Meet the TEDxLakeShoreDrive Presenters

A collection of individuals defined by curiosity and dedicated to innovation. These leaders, builders, and storytellers are shaping the ideas that will define our future. Explore their brief bios below.

Speakers

Antoinette Summer Whirl

Spiritual Strategist + Surgical Assistant

Antoinette Summer is a surgical assistant, spiritual strategist, and devoted mother who bridges science and spirit to help others live with intention. After graduating college, she began volunteering on medical missions, where her love for helping people grew into a lifelong calling. In the operating room, she serves with precision and compassion; in her spiritual work, she guides others toward healing, clarity, and purpose. Antoinette believes true transformation happens when faith and focus meet — creating a life grounded in service, strength, and spiritual alignment.

Bob Roitblat

Director & Speech Coach

Bob Roitblat has been a doctor, lawyer, and hit man—though that last one was only on TV. With more than 60 film and television credits, he’s often played the villain, but works behind the scenes to help others shine. He’s also been to federal prison three times—but only as a guest speaker. He directed his first TV commercial at 16 and has been hooked on storytelling ever since. A professional speaker and coach, Bob has directed six TEDx events, helping speakers turn big ideas into powerful moments on stage.

Cam Dunson

Founder of Dunson Insights

Dr. Cam Dunson is the founder of Dunson Insights, a consulting firm dedicated to accelerating innovation, maximizing performance, and maintaining engagement within globally mobile and culturally diverse teams. After 21 years abroad leading cross-cultural initiatives, she returned to the U.S. to earn her doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Her research examined how belonging influences measurable business outcomes. Through her consulting and speaking engagements, Dr. Dunson helps leaders turn human connection into organizational success.

Cheo Rose-Washington

Founder & CEO of Hand-off and creator of the Relay Race Methodology™

Cheo Rose-Washington is Founder & CEO of Hand-off and creator of the Relay Race Methodology™. After experiencing a medical injury that’s virtually unprecedented—caused by miscommunication between hospitals—he’s transformed his crisis into a calling to improve healthcare transitions. Cheo helps healthcare leaders reimagine patient handoffs as relay races, transforming patients from passive information carriers into active teammates to reduce preventable harm and deliver safer care. With 15 years of startup experience across industries including clean energy, finance, and media, he has also worked alongside serial entrepreneur and mentor Peter H. Diamandis, MD at PHD Ventures.

Christy Scattarella

National Award-Winning Journalist

Christy Scattarella is a former national award-winning journalist who shined a light on child abuse. After seeing her son struggle with dyslexia and ADHD, she launched The Shadow Project, a nonprofit that has empowered over 24,000 children with learning disabilities to thrive in school. Her children’s book,The Boy Who Learned Upside Down, helps students see themselves as capable and courageous. Christy has been nationally recognized for her nonprofit’s impact. These days, Christy advocates for those with Alzheimer’s, sharing her journey to inspire others in finding greater joy and purpose.

Eric Sheinkop

The Desire Company, Co-Founder and CEO

Eric Sheinkop is a visionary entrepreneur, acclaimed author, and Emmy-winning innovator whose transformative work spans industries. Honored with Cannes Lions, CLIOs, LIA awards, and Billboard’s “30 Under 30,” Eric is also an author of 2 bestsellers used in university curricula worldwide. He revolutionized commerce with trusted content solutions for leading brands and retailers. Previously, he founded Music Dealers, a groundbreaking music licensing company later acquired by Coca Cola. Eric hosts the “Tap Into An Expert” Podcast and has appeared on countless shows and podcasts and has presented at top conferences globally.

Julia Myers

International Speaker + Podcast Host + Founder of Generational Wisdom™

Dr. Julia Myers is an international speaker, podcast host, and founder of Generational Wisdom™. After a life-changing medical diagnosis, she transformed a medical anomaly into a mission to help high achieving parents overcome the disconnect between building wealth and a legacy that lasts. Through her Family Constitution Experience, she equips families to raise financially mature kids without entitlement. A Doctor of Pharmacy with an MBA and 15 years of healthcare leadership, Julia blends clinical precision with real-world parenting as a mom raising five kids. Featured in Business Insider and onstage with thought leaders like John C. Maxwell and Nick Vujicic, she inspires families to see wealth differently.

Reid Holmes

Brand Transformation Advisor

Reid is an award-winning Executive Creative Director, author and brand ignitor with 30+ years helping brands break through with meaning. His work for Burger King, Mayo Clinic and H&R Block has been featured in The New York Times, Adweek, and Forbes. His best-selling book Appreciated Branding lays out a powerfully fresh strategy for businesses to fill their sales funnels with appreciative customers who are more likely to buy, recommend, and be loyal. This is something that’s become even more critical in the age of AI, where meaning gets surfaced and self-promotion gets ignored.

Richard Bolton

U.S. Law Enforcement Training Company, Co-CEO

Richard Bolton is a safety consultant, keynote speaker, and CEO of U.S. Law Enforcement Training Co., providing real-world instruction to schools, businesses, police, military, and civilians in conflict resolution, de-escalation, situational awareness, and life-saving response. A U.S. Army Combat Veteran and retired Chicago Police Officer, he has earned numerous honors, including Officer and Soldier of the Year, plus over fifty commendations for valor and service. Featured on CBS, ABC, and WGN Radio, he’s a seven-time author whose book Dark Angel was spotlighted in Poets & Writers Magazine. He owns The Bunker Military Surplus Store.

Performers

Anisa Wilbon

Flutist

Anisa is a dedicated, self taught flutist whose connection to music runs deep. With over 13 years of musical experience, her journey through sound has been one of emotion, curiosity, and personal growth. She honors all genres but is heavily influenced by neo-soul and jazz music. Her first steps in music began with the violin at age 7, but it was at 12 when she picked up the flute on her own, and she found her true musical voice! Guided by her natural gift, her resilience, and her deep love for music, Anisa sees no limit to where her artistry will go!

