Meet the Speakers Bringing Big Ideas to a Small Town
Rush Darwish
Rush Darwish is a media executive, civic leader, and nonprofit strategist with more than 25 years of experience across broadcast journalism, political and advocacy communications, nonprofit governance, and economic development. He began his career in broadcast media, spending a decade as a news anchor and sports reporter where accuracy, clarity, and disciplined storytelling were non-negotiable. That journalistic foundation continues to shape his work today, grounding creative strategy and campaign execution in credibility, structure, and narrative integrity.
As founder of Rush Productions, Darwish leads a full-service production and communications firm delivering content, creative strategy, and campaigns for political organizations, nonprofits, civic leaders, and institutions. His work is informed by firsthand experience advising political campaigns, public action committees, and issue-based initiatives, as well as by his experience as a former congressional candidate operating under public scrutiny and high-stakes messaging environments.
In parallel, Darwish brings extensive nonprofit and civic leadership experience. He oversees multiple nonprofit and advocacy organizations, including both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities, and has served in advisory, committee, and transition roles connected to the Chicago Mayor’s Office, the Illinois Secretary of State, and the Illinois Comptroller. In 2024, he served on the Democratic National Committee Diversity Council during the presidential election cycle in Chicago, contributing to national-level engagement and strategy efforts.
Despite his leadership roles behind the scenes,
Darwish maintains a deep and enduring passion for media. Having spent ten years as a news anchor and sports reporter, he continues to engage as an on-air commentator and media contributor, making regular appearances across platforms to discuss political developments, business and economic issues, advocacy, and public policy. His continued presence in media reflects a belief that informed, responsible storytelling remains essential to public understanding, civic engagement, and democratic discourse.
Laurie Lynn is a speaker, emcee and coach who inspires people and audiences to believe and live out what’s possible. Drawing from her background in business, sales, leadership and coaching she blends practical strategy with emotional intelligence to create lasting transformation.
Known for her authentic, engaging style, Laurie connects effortlessly with executives, nonprofit leaders, sales teams and individuals helping them to feel seen, understood and empowered to take action.
Laurie values authenticity, positivity, hard work and a healthy dose of fun. She’s driven to help people grow, create meaningful connections and believes success isn’t always about winning but how to help others win.
Outside of work, she’s passionate about family, health and wellness, and playing a good game of pickleball!
Laurie Lynn
Peter Deuschle
Peter Deuschle is an author, educator, creative director, and founder of Hands-On Meditation. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience breaking down complex concepts for learners, Peter focuses on making meditation more inclusive and adaptable. By combining simple, practical instruction with active meditation techniques, he helps people find calm and mindfulness—particularly those who struggle with traditional practices.
Hadia M.
Hadia M. is a high school researcher, community founder, and advocate dedicated to bridging generational divides. Inspired by her upbringing in a cross-generational home, Hadia spent six months conducting independent research on dementia pathology through Pioneer Academics, exploring how social engagement supports brain health and cognitive reserve in aging populations.
To translate her interest in geriatrics and medicine into community action, she founded Generations Connect—an initiative uniting high school students and local seniors to combat isolation through intergenerational events and pen-pal programs.
At TEDxTinley Park, centered on the theme Come Together, Hadia shares a deeply personal, evidence-based perspective on why connecting across age divides matters. Through her work, she hopes to encourage communities to build meaningful bridges across generations and reframe how society values its elders and youth.
Kimberly “MyVoice” Johnson, M.Ed., is an award-winning speaker, master storyteller, transformational minister, educator, author, and life-development strategist whose voice catalyzes transformation. Drawing from profound life experiences, groundbreaking revelations, and unwavering determination, she challenges audiences to rise beyond limiting circumstances, reclaim their power, and courageously pursue purpose.
A Summa Cum Laude graduate with 28 years of distinguished service in education and leadership, Kimberly serves as District Coordinator of Continuing Education and Customized Training for the City Colleges of Chicago, advancing workforce development, professional education, and lifelong learning initiatives serving thousands throughout Chicago.
She is the founder of Girl Don’t Settle University, host of the God-Winning Mornings Podcast, and author of Girl, Don’t Settle for H.I.M.: Habits Incapable of Maturing. She is writing Becoming H.E.R.: Healed, Evolved, and Ready. Through compelling storytelling and transformative insight, Kimberly empowers people to examine who they have become and boldly become who they were created to be.
