Theme: Awe and Wonder

What makes you stand in awe?
What causes you to be in a state of wonder?

This theme is about awakening our world to a state of Awe & Wonder. Whether it’s sustainability initiatives that restore our planet to its original beauty… or technology possibilities that stretch our imagination, we’re seeking ideas that cultivate awe and wonder within us all.

When we are in a state of awe we are reverent to the present moment…We are not fighting, arguing, debating, destroying or judging… We are still… captured…and open to whatever is unfolding in or lives.

Similarly, when we are in a state of wonder we are curious, and eager to explore. We are not doubtful, afraid, or closed minded. We are open…amazed…and eager to explore all that is before us.

Gas South Theater
6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy
Duluth, Georgia, 30097
United States

Anne Johnston

Wealth Advisor

Anne B. Johnston is the founder and managing director of Created, a boutique wealth advisory. She believes that if we can make the world of finance clear, approachable, and beautiful, then people will engage with their financial lives and become more powerful. Anne was named one of Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, and one of The Most Influential Wealth Managers in Los Angeles by the LA Business Journal. Her recent CNBC piece “Women, let’s talk about money” reflects her mission: to help people clarify their vision of freedom and fulfillment so they can focus their resources on what's really important to them.

Bruce Deel

Founder and CEO

President and CEO of City of Refuge, which he founded in 1997 with a desire to bring light, hope, and transformation to one of Atlanta’s most challenging neighborhoods. Bruce has been recognized by the City of Atlanta as a community leader and has received additional honors from the governor of Georgia, People, and Major League Baseball. Bruce has been married to his beautiful wife Rhonda for a marvelous 36 years, and they are the proud parents of five daughters and 13 wonderful grandchildren.

Carey Theil

Greyhound Protection Activist

Christine Ann Dorchak and Carey Theil are the cofounders of greyhound protection group, GREY2K USA Worldwide. As a nonprofit entity, GREY2K works to end the cruelty of dog racing and fund greyhound rescue on a global basis. Before obtaining her law degree, Christine worked as Research Director for the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. Christine specializes in pari-mutuel law and has drafted laws to successfully prohibit dog racing in several states and countries. A long-distance runner all of her life, she has competed in seven Boston Marathons to date. Carey has been sourced in hundreds of news articles and testified in favor of stronger greyhound protection laws all across the United States. In his free time, Carey volunteers for various non-profit organizations and is a National Master in chess. Christine and Carey are the co-authors of the new book, Brooklyn Goes Home.

Chris Crumpler

Educator + Author

Chris 'Coach Crump’ Crumpler has been a transformative mentor and educator since he started as a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor two decades ago. With 13 years as an educator and leadership roles in three organizations, Chris combines his passion for mentorship with his entrepreneurial spirit, all balanced with his roles as a husband and father. In 2013, Chris co-founded Team Street Safe in Bermuda at the request of the Premier and cut gang-related anti-social behavior by over 60% in less than six months. During his tenure as the Director of Impact Mentoring Academy, an all-boys alternative school, he relocated the school, boosted enrollment by 80%, raised staff wages by 15%, and spearheaded a fundraising campaign that garnered over $300,000 in less than 2 years. This led to his appointment by the Minister of Education to sit on the Board of Education for Bermuda in 2018. Chris is a sought-after consultant, recognized by institutions and leaders worldwide.

Christine Dorchak

Greyhound Protection Activist

Christine Ann Dorchak and Carey Theil are the cofounders of greyhound protection group, GREY2K USA Worldwide. As a nonprofit entity, GREY2K works to end the cruelty of dog racing and fund greyhound rescue on a global basis. Before obtaining her law degree, Christine worked as Research Director for the New England Anti-Vivisection Society. Christine specializes in pari-mutuel law and has drafted laws to successfully prohibit dog racing in several states and countries. A long-distance runner all of her life, she has competed in seven Boston Marathons to date. Carey has been sourced in hundreds of news articles and testified in favor of stronger greyhound protection laws all across the United States. In his free time, Carey volunteers for various non-profit organizations and is a National Master in chess. Christine and Carey are the co-authors of the new book, Brooklyn Goes Home.

