Biography/Memoir

Hicks, Melanie

Author Melanie Hicks
Pseudonym
Melanie Sue
Birth Year (-Died Year)
1978
Birth City
Gulf Breeze
Birth State
FL
Current Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Occupation(s)
Writer/speaker
Biography

Dr. Hicks is the author of Incongruent: Travel, Trauma, Transformation. Writing her first book at 10 years old, she has now been published in numerous magazines and websites including Forbes.com, Humanity Wine Co., The District, Doctor’s Life, Journal for Research Administration, and Moc Ideja (a grassroots policy manual for lawmakers in Bosnia funded by the US Department of State).

Dr. Hicks is an empathy-driven leader with more than two decades of experience in workforce, education, and nonprofits. Focused on the areas of human-centered leadership, strategic planning, employee engagement, and organizational culture, Dr. Hicks has worked with hundreds of clients over the course of her career including small to midsized companies, education institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

Dr. Hicks formerly served as the Vice President, Education Solutions Group at MGT Consulting where she leads business development for PK12, Higher Education and Education Transformation Practice areas. Prior to joining MGT, Dr. Hicks served as Assistant Provost at the University of Tampa where she created UT’s first Office of Sponsored Programs and oversaw the University’s 52 department budgets, and all grants and contracts. She also taught courses in Social Entrepreneurship, Environmental Policy, and Public-Private Partnerships, among others.

Prior to joining the University of Tampa team, she served as the Director of Research for the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, an advocacy organization, and concurrently as the Managing Director of the Florida Independent College Fund, a 501c(3) foundation. While at ICUF/FICF, she implemented a four‐prong system for federal and state grant funding applications resulting in enhanced collaborative partnerships and led ICUF’s governmental affairs research for advocacy in Tallahassee and Washington, DC.

Dr. Hicks began her career as the Aide to Mayor of Tallahassee, a special projects coordinator with the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, and as an adjunct professor of Public Administration for Florida State University and Barry University.

Outside of her professional activities, she is a Colorado girl at heart. Her hobbies include paddle boarding, biking, hiking, and is a certified yoga instructor. She also enjoys spending time with her husband Randy, stepdaughter Lauren, and her fur babies Eva and Molly.

Awards/Honors
The Florence Bayuk Scholarship for Academic Excellence
Joyce Keller Volunteer of the Year Award
Rod Rose Paper of the Year Award, Journal of Research Administration
The University of Miami Outstanding Scholastic and Public Service Achievement Award
Education/Training
* Bachelors in Organizational Communications, University of Central Florida
* Master’s in Public Administration, University of Miami
* PhD, Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Florida State University
* SHRM Senior Certified Professional
* Two Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certifications
* Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, University of South Florida
* Business Analytics Certificate, Harvard Business School
Organizations
Pikes Peak Library Foundation, Board Member
Unsilenced Voices, Sierra Leone, Board Member
Leadership Pikes Peak Class of 2021, Board Vice President
Leadership Tampa Bay Class of 2013
Well Built Bikes, Social Enterprise Mentor
SEED SPOT, Social Entrepreneurship Pitch Weekend Facilitator
Humanity Del Sol, Argentina, Board Co-Chair
Humanity Wine Co., Argentina, Past Volunteer CFO
Institute for Economic Evolution, Founding Board Member
LEARN OPEN, Past Board Member
Eunoia Collective, South Africa, Past Board Member
Academy Prep Center of Tampa, Past Board Member
Knight Foundation Community Catalyst, Past Member
Florida Chamber Foundation Innovation Caucus, Past Member
United Way of the Big Bend, Past Board Member
Network of Young Professionals, Past Board Member
University of Tampa Committees: Sustainability Committee, IACUC Committee, Faculty Development Committee, Community Engagement Committee
National Council of Research, Board Member
National Science Foundation, Grant Reviewer
US Department of Education, Grant Reviewer
Digital Measures, University Advisory Committee
Citi Group, Education Advisory Committee Member
Speaker Availability
Yes
Speaker Topics
Human Centered Leadership
In this workshop we start with a look at today’s workplace and how it has evolved over the last decade. We then dive deep into leadership strategies that focus on building trust and making employees feel valued. This includes an exploration on the neuroscience of connection and the concept of psychological contract and its place in today’s workplace. We close with a specific roadmap and tips for building in more human-centered leadership into everyday workspace. This session is good for any level of employee but especially pertinent for young managers or seasoned executive managing young leaders.

