Friday, May 16, 2025
Ms. Laura Leigh Birdwell was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006, when she was 26 years old. The subsequent years were a period of self-discovery for Laura Leigh: denial, anger, and finally, acceptance. Laura Leigh now views her diagnosis as a blessing — she has a greater appreciation for life, a better understanding of the fragility of the human body, and a deeper awareness of the beauty around her. Now, 16 years and many triathlons and cycling races later, Laura Leigh feels a strong calling to help others on their journeys to wellness. She is a personal trainer, wellness coach, and cancer exercise specialist. She also has a BA and MA in Philosophy and teaches high school English and history. Laura’s website: https://www.coachbirdwell.com/
Mr. George Kimble is a Business Analyst with the Maricopa Small Business Development Center(SBDC) located in Phoenix Arizona. The SBDC is a national network that provides no fee, business counseling to small business in any industry. George is part of a specialized team focused on Capital Development for the clients of the SBDC. He has over 40 years in the accounting and banking industry and has been doing commercial and small business lending and counseling for the past 20 years. He had been managing a portfolio of over 100 clients with a major bank in Arizona since 2009. George is experienced with new business organizations, traditional loans, small business lines of credit, and all SBA products. George attended Michigan State University and graduated from Northwood University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an Associate’s Degree in Banking and Finance. He is currently a commissioner for the City of Chandler’s Planning and Zoning committee and is experienced in economic development for large and small businesses. Small Business Development Center website: https://www.maricopa-sbdc.com/
Dr. William H. Crawford III is a Senior Vice President with DW Consulting Group and oversees educational services and community partnerships. Additionally, he is employed as an adjunct professor at Northern Arizona University, where he teaches Justice Studies. Dr. Crawford retired from the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), after a distinguished career of more than 24 years – most recently as a Vice President at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. His career with MCCCD includes fourteen years in college administration, ten years as a residential (tenured) faculty member, and seven years as an adjunct faculty member. Prior to MCCCD, Dr. Crawford was employed by the Phoenix Police Department where he held numerous leadership positions and served with distinction for over 23 years as a career officer and 10 years in a volunteer reserve capacity – totaling more than 33 years of law enforcement service. He holds both Doctorate and Master of Education degrees from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University. Dr, Crawford’s contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-william-crawford-4a6a98bb/
Mr. James Milstead served 21 years on the Phoenix Police Department and retired as a lieutenant, he served an additional 10 years as a reserve lieutenant and then an additional eleven years as a reserve volunteer. Immediately before his retirement and during his reserve and volunteer service years he was employed by Metro Technical High School and was adjunct faculty with Phoenix College for fourteen years and also adjunct faculty with Northern Arizona University for thirteen years. He has been a volunteer with St. Vincent De Paul Charity organization for over fourteen years. Mr. Milstead holds an AA in Business, AA in Criminal Justice; BA in Finance and a Masters in Career and Technological Education. He is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy and USC Juvenile Justice Program. St. Vincent De Paul Charity: https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Mr. Yohnnie Shambourger an accomplished bodybuilder, fitness trainer and businessman who conducts training programs and events to educate the public on the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. He has won numerous bodybuilding competitions including the Mr. Universe title. He received a Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree from Howard University, was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness for the State of Maryland and uses his extensive knowledge and expertise to help others to achieve their fitness goals. Yohnnie’s website: https://www.yohnnex.com/
Ms. Ernestine Shepherd is an inspiration to many throughout the United States and the world due to her accomplishments in her personal health, fitness and body-building achievements. She is a personal trainer, professional model and a former competitive bodybuilder and teaches fitness classes at her home church. Ms. Shepherd who is 86 years old, was awarded the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Oldest Performing Female Bodybuilder award in 2010. While others are declining at their age, Ms. Shepherd is having the best times of her life, by putting in the effort to stay healthy by proper eating and exercising. She has a message for us all. Ernestine’s website: https://ernestineshepherd.net/
