Keynote Speakers

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Steve Pemberton is a visionary leader, transformational human capital strategist, bestselling author, and lifelong advocate for human dignity. With a voice that uplifts and a message that resonates across generations, Steve has become a beacon of hope and possibility — dedicated to illuminating the path forward for individuals, organizations, and communities alike. A compelling communicator and highly sought-after speaker, he connects with audiences from all walks of life, inspiring them to rise above their circumstances and lead with purpose, compassion, and courage. His mission is as relentless as it is profound: to ensure that every person — no matter their beginnings — has a chance in the world.

 A Calling Beyond Career 

Steve’s professional journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to infusing humanity into the workplace. From pivotal roles at Monster.com and Walgreens to his former position as Chief Human Resources Officer at Workhuman®, Steve has continuously championed inclusive cultures, inspired transformative leadership, and reshaped how organizations view and value their people. Today, as Managing Director at Seramount, he leads the company’s human capital solutions, crafting forward-looking strategies to meet the evolving needs of a global talent landscape. 

Wherever he goes, Steve brings with him a rare combination of empathy and excellence. His “human lighthouse” approach has guided companies to build cultures that not only perform but thrive — places where purpose meets productivity and people are empowered to shine. A trusted advisor and trailblazer in the field, he is regularly called upon to speak at the world’s most influential HR conferences, share insights with major media outlets, and counsel companies seeking to build future-ready, people-first workplaces. 

 As the author of two best-selling books, he invites readers into a journey marked by resilience, faith, and the unwavering belief in what’s possible. His first book, A Chance in the World, recounts his harrowing yet hopeful story of surviving extraordinary hardship and adversity in the foster care system, and ultimately triumphing to uncover his identity and build a life of impact. The memoir was adapted into an independent film and led to the development of a social-emotional learning curriculum now taught in high schools nationwide. 

His second book, The Lighthouse Effect: How Ordinary People Can Have an Extraordinary Impact in the World, challenges us to become “human lighthouses” — people who use their trials to light the way for others. The book is both a call to action and a heartfelt celebration of the everyday heroes who change lives through kindness, integrity, and presence. It has inspired audiences across sectors — from corporate boardrooms to classrooms, faith communities to nonprofit circles. Steve’s story has resonated far and wide, leading to high-profile features and appearances in national media, including People magazine, The Today Show, CBS Evening News, Tamron Hall, and other major platforms. He is the host of The Pemberton Podcast, a space for reflection, resilience and hope. For anyone who has ever felt unseen or uncertain, each episode offers stories that lift, lessons that linger, and a reminder that beginnings don't define endings.  

  Dr. Tiffany S. Brunson is an accomplished and visionary leader whose three-decade career in education reflects transformative leadership, courageous innovation, and an unwavering commitment to equity and excellence. A proud Chicago native and United States Army veteran, Dr. Brunson has consistently broken barriers and redefined what is possible for students, educators, and the communities she serves. Her lifelong mission is clear: to make the invisible visible and the impossible possible.

Dr. Brunson began her educational journey earning a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, followed by a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Roosevelt University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration from Loyola University Chicago. This strong academic foundation has fueled her passionate service across multiple leadership roles, including special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.

Today, Dr. Brunson proudly serves as Superintendent of Elementary School District 159, supporting the communities of Matteson, Richton Park, and Tinley Park, Illinois. Since assuming the superintendency in 2022, she has led the district through transformational change grounded in student-centered innovation, human connection, and culturally responsive teaching and learning practices. Under her leadership, the district continues to advance bold strategic priorities that center on belonging, achievement, wellness, and opportunity for every learner.

A trailblazer in every sense, Dr. Brunson has often been the first to lead in diverse educational spaces, launching new schools, establishing departments, designing inclusive programs, and influencing policy at the state level. She is a founding board member of the Illinois Alliance of Black School Educators (ILABSE) and currently serves as President-Elect of the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity (SSCSD).

In 2024, Dr. Brunson became a contributing author to Centering Our Voices: The Anthology, an award-winning collection amplifying the stories, challenges, and triumphs of Black women in education. Her contribution reflects her deep belief in leading with authenticity and uplifting others through narrative, advocacy, and shared experience.

Her progressive and innovative leadership has earned numerous accolades. In 2024, she was recognized as one of the Amazing Women of Rich Township. She was recently named the recipient of the 2025 Illinois Transformative Superintendent Award, presented by 7 Mindsets, honored as one of the 2025 Most Distinguished Women in Illinois, and awarded the prestigious Award of Excellence from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dr. Brunson’s leadership is often described as visionary, bold, and deeply human. She builds trust across communities, cultivates leadership in others, and inspires systemic transformation. Her superpower lies in connecting purpose with practice, values with vision, and dreams with measurable results.