Rising Above Toxic Workplaces
Those who have survived toxic workplaces share a kindred spirit. Gaslighting, under appreciation, over work, general negativity can all be warning lights for you to make a change. But what if it is not that easy? In this workshop we explore the signs you are in a toxic workplace, ways to attempt to make change within and close with strategies for leaving without losing your shirt. This workshop is specifically topical for those struggling with their workplace.

Storytelling 101
This workshop is the benefits of telling your story as well as practical tips on writing and publishing.

Building An Intentional Legacy
Taking lessons from Melanie’s newly released memoir Incongruent; Travel, Trauma, Transformation, this workshop uses her copyright 3E Method of Change method to dive into our personal journey of legacy building. We begin by excavating the attic of our minds to pull out the boxes and examine our life experiences and how they affect our daily lives. From there we look for obligations that no longer serve us and how we can eliminate them. Finally, we embolden our resolve to live in alignment with our personal values. This
workshop is for anyone looking to live more intentionally and authentically.

3E Method of Change
Melanie's customized 3E Method of Change can also be adapted to any organizational topic in need of innovative and intentional change management.

Church, Donna

Birth City
Cleveland
Birth State
OH
Current Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Biography

I am a God-fearing woman, a mother, family member, and friend. I love with all of my heart and leave a smile on the hearts of those that I encounter. I am always full of joy and positive energy. I always keep it real. I have lived in Colorado Springs for 30 years.

Local Authors Genres
Speaker Availability
Yes
Speaker Topics
Domestic violence

Gonzalez, Ruben

Photo of Ruben Gonzalez
Birth Year (-Died Year)
1962
Birth City
Campana, Buenos Aires, AR
Current Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Occupation(s)
Keynote Speaker
Biography

Four-Time Olympian in the sport of luge. First four-decade Winter Olympian. Spoken for over 100 Fortune 500 companies since 2002. Sold over 300,000 books in 10 languages. TED talk, "The Power of Following the Leader" has over one million views. Ruben moved to Colorado Springs in 2010 and visits the Monument Library at least a couple times a week.

Awards/Honors
Flag Flown in Ruben's Honor at the U.S. Air Force Academy after a Keynote (2022)
Houston Christian University Athletic Hall of Honor (2021)
The Olympic Spirit Award (2010)
Salt Lake City Olympic Torch Bearer (2002)
Four-Time Olympian (1988, 1992, 2002, 2010)
Education/Training
BS in Chemistry and Biology from Houston Christian University (1988)
Local Authors Genres
Speaker Availability
Yes
Speaker Topics
Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Change, Inspirational / Motivational, Teamwork, Success Principles.
- Topics Page from Website - https://ruben-gonzalez.com/speaking/motivational-keynote-speaker-topics/
- Speaker Videos Page - https://ruben-gonzalez.com/demo-video/

Rodwell, Eric

Rodwell, Eric
Birth City
Richmond
Birth State
VA
Current Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Occupation(s)
Retired Military
Biography

Having reaped the benefits of pedagogical academia, Eric J. Rodwell is an alumnus of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS). He has lived in the Pikes Peak Region since 1996. He is a retired military veteran with over twenty-one years of honorable and distinguished service. Ten of those years, being a paratrooper in the elite 82nd Airborne Division; and, he was ordained as a minister of the Gospel in 1983. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Tina, for over thirty-nine years and the proud father of two sons, one daughter, one son-in-law, six grandkids, and one on the way in January 2021.

Awards/Honors
Writing accolades from WSTS Radio Station in Fayetteville, NC - Sweetheart Contest Winner
Military: Meritorious Service Medal - Army Commendation Medal - Army Achievement Medal - Expert Infantryman Badge - Senior Parachutist Badge with Combat Distinction - Bronze Service Star - Air Assault Badge - Expert Marksman Badge
Recipient of the Commanding General's Gold Recruiter's Badge
Education/Training
Civilian: Alumnus of UCCS Letters and Arts; Executive Director of the METH Taskforce for El Paso and Teller Counties; Ordained Minister of the Gospel since 1983.

