Benjamin Elias is a nonprofit leader and advocate for change who has dedicated the past seven years to serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Austin, Texas. As a manager at the largest non-congregate emergency shelter in the state, Benjamin leads a team of case managers focused on helping people navigate some of life’s most difficult transitions with dignity and compassion. But Benjamin’s journey to this role was far from traditional. At just 17, he was incarcerated—beginning a cycle that would see him spend a total of 19 years behind bars. Yet within those walls, Benjamin began the process of unlearning the beliefs, habits, and self-perceptions that had once defined him. Through education and personal transformation, he reclaimed his story, earning his degree in Behavioral Sciences from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, graduating magna cum laude in 2010. Today, Benjamin uses his life experience to inspire others to see that change is not only possible—it’s powerful. His story is one of resilience, redemption, and hope for anyone who has ever felt trapped by their past. Through his work and his words, Benjamin challenges audiences to unlearn the narratives that limit them and embrace the potential for growth that exists within every setback.
Charlene “Char” Holmes is a psychology student at Texas State University and a certified trauma-informed life coach dedicated to helping others transform their mindset, embrace healing, and cultivate personal growth. Before pursuing psychology, she spent over a decade serving in federal public service where she developed a deep understanding of human need, communication, and resilience. Today, Charlene channels that experience into her work as host of the award-winning podcast Talk Bari To Me, leading transformative conversations around wellness, mindset, and self-discovery. She is also an executive contributor for Brainz Magazine and an honoree of the CREA Global Awards, recognized for her contributions to thought leadership and personal development. Charlene’s work continues to inspire individuals to rewrite their stories and step confidently into their purpose.
Brian Johnson brings over 15 years of business experience in talent retention, strategic initiatives, and cultural agility, including senior roles with Chase Bank and The Kaleidoscope Group, a Chicago-based consulting firm. He’s served as a guest lecturer at MIT, Bradley University, Texas A&M, and Texas State, and has written for Sports Illustrated on sports and culture. Before all that, Brian graduated on time from Stanford University while playing both baseball and football, went on to play 12 years in MLB, and spent another decade scouting for the San Francisco Giants. He’s been part of two NCAA National Championship teams and three World Series Championship teams. Brian’s first book is a memoir scheduled for publication in 2026, and he’s currently working toward a master’s degree in leadership development. He also hopes to teach a college course he designed called “Building Inclusive Leaders.” He met his wife on the first day of college, and 30 years later, they’ve raised two grown kids together in Detroit, Michigan.
Dr. Maureen Keeley, is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies, teaching courses in Interpersonal Communication, specifically focusing on families and close relationships for over 3 decades. Twenty-seven years ago, a life-changing event, the death of her beloved mother to breast cancer, became a transformative moment for her personally and professionally. The experience left her looking for answers about communication that occurs at the end of life. Maureen became a pioneer in the field of end-of-life (EOL) communication in the family. She wanted to know what the most common and meaningful conversations were that people had with their loved ones. Her 1st co-authored book with Dr. Julie Yingling, “Final Conversations” (2007) was the culmination of her initial large study and identified the most memorable and important themes for those that go on living following the death of their loved ones. Her 2nd coauthored book with Dr. Yingling “The Good Goodbye” (2025) is the culmination of her 2+ decades of research. Maureen is one of the top interpretive scholars of EOL and family communication. She is sought after as a contributor, co-author, speaker, expert for professional news outlets (Washington Post, NY Times, etc.), and is a beloved professor by her students.
Melanie Koroluk is a bilingual immigrant from Monterrey, Mexico, advocate, and future professional counselor who believes that connection is medicine. Her journey across Mexico, Argentina, and the United States has given her a personal understanding of how community, identity, and culture shape our wellbeing. Melanie is currently pursuing her Master’s in Marriage, Couples, and Family Professional Counseling at Texas State University. Her goal is to integrate neuroscience, social justice, and holistic healing in both her academic and professional work. Having walked her own journey through systemic barriers, substance abuse, and interpersonal struggles, Melanie speaks from a place of authenticity, courage, and empathy. Her general mission is to invite others to be authentic, kind, and open, all while remembering that part of being human is to be with humanity.
Elli Overton is a three-time Olympic swimmer for Australia and a two-time world short course champion, now dedicated to helping others thrive in and beyond sport. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in professional counseling at Texas State University, with the goal of becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist, Elli combines her academic training with decades of experience as an athlete, coach, and parent. She is the founder and owner of Peak Parent Performance LLC, a consulting business that empowers sports parents to help their young athletes reach their full potential—while maintaining balance, confidence, and joy along the way. A mother of two young adults, Elli is passionate about redefining success in youth sports through her public speaking, consulting, and her children’s book, Jay’s Swimming Journey. Elli graduated with high honors from the University of California, Berkeley, where she captained the women’s swim team at three NCAA Championships. Her professional background includes fundraising for the Livestrong Foundation, directing sales and marketing for an Austin software startup, and running her own swim instruction business. Having lived in Australia, Canada, France, and the United States, Elli brings a global perspective and deep empathy to her work, inspiring purpose, resilience, and balance.