Theme: Curiosity

The event features influential local voices exploring bold ideas on leadership, critical thinking, biodiversity, data literacy, and even the impact of lighting design. Each talk is designed to shift perspectives, ignite conversations, and inspire action.

Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri, 63112
United States

Justin Grubb

Conservation Storyteller

Justin Grubb is an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, published writer, naturalist, and co-founder of Running Wild Media. Justin earned his B.Sc. in Biology at Bowling Green State University and his Master of Biology at Miami University. With years of international wildlife field research and formal/informal teaching experience, Justin combines these two fields with media to enhance science communication. Justin’s love for nature and passion for the outdoors has brought him to some of the most extreme habitats on earth to study and film critically endangered wildlife. He is a 2017 Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leader, a Nat Geo Wild "Wild to Inspire" award-winning filmmaker, a member of the Explorers Club, and an Emerging League member of the International League of Conservation Photographers.

Lauren Miller

Mathematics Professor

Dr. R. Lauren Miller is an activist, artist, mathematician, and high school dropout. Lauren is an Assistant Professor at Saint Louis University. She has been teaching math and statistics for almost 10 years. She has taught at Saint Louis University, Lindenwood, and Fontbonne. In fall 2025, she is the face of Outlier.org’s dual credit Introduction to Statistics Course. She is the faculty coordinator for the College Prep Program through Saint Louis University at Bonne Terre Correctional Facility and works closely with the Prison Education Program through Washington University. Her research focuses on course redesign and supporting nontraditional student populations. In her free time, she works on her YouTube channel, TikTok @MillieMathProf, and gives talks on math education and statistics. Her deepest passion is sharing her love of mathematics with others. In the future, she hopes to publish children’s books on topics in statistics.

Red & Black Brass Band Red & Black Brass Band

Brass Band

Red & Black Brass Band began organically during the height of the pandemic in 2020, in an effort to get out of the house for a bit during quarantine. A neighbor recorded them playing “Stand By Me”, posted it on Twitter, and it went viral – amassing millions of views. They are a New Orleans-style “Second Line” Brass Band. This rhythmic and boisterous style of party/celebration music has its roots in African musical traditions. The term “Second Line” refers to people following the band down the street. The band is the First line, the crowd is the Second Line! From weddings, to home-goings to corporate events to anniversaries, to birthdays, to music venues big and small. They lift spirits, make bodies move, and help create an atmosphere of letting your hair down and having a good time! Their music embodies the spirit of the old French New Orleans’ adage “Laissez les bon temps rouler! or “Let the good times roll!”

Sean Savoie

Lighting Designer

Sean Savoie is in his 17th year as Teaching Professor of Design and resident Lighting Designer at Washington University in St. Louis. He holds a BFA in Lighting Design from the University of Southern Mississippi and an MFA in Lighting Design and Technology from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). With nearly 30 years in theatre, Sean’s work has earned multiple Best Lighting Design honors from Broadway World and the St. Louis Theatre Circle. His regional credits include Stages St. Louis, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The Black Rep, New Jewish Theatre, Winter Opera, The Know Theatre, Wayside Theatre, Shenandoah University, Theatre West Virginia, and more. Sean received the 2009 USITT Rising Star Award and the 2010 CCM Distinguished Alumni Award. He is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829 and was a guest speaker at the 2015 Entertainment Technology New Zealand (ETNZ) conference in Wellington.

Tabari Coleman

Leadership and Development

Tabari A. Coleman, MPA, Ed.D. is the Founder of The Coleman Group Consulting, LLC, partnering with nonprofits, school districts, and law enforcement to deliver customized leadership, communication, and collaboration training. As a Human Relations Specialist, he helps organizations foster environments where individuals engage in dialogue, build empathy, and work effectively together. Born in the Philippines and raised on Guam, Tabari’s diverse upbringing shapes his personal and professional journey. With over 24 years of training and consulting experience, he brings deep expertise in enhancing leadership and strengthening teams. He has delivered workshops and presentations nationwide and internationally, guiding organizations on leadership development, communication, and collaboration. Tabari holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Master’s in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University.

Yemi Akande-Bartsch, Ph.D.

Transformational Leader

Dr. Akande-Bartsch has 20+ years of experience in leadership training, development, and coaching. She became President & CEO of FOCUS St. Louis in 2014 after serving as VP of Leadership & Alumni Programs. Previous roles include Senior Dir of Civic Education at the Cleveland Leadership Center, Managing Partner at YsA Group, lecturer at The Boler School of Business, and Assistant Professor of Communication & Theatre Arts at John Carroll University. She also hosted *Making the Case*, a weekly radio show on Cleveland’s WJCU 88.7 FM. She holds a doctorate in communication, specializing in intercultural, organizational, and political communication, plus two master’s degrees from the University of Oklahoma. She earned her bachelor’s in speech communication from Southwest Baptist University. Dr. Akande-Bartsch serves on the boards of the Sheldon Arts Foundation, Greater St. Louis, Inc., and the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy.