Workshop Description: CEOs of Tomorrow will be leading a lesson that our Teen Ambassadors learn during our program. Teen Ambassadors are paid by CEOs to provide financial literacy to youth in the community. The Teen Ambassadors responsibilities include: designing, testing, and selling CEOs of Tomorrow’s imPACTful Creations. imPACTful Creations are themed business-in-a-box kits for youth in fourth through eighth grades. This experience provides a unique experiential learning opportunity to teens, allowing them to gain hands-on skills useful for any career path. This experience aims to instill an entrepreneurial mindset that is applicable across all careers.
Participants can expect: Hands-on Activity, Small group work, Game(s)
This workshop is offered: All Day, Sessions 1-4
Speaker Bios:
DeAndre Martin is a social entrepreneur that believes in the power of community driven innovation to impact and transform communities. A native of Northeast Oklahoma City (NEOKC), Oklahoma, his career has been dedicated to building infrastructure that fosters economic opportunity through entrepreneurial education, workforce development, and capital allocation.
Prior to joining CEOs of Tomorrow as Executive Director, Martin served as the Community Development Director with Northeast Oklahoma City Renaissance (NEOKCR), a nonprofit created to catalyze economic development in NEOKC. With an initial $50,000 grant in 2021, DeAndre launched PlaceKeepers, a five-week real estate development training program. Over 5 years, he grew the program to a $250,000 annual budget and trained 52 community members who built more than 50 housing units. As a result, participants generated wealth for themselves while increasing attainable housing in NEOKC.
Recognizing the power of early education, he also joined the Oklahoma City Innovation District as the Director of Partner Engagement and Special Projects in 2021, overseeing a $350,000 per year STEMM education fund. With this funding he created Innovation Academy, a K-Workforce pathway program that created STEMM education programming, as well as seeded local nonprofits to lead programming. Over 3 years Innovation Academy impacted 3,000+ youth and community members.
In 2023, DeAndre helped NE Oklahoma City Renaissance, the Oklahoma City Innovation District, and i2E secure $2.6 million from JP Morgan Chase, the City of Oklahoma City, and the Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology to launch the Oklahoma Minority Founders Accelerator (OMFA), which provided technical assistance and grants to over 50 established entrepreneurs to help them scale.
Beyond his professional work, he has served on boards including Teach for America Oklahoma, John Rex Charter School, and The Verge entrepreneurship hub. His leadership has earned him membership in Leadership Oklahoma City Class 17, the ClassMatters Distinguished Leader award, and the Juneteenth on the East Community Action Award.
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Lorena Guimaraens plays a key role in supporting the Executive Director in overseeing the organization's youth employment programs and the agency’s strategic direction. This role has allowed her to continue her mission of empowering youth and uplifting vulnerable communities, aligning her passion with her career. Lorena is a first-generation college graduate, holding a Bachelor's degree in Art Therapy and Psychology. With over a decade of dedicated service in the nonprofit sector, Lorena continues her commitment of supporting underrepresented communities in Dane County. Her journey includes impactful roles at organizations such as Boys & Girls Club, Omega School Inc., and Unidos Against Domestic Violence.
Within the nonprofit realm, she has excelled in leadership capacities, spearheading program development and services for both youth and adults. She also brings valuable experience in co-leading small yet rapidly expanding nonprofit organizations, program oversight, database management and event coordination. Lorena also finds joy in leveraging her educational background to introduce creative elements into various aspects of her work.
Workshop Description: Education is one of the most important things we do as a society, yet we always underfund schools and underserve student needs. This leads to many students not feeling safe or supported at schools and the education workers frustrated and overworked trying to do more with less resources. This workshop is to recognize that student and adult frustrations with the education system are not at odds, but linked together, and we will need to organize together to build better schools that work for everyone in our community, regardless of identity and beliefs.
Participants Can Expect: Discussion, Hands-on Activity, Problem-solving, Small group work, Advocacy / Action, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A
This workshop is offered: All Day, Sessions 1-4
Speaker Bio: Mike Jones is current President of the Teachers' Unit of Madison Teachers Inc -- a Union which represents over 2,700 substitutes, education support professionals, and educators in MMSD. Mike is finishing his 4th year (and final term) as President, and was a Special Education teacher and Dean of Students at Black Hawk Middle School and West High School before 2021.
