Closing Plenary: APPA Games - The Ultimate Conference Showdown

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Lead Facilitator, Burnett Consultant Enterprise

Calvin Burnett, affectionately known as Cal, is an African-American novelist, publisher, screenwriter and motivational speaker from Oakland, California. Cal was raised in a single parent home on the east side of Oakland, California and at an early age strayed down a negative path of violence, drug dealing, and substance abuse. He would spend over ten years (14-25) of his life running the streets, going back and forth to jail, and causing havoc throughout his community. After the birth of his daughter Summer, Cal realized the life he was living would be detrimental to her livelihood and made a conscious effort to find his purpose. That purpose turned out to be the art form of writing. Weaving together captivating tales of struggle, redemption, and triumph became therapeutic. His bold, unique writing style is a reflection of his upbringing, wisdom, and real life experiences. What many consider a gift or talent, Cal passionately sees as a release of emotion in an authentic, unapologetic way. Cal's ultimate goal is to reach back to those still trapped in the matrix and offer his testimony as proof that anyone who commits to change can be delivered from what appears to be an unbreakable cycle. He has partnered with a number of outreach programs and nonprofit organizations sharing his knowledge, skills, and experiences with those in need. His proudest act of service came from developing a curriculum for a class he instructed called, The Fatherhood Circle Program. This class sponsored by the non-profit, Black Infant Health of San Francisco, taught absentee fathers skills and provided resources on how to reconnect with their children after hiatuses due to substance abuse, incarceration, inconsistent parenting, etc. Cal now serves as a lead facilitator for Clean Enterprises, aspiring leaders and justice-involved individuals to reach their fullest potential.

Lead Facilitator, Clean Enterprises

Diane Campbell brings over 34 years of experience in education within Ohio’s largest school district. A transformational leader, she helps school and district leaders strengthen their practices, build collaborative teams, and improve school culture, especially in high-need environments. She is trained in restorative practices and de-escalation strategies, equipping educators and organizations with practical tools to build trust, reduce conflict, improve communication, and strengthen relationships with youth, families, and communities. Known as a dedicated educator, mentor, and advocate, Diane is committed to creating opportunities that support student and family engagement, success, and long-term well-being. Her work in education, youth development, and community outreach has led to programs that empower students to make positive choices and build strong support systems. She is also the author of Despite Our Circumstances: Stories to Lead Educators Through Adversity, reflecting her commitment to helping both students, families, and educators overcome challenges and thrive.

Lead Facilitator, Clean Enterprises

Antonio Smith is an author, professional development coach, and community activist who has reached unimaginable heights, simply because he’s not afraid to fail. Antonio’s experiences and platform have propelled him to do two simple things in life: create and inspire. As an inner city kid from Columbus, OH, raised by his caring grandmother, Antonio knew in order to create a better life for him and his family, he had to either excel in academics or athletics. Antonio chose to excel in both. Antonio graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University, and played football for the Buckeyes, winning a national championship in 2002. Antonio also went on to play three seasons in the NFL for the Colts, Lions and Bengals. Over the last 15 years, Antonio has used the lessons he learned on and off the field to assist leaders, executives and high performing teams reach their fullest potential. In 2017, Antonio’s work lead him to the corrections space, and he has been using his engineering mindset to solve problems for leaders and justice-involved individuals alike. Antonio has created and cultivated high level curriculum and programming to serve those in institutional and community corrections.