Theme: Growth: Cultivating Potential, Nurturing Growth.

This year's theme, "Growth," explores the many ways we evolve—individually, collectively, and as a society. From individual transformation to technological advancements, "Growth" challenges us to reflect on how we push boundaries, overcome obstacles, and embrace change to shape a better future. Join us as we dive into inspiring stories and ideas that embody the core of transformation and progress.

Lake Tahoe Community College
1 College Drive
South Lake Tahoe, California, 96150
United States

Andrea Vitz

Co-Founder Lifted Academy

Dr. Andrea Vitz, D.C., is an Emotional Sobriety expert, bestselling author, podcaster, and doctor of chiropractic. Her acclaimed book, The You You've Never Met, has guided numerous individuals to heal their emotional and behavioral patterns as well as transform painful relationships at work or home. Her work redefines sobriety and unveils her surprising research into who actually requires it and why. Her anticipated second and third books are set to be released in 2025, further solidifying her status as an influential voice in personal growth and an expert in Emotional Sobriety. As the co-founder of LIFTED Academy, founder of Levelheaded Doc, LLC, owner of Vitz Chiropractic, and team doctor at California's Strongest Gym, Diablo Barbell, she has dedicated her life to helping individuals tap into their ultimate potency and create real change in their lives, emotionally, mentally, physically, and energetically.

Darcie Goodman Collins, PhD

Chief Executive Officer of the League to Save Lake Tahoe

Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins is Chief Executive Officer of the League to Save Lake Tahoe, also known as Keep Tahoe Blue, the non-profit that has been the Lake’s leading environmental champion since 1957. As CEO, Darcie serves as both chief scientist and lead policy advocate for the League. She guides the organization to pragmatic, science-based solutions and is a catalyst for environmental policy change and funding through close collaboration with local, state, federal, and tribal leaders. Born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, Darcie was the League’s first intern in 1996. She served on the Lake Tahoe Federal Advisory Committee, is past board president of the Tahoe-Baikal Institute, an educational exchange program between the US and Russia, and is an avid runner and outdoorswoman.

Julia Lashay Israel

Eminent Speaker and Real Estate Visionary

Julia Lashay Israel consults for some of the world’s largest real estate companies and government agencies and has risen as a powerful force in the real estate sector, significantly defined by her efforts in fostering diversity and leadership growth. As the head of inclusion and belonging at Keller Williams Realty International, Julia Lashay has been instrumental in steering the organization of over 800 franchises in 58 countries towards recognizing and actively addressing opportunities and challenges in the diversity, equity, and inclusion spectrum. Julia Lashay is also the operating principle of Keller Williams Integrity Lakes, responsible for casting the vision and maximizing profitability for over 270 real estate agents that close an average of 3,000 transactions annually.

Juliette Leong

Philanthropist & Entrepreneur

Juliette Leong is an 8-year-old internationally acclaimed artist, violin prodigy, award-winning mathlete, influential philanthropist, and entrepreneur. Her extraordinary journey has been featured on numerous acclaimed television series and talk shows, including The Rachael Ray Show, ARTEFFECTS, Exploring Genius, Someone 2 Know, among others. Juliette has also been featured on radio stations, podcasts, and major networks such as ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and PBS, with her story reaching hundreds of publications and news outlets worldwide. By 2024, videos featuring Juliette had garnered over 900 million views across social media platforms.

Mel Thacker

Life Coach

Mel Thacker, MD, DipABLM is a double board certified physician, coach for surgeons, and podcaster. For the last decade, she has served the community of Worcester, Massachusetts as a dedicated ear, nose, and throat surgeon. Though it was not taught in medical school or residency, she quickly realized that connecting with patients is one of the most important skills a doctor must learn to effectively treat them, and at the center of connection is communication. By applying coaching concepts to her role as a physician, she has been able to improve the patient experience, reduce the likelihood of medical errors, and increase job satisfaction for herself and her employees. Dr. Mel resides outside of Boston with her husband, their two children, and a bunny named Daisy.

Melissa Dorman

Wealth Activist

Melissa, a former social worker, spent years working with marginalized communities facing homelessness, sex trafficking, and incarceration. Her journey into real estate was sparked by a personal crisis when her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and she sought ways to build wealth to support her family. With little money to invest, Melissa used seller financing to co-create win-win partnerships in her community. In just 5 years, Melissa was able to purchase 34 rental units and built 6 figure passive income by the age of 35, while also helping her neighbors retire synergistically. Now it's her mission to financially empower others by sharing the lessons she learned along the way through coaching, public speaking, and as an investor oriented realtor.

Timmy O'Neill

Professional Rock Climber

Timmy O'Neill is a professional rock climber dedicated to social impact through outdoor adventure. He has climbed Yosemite's 3,000 foot tall El Capitan in just over two hours, and also spent nine days climbing and living on the same wall with his brother Sean, a t-12 paraplegic. He is co-founder of Paradox Sports, a U.S. nationwide, adaptive-climbing nonprofit. The 2023 short film “Soundscape”, which shares the sightless experience of climbing a mountain via echo location, touch and imagination, is his directorial debut. He is a brand ambassador with Patagonia and Osprey Packs.

Zachariah Stratford

A.I. Speaker

Zachariah Stratford helps entrepreneurs write books with AI that attracts their ideal customers and grows their business.