Speakers and Presenters

Meet Our Keynote Speakers

Andy Arias

Andy Arias is a disability program manager, policy expert, actor, and producer with deep experience in national initiatives. He identifies as disabled, Latinx, and queer. Andy currently serves as Manager and LEND faculty at Georgetown University. Previously, he worked as a Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Labor and as a program manager and advocate in California, focusing on creating pathways for marginalized communities. A recognized national subject matter expert in DEIA, and an international Keynote speaker. Andy also consults in film and television, advising on accessibility and producing content that highlights intersectional identities. His credits include work with actors like Tom Hanks and Hilary Swank, and projects such as The Unicorn Closet and Dani’s Twins. Andy frequently speaks on ADA inclusion, and his award-winning advocacy spans education, public policy, and corporate diversity efforts.

John and Mark Cronin

John and Mark X. Cronin are the father-son duo behind John’s Crazy Socks, a social enterprise with a mission to spread happiness. Together, they built the world’s largest sock store and earned recognition as EY Entrepreneurs of the Year. John, an entrepreneur with Down syndrome, and Mark champion inclusion, employing a workforce where more than half have differing abilities. Fierce advocates, they’ve testified before Congress, spoken at the United Nations, and delivered two TEDx Talks. Sought-after keynote speakers and frequent TV guests, they’ve raised over $800,000 for charities through their Giving Back program, inspiring change and showing what’s possible.

Karen McCullough

Karen McCullough has been rocking stages for over twenty years. She’s an award-winning speaker who inspires and energizes individuals to evolve, grow, and embrace change. Before becoming a professional speaker, she spent 20 years in business—leading in sales, marketing, branding, and even managing her Houston retail stores. For the past 20 years, she has helped leaders and teams navigate change because change is hard. But Karen has a knack for making it feel less like a crisis and more like an opportunity. She believes success is a mix of talent, attitude, relationships, and—most importantly—the ability to adapt and grow. Her approach to understanding the generations will make you laugh, think, and maybe even rethink everything you thought you knew about your team, coworkers, and your family!