Mr. Terry Yahweh served the citizens of Phoenix, its visitors and the Phoenix Police Department for 25 years, working 6 1/2 years as a patrol officer, two years as a domestic violence detective and 16 1/2 years as a Robbery Detective. During his law enforcement career he served fourteen years as the President of the Arizona Black Law Enforcement Employees (ABLE) and was the lead and coordinator for the ABLE Annual Criminal Justice Conferences that provided education and training for law enforcement officers and criminal justice students in college, universities and high school, plus provided scholarships for the students. During the course of the conferences he became an event planner for police conferences, high school and family reunions and for birthdays. He has a B.A. degree in Spanish Linguistics from Arizona State University. He is public speaker, singer and performs renditions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s, “I Have a Dream” speech. He is the owner of Terry Yahweh Enterprises, LLC. and is the coordinator of this Conference. Terry’s website: https://terry-yahweh.com/
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Chief Alan Rodbell, Ret. spent 45 years in law enforcement and served two communities; Montgomery County, Maryland and most recently, Scottsdale, Arizona. He came to the Scottsdale Police Department in 2002 as the Deputy Chief and the following year was appointed to be the Chief of Police and served in that capacity until 2021. He has was recognized by the Arizona Chiefs of Police Association as their first Chief Of Police of the Year in 2017 and he has received numerous awards, including the NAACP’s Law Enforcement Award and a Diversity Champion Award. During his tenure as Scottsdale Chief of Police he was appointed by two Arizona Governors to be on two state boards The Central Regional Advisory Council and the Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training. He was also appointed by two Arizona State Attorney Generals to the Arizona Peace Officer Memorial Board. He currently is the Chief Security Officer for YAM. YAM’s website: https://yamww.com/
Colonel Jeffrey D. Glover was appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs as Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety on January 17, 2023. He was unanimously confirmed by the Arizona State Senate in March 2023. Colonel Glover has over 25 years of experience in law enforcement, beginning his career with the Tempe Police Department. Working his way through the ranks, Jeff served the Tempe Police Department in various capacities, including Field Training Officer, Narcotics Detective, Crime Prevention Detective, Media Relations Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Mobile Field Force Commander, Detention Manager, Acting Commander over 21st Century Policing, Professional Standards Commander, and Commander for the Criminal and Special Investigations Divisions. The Colonel is currently the President for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), a National Board Member for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Co-Chair of the MADD Traffic Safety Committee, and a Commissioner on the Governor’s Commission for African American Affairs. Colonel Glover also serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Colonel Glover holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Northern Arizona University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. He is a graduate of the Arizona Peace Officers and Standards Leadership Program (ALP #8), the FBI National Academy Command School (Session 265), and the Senior Management Institute for Policing (Session 86). AZ Department of Public Safety: https://www.azdps.gov/colonel
Anna Marie De Giorgio began her coaching journey with a clear mission: to help individuals find happiness in their work, relationships, and overall life. For over two decades, she has been passionate about empowering women to break free from limiting mindsets, uncover their inner visions, and confidently pursue their dreams with determination. As a certified Transformational Coach and NLP Practitioner, Anna Marie specializes in helping others focus, reflect, and refine their lives to achieve lasting fulfillment and success. She hosts two popular podcasts: “Find Your Vision, Change Your Life: Tools and Techniques for Transforming Your Future” and “CoachsQuad 4U.” She has also been a sought-after guest on numerous podcasts and online events. Anna Marie has hosted the highly regarded quarterly summit, The Girlfriend Hour, for the past three years. Her expertise has been featured in publications such as AZ Big Media and showcased through appearances on TV shows like “Engage & Shine,” “The Selling Made Easy Show,” and “Women in Leadership: Body, Mind, Soul, and Business Podcast,” among others. Through her impactful work, Anna Marie continues to inspire and empower countless individuals. Anna Marie’s website: https://livingyourlifecoaching.com/