Workshop Description: This engaging workshop teaches participants the critical steps to completing their college applications. Participants learn how to create an application tracker to guide their progress and gain valuable insights on identifying colleges, essay writing, gathering recommendation letters, and mastering online application tools like the Common Application. Participants also learn about pre-college programs available on the UW-Madison campus.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Hands-on Activity, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A
This workshop is offered: All Day, Sessions 1-4
Speaker Bio: Dr. Adomako is a Program Manager at the UW-Madison School of Education's Office of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion. She is also a Career & Academic coach. She has held various roles in academic & career advising services, teaching, and diversity & inclusion. Her work has involved guiding underrepresented students across the educational pipeline by counseling and supporting students through transitioning and navigating the college experience.
Workshop Description: Learn the steps needed to create your own social impact group.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Small group work
This workshop is offered: AM, Sessions 1 & 2
Speaker Bio: Rowan Childs is the Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Madison Reading Project, which provides free literacy resources and books to children, families and educators in the greater Dane County area.
Workshop Description: Join us for an engaging seminar where we explore the transformative power of design justice in education. This session will delve into how inclusive and equitable design practices can amplify student voices, create more accessible learning environments, and promote social justice. Through inspiring case studies, interactive activities, and student testimonials, you'll discover how design justice can shape a brighter, more inclusive future for all learners. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, share, and be part of the change.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Hands-on Activity, Problem-solving, Small group work, Movement, Advocacy / Action
This workshop is offered: All Day, Sessions 1-4
Speaker Bio: Lana Zoet - Senior Principal, Higher Education Studio A registered architect with more than 12 years of experience, Zoet joined SmithGroup in 2019 and has designed and delivered classroom, science, engineering, athletics and recreation spaces at prestigious institutions, including University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University, Pennsylvania State University, American Enterprise Group, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement.
Workshop Description: With an interest in science or disdain for science this space is for you! Learn how we find fun enriching ways that give High School students deep access to UW-Madison campus and researchers. Potentially join a program that will help you understand science through your own experience and level of understanding. This is a program you can be part of from now till the end of your High School career! Meant for all learning styles through collaboration, fun and relatable to your daily life.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Movement, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Offered opportunities
This workshop is offered: PM, Sessions 3 & 4
Speaker Bio: Jerrod Buckner focuses on collaborating with teens, STEAM professionals & students to create enriching environments to gain deep access to STEAM. With practice of and with youth and career professionals for over 15 years, he has created a science to bring the two sides together to create fun filled events that create lifelong relationships.
Workshop Description: Want to make a difference in your community while building leadership skills? Join us to discover how mentoring Randall Elementary students can be fun, meaningful, and rewarding. Learn how your guidance can spark curiosity, boost confidence, and shape the futures of young people. Don’t miss this chance to grow as a leader and be the positive role model kids look up to!
Participants can expect: Discussion, Reading & Discussion, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A
This workshop is offered: AM, Sessions 1 & 2
Speaker Bio: Simon Gott has dedicated the past seven years to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County. He began as a Match Support Specialist and now serves as Program Director. Simon has driven an 11% year-over-year growth in the Community-Based program and successfully launched five site-based programs within two years. Passionate about nonprofit work, youth development, and mentoring, Simon continues to strive towards providing more opportunities for youth in the community.
Workshop Description: For college bound students. A investment career can look very different for each person. It used to be a world where getting in the door depended on who you were related to or which IVY school you attended. We'll go through how you can create your path into a sometimes not so friendly world regardless of race, sex or background.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A
This workshop is offered: PM, Sessions 3 & 4
Speaker Bio: Kimberly Rios, CFA, CMT is a Sr. Portfolio Manager at BMO Wealth. Over her 30-year career in the investment industry she has traded during some of the most turbulent markets including currencies, the dot.com bubble, and when oil traded negative. From entering the industry when few women had such investment roles, to maneuvering into a mutual fund manager career, then landing at a greatly diversified bank, her path has shown many sides of the investment world. Kimberly grew up in a small town but ended up working on both U.S. coasts in the mutual fund industry. She'll share trials and tribulations, discuss many types of jobs in the industry, as well as ways to work through the systems to find a rewarding and exciting career in investments.
Workshop Description: The presentation will dive into the perception and impact of college entrance testing and how the ACT contributes systemic racism and reproduces educational and societal inequalities.
Participants can expect: Movement, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Game(s)
This workshop is offered: AM, Sessions 1 & 2
Speaker Bio: Langston Evans is an innovative educator who serves as the director of College & Career Readiness for the Madison Metropolitan School District, the second-largest district in Wisconsin. Langston believes in empowering all young people, especially those who have been historically marginalized, with the belief, knowledge, and ability to reach their full potential as equal participants in our global society.
Workshop Description: Learn 7 (key) life skills to be a well rounded person. Career exploration (Employee, Entrepreneurship & Trades). Turn your passion into paper (Money).
