THE ART OF PURPOSEFUL LIVING
June 12-15, 2025 16TH
PILLARS CONFERENCE MESSAGE
PILLARS CONFERENCE THEMES
PILLARS CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
CONFERENCE DAY 1 SCHEDULE
CONFERENCE DAY 2 SCHEDULE
CONFERENCE DAY 3 SCHEDULE
CONFERENCE DAY 4 SCHEDULE
PILLARS AWARDS
PILLARS CONFERENCE HISTORY
PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Welcome to the 2025 Annual Pillars Conference
This year, as we gather under the theme “Maximize the Art of Purposeful Living,” we invite you to reflect on what it means to live with intention and significance. This year’s conference holds special meaning, as it marks the final time we will gather at theiconicPillarsResort,whichfor16yearshasbeenmorethanavenue.Ithasbeena home where generations of participants have come together, grown, and returned year after year. We will deeply miss the beauty, tranquility, and exceptional service thathavedefinedourexperiencehere.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Michael and Barbara Landry, whose generosity in opening the Pillars Resort to us for over a decade and a half created a legacy of connection and transformation Thank you, Michael and Barbara, for your unwavering support and for fostering an environment where purpose and community could flourish Our sincere thanks also go to the dedicated staff and workers at the Pillars Resort, whose commitment and hospitality have made every conferencememorable.
In keeping with the high standards set over the past 16 years, this year’s conference features an outstanding lineup of speakers: A high-impact venture builder and corporate executive who has leveraged cross-disciplinary experience to drive change, the president and CEO of one of the nation’s largest international relief and developmentorganizations,andapioneeringleaderinrenewableenergy,innovation ecosystems, and technology commercialization. Each session will also showcase student presentations on projects reflecting the spirit of purposeful living: from finding meaning in the digital age of AI, combating human exploitation, and drawing inspirationfromhistoricalnarrativesandoralhistories.
As we reflect on our time at the Pillars Resort and look ahead to new beginnings, let us remember that purpose is not just a destination but a daily practice. Maximizing yourpurposemeanslivingeachmomentwithintention,courage,andsignificance.
Here’s to a transformative conference, cherished memories at the Pillars, and living ourlivesonpurpose
Sincerely,
LulrickBalzora,PhD
THEME
M A X I M I Z E T H E A R T O F P U R P O S E F U L L I V I N G
The ARt of Purposeful living
Dr. Chris Ford shares how his lifelong curiosity and moments of questioning led him to a purposeful career at the intersection of sustainability, leadership, and creative problem-solving. Through personal stories and lessons learned, he reveals how aligning passion withinnovationcaninspiremeaningfulimpactinbothworkandlife.Two specialstudent-ledsegmentswillshowcasehowemergingtechnologies, applied by Broward College STEM alumni and FIU Engineering students, canserveaspowerfultoolstosupport,ratherthanreplace,ourpursuitof purposefulliving.
REdefining Success through purpose
NelsonTelemacoshareshowadeepersearchformeaninghasshaped hispathasaserialentrepreneurandfinanceexpert.Throughpersonal storiesofresilience,reinvention,andvalues-drivendecision-making, Nelsonrevealshowaligningambitionwithpurposeleadstotrue fulfillmentandlastingimpactinbusinessandlife.Aspecialstudent-led segment featuringBrowardCollegeandFIUSTEMinterns willhighlight howrisk-taking,especiallywithrobotics,artificialintelligence,anddrone technology,canempowerustopursuepurposefulliving,usingthese innovationsastoolsforcreativity,problem-solving,andpositiveimpact.
SPEAKER
DR. J. CHRIS FORD
chief executive officer, Golden Technologies
Dr. J. Chris Ford is a visionary leader dedicated to maximizing purposeful living through innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. As CEO of Solis Power, LLC and Golden Technologies, Inc., he drives the development of groundbreaking renewable energy technologies, including advanced concentrated solar power and thermal energy storage systems His leadership has secured major investments and a $150 millionexpansion,demonstratinghowpurposefulinnovationcancreatealastingimpact.
With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and a strong foundation in mathematics and engineering from Morehouse College, Dr. Ford has combined technical expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit. He previously served as Principal Scientist and Lecturer at Florida International University and as a TechnologyTransferAdvisortotheUS DepartmentofEnergy,wherehehelpedcommercialize$77billionin intellectualpropertyandsupportedinitiativespromotingequityinenergyinnovation.
InSession1:"PurposeIgnited:MyJourneyfromCuriositytoInnovation,"Dr J ChrisFordsharesthepersonal milestones and challenges that shaped his sense of purpose, from his early fascination with research and engineering to his drive to shape the world through renewable energy. Discover how questioning, mentorship, and discovery led him to champion innovation and sustainability, and how aligning personal valueswithalargermissioncantransformbothcareerandcharacter.
InSession2:"InnovationwithIntention:LessonsonLivingPurposefullyinScienceandLeadership,"reflecting on his path from public service, academia, to leading-edge technology ventures, Dr. Ford reveals how a commitment to purposeful living guided his decisions - whether launching groundbreaking solar projects or mentoring the next generation of innovators He discusses the importance of resilience and vision in finding meaningandoffersinspirationforanyoneseekingtoconnecttheirexpertisetoadeeperpersonalcalling.
