2008 Speakers
Keynote Speaker - Jim Ellis
Jim Ellis' story is testimony to the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform human life. His story is the subject of the film Pride, starring Terrence Howard.
Ellis founded the P.D.R. (Philadelphia Department of Recreation) Swim Team, based at the Marcus Foster Recreation Center in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia, in 1971. Today, it is the city's nationally recognized competitive swim team, the nation's best predominately African-American team, and has become a model for urban swim programs around the country.
Over the past 36 years, Ellis has been introducing competitive swimming to inner city youth and their families. His coaching has provided a healthy and stimulating environment in which the young athletes can grow and compete. It also brings together families from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Through travel to various competitions, the program exposes swimmers to other parts of the country and to different lifestyles.
The movie based on Jim Ellis' life, Pride, tells the story of how Ellis built a successful swimming program in one of Philly's most impoverished neighborhoods. It is set in the early 1970s, when the lives of the young African-American teens on the P.D.R. swim team are full of hardship and prejudice. The film shows this uplifting and soulful story of Ellis' journey that pulled together a group of troubled inner-city kids, made them into a dedicated team, and taught them how to overcome adversity through hard work and determination. Jim Ellis teaches his swimmers more than just how to compete in the water; he gives them important, life-changing lessons that prepare them for a better future. Through this emotional journey, Coach Ellis also discovers his team has much to teach him as well. Pride stars Oscar nominee Terrence Howard (Hustle and Flow, Crash, Ray), popular comedian-turned-actor Bernie Mac (The Bernie Mac Show, Kings of Comedy, Ocean's Eleven), and Kimberly Elise (star of CBS series Close to Home).
Besides his work as a swim coach, Ellis has served as a math teacher for many years. As a real-life role model, Ellis' story strikes a chord with all types of audiences. Coach Ellis is a loveable storyteller whose inspiring true-to-life story captivates and motivates audiences always to remember the influential power of one.
Afternoon Speaker - Thea Robinson
Thea Robinson received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Tennessee State University and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois,in 1995. She has also completed the Columbia Senior Executive Development Program at Columbia University in New York and the Inside Washington: Business & Public Policy program at Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C.
Thea started her career with Caterpillar Inc. in 1977 in the Information Technology department. Since starting with Caterpillar, she has held 11 positions including Assembly Line Supervisor, Human Resources Manager, Product Manager and finally Operations Manager of U.S. Operations Division in Decatur, Illinois. Currently, Thea provides leadership to more than 2,500 employees and is responsible for a 320-acre facility and the manufacturing of four families of mining and construction machinery.
Thea's community involvement efforts include Board Member and former chairman of CEFCU (Citizens Equity Family Credit Union), Chair for Standards Committee of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Richland Community College Foundation Board Member, and Heaven's View Christian Church Education Department.
Afternoon Speaker - Aya Fubara Eneli
Aya Fubara Eneli was born in Columbus, Ohio and grew up in the West African country of Nigeria. As an eight year old, she was the keynote speaker for Nigeria's national celebration of the International Year of the Child. She attended The Ohio State University where she earned four degrees in 7 years 2 Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and English; a Master's degree in African and African American Studies; and a Juris Doctorate.
Ms. Fubara Eneli is a certified diversity trainer, a member of the International Who's Who of Entrepreneurs, an Honored Member of the International Executive Guild and writes a weekly column titled "Live Your Abundant Life" featured in various papers.
Uplifting, inspiring and informative, she uses humor and a refreshing transparency to weave together personal tragedies, triumphs and other anecdotes in a message that reverberates with the minds and souls of her audience. Ms. Fubara Eneli speaks and trains from her experiences across two continents, the triumphs of a successful career and the trials of losing four children. Her professional affiliations include the American Bar Association, and Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity.
An avid educator, she has worked with numerous school districts, colleges and universities to develop and implement strategies to increase success for all students, with particular emphasis on at-risk students. She has been featured in national print media including The Detroit Free Press, Black Enterprise Magazine, and Entrepreneur Magazine,and has appeared on MSNBC.
She is married to Dr. Ken Eneli and they have four young children. She is the author of the book, Live Your Abundant Life: Encouragement and Strategies to Create a Meaningful and Fulfilled Life.