Multicultural Issues

REGINA AGUILERA, MS Regina Aguilera (Yaqui) holds a Master's degree in Oriental Medicine and specializes in acupuncture, herbology, and martial arts. Regina utilizes the combined philosophies of Eastern and Native cultures to encourage Native people toward wellness. She especially enjoys working with Native youth and adults in disease prevention and in promoting healthy lifestyles. She and her husband are actively involved in the San Diego Native community.

JOHN ALSTON, MS John Alston offers character, common sense and a healthy perspective on managing work and personal life. A former classroom teacher, college instructor, and director of the American Institute of Stress Management, and currently a multicultural consultant, and author of Story Power and Stuff Happens (And Then You Fix It!), John is a compelling speaker who motivates and challenges his audiences. John has appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," and delivered keynote addresses for organizations such as General Electric, Wells Fargo, General Motors, U.S. Steel, AT&T, the United States Army, and many others. John has developed successful strategies for unlocking potential and excellence in the workplace—and he can do that for your organization.

ROXANNE BENTON DARLING Mind-body wellness and self-esteem in stressed employees. Author of Awakening Your Body’s Spirit and 30 Days to Body Esteem, Roxanne is an energetic, vibrant speaker who teaches mental, emotional, physical and spiritual skills to help audiences recover and maintain high self-esteem. A pioneer in fitness, Roxanne gave the first Low Impact Aerobics workout in 1984 at the first International Dance and Exercise Association (IDEA) conference and in 1987, she gave the first mind-body session at the same conference. In 1997, Roxanne began contract work for Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems—coaching nearly 2000 individuals (men and women, CEO's to factory workers) with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Roxanne has also worked for over 15 years with American Indian/Alaska Native communities on developing community-based health programs. Topics include "Body Esteem: The Ultimate Workout."

THERMAN EVANS, MD, PhD Known as "Mr. Inspiration," Dr. Evans is an exciting and dynamic motivational presenter. He addresses wellness, fitness, nutrition, diversity, stress management, education, dealing with change, and spirituality. Currently a pastor and health consultant, Dr. Evans is former Vice President and corporate medical director of the CIGNA Corporation, one of the largest health care companies in America. Dr. Evans is the co-author of the recently published book Staying Strong, and host of a radio show called "Lifeline" in Philadelphia. He has consulted with many governmental agencies and is a member of Boards of Directors including The Wellness Councils of America, the National Association of Health Service Executives, and the Washington, DC Board of Education.

SEONAID FARRELL, MA An expert on industrial and organizational psychology, Seonaid discusses important abilities, traits and motivational dispositions of employees with a focus on how they can improve performance, ensure workplace diversity and encourage a strong corporate culture.

CECELIA FIRE THUNDER Cecelia Fire Thunder (Oglala Sioux) left the reservation when she was 15 years old but returned home in 1987. South Dakota-born, she is a licensed nurse, widely known as an advocate for wellness and women’s issues, and for her unique way of reaching the hearts of people and communities. Cecelia has co-written several healing and wellness curricula including the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) for SCAP. She has presented at over 50 national conferences in the US and Canada. Cecelia is presently the Board President for KILI Radio and hosts community healing programs. Cecelia’s humor, tears, hugs, hope, encouragement, and care have helped others begin their journey to wellness and balance.

CHEEWA JAMES Cheewa is especially known for her presentations on leadership, dealing with change, and finding a balanced life style. Her father is Modoc Indian and her mother is German. Although addressing contemporary, cutting edge business and training issues, Cheewa often uses Native American thinking to illustrate a point. She creates a feel for diversity in a very subtle way. Cheewa was born on the Klamath Indian Reservation, Oregon, and is enrolled with the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma. A former television anchorwoman and reporter, Cheewa is the recipient of seven UPI (United Press International) awards. She has been awarded the National Golden Mike Award for excellence in television production. An accomplished author with nearly 150 articles in print, Cheewa's work has appeared in Smithsonian, National Wildlife, Chicago Tribune, Portland Oregonian and Kansas City Star. Her book, Catch the Whisper of the Wind, is composed of her short, inspiration profiles of American Indians.