Kimberly Johnson
Antoinette Summer is an author, speaker, and founder of The Real Front Desk, where she developed a methodology that helps individuals and organizations locate where they are, understand how they are operating, and map the direction they are committed to pursuing.
Her work begins with a simple premise: before we determine where we are going, we must first be willing to locate where we are. Through commitment, accountability, and alignment, her work addresses the internal systems that influence how we live, lead, make decisions, and participate with others.
She is also the founder of Equal Elevation, a nonprofit serving individuals, families, and communities navigating the space between being freed and sustainably living in freedom.
Shaped by experiences that required her to reconsider belonging and responsibility, Antoinette Summer invites audiences to examine a different starting point for community: not the people surrounding us, but the community already operating within each of us.
Antoinette Summer
Hayward Suggs
Hayward Suggs is a visionary leader and C-suite executive coach dedicated to transforming organizations and developing high-performance teams. With decades of executive experience—including serving as CEO of the Helen Wheeler Center and leading large-scale organizational development at IMACC and the Community Mental Health Council—Hayward brings deep expertise in human performance, soft skills development, and change management.
A published author and former Forbes Coaches Council member, Hayward has facilitated over 500 training events nationwide and mentored more than 100 professional leaders into executive roles. He is a Certified World Class Speaking Coach, a Toastmaster of the Year recipient, and former President of the Association for Talent Development (ATDChi). Through his coaching and published work on team leadership, diversity, and workforce development, Hayward inspires individuals to shatter barriers, cultivate resilience, and achieve lasting professional excellence.
Muxiang Pajerski
Muxiang is a marketing, communications, and digital transformation leader with more than 20 years of experience bringing people, ideas, and teams together. She currently works as a project manager, leading national marketing technology initiatives that connect Marketing, Sales, IT, and other functions at a global risk management and insurance brokerage organization. Previously, she managed a 10-person creative team that delivered hundreds of multichannel projects each month at a marketing agency.
Beyond her corporate career, Muxiang is a Toastmasters district leader, podcast host, and advocate for inclusive, people-centered leadership. Through her podcast Be A Light with Muxiang, she shares stories that encourage kindness, courage, positivity, and meaningful human connection. Born and raised in China, she brings a cross-cultural perspective to every stage.
Muxiang lives in Chicago’s northwest suburbs with her husband, her high school–aged daughter, and her stepdaughter.
On October 4, she will speak at TEDx Tinley Park, sharing how one courageous act of goodwill can transform rivalry into partnership and redefine belonging.
Saundra Washington
Saundra Washington is a speaker and a retired learning and development professional. She cares very deeply about how society treats older people and advocates for healthy eating and active lifestyles for older Americans. Her interest in this topic is personal; she herself is in her 70s.
Saundra has been active in Toastmasters for many years, where she holds leadership positions, coaches other speakers, and serves as the head educational trainer for her Toastmasters district. On any given day you can find Saundra at the gym where she’s an avid weight trainer. Her other passion is cooking, and she devotes time each week to developing healthy recipes and vegetarian meal prep ideas.
Solomon Asine
Solomon Asine is a self-esteem coach, a speaker, author, and educator passionate about helping people develop the confidence to live and lead with greater purpose. Since 2013, he has taught social and emotional intelligence, helping individuals understand how their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their relationships, decisions, and personal growth.
As the founder of Home of Influence, Solomon combines psychological principles, practical strategies, and real-world experience to help people overcome self-doubt and build healthier self-esteem. He is also the author of Think Fast Speak Smart, a book focused on developing effective communication and confidence.
Through his speaking and coaching, Solomon challenges the idea that self-esteem is simply about feeling good about yourself. He believes that how we see ourselves can fundamentally shape the choices we make, the risks we take, and ultimately the lives we create.
Ericka Glorious Moore
Ericka Glorious Moore is a high-energy, interactive motivational speaker, best-selling author, mental health coach, and entrepreneur who has spent more than a decade empowering people to overcome adversity, recognize their value, and pursue their dreams with confidence and purpose. She has spoken to audiences at Amazon, Silver Cross Hospital, schools, libraries, and community organizations, blending research, laughter, and real-life experiences to make conversations about life, growth, and overcoming challenges both relatable and actionable.
Drawing from professional expertise and her own journey of overcoming adversity, Ericka speaks on mental health and wellness, self-worth, goal-setting, and personal growth. Her philosophy, “Know Your Value. Discover Your Dreams.” is at the heart of her work, inspiring people to move beyond what has held them back and intentionally create a life they love.