Speakers

Jim Brown is the Vice President, Market Lead for the American Cancer Society in North Texas.  Jim has been a grassroots fundraiser, coordinated large gala like the Dallas Cattle Baron’s Ball and golf events. He has  led national corporate partnerships (including most recently Walmart), but his favorite role is leading his amazing ACS team. And yes, is you see the resemblance, you’re right, it’s Kim’s Dad!

Leyka Ishibashi has been working in the non-profit world for almost a decade.  She believes in helping organizations accomplish their mission through building strong partner relationships and raising awareness. Currently, she leads the “Real Men Wear Pink,” “Health Equity Research & Operations,” and the Young Texans Against Cancer initiatives for the American Cancer Society in North Texas.  

Beth Wilson-Stavinoha is two-time cancer survivor and member of the American Cancer Society Dallas Advisory Board and also served as a 2016 Portrait of Hope Ambassador. She is currently an On-Camera and Voice-Over Talent, represented by the Mary Collins Agency. She has been a television and radio host in Dallas, TX; Austin, TX; and Phoenix, AZ. In addition to her work in media, Beth served as a Corporate Communications Director and Director of Sales and Marketing in the fields of real estate and senior living. She holds a Graduate Marketing Certificate from the SMU Cox School of Business and a B.S. in Radio-Television-Film from The University of Texas at Austin. She is married and resides in University Park. She has twin girls and three stepchildren.

John Israel is founder and Chief Gratitude officer of Mr. Thank You, a consulting firm focused on client and employee retention. John is one of the most sought after speakers and trainers who teaches companies both big and small how to Become Irreplaceable by creating thriving profitable relationships both inside and outside the organization. In 2016, John started a personal social experiment around “human connection” that became a world-wide movement, a book, and TEDx talk titled: The Mr. Thank You Project. John’s Mr. Thank You story has been featured on ABC News, Fox News, Good Morning America, and his clients include global brands such as: Square, ReMax, Fairway Mortgage, Sales Force and many others. John’s goal is to Re-humanize the workplace and marketplace by teaching people how to express authentic gratitude, respect, and appreciation.He lives in Plano Tx with his wife, three children and loyal  Chihuahua.

Heroes on the Water, a 501(c) 3 veterans’ charity, successfully applies a simple solution to a complex issue – giving veterans, first responders and their families a path to a successful life through:

eroes on the Water, a 501(c) 3 veterans’ charity, successfully applies a simple solution to a complex issue – giving veterans, first responders and their families a path to a successful life through: