Featured Speakers
Every year, the New York Credit Union Association brings in a diverse group of speakers who tell powerful stories and share insightful knowledge. At EXCEL 24, the Association’s Annual Meeting & Convention, the speakers are sure to leave attendees feeling inspired, excited and motivated!
Friday, June 14, 2024
Scott Burrows
Top Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Best Selling Author, Wheelchair Athlete, and Successful Entrepreneur
Scott Burrows is a top inspirational speaker and bestselling author who is a living testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and adaptability in the face of adversity.
An accomplished athlete, Scott was 19-years-old when his life took a devastating turn. Paralyzed from the chest down after a car accident, doctors told him he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Despite this, Scott became relentless in pursuit of his goal to stand again. Drawing on a profound desire to overcome, he found a way to defy the odds. Along the way, he proved that no circumstances can ever destroy the power of the human spirit.
Today, Scott uses his personal journey to inspire audiences all over the world to stand up to any challenge. A captivating storyteller, he shares actionable strategies to help audiences embrace change, build resilience, and push past their perceived limitations to achieve remarkable success.
Vanessa Van Edwards
National Bestselling Author and Founder of Science of People
Bestselling author and founder of Science of People, Vanessa Van Edwards has captivated thousands with her charisma, laughter, and genuine desire to equip entire audiences with shortcuts, systems, and hacks for better communication and interaction in their professional and personal lives.
Through her book, Captivate: The Science of Succeeding With People, and YouTube channel,
Vanessa divulges science-backed information on how people work, so that audiences can get along with anyone, increasing their influence, impact, and income as a result. Her book has been translated into 16 different languages and more than 30 million people watch her on YouTube.
Vanessa applies these lessons onstage as a dynamic speaker. She has been described as “always engaging, at times uproariously funny, and very informative,” setting her apart as an in-person and virtual keynote presenter.
Vanessa shares tangible skills to improve interpersonal communication and leadership, including her insights on how people work. She has developed a science-based framework for understanding different personalities to improve our leadership and team communication, and to help us better communicate with colleagues, clients, and customers. Her warmth and exuberant energy captivate audiences no matter the medium because the science she studies transcends in-person platforms to apply to virtual ones as well.
Her 13 years of experience as a YouTuber gives her an edge when delivering virtual keynotes, trainings, and presentations. Her cultivated skills in online engagement, humor, and body language make her a presenter who knows how to hold an audience’s attention for hours on end. One reviewer said Vanessa’s workshop was the “fastest three-hour presentation” they had ever attended.
Vanessa paradoxically epitomizes science and entertainment all in one. She regularly speaks to innovative companies including Google, Facebook, Comcast, Amazon, MillerCoors, Microsoft, and Penguin Random House. She has been a spokesperson for Dove, American Express, Clean and Clear, and Symantec.
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Christine Cashen
CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame
and Award Winning Author
One of the world’s most sought-after business humorists, Christine delivers a fast-paced, uproarious program brimming with memorable quips and relevant content that helps audiences spark new and innovative ideas, manage conflict, reduce stress, energize employees, and create a happier more productive workplace.
She has earned the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and Certified Virtual Presenter credentials. Christine is one of the few individuals to meet the rigorous induction criteria of the National Speakers Association, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame, and there’s no question that she deserves that honor; her effortless ability to pull in any audience with her remarkable insights on commonplace situations make her and her messages unforgettable.
Author of the award-winning books, THE GOOD STUFF: Quips & Tips on Life, Love, Work and Happiness and It’s YOUR Business: Good Stuff for Your Personal, Professional, and Funny Business, Christine holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a master’s degree in Adult Education. In 2016, she was the recipient of an honorary doctorate from Central Michigan University.
Before embarking on her journey as a speaker, she worked as a university admissions officer, corporate trainer, and broadcaster. She is a mother of two, wife of a “hottie engineer,” and an average golfer.
Jason Hewlett
Speaker Hall of Fame + Author + Award-Winning Entertainer
Having delivered thousands of presentations over 2 decades, Jason Hewlett is the world's only Keynote Speaker utilizing entertainment, musical impressions and comedy to teach leaders how to capture their unique Leadership Promise and Signature Moves. He has performed in every major Casino in Las Vegas, is one of the youngest inductees in the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame, and is the author of the acclaimed self-help book, "The Promise To The One".
Husband, Father, Writer, Mentor, Hiker and Coach, Jason's blog "The Promise" is enjoyed weekly by people worldwide, his online videos and courses inspire learning and entertainment, while educating and uplifting corporate executives, artists, leaders and families.
Credentials:
- Inducted into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame, one of the youngest ever inducted with the CPAE Council of Peers Award for Excellence
- Invited to be part of a Middle East Tour in support of the US Military in Kuwait, Afghanistan & Africa
- Author of "The Promise To The One"
- Recipient of the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America, awarded to only 800 men in the history of scouting (Jason has also earned the Eagle Award)
- Recipient of the prestigious Star Award from the SCERA Center for the Arts
Jason's hobbies include hiking in the mountains, writing music, playing with his kids, and staring at his wife. His greatest accomplishments all live within the walls of his home. He is a husband to the most beautiful woman in the world, Tami, and Dad to four incredible young children who serve as his inspiration and help deliver material for his presentations. As a family, the Hewlettís donate over 20 hours per month in community service, volunteering, mentoring, outreach, and philanthropy to worthy causes in their home state of Utah.