Military: Logistics Automation Specialist, Airborne Jump Master School Graduate, Environmental Compliance Officer Certification Training.
Published Works Book Jackets
Organizations
I am a member of the 82nd Airborne All American Guard of Honor Group, and The Paratrooper H-MINUS Group.
Speaker Availability
Yes
Speaker Topics
My book, which happens to be my memoir - My Christian faith, inspired poetry, short narratives with heartfelt and patriotic sentiments, to include hilarious anecdotes.

MavaJoyce

MavaJoyce
Pseudonym
MavaJoyce
Birth City
Clay Center
Birth State
KS
Current Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Occupation(s)
Retired - Volunteer with Finding Our Voices
Biography

Joyce Aubrey has been in Colorado Springs since 1995; an avid reader she has actively engaged PPLD. As a survivor of incest and family sharing, she advocated in the community using healing paintings to speak to various groups including military, faith, mental health, domestic violence/sexual assault and service clubs about the aftershocks of sexual abuse. In October 2019 she published a memoir of hope and inspiration, Beyond Aftershocks, under the author name MavaJoyce. As founder of the non-profit Finding Our Voices, she continues to serve survivors of sexual violence through creative art events and supportive activities.

Awards/Honors
Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) - Excellence in Advocacy Award
Leadership Pikes Peak - Leading the Way in Community Service
Institute for Conflict Resolution & Creative Leadership - Servant Leader Award
First Congregation Micah 6 Award - Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly
Education/Training
Kansas State University - Bachelor's and Master's degrees
Local Authors Genres
Published Works Book Jackets
Organizations
Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault - American Association of University Women - Finding Our Voices
Speaker Availability
Yes
Speaker Topics
Beyond Aftershocks: Resilience after Trauma - Navigating Post Traumatic Growth - Self-Compassion as a Doorway to Service

Baxter, William Edwin

Baxter, William Edwin
Birth City
Fullerton
Birth State
CA
Current Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Occupation(s)
Civilian Contract Worker at Ft. Carson (Service Source Inc. hires people with disabilities to work as contract workers)
Biography

William Edwin Baxter was born on October 11, 1954 in Fullerton, California. He was born with developmental disabilities, but has strive not to let his disabilities defeat him in life, but to go above and beyond them by accomplishing great things and inspiring others to do the same. This became his legacy. He lived most of his life in Orange County, California; but currently lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado. On July 9, 2016, William suffered a massive pulmonary embolism which almost ended his life, but he survived. Had he died in the E.R. at Memorial Hospital, his legacy would have died with him. Realizing this, he began to write his first book, entitled W.E.B. Tales (W.E.B. is his initial name for William Edwin Baxter). The book was published as an e-book in May 2018, and as a paperback in July 2018. Other books have been published since W.E.B. Tales which can be found on my author page on amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/William-Edwin-Baxter/e/B07GC44FVR

Awards/Honors
President's Team Award for Service Excellence - from Service Source Inc., August 2015
Employee of the Year Award - from Service Source Inc., in August 2018
Distinguished Toastmaster Award - Highest award from Toastmasters International, February 1996
Education/Training
B.S. Degree, Recreation, California State University, East Bay, 1979 - A.A. Degree, Liberal Arts, Ohlone College, 1977 -Thomas S. Wootton High School, Rockville, MD, 1974
Published Works Book Jackets
Organizations
Member of Toastmasters International since November 1990
Speaker Availability
Yes
Speaker Topics
I would like to talk about "Going Above and Beyond" disabilities and other obstacles which can stand in the way of working towards one's goals and achieving them (as chronicled in my keynote speech: https://webblog305448100.wordpress.com/2020/02/05/w-e-b-keynote-address/)

Horval, Andrew

Horval, Andrew
Birth City
Cleveland
Birth State
OH
Current Location
Fountain, CO
Occupation(s)
U.S. Army, retired
Biography

Andrew served in the United States Army for 22 years and is a retired Master Sergeant. Upon retirement, Andrew and his family chose to reside in the Pikes Peak region to continue their Christian service within the military and veteran community.

Published Works Book Jackets
Speaker Availability
Yes
Speaker Topics
Christian/Biblical

Jackson, Jené

Jene' Jackson
Birth City
Oklahoma City
Birth State
OK
Current Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Occupation(s)
Motivational Speaker - Author
Biography

Jené Jackson is the author of The Oat Project: How I Faced My Fear and Came of Age in One Wild Summer, a memoir about how she finally sowed her wild oats, doing 25 things her preacher’s daughter upbringing never allowed, like getting drunk, dancing, skinny dipping, smoking weed, and more…at the ripe age of 37 while a wife and mother of three. She was raised all over the U.S. as a preacher’s daughter before finally rebelling. When she’s not working on her first novel and the sequels to her memoir, she’s photographing, belly laughing with friends, making art, singing jazz, or squeezing words from her teenage children while driving them home from school. She lives in Colorado Springs and even does yoga and hikes every now and then like a good Coloradan. You can connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JeneJ, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/spiralspiral, and at www.jenejackson.com.

Local Authors Genres
Published Works Book Jackets
Organizations
Pikes Peak Writers
Speaker Availability
Yes
Speaker Topics
Integrating the Wild into everyday life - The writing process - Writing memoir - How to finally, really love yourself

Weilert, Benjamin

Birth City
Fort Collins
Birth State
CO
Current Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Occupation(s)
Missile Defense - Civil Service
Biography

14er Climber, Rocket Scientist, Published Novelist, Movie Connoisseur, and Amateur Photographer, Benjamin M. Weilert was born in Colorado in 1985. While he went to school for Mechanical Engineering (eventually earning a Master’s Degree), he has found science to be interesting enough to write fiction about it. He likes to classify his novels as “science fantasy,” wherein the science is real and (semi) accurate, but portrayed in a fantasy setting to make it accessible to non scientific readers. If you want stories that are surreptitiously educational, he’s your man. He currently lives in Colorado Springs and his most recent book is Fourteener Father, a memoir of climbing all of Colorado's 14,000-foot mountains with his dad.

Education/Training
"Creative Fiction Writing" course at the Colorado School of Mines
Published Works Book Jackets
Organizations
The Midnight Writers - National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), municipal liaison for the Colorado Springs region
Speaker Availability
Yes
Speaker Topics
Self-publishing (writing, editing, formatting, cover design, etc.) - National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) - Submitting to short story anthologies

McConnaughey, Janyne

McConnaughey, Janyne
Birth City
Albuquerque
Birth State
NM
Occupation(s)
Educator - Retired faculty Emeritus
Biography

Janyne McConnaughey, PhD, retired from a career in education that spanned forty years—from early-childhood educator to college professor—in order to heal from the effects of the childhood abuse she had suffered. During therapy, Janyne wrote her way to healing and now is redeeming her story by helping others to understand and heal from childhood trauma. Along with Brave: A Personal Story of Healing Childhood Trauma, Janyne is working on two forthcoming sequels. She also keeps busy blogging at Janyne.org, and guest blogging for other organizations that address childhood trauma. Janyne enjoys full-time RV living with her husband, Scott, at the edge of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and treasures the time she spends in the Seattle area with her children and grandchildren.

Awards/Honors
2009 - Lawrence E. and Verna A. Vredvoe Award for Distinguished Scholarship and Christian Leadership in Education
Local Authors Genres
Published Works Book Jackets
Organizations
PhD University of Colorado, Denver, Department of Education (Educational Leadership and Innovation) - M.S. Southwest Missouri State University, Education - B.A. Point Loma Nazarene University, Child Development and Christian Education
Speaker Availability
Yes
Speaker Topics
The Effects of Childhood Trauma - Behavior through the Lens of Childhood Trauma - Trauma Sensitive Schools - Personal Story of Healing from Childhood Trauma/Dissociative Disorders