Mainstage Speakers

Ripples into Waves: Making a Splash in Work & Life
with Paul Wesselmann, The Ripples Guy

Wednesday, April 23, 5:00pm-5:45pm

We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our 75th anniversary than to kick off the conference with our longtime friend Paul Wesselmann, aka THE RIPPLES GUY! Many of us know that Paul helps individuals and teams unleash their best work by focusing on two skillsets: Reaching OUT to help us more effectively connect with each other and the people we serve; and Reaching IN to help us more consistently show up with the best available version of ourselves. Besides bringing his legendary passion and energy, he’s promised to meet us in Orlando with a “just for us” combination of sage wisdom and a few brand new ideas to help us “Honor our past, engage the moment, and lead to the future.”

Join Paul for a roundtable session

We Got This! Resilience Strategies for Managing Challenge & Change
Thursday, April 24, 9:30am-10:20am in room Coastal A1-3

Our staff, our facilities and our programs have all endured unprecedented amounts of challenge and change over the past five years, and many of us are recognizing the possibility of ongoing difficulty and uncertainty. The Ripples Guy is excited to follow up his kickoff address with an in-depth exploration of some practical mindset and behavior shifts that have helped thousands of staff and students survive, revive and thrive in tough times.

Learning Objectives
During this roundtable, participants will:

• Explore a 4-step resilience model for navigating challenge and change
• Assess strengths and growth areas for managing and deepening relationships
• Develop habits for accessing calmer state during moments of frustration
• Identify useful strategies for assessing and improving overall health

About Paul

Paul holds degrees in psychology and higher education, is the author of two books, and for the past 26 years thousands of us have started our Monday morning with his beloved RIPPLES emails containing two upbeat quotes and something to ponder for the week. Over the last three decades Paul has spoken at dozens of NIRSA national, regional, and local events as well as hundreds of other conferences, campuses, and workplaces throughout North America. In addition to the opening kickoff address, Paul will stick around for a follow up educational session on Thursday morning.

Thursday, April 24, 8:00am-9:00am

About Daryl

Founder, Author, Fear Researcher – FearLESS Inside™

Darryl Bellamy is the founder of FearLESS Inside™, a movement dedicated to helping individuals embrace fear and gain confidence. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Darryl has collected thousands of fears from people across forty states and five generations, using these insights to teach practical strategies for growth.

As an author and TEDx speaker, Darryl is celebrated for his ability to connect with audiences and inspire FearLESS Moments—transformative experiences where individuals face their fears and take bold steps forward. His engaging presentations have empowered thousands worldwide to see fear as something to embrace and move beyond.

Friday, April 25, 8:00am-9:00am

About Deshauna

Deshauna Barber is a dynamic international motivational speaker, Army veteran, former Miss USA and founder of the Women Veterans For Change. Renowned for her impactful and inspiring approach. Leveraging her unique experiences as an Army officer, STEM graduate, and advocate, Deshauna exemplifies the power of perseverance and resilience. Her journey from a decorated military career to becoming a top-rated speaker, sought after by Fortune 500 companies, underscores her remarkable ability to inspire and motivate. In 2019, Deshauna made history as the youngest President and CEO of the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), a leading nonprofit dedicated to advocating for servicewomen and female veterans. During her tenure, she championed women’s rights and resources on Capitol Hill, making significant strides in support of our nation’s service members. Deshauna holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Virginia State University, a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems and Services from the University of Maryland University College, and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification from Cornell University. Crowned Miss USA in 2016, Deshauna became the first soldier to win the title. She used her platform to advocate for increased support for soldiers with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). With over 11 years of military service, she continues to emphasize the importance of mental health for service members and veterans. A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Deshauna channels her experiences into empowering others, dedicating her life to inspiring and uplifting those around her. As a motivational speaker and advocate, her global mission is to encourage, inspire, and strengthen individuals, embodying her commitment to making a positive impact in the world.