Keynote Speakers

Jade Simmons

Monday, February 21

Rockstar Concert Pianist, Activational Speaker, & CEO of Jade Media Global

Jade Simmons is a classically trained pianist and frequently called classical music’s “No.1 Maverick.” Avoiding the traditional recital, she takes her audiences on concert adventures that span everything from Rachmaninoff to rap. Simmons has performed at the White House and Supreme Court, and was one of the rare classical artists invited to perform at the South by Southwest Festival, where her show was branded one of the “Best of SXSW.” She is also a published author and the acclaimed host for American Public Media’s hit podcast, “Decomposed.” Simmons speaks passionately about the role that “purpose-based living” has played in building her life and her diversified career. She shares insights on cultivating innovation and originality, audacious leadership and strategies that unleash momentum in life and business.

Ben Nemtin

Tuesday, February 22

Named one of the World's Top 30 Organizational Culture Professionals by Global Gurus; Co-founder of MTV's The Buried Life Movement

In 2006, Ben Nemtin and his closest friends developed a list of “100 things to do before you die” and committed to achieving those items — while helping others along the way. For every item accomplished, they helped a stranger achieve one of their dreams. What started out as a two-week journey turned into a popular TV show — “The Buried Life” on MTV — a #1 New York Times bestselling book, and an inspirational movement that encourages individuals to realize their dreams while helping others in the process. Nemtin inspires individuals to raise the bar in their own lives by turning dreams into projects and creating an achievable pathway to success.

Derrick Gay

Wednesday, February 23

Diversity and Inclusion Strategist

Derrick Gay, Ed.D., is an internationally recognized consultant to schools, businesses and nonprofit and arts organizations on issues of strategic inclusion and equity. Over the past 24 years, he has partnered with more than 500 organizations to deepen their diversity and inclusion capacity; attract, hire, and retain the best talent; and maximize business and education goals. In addition to his direct work in the preschool-grade 12 world, Gay has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post and NPR and has produced two TEDx talks. He taught in several independent schools before launching his consultancy. In his keynote, Gay will reframe conventional definitions of diversity to include individuals from all backgrounds while also increasing awareness and deepening empathy to foster inclusive independent school learning communities.