SPEAKER
NELSON TELEMACO
Chief Executive Officer, Proximity works
Nelson Telemaco is a testament to resilience and purposeful leadership. Raised in the Bronx, NY, he overcame cross-generational challenges to earn a degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, with a specialization in Marketing and Communications Nelson’s career spans leadership roles at some of the world’s largest financial firms, where he built and led high-performing teams, solved complexproblems,andguidedorganizationsthroughtransformativegrowth
As a startup founder, board director, investor, and mentor, Nelson’s dedication shines in his role with the ProfessionalEnhancementProgram,wherehehasinspiredcountlessindividualstoreachnewheights His accomplishments with Amplify South Florida have fostered collaboration and innovation, creating opportunities for growth and advancement throughout the region. By connecting and uplifting others, Nelsonexemplifiestheveryspiritofmaximizingtheartofpurposefulliving
InSession1:"FromAmbitiontoMeaning:MyEntrepreneurialPathtoPurpose,"NelsonTelemacotakesyou behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial journey, revealing how the pursuit of business success gradually evolvedintoaquestfordeepermeaning Throughstoriesofrisk,reinvention,andreflection,Nelsonshares howfindinghispurposetransformednotonlyhisventuresbuthisentireapproachtolifeandleadership.
InSession2:"Money,Values,andMe:RedefiningSuccessThroughPurpose,inthiscandidsession,Nelson discusses how his relationship with money and achievement shifted as he discovered the importance of aligning financial decisions with personal values Learn how questioning conventional definitions of successledhimtoamorefulfillingandimpactfulwayofliving andhowyoucandothesame
In Session 3: "Resilience and Renewal: Lessons from a Purpose-Driven Career," Nelson reflects on the setbacks, pivots, and breakthroughs that shaped his path He shares how embracing change and staying true to his core purpose helped him navigate challenges and emerge stronger. This session offers inspirationandpracticalwisdomforanyoneseekingtofindmeaninginbothtriumphsandtrials
SPEAKER
EDWARD RAINE
President and Chief Executive Officer, Food For The Poor (fftp)
Edward (Ed) Raine, President and Chief Executive Officer, leads Food For The Poor (FFTP), one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation Ed works closely with his executive leadershipteamtoexecuteprioritiesindirectsupportofthecharity’smissiontoproviderelief,recovery,and resilience to help impoverished families in Latin America and the Caribbean As FFTP continues to build homes and schools, its focus under Ed’s leadership is expanding to include sustainable community development by identifying and addressing economic, social, and spiritual challenges in a community, and empowering families to be self-sufficient and able to thrive in the long-term The emphasis is now on “buildinglives”andnotjust“buildingthings”
Ed joined FFTP in October 2017, was appointed Executive Vice President in May 2018, and became President and Chief Executive Officer in January 2020 Ed first saw the work of FFTP on a mission trip to Haiti in 2009 and realized that he could align his passion for helping organizations scale for growth with donors who want to make a difference in the world by supporting those who are less fortunate He previouslyservedinglobalexecutiverolesinOperationsandHumanResources Hisunderstandingofhowto shape company cultures has enabled organizations to scale for growth. His focus is on providing clear strategic direction, driving efficiency, and enhancing organizational effectiveness, while guiding organizations through periods of significant change In addition to his 30-plus years in the corporate world, Ed served on the Board and as Chairman of the Board for the nonprofit Northeast Human Resources Association(NEHRA),andasaCorporateSponsorLiaisonwithBestBuddiesInternational
In the Session "From Compassion to Community: My Personal Journey to Purposeful Leadership," Ed Raine shares the pivotal experiences that awakened his sense of purpose, from his early years in London to a transformative mission trip to Haiti that forever changed his outlook Through stories of empathy, faith, and a calling to serve, Ed reflects on how questioning, resilience, and a commitment to building lives not just structures led him to lead one of the world’s largest relief organizations Discover how personal purpose canbecomeaforceforempoweringcommunities,fosteringhope,anddrivingsustainablechange
MODERATORS
nes ofessor, ollege
Mathias Osiris Alexia Nunez Alyssa Almirol
Matthew Balzora
George Garcia
Jose MAtos
Sam CheriLUs NAIROBYS MORA
kevin romero
EVENING
SESSION
6:30 pm
Welcome & Introduction
Dr.LulrickBalzora
Student Perspectives
Purposeful Synergy: Human Values in the Age of Machine Learning, Robotics and Drone Swarming (Part 1)
David Balzora & Mathias Osiris
Defining the Art of Purposeful Living
JourneyfromCuriositytoInnovation
Dr.ChrisFord
Q&AwithDr.ChrisFord:ExploringPurposeThroughEthicalReflection
Moderator:JoshuaKimber
THE ART OF PURPOSEFUL LIVING
EVENING SESSION
6:30 pm
Welcome & Introduction
Dr.LulrickBalzora
6:40 pm
7:15 pm
7:45 pm
8:30 pm
Student Perspectives
Purposeful Synergy: Human Values in the Age of Machine Learning, Robotics and Drone Swarming (Part 2)
David Balzora & Matthew Balzora
Maximizing the Art of Purposeful Living
LessonsonLivingPurposefullyinScienceandLeadership
Dr.ChrisFord
Perspectives on the Art of Purposeful Living
ModeratedQ&AwithDr.ChrisFord:Exploring PurposeThroughEthicalReflection
Moderator:JoshuaKimber
Conclusion & Daily Wrap-up
MORNING SESSION
8:30 am 9:00 am
10:30 am
THE ART OF PURPOSEFUL LIVING
Welcome & Introduction
Moderators: Dr. Victoria Brower & Rahjanni Iusi
Purposeful Living
NelsonTelemaco
Student Perspectives
Purposeful Synergy: Machine Learning, Robotics, Drone Swarming
Jose Matos, David Balzora, George Garcia, and Sam Cherril Broward College, HSI STEM Grant Project Access
Purposeful Living
EdwardRaine
1:00 pm Lunch
EVENING SESSION
Breakfast LiveStreamed 4:30pm Dinner
5:30 pm
7:00pm 6:30pm 12:00 pm
Afternoon Conversations
Edward Raine
Moderator: Rahjanni Iusi
Student Presentation
Oral History Project
Allysa Almirol & Gerardo Marte
Evening Conversations
Nelson Telemaco & Chris Ford
Moderator: Laura Padrino
MORNING SESSION
8:30 am
Breakfast
9:00 am
THE ART OF PURPOSEFUL LIVING
Welcome & Introductions
Moderator: Dr. Victoria Brower
Student Perspectives
Human Purpose: Mobilizing Against Exploitation
Panama: Alexia Nunez, Nairobys Mora & Marie Claire Beauvil
Broward: Kevin Romero, Mariana Drummond & Natalie Reinat
Lunch
5:30 pm
10:00 am 7:00pm
12:00 pm 9:00pm
Purposeful Living
GroupConversations
EVENING SESSION
Welcome & Introduction
Moderator: Ingrid Jones
Pillars Awards
Purposeful Living Dinner NelsonTelemaco
Professional Enhancement Program (PEP) Awards Pillars Awards
Daily Wrap-up
THE ART OF RISK TAKING
KEVIN ROMERO
Student Pillar of the community Award
Kevin Romero is a passionate first-generation college student and incoming Sociology and Anthropology major at Broward College. A proud Latino American and natural leader, he served as President of the National Honor Society and VP of the Class Council at McFatter Technical High School. Kevin also led as Head Mentee in the Knowledge for Freedom program and won gold in the SkillsUSA Health Knowledge Bowl. Recognized with a Broward County Public Schools scholarship for his leadership, Kevin brings experience in project management, event planning, and medical assistance Drawn to PEP for its focus on leadership and community impact, he aims to transfer to the University of Pennsylvania in 2025 to study Sociology, Public Health, and Biology
ALLYSA ALMIROL
Student Pillar of the community Award
Allysa Almirol is a proud first-generation college student and Biological Sciences major at Broward College. Originally from the Philippines, she migrated to the United States in 2017 to pursue greater educational opportunities, following her father’s move in 2007. At just 20 years old, Allysa has shown resilience, dedication, and a deep sense of purpose in both her academic journey and personal growth. Beyond the classroom, she finds joy in spending time with family and friends, attending church services, reading, and listening to music Allysa’s strong values, commitment to her studies, and connection to her community make her a shining example of leadership and perseverance
DR. MAGYURY GOMEZ
Alumna Pillar of the community Award
Dr Magyury Gomez is an internal medicine resident at Westside Hospital with a background in global health, research, and mentorship She earned her A A in Pre-Med from Broward College, a B S in Biology with a Psychology minor from FAU, and graduated magna cum laude from UNIBE School of Medicine in the Dominican Republic, ranking in the top 10% of her class. Dr. Gomez has participated in international medical missions with the U.S. Naval Hospital Ship Comfort and the Sister Parish Medical Mission, earning recognition from the U.S. Armed Forces. She mentors aspiring healthcare professionals through Broward College’s PEP and AMSA-UNIBE, focusing on academic and career guidance.
KAYLA BRAMNICK
Alumna Pillar of the community Award
Kayla Bramnick, J D serves as an Assistant State Attorney for Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit, where she advocates for justice with professionalism and compassion A proud alumna of Broward College, she continued her academic journey through law school and now dedicates her career to public service and community impact Beyond the courtroom, Kayla is committed to guiding the next generation of leaders She mentors aspiring students interested in law and public service through Broward College’s Professional Enhancement Program (PEP), offering support in academic planning, career development, and personal growth. Her dedication to mentorship and civic responsibility reflects her passion for building stronger, more informed communities.
DR. MIRELLA BAKER BEMMEL
faculty Pillar of the community Award
Dr Mirella Baker Bemmel is the co-owner of Next Level Educators, LLC a consulting company that offers seminars, presentations, and workshops for personal and professional