Bryce Melik

Violinist

Bryce Melik is a Chicago-based artist and classically trained violinist whose live performances blend Hip-Hop, R&B, Alternative, and Pop into a cinematic, emotionally driven experience. With over 14 years of formal violin training, Bryce merges live instrumentation with contemporary songwriting, creating performances that feel both intimate and grand.

An independent artist, Bryce Melik has performed on major stages including Lollapalooza, House of Blues, Navy Pier, the Taste of Chicago, SoFar Sounds, Universoul Circus, and Windy City Live, as well as college campuses across the country. His performances are known for their energy, musicality, and emotional depth, often featuring live violin alongside full-band arrangements. Bryce’s work has been recognized by Apple Music, where he was featured on the editorial playlist “The New Chicago,” and by the Chicago Tribune. In 2022, he was awarded Chicago Project of the Year by The Ghetto Flower, highlighting his impact as a live performer and independent artist.

In addition to performing, Bryce Melik is a multi-disciplinary creative and band leader, directing ensembles across vocals, drums, bass, saxophone, keys, and violin. His latest project, Chamber of Emotions (5/13), continues to showcase his ability to translate raw emotion into powerful live moments.

LaNesha Lightning

Dance for Spoke Word

LaNesha Lightning is a dancer who communicates and complements words with artistic movements in motion. Trained from an early age and shaped through collegiate performance, teaching, and praise dance leadership, she uses movement as both testimony and teaching. A professional dancer and mentor to youth, LaNesha believes the body holds stories meant to be released through art, rhythm, and purpose.

Laurie Lynn

Emcee

Laurie Lynn is a coach, speaker and leader who knows how to connect with anyone–from executives, VIPs and celebrities to sales teams, non-profit leaders and everyday people ready for more. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Illinois Tech and has years of experience in sales, recruiting, team leadership, and certification as an Ontological Coach with Newfield Network. She has worked with Weight Watchers Corporation as a meetings facilitator, coach and helped launch new products to market. Laurie blends strategy, emotional intelligence and connection to create real transformation. Her work focuses on the powerful connection between one’s identity, habits and passion–because real change begins by understanding these three things–all centered in belief. She has coached one-on-one, led and trained sales teams, facilitated corporate meetings, managed large non-profit volunteer teams and spoken to audiences of all sizes. Known for her engaging, authentic, and practical approach, Laurie brings both depth and fun–helping people believe again, show up fully and step boldly into who they want to become.

Omar "Moreno" Ramírez

Keyboardist

Omar E. Ramírez is a pianist, composer, songwriter and recording artist from the DominicanRepublic. Graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) with a degree in Piano Performance. As a recording artist he has released multiple albums: Libre, an exploration of improvisation in classical piano music, and Morí-Viví, Vol. 1 “Morí,” an album in which Omar reflects on being an immigrant in search of a brighter future in a foreign land. His compositions range from classical to popular music and are deeply influenced by his love of improvisation, jazz, classical music and Dominican folklore.

An experienced session pianist, Omar has contributed and collaborated with a diverse group of talented musicians from around the world. Bridging the gap between classical and popular music, he brings a unique and refreshing flair as the keyboardist of the Cumbia group, Éxodo Kumbiero.

Sandi Lynn

Spoke Word for Dance

Sandi Lynn, known as The Heart-Core Messenger, speaks from the heart—trusting that the trained brain will follow. A TEDx Speaker, Amazon International Best-Selling Author, and founder of the 28-year G.R.O.W. Power girls mentoring program, her work blends lived wisdom, language, and leadership. A 20-year resident of Park Forest, Illinois, is the nominee for the city’s Oscars Award in the category of Spoken Word, Sandi returns to the TEDx stage to offer The Language of Ideas—where truth is felt…in both word and movement.

Workshop Leaders

Angela Taylor

Utilization Review Nurse

Angela Taylor is a nurse, fitness instructor, and wellness speaker who blends clinical expertise with simple, effective movement through Essentrics. She teaches people how to reduce stress, improve mobility, and reconnect with their bodies in ways that fit real life. Through her classes, workshops, and corporate wellness sessions, Angela empowers audiences to understand their early signals of burnout, release tension, and take ownership of their well‑being. Her work is grounded in one belief: when people move with awareness, they move through life with more confidence and ease.

Crystal Amah

Director, Marketing & Community Engagement

Crystal Amah is the Director of Marketing & Community Engagement at FAME Center, where she leads integrated communications, storytelling, and partnership efforts to expand equitable access to arts education across Chicago. Her work centers on building meaningful community relationships, translating impact into compelling narratives, and aligning strategy with mission. With a background in strategic communications and a deep commitment to creative justice, Crystal is passionate about using storytelling as a tool to drive equity, foster connection, and create lasting community impact.

Garrett Gray

Project Manager at SEECO Consultants, Inc

Garrett W. Gray, P.E., is the founder of Main Stage Productions LLC (mainstageimprov.com), producing sold-out improv shows, workshops, and classes for park districts, schools, universities, businesses, and private events. He trained at The Second City Chicago, Laugh Out Loud Schaumburg, and ComedySportz. Garrett and his wife Amanda co-teach the popular Speak Like a Champion Today! course, helping students become confident speakers. A two-time TEDx speaker, Garrett has hosted public-access TV, guest-DJ’d on SiriusXM’s Beatles Channel, and performed at the Chicago Theatre with Steve Martin and Martin Short. Garrett believes people make positive connections through laughter!

Presenters may not be confirmed. We encourage you to visit the website periodically for the most current information