Stephen Washington – MC
Stephen is a gifted pianist, producer, and visionary whose artistry transcends genres and connects people through music. A Charleston native, Stephen’s musical journey began at age 5, leading to his first role as a church pianist by 11. Now an internationally recognized talent, Stephen draws from diverse influences, including Gospel, Country, Hip Hop, and ’80s Rock, creating a rich and eclectic sound that resonates with audiences everywhere.
Zandrina Dunning – MC
Zandrina is a powerhouse vocalist, producer, and cultural advocate whose dynamic career spans over two decades. No stranger to Charleston music lovers, she is the Executive Artistic Director of The ZD Experience, a multifaceted platform that merges soulful performances with thought-provoking conversations. She hosts the live talk show and podcast on Ohm Radio (96.3FM), which has captivated audiences with its blend of music and meaningful dialogue.
Jirah Perkins – Stage Artist
Jirah Perkins is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Charleston, SC. She has been creating ever since she was a child and now, through UJORII Fine Art, she experiments with a variety of different mediums creating pieces that incorporate bold colors, textures, and her photography archive to generate a sensory experience. “Ujorii” originates from the combination of ujima, meaning collective work and responsibility, and satori, which means sudden enlightenment and understanding. Jirah believes that as a society, it is our duty to cultivate the world as a collective.
Nameless Numberhead
From training at the world-renowned comedy institutions of Chicago (The Second City, iO, and The Annoyance), to performing Off-Broadway, or even touring nationally; Nameless Numberhead has developed a highly acclaimed comedy brand in the southeast. They draw upon years of experience to cultivate the best creative projects using the teachings and philosophy of Chicago style improvisation.
Shaquira Langley
Teachers are the building blocks of our nation, yet overworked and underpaid, their voices are often silenced while policymakers make decisions on their behalf. Shaquira Langley inspires us to support teachers on the front lines of education by amplifying their voices and sparking conversations to build a better future for teachers, students, and the nation.
Alli Stovall
Traditionally, vital life skills such as self-advocacy, emotional intelligence, and goal-setting were taught at the family dinner table. But with shifting family dynamics—such as single-parent households and caretakers working multiple jobs—many young people are missing out on these essential lessons. Alli Stovall will reveal how these overlooked gaps are holding Gen Z back and why creating access to foundational life skills is key to empowering the next generation.
Matthew Toresco
To revolutionize healthcare, we must empower patients as central decision-makers. Through industry advocacy, we can bridge gaps between providers, patients, and policymakers to drive equitable, patient-centric care to address vital community needs. With two decade in health care dedicated to patient advocacy, Matt Toresco wants to drive a patient-centric revolution from the ground up, empowering patients, providers, and advocates to collaborate, creating a model for equitable care that can inspire broader change. Together, we can reshape healthcare.
Joshua Shumak
South Carolina’s Native American tribes, including the Wassamasaw of Charleston, have contributed substantially to the state’s rich history. But few are aware of their existence, much less their continuing struggle to maintain their traditions, language and identity, Shumak says. He aims to inspire us all to acknowledge and support the tribes’ critical role in shaping the state’s current and future identity.
Dr Samuel (Kaipo) Sotelo
To understand the secret of life is the secret to understanding how to keep moving. As a physical therapist it Kaipo’s life’s mission to teach ways for people to move better and move more for the life they deserve. A native of Guam, the passing of his mother at only 45 years of age has prompted Kaipo to dedicate his career to helping people understand the importance of movement and the effect it has on your quality of life. He is adamant about educating us all on the importance of movement. Working with all walks of people (see what we did there?) from regular folks to athletes has demonstrated the benefits and rewards of movement in our lives.
Ashley Glinka
Safety isn’t just about locks and alarms—it’s about awareness, instinct, and intelligent decision-making in everyday life. As a former Federal Air Marshal and security expert, Ashley Glinka will share how situational intelligence can help people navigate not only travel but also daily interactions, workplaces, and public spaces. By learning to read the room, identify exits, recognize subtle behavioral cues, and trust their instincts, individuals can proactively enhance their personal safety. Glinka’s approach isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment, confidence, and making informed choices no matter where life takes you.