Dr. Annalisa Bracco

Professor and Associate Chair for Research

Annalisa Bracco is a Professor and Associate Chair for Research at Georgia Tech. She is an oceanographer and a climate scientist, and uses computer models as primary tool for her research. Annalisa has worked on many interdisciplinary projects with scientists and engineers from all disciplines and all continents. She has received the American Meteorological Society’s Nicholas P. Fofonoff Award for her contributions to understanding the coupling of ocean dynamics with marine ecosystems. An avid sailor, she uses computational tools to help understanding and protecting our oceans.

Jen Gottlieb

Author + Founder

Jen Gottlieb is a powerhouse entrepreneur, bestselling author of BE SEEN, and the host of The Jen Gottlieb Show, a top 10 podcast. She is the co-founder of an award-winning training, events, and online education company, as well as a content creation company for creatives. With a proven track record of teaching over 50,000 business owners how to build profitable brands and become recognized experts in their fields, Jen has established herself as a leading authority in the entrepreneurial world. Jen's insights and expertise have been featured in major publications such as Forbes, Business Insider, Maxim, Goop, and Women's Health. Her company has been listed on the INC 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America. Jen recently relocated to South Florida after nearly two decades in New York City. She now resides with her husband and business partner, Chris Winfield, and their three dogs. Despite the move, Jen remains a New Yorker at heart.

Jessica Lundy

Author + Mentor

As America's Big Sister, Jessica Lundy is a beacon of inspiration and guidance. With her award-winning presence in media and certified expertise in life coaching, Jessica dedicates herself to empowering individuals to embrace a winning mindset. Jessica is not just an International award-winning speaker; she's a relentless advocate for personal development and a trusted mentor, guiding countless individuals toward living their best lives while prioritizing their mental health. Jessica is the author of Wake Up and Win: Your Student Guide to Success. She is committed to giving the next generation the blueprint they need to aid in their success. Jessica has been featured on ABC, FOX, TLC, TMZ and more media outlets.

Robin Nathaniel

Social Media Strategist

Robin Nathaniel has a story of resilience, creativity, and reinvention. Beginning his career as a musician, Robin’s artistic roots laid a unique foundation for his journey. This experience in music, with its emphasis on connection and storytelling, naturally paved the way for his transition into the professional world of social media. By day, he advances marketing initiatives for local government while also serving mission-driven organizations through his independent agency. By night, he transforms into a passionate NBA analyst for Bleav Network and previously worked with NBC Sports. A proud husband and two-time dad, Robin’s life has also been shaped by significant loss—the passing of his mother and brother. He reshapes his struggles into pathways of self-discovery, love, and insightful ideas, living by the motto: "Connect. Create. Contribute." Through this lens, Robin aims to inspire a wave of positive transformation.

Stella Ihenacho

Advocate for Women & Immigrants + Certified Agile Leader

Stella Ihenacho, a Harvard-trained leader, is dedicated to transformation through education and community development. Her journey from Nigeria to the UK and the US involved navigating challenges and doing odd jobs. Her perseverance led her to become an Agile Leader at RedHat and co-founder and Agile Faculty Lead at NSTAR Technologies in Atlanta, GA, impacting students through innovative training programs. Stella's commitment to immigrant advocacy is rooted in her personal journey. She works with the African Immigrant Collective, a non-profit creating infrastructure for African immigrants to thrive. Through advocacy, education, & support, the Collective amplifies their voices, empowering them to achieve their aspirations and contribute positively to their communities. Stella also founded Women Doing it Afraid and is involved in Women in Tech initiatives. She authored "My A-Z of Biblical Affirmations Book for Kids." Stella's story is one of unwavering commitment to impacting lives.

Valentina Diaz-Romero

Upcoming College Freshman + Stamps President's Scholarship Award Winner

Valentina Diaz-Romero began cultivating her STEM interests in high school. Witnessing the lack of girls involved in the engineering and robotics spheres in her school, she learned about the importance of inclusion and support of women in the STEM field. She developed a space for girls to explore these interests in the hopes that more girls would learn about the opportunities afforded to them. Valentina is an upcoming first-year at Georgia Tech and a recipient of the Stamps President's Scholarship.