Ken E. Nwadike, Jr., is a peace activist, motivational speaker, and video journalist known as the Free Hugs Guy online. Nwadike Jr is the founder of the Free Hugs Project, which produces motivational videos to spread love, inspire change, and raise awareness of social issues. His ‘Free Hugs’ videos have reached hundreds of millions of views on Facebook and YouTube. In 2014, Nwadike launched the Free Hugs Project to spread love in response to the bombing of the Boston Marathon. The Free Hugs Project gained popularity in 2016, as Nwadike made major news headlines for his peace-keeping efforts and de-escalating violence during protests, riots, and political rallies. Nwadike was featured in Google’s 2016 Year in Search video as a highlight of some of the year’s most defining moments. Nwadike has made many appearances on news programs and radio broadcasts worldwide, including CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain, and BBC News. Ken has spoken at hundreds of Colleges and Universities and is a favorite at high-schools and corporations.

Dr. Tori Svoboda is an assistant professor of Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, where she directs the master’s program and teaches in both the master’s and doctoral programs.  A formerly low-income, and still first-generation student, staff, and faculty member, Tori worked in student affairs for 20 years before changing lanes to full-time faculty life 10 years ago. Her teaching and research interests are focused on social identities and inequities in higher education.  She is an experienced presenter, educator, and consultant, focusing on how traditional college practices alienate working class and first-generation students. Her latest publication is "“I could always go back to being a bartender”: Musings of an ambivalent academic," in S. Ardoin and b. martinez (Eds.), Straddling Class in the Academy (Stylus Publishing).  You can listen to Tori visit the Resilient Campus podcast, in an episode titled “Speaking Your Truth and Being Enough.”   

 Her undergraduate degree is in Women’s Studies and Afro-American Studies and master’s degree is in Counseling Psychology – both from UW-Madison.  Her doctorate is in Leadership from the University of St. Thomas (MN).

Tommy C. Walls, Jr. is a charismatic and innovative leader recently hired as the Director of Alumni Relations for the Council for Opportunity in Education. Walls obtained his BA degree in Social Welfare & Justice and graduated as a TRIO Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and Ronald E. McNair alumnus from Marquette University. Walls then graduated with an MSW (Master of Social Work), concentrating in advocacy, leadership, and social change from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Walls enjoys playing basketball, traveling, logic games, and enjoying time with family and friends. Walls is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.