Participants can expect: Discussion, Problem-solving, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A
This workshop is offered: ALL Day, Sessions 1-4
Speaker Bio: Antoine McNeail was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He moved to Madison, WI in 1999 to study Political Science at the University of Madison Wisconsin; earning his bachelor's degree in 2004. Antoine currently works with the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce. He also has worked in the Health care & Medical billing industry for over 15 years. He is a Father of 3. Mr. McNeail is a man of many hats. He is a comedy show producer, empowerment speaker, business consultant, entrepreneur and has been a comedian for almost 11 years. Antoine McNeail also works to educate youth about leadership, life skills, public speaking, parenting, fatherhood & community engagement. He was featured on 93.1 Jams and W.O.R.T 89.9 FM. Antoine has helped to create & host 1Motion Out Reach Enterprise, Stop The Violence Movement - Madison, Comedy & Poetry Jam BY 1Motion Out Reach Enterprise, African Connection, Annual sock & gloves collection for the homeless and more.
Workshop Description: For students not bound for college: Ever thought about a career in trading, but college isn't for you? The market doesn't discriminate...ever. It will be both nice and mean to anyone. The world offers many different ways and styles to learn about markets and being a trader can be a very rewarding job, with a main requirement of discipline.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A
This workshop is offered: PM, Sessions 3 & 4
Speaker Bio: Kimberly Rios, CFA, CMT is a Sr. Portfolio Manager at BMO Wealth. Over her 30-year career in the investment industry she has traded during some of the most turbulent markets including currencies, the dot.com bubble, and when oil traded negative. From entering the industry when few women had such investment roles, to maneuvering into a mutual fund manager career, then landing at a greatly diversified bank, her path has shown many sides of the investment world. Kimberly grew up in a small town but ended up working on both U.S. coasts in the mutual fund industry. She'll share trials and tribulations, discuss many types of jobs in the industry, as well as ways to work through the systems to find a rewarding and exciting career in investments.
Workshop Description: We will present our summer internship opportunity to 10-12 graders who may be interested in serving as academic tutors and behavioral mentors (Tutor-Mentors) at One City Schools or Lighthouse Christian School this summer. Tutor-Mentors who serve as leaders to K-5 students for 90 hours can receive MMSD elective credit, DPI Employability Skills and/or Youth Leadership Certificates, and a $1000 stipend upon successful completion of the program.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Hands-on Activity, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A
This workshop is offered: PM, Sessions 3 & 4
Speaker Bios:
Joseph Thigpen, Jr., 25, is a dedicated educator and lifelong resident of Madison, Wisconsin. A 2017 graduate of Madison West High School, Joseph has followed his passion for education that was ignited during his time as a Root 2 Rise Tutor-Mentor. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in education, first as a special education assistant with the Madison Metropolitan School District and later with the Sun Prairie Area School District, where he was subsequently promoted to the role of Greatness Coach. Currently, Joseph is attending Madison College to further his career in education and expand his ability to support and inspire students. Outside of his professional life, Joseph is the proud father of two daughters: Journi Love and Justyce Love, whom he raises with his partner, Zequelah Brooks.
Martina S. Gabrielli, 20, is a proud West High School alumna (Class of 2023). Since graduating, she has been pursuing classes at MATC with the goal of transferring to UW-Madison to join its teacher pledge program. As a first-generation college student, Martina was initially uncertain about her future during high school. However, after participating in the Root 2 Rise program at One City Schools, she rediscovered her childhood dream of becoming a teacher. The support she received through Root 2 Rise has inspired her to pursue a career in elementary education. Bilingual, with both of her parents originally from Uruguay, Martina is passionate about giving back to the community. Outside of her academic life, she enjoys spending time with her family as an aunt and has a love for traveling. Ultimately, Martina’s dream is to teach in underprivileged communities across South America, helping to create educational opportunities where they are most needed.
The creator of Root 2 Rise, Denise Hanson has devoted over 30 years to working in K-12 public education as a Spanish and French teacher and Restorative Justice and Engagement Coach. She holds Master’s degrees in School Counseling and Teacher Leadership. Denise has authored several articles, including: Crossing Bridges of Culture, Color, and Language; Language Lessons: Using Student Assistants to Bridge Culture & Language; and The Deep Approach: Second Languages for Community Building. Her mission is to build equity in schools by empowering young people to become active leaders in their communities. Denise taught World Languages at Madison West High School for 22 years. Her daughter Celeste graduated from West in 2012 and her daughter Skye is currently a junior there.