We just can’t keep it to ourselves anymore – we love our speakers for this year’s Youth Leadership Seminar! We have an amazing and diverse lineup and their messages are sure to empower us all.
RIA DAVIDSON
Ria is the co-founder of the Dragonfly Foundation, a local organization that helps pediatric cancer patients and their families find “strength, courage and joy by providing emotional, relational and practical support”. Ria founded Dragonfly after serving as a caregiver during her mother-in-law’s battle with cancer and serving as a family support when her co-founder’s son became sick as well. Ria has over 25 years’ experience in public relations, communications management and consulting, which has helped with the growth of Dragonfly.
NICK JACKSON
Nick is the founder of Nick Jackson Speaks and Speakers of Love. He is a motivational speaker who has enlightened, entertained and championed the lives of over 755,000 high school and collegiate students to date. His motivational speeches are founded in the principles of loving thy neighbor and serving one’s community. He is the only keynote speaker to have presented for eight consecutive years at the Anthony Muñoz Youth Leadership Seminar.
MICHAEL LAROSA
Michael is the oldest son of company founder, Buddy LaRosa. As current CEO of LaRosa’s Pizzeria, he has been instrumental in developing the service culture within the organization, with a focus on leadership development. Before rising to the executive level, Michael was trained in all aspects of the family business, gaining a throughout understanding of the company.
TYRA PATTERSON
Tyra is currently the Community Outreach Strategy Specialist for the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP). Before joining OIP, Tyra spent 23 years in prison for murder and robbery, which were crimes she did not commit. She used her time in prison to educate herself by earning her GED, a steam engineer’s license, becoming a certified tutor and completed a paralegal training program. She now advocates on behalf of OIP and works to educate children about the importance of staying in school (she was a 6th grade drop-out) and avoiding drug use.
JOSHUA REID
Joshua is a Digital and Social Media Marketing trainer, social media strategist for commercial brands and a national spokesman for General Nutrition Center (GNC). HE is the president and CEO of Drivenoptics, a full-service Digital and Social Media Marketing Agency in Cincinnati. He has worked with organizations such as Harley Davidson and the Mercedes Benz Club of America and taught courses in online marketing for companies.
LAUREN WORLEY
Lauren is currently the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer for Cincinnati Public Schools, the best performing urban school district in Ohio. Prior to working in Cincinnati, Lauren worked for NASA (yes, NASA), as Press Secretary and Senior Adviser. She also has worked for the ONE campaign, a global organization focused on eliminating extreme poverty and preventable disease. She is a fearless communicator and tireless champion for positive change.
With a lineup like this, how can the event be anything but inspiring? We can’t wait to hear each speaker’s unique story and their messages to students.
You can learn more about our Youth Leadership Seminar and see what’s coming next by checking out the hashtag #EmpoweredCincy18 on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages.
Thanks for checking in this week, we can’t wait to hear from our students about what their favorite part of YLS was! Tune in next week to hear our recap.
Cheers,
Maddie
Events Intern