustin Dean is a nationally certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 23 years of experience, known for delivering elite, evidence-based mental health care. He has served at a world-renowned Midwestern medical facility and holds advanced degrees from Augsburg University and the University of North Dakota. A former Associate Professor of Mental Health Nursing, Dustin is also a Medical VR Consultant and former head of a Behavioral Emergency Response Team (B.E.R.T.), specializing in de-escalation and crisis care. Today, he provides exclusive concierge-level services blending therapy, personalized medication management, and innovative approaches to help clients thrive—not just survive.

Ginger Ontiveros: A Visionary Leader Driving Change

With a dynamic career spanning public education, business, and nonprofit leadership, Ginger Ontiveros has been a force for progress in the Inland Empire. As Executive Director of Community Engagement and Communications for SBCUSD and the Making Hope Happen Foundation, she built powerful partnerships to uplift students and families. Before that, she led the Victor Valley College Foundation, raising millions to expand workforce training.

Recognized at local, regional, and national levels for her leadership, Ginger’s passion is helping people and communities thrive. A proud community college alum, she holds degrees from CSU San Bernardino and Regis University and was recently inducted into the Victor Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame for her transformative impact.

From the shadow of gang life to the bright lights of entrepreneurial success, Ifeanyi White’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of transformation. In this inspiring episode, Ifeanyi shares how he overcame nearly insurmountable obstacles to become a thriving businessman, devoted father, and impactful community leader. His story reminds us that our past does not define us, and with courage and vision, we can rewrite our future. Ifeanyi is the owner of Executive Level Cleaning Services and Catering Support Services, and is a sought-after public speaker. 

Throughout his career, Jack has served in a variety of fundraising positions in hospital, social service and the arts as executive director, development director, major gift and legacy giving manager, and foundation and corporate relations manager.

Additionally, Jack previously served as a member of the board and taught and managed the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Golden Gate Chapter’s Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) Review class. He has recently been appointed as CFRE California Ambassador.

Jack has been a trainer for the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy in the Bay Area since the program launched in that region at JFK University. Jack’s primary role was that of Instructor in the Fundraising Academy and in the newly launched Cause Selling Series. 

Jennifer Yturralde is a leader with over a decade of experience driving innovation and entrepreneurship programs. At UC San Diego, she managed Master of Advanced Study programs. She launched initiatives like Hacking for Defense at the Institute for the Global Entrepreneur, inspiring her passion for empowering entrepreneurs to use technology for social good.

At UC Riverside, she fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, helping launch the EPIC Small Business Development Center and managing the Riverside ExCITE Startup Incubator to support tech-focused ventures in the Inland Empire.

In 2024, Jennifer launched RevHub’s first cohort program, helping social ventures prepare for investment and impact. She excels at guiding startups, building stakeholder relationships, and fostering collaboration with experts, mentors, and partners.

Jenny Mitchell is an executive coach, a podcaster, and a published author on a mission to help people have more meaningful conversations. She is a lifelong learner who holds an executive coaching degree from Royal Roads University, a CFRE fundraising designation, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from SUNY Stony Brook in piano performance.

Jenny is the Founder and CEO of Chavender and most frequently works with executive-level leaders in non-profit and corporate settings. 

Joe Mouawad has more than three decades of experience in the water industry and is the General Manager at Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). He is responsible for overseeing daily operations of the organization, which employs more than 600 people and is responsible for providing high quality and reliable water, wastewater and recycled water service to nearly one million people in a 601-square mile service area in western Riverside County and northern San Diego County, California.   

Karen Scott is the Executive Director of the Children and Families Commission – First 5 San Bernardino, a funding organization of services for children prenatal through age 5, by investing revenue received from Prop 10, a tobacco tax initiative in California.

Ms. Scott’s education and background is in Public Administration and Administration of Justice, and she has worked in the realm of Human Services for San Bernardino County since 1977.  Karen has served as Executive Director of First 5 San Bernardino for nearly 17 years leading the organization’s efforts to promote, support and enhance the health and early development of children, prenatal through age 5 through coordinated and comprehensive systems of care that strengthen children, families and communities, ensuring children are safe, healthy and ready to enter and succeed in school.