MEG JORDAN, PhD, RN A registered nurse with a doctorate in medical anthropology, Dr. Jordan's newest presentation is titled "Adventures of a Global Medicine Hunter." She teaches what she has learned in her search for healing remedies around the world. She is also an award-winning national journalist, author of The Fitness Instinct, and founder of American Fitness magazine. Dr. Jordan is a “national trendspotter” according to USA Today and among a new breed of futurists according to Newsweek. Her vital keynotes are on the topics of healing, fitness, career, and empowerment.

VIDA KHOW, RN, MSA An expert in women's workplace dynamics, organizational transitions, and visionary leadership, Vida Khow addresses conferences, associations, and government agencies across the country. Being a successful Navajo woman, she naturally combines the wisdom of her native roots with her vast administrative experience. Vida has taught her innovative ideas to distinguished clients throughout the United States and Germany. Vida holds a master's degree in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University. After 18 years of nursing, she was appointed CEO of the Winslow Indian Health Center in Arizona.
BRUCE LEONARD, MPH, CHES An expert in developing community media based behavior change programs, Bruce Leonard's topics include "Worksite Health Promotion: Where To Start," "Designing Behavior Change Interventions," and "Applying Lessons Learned From Tobacco To Physical Activity." His workshop on "Principles of Behavior Change" is full of practical applications that come from years of experience with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, physical activity, nutrition, and smoking cessation.

NIK NIKAM, MD Dr. Nikam is a cardiologist who has been healing peoples’ hearts for over twenty years in Texas. Trained both in India and the United States, he has made keen observations about "mind-body health, people, life, liberty from illness, and pursuit of happiness" which he shares in his book Stressless Mind & Priceless Body. A community leader, Distinguished Toastmaster, and humorous, warm speaker with a positive attitude, Dr. Nikam's speech will delight your audience.

OPALANGA PUGH A storyteller who provides inspiration and forms bridges. Opalanga Pugh presents programs that not only harness the power of stories to instruct and inspire, but stories that bridge youth and age, culture with culture, and tradition with technology.

BILLY ROGERS, MPH Director of the Native Wellness and Healing Institute based in Oklahoma. For many years, Billy has organized the largest Native American health conference in North America. He also provides insights for corporate audiences, general wellness conferences, and youth. A highly adaptable speaker, Rogers provides lively, inclusive, interactive trainings for national, state and local governments, universities, tribes, private companies, and community organizations.

ADEWALE TROUTMAN, MD, MPH Dr. Adewale Troutman came to Atlanta in 1997 to head what became the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness through his proactive initiatives in disease prevention and health promotion. He has distinguished himself as a visionary leader in community empowerment and self-reliance. His Masters of Public Health in Policy and Management is from Columbia University, and he also holds a masters degree in Black Studies. Dr. Troutman's passion for health issues has taken him across the nation and abroad to make recommendations for improving the health status of minorities in general and African American men in particular. He is a highly energetic, engaging speaker.

CRAIG WASHINGTON, EdD Educated at Indiana State University, the University of Massachusetts, Johns Hopkins, and Harvard, Dr. Washington is former President of Olive-Harvey College in Chicago. He has also served as Executive Director of the National Wellness Institute. An ever-popular, warm and caring presenter, his topics include counseling psychology, multicultural counseling and teaching, men’s issues, wellness and group dynamics.

STEPHANIE MISAKI WHITING, MA, MS A counselor at a community mental health clinic, Stephanie gives presentations and leads workshops on fostering wellness in our lives, both at home and in the workplace. She guides individuals and groups towards increasing their knowledge, skills and awareness in interpersonal communication, diversity issues, team building, and stress reduction.