Real Talk

At age 30, in the first decade of her humanitarian career with the United Nations, Cara was diagnosed with a rare muscle wasting disease that leads to quadriplegia, a devastating condition for which there is no treatment or cure. Rather than letting it quiet her, Cara who is also a woman of color and of a…

Robin Farmanfarmaian is a professional speaker, entrepreneur, and angel investor working with cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence software, device and pharma companies poised to impact 100M patients. With over 140 speaking engagements in 13 countries, she educates audiences on the future of healthcare, patient empowerment, building thought leadership, and many trends & technologies: Artificial intelligence, sensors, tissue…

Jay and Jenna Sanders are the managing partners of burgeoning Midwest coffee brand, 392. They have spent the last 8 years building the 392 Concept around hospitality, quality, community, culture and experience.    Stronger today than yesterday, the power couple face the daily challenges of running a growing business and family TOGETHER as partners. In…

Jay and Jenna Sanders are the managing partners of burgeoning Midwest coffee brand, 392. They have spent the last 8 years building the 392 Concept around hospitality, quality, community, culture and experience.    Stronger today than yesterday, the power couple face the daily challenges of running a growing business and family TOGETHER as partners. In…

Dave Hollis is the CEO of the Hollis Company, a company that exists to help people build better lives. He is husband to Rachel and father to Jackson, Sawyer, Ford, and Noah. Together with his wife, Dave hosts the podcast Rise Together, the #1 health podcast on iTunes. Dave was previously president of distribution for the…

For Emily Tinsman, the third time was the charm in her pursuit of the Miss Iowa crown.  Crowned Miss Iowa 2019.  Tinsman’s platform is known as TEMPOS, Teach and Encouraging Music Participation in Our Schools. A music education major at Drake and a classical vocal performer, Tinsman had to put a job on hold teaching…

Rachelle Karstens serves as the President at Briar Cliff University.  A compassionate and proven leader with a background in higher education, law and fundraising.  An Iowa native and one of nine children, Rachelle graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, Iowa, where she was involved in vocal music, band and mock trial. She then went…

Andrea Ranae is a coach, facilitator and a writer.   She is deeply committed to supporting others in making a unique impact in one’s life + the communities you call home. Much of Andrea’s life has been about two questions: “Why is the world the way it is?” “How can I grow/heal?” In her pursuit to…

Brandon Carleton is the author of the book titled, “Meaningful Again:  How One Pastor Questioned Everything & Found Comfort in Uncertainty.” He is a community organizer from Rock Island, IL, where he lives with his wife and son. He leads Connection Quad Cities, is the co-host the Ode to the Underdog podcast, and helps people…

As an aspiring dancer, Nurjahan Boulden was shot with an assault rifle in a random attack when she was 21 years old. She struggled with the physical and emotional impact of the shooting for years, believing that her dreams had been destroyed. She didn’t realize that the one night she thought had ruined her future…