La Keisha Charles, co-owner of LDR Cleaning Services Inc., built her career on resilience, dedication, and meticulous standards. She began in the cleaning industry managing apartment turnovers to support her family, learning the value of hard work and attention to detail.

Spending 17 years at Nestlé Waters North America, La Keisha excelled in various roles, including Safety, Health, and Environmental Specialist, where she ensured rigorous cleanliness and safety standards in a food-grade environment. These experiences sharpened her skills in quality assurance and operational excellence.

Anticipating Nestlé’s sale, La Keisha co-founded LDR Cleaning Services Inc. with her daughter, spending 18 months building equity and acquiring professional-grade equipment. By 2022, they launched the business full-time, applying her expertise to deliver high-quality, detail-oriented cleaning services. 

Lacey Kendall, a highly experienced professional in the field of broadcast media and communication, has an extensive background in various roles such as Recording Engineer, Broadcast Media Consultant/Host, Broadcast-Media Consultant, Professor, Radio Announcer, Co-Founder of a real property brokerage, Chief Executive Officer of a consulting firm, Syndicated Radio Program Host, and Founder of a non-profit organization. With a Master's degree in Communication Studies and a strong foundation in radio broadcasting, Lacey excels in advising, managing, hosting, and teaching various aspects of the media industry.
She created and produced the highly successful "My Awesome Empire" and "Education Insight" radio shows and helped to found Coyote Radio and Paws Radio at the CSUSB campuses in San Bernardino and Palm Desert, respectively.

Margot Rittenhouse is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a firm belief that all individuals have an innate and powerful ability to overcome challenges, grow through struggle, and live purposeful and joy-filled lives. She has dedicated her career to helping those facing mental health challenges to find, and use, this power. Margot received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from American University before further committing to the mental health field and earning her Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John’s Hopkins University. Margot’s “passion population” is providing treatment at varying levels-of-care for individuals struggling with eating disorders and body image issues. Margot has also dedicated her knowledge and passion to writing over 1,000 articles for Eating Disorder Hope website and collaborating with Robyn Goldberg, RDN, CEDRD-S to ghostwrite her book “The Eating Disorder Trap: A Guide for Clinicians and Loved Ones.” 

Marisol Flores, MD, was born in Mexico and raised in Southern California.  After graduating from medical school at the University of Guadalajara and completing surgical specialty training at the University of Guanajuato, she moved back to the U.S. to be closer to family. She completed ob-gyn training at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Right after residency, she joined a busy group practice for four years. After my husband’s training, she moved back to sunny California! She chose to work at Kaiser Permanente partly because of the advanced technology in medicine and surgery available here and the kind people of this community.

Michael “Mick” Myers blends clinical expertise, entrepreneurial grit, and deep emotional insight to help high-performing clients achieve lasting mental wellness. A nationally certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Mick was a founding team member of 24-Hour Fitness, where a pivotal moment with Robin Williams sparked his shift from physical to mental health. He later created Well Fit Lifestyles and developed innovative hospital-based wellness programs, including a groundbreaking tobacco cessation initiative. After nearly a decade of advanced psychiatric and coaching education, Mick co-founded Mind Health Concierge with Dustin Dean, offering a unique dual-provider model that combines integrative psychiatry and performance coaching. Today, Mick is on a mission to make mental wellness “cool” and central to personal success, fulfillment, and legacy.

Nancy Carrillo is the Program Coordinator for the Child Development Department at the San Bernardino City Unified School District. The SBCUSD is the 9th largest in California, with 47,000 enrolled students. The Child Development Department houses full and part-day programs at multiple locations throughout the District. 

Andrew Roberts is a great historian who is always relevant to contemporary thinking and contemporary problems.’ Dr Henry Kissinger

‘One of the greatest biographers in the English language today.’ Sir Noel Malcolm, Daily Telegraph

He is the Bonnie and Tom McCloskey Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, a Visiting Professor at the War Studies Department at King’s College, London, and the Lehrman Institute Lecturer at the New York Historical Society.

He has written or edited twenty books, translated into twenty-eight languages,  and appears regularly on radio and television worldwide. 

Originally from The Heights in NYC, Robert Carrillo now calls San Bernardino home, where he’s building the Launch Pad Collective to foster sustainable economic development. With 25+ years in real estate—spanning investment banking, affordable housing, and property development—Robert brings vast expertise to his work. A dedicated community leader, he’s served on nonprofit boards and created two impactful youth development programs, blending his passions for empowerment and real estate to drive meaningful change.

Rosie Plancarte is a distinguished graduate of California State University, Los Angeles, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies with a specialization in Advertising and Public Relations. With a solid background in marketing and communications, Rosie has garnered experience across both private and nonprofit sectors. Her dedication to helping others and her commitment to making a positive impact have been the driving forces behind her career in nonprofit work. Rosie’s expertise and passion make her an invaluable asset to any organization, ensuring meaningful contributions and fostering positive change.

The Shenomenal Coach

Helping women who feel stretched thin create balance and joy without guilt. Diagnosed at 35, Tasha’s journey is unique—she and her sister battled breast cancer simultaneously. Their mother had faced the disease years earlier, at age 37. In 2015, Tasha and her two sisters were urged to undergo genetic testing for BRCA 1, a gene linked to breast cancer. Both tested positive, and both were diagnosed with the disease. 

Tasha Champion is more than a survivor—she’s a force for change. As an empowerment coach, speaker, and best-selling author, she is passionate about helping other women and their families navigate the challenges of breast cancer diagnosis and recovery.

As founder and designer for Jordan Alexander Jewelry, Theresa Bruno designed pieces for Oprah, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Hudson, Pink, and Michelle Obama, who named her a favorite designer. She is now host of The Soul Talks Podcast.

Theresa Bruno’s life reads like a fairy tale in many ways. Like life, though, fairy tales are often darkened with tragedy, and Theresa’s life is no exception. She has suffered more than her share of pain. However, she is still writing her story, and in this chapter she is vanquishing the fear and shame that gutted her after her husband’s death and the sudden collapse of her business by bringing it into the light and talking about it- fearlessly.

Realizing that the lives of thousands of homeless people were being wasted on the streets, Tiger Todd took it upon himself to do something about it. He retired from the electronics company he founded and discovered his true calling by motivating people toward the lives they were meant to live. Since 1995, Tiger has helped transform more than 40,000 homeless men and women into responsible, motivated, contributing members of their communities.

Since developing an antidote for American homelessness and a social-psychological model for accelerated human change through his “action philanthropy” on the streets of Las Vegas, Tiger continues to consult with cities, school districts and corporations to help their people advance at the speed of their vision and innovation.

Vanessa Perez’s transformative journey with Time for Change Foundation commenced in 2012 when she joined as an intern. Under the mentorship of Founder Kim Carter, Vanessa’s commitment and leadership qualities flourished, propelling her from intern to her current role as the Executive Director. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in steering the organization’s strategic vision and policies, providing guidance and management to technical staff across planning, programming, fund development, marketing, and administration. A trailblazer in her educational pursuits, Vanessa holds a Master’s in Business Administration from California Baptist University and a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from California State University San Bernardino. Her academic achievements reflect her dedication to continuous growth and development. 

Dr. William Mosley, a Detroit native, spent most of his adult life in Chicago. He studied biomedical engineering at Northwestern University before earning his medical degree at the University of Illinois. He then returned to Northwestern for internal medicine and cardiology training, followed by advanced interventional cardiology training at Scripps Hospital in San Diego.

At Scripps, Dr. Mosley specialized in complex angioplasty, percutaneous aortic valve replacement, and peripheral vascular intervention. While passionate about cutting-edge procedures, he emphasizes preventive heart health through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

During his fellowship, he launched a cardiovascular health program at an inner-city church, helping participants lose weight, reduce waist size, and lower blood pressure through education and group support.