Theme: Shake It Up!

SHAKE IT UP flips the script on conventional wisdom by enriching our community with unlikely conversation. As an audience of many gathered as one, we’ll explore new perspectives that transcend normal expectations – and kickstart the future by setting invigorated ideas into motion.
- Challenge the status quo with Charleston’s leading thinkers who stand out from the crowd by sharing worldly new perspectives on business, technology, science, art and culture.
- Question stagnation and division with ideas that produce local and global groundswells of positive change.
- Innovate alongside future-forward individuals who inspire action within and beyond our communities.

Charleston Music Hall
37 John St
Charleston, South Carolina, 29403
United States

Brian Sullivan

Psychologist + Entrepreneur

A clinical psychologist, College of Charleston professor, and software company co-founder, Brian Sullivan uses his talents and insatiable curiosity for how people think and behave to better understand how technology can bring us together, not push us apart.

Christan Rainey

Anti Domestic Violence Advocate

A full-time father, fiancé, and fire department engineer, Christian embodies commitment in action. Now, he’s calling men to take up the same cause through Men Against Domestic Violence (MAD USA), a grassroots organization that’s putting violence at home to rest.

Dan Bellack

Educator + Truth Seeker

A psychology professor for the past 30 years, Dan Bellack is driven by his curiosity for what makes us human. Through his research for how people think, he helps us learn more about how we naturally operate, and how we can improve our thinking to create deep, lasting impact in the world.

Edie Cusack

Advocate + Educator

As the founder of the College of Charleston’s REACH Program, she works with universities to build inclusive programs that unlock entire new worlds for students with unique gifts to give.

Emily Torchiana

Mental Health Advocate

A former College of Charleston student, Emily Torchiana has emerged from the shadows of cyberbullying and suicide attempts to turn life’s darkest moments into moments of meaning for others who need a mental health hero.

Feral Creative

Puppeteers

A child at heart and a fabrication artist by trade, Kris Manning is the fearless leader of Feral Creative, a troupe of professional puppeteers and vibrant stage performers bringing their ‘wild’ side to the city of Charleston and beyond. Appearing with Ms. Manning are Becky Becker, Geoffrey Cormier, Henry Riggs and Maari Suorsa.

Jake Stauch

Neuroscience Entrepreneur

A former cognitive researcher, Jake Stauch is now the founder of NeuroPlus, a company helping children find focus and self-control through brain-sensing technology that supports their ever growing, changing nervous systems.

Jason Kerestes

Robotics Engineer

An engineer and researcher, Jason Kerestes's days are spent pioneering the next big advance in robotics, while educating his industry about the role they'll play in the world's economic future.

Li Chang

Aerospace Engineer + Innovator

As a Boeing engineer and technical fellow, Li Chang is always asking: how can we do this better? A leader that invokes the leaders within his team, his work is focused on leveraging complementary strengths to build a culture of better products, experiences, and innovations.

Michael Kleiss

Play Advocate + Educator

A Clemson University School of Architecture professor, Michael Kleiss believes that the bridge between present and future is built brick by (Lego!) brick as a way of embracing playfulness in the way we architect our worlds.

Phillip Dustan

Global Ecologist + Educator

Phillip Dustan is a College of Charleston biology professor passionate about spreading the news: the future of Charleston's underwater ecosystem is in our hands. Equal parts researcher and messenger, he's shaking up how we see – and save – our reefs.

Ranky Tanky

Musicians

Get down with Ranky Tanky, a Gullah quintet, celebrating the timeless sounds of the Southeastern Sea Island region with more contemporary arrangements. Group members include: Quentin Baxter, Calvin Baxter, Kevin Hamilton, Quiana Parler, Clay Ross and Charlton Singleton.

Rene Russell

Musician

A professional musician for two decades, Rene Russell lives inside her songs as much as her songs live inside her. Real and raw, her performances remind us of the truth she sings: that with love, we can accomplish anything.

Sarayu Das

Clean Water Advocate + Student

This South Carolina-based high school student, researcher, and scientist is on a mission to increase consciousness about water contamination - especially pharmaceutical contamination – starting in her own backyard.

Steve Palmer

People Enthusiast + Restaurateur

A celebrated restaurateur who began washing dishes at age 13, Steve Palmer knows firsthand how the strains and successes of his industry can drive employees to the darkest of places. With a focus on service, he’s committed to flipping the tables on professional support.

Tina Singleton

Global Connector

Fashion industry professional turned international development worker turned farmer, Tina Singleton is no stranger to reinvention. As Transformation Table’s founder, a business for inclusivity through food, she’s bringing the city’s diverse neighbors together, one meal at a time.