The Delivering Happiness Inspire! Series is a monthly forum for sharing the rich and thought-provoking (and oftentimes funny) content that inspires and spreads happiness on an individual, community, and even global level. Through a series of brief talks, community members and local thought leaders bring their stories perspectives, passions, and experiences to the stage to shine a spotlight on the things that matter most.
This Month's Speakers:
HOST: Rukesh Samarasekara
@RukeshTweets
CEO, The Lassy Project
Talk: Safer kids, powered by community
John is a tenacious entrepreneur dead-set on changing the world for the better. A graduate from the University of Colorado where he played football for the Big 12 North Championship team, John has extensive experience in the start-up ecosystem. John will tell you his most important job is husband to his wife Meaghan, and Dad to his three young children. Keeping his family safe is what drives his passion to change the world by preventing child abductions.
Elaine and Scott Harris
Editors-In-Chief, Cuisineist / Vino Las Vegas
Talk: Passion Partnership and Purpose
Journalists based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, the culinary epicenter of the world, Elaine and Scott Harris educate and produce interesting, informative articles, and videos about fine wine and fabulous food. They have received national recognition for their writing through their online publications, VinolasVegas and Cuisineist as well as contributors to several national media outlets from coast to coast.
Violetta Taing
Benefits Specialist, SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Talk: Some Lemons are not Meant for Lemonade
Violetta Taing was raised in Las Vegas, a graduate of the International Baccalaureate Program at Valley High School. At Stanford University, she earned her degree in a Human Biology with a focus in Public Health and Policy. Violetta found herself in the human resources profession several years ago and discovered her affinity to benefits administration and employee health education. In her personal life, her passions include preventative health promotion, advocacy for pitbulls and rescuing/adopting animals, various types of social equality, and voice over acting.
Brandon Wiegand
EVP Acquisitions and Sales, Focus Commercial Group
Talk: Building a Greener Block
Born, raised, and educated in Las Vegas, Brandon's passion and love for his city led him to real estate and development. A graduate of UNLV where he majored in Real Estate Finance, he currently sits as an Executive Board Member of the Downtown Las Vegas Alliance, Vice Chair of the Neon Museum, and Board Member of the Arts District. You may have heard of or even been involved in Build a Greener Block - Brandon helped plan and execute the event and is here to share some of the experience and lessons learned!
Demetria Murphy
Manager, Teacher Leadership Development, Teach for America
Talk: Las Vegas Jewels: Uncovering Strength, Power, and Passion
Demetria Murphy taught high school English as a Teach for America Houston corps member and now coaches Teach for America corps members in her hometown of Las Vegas to empower our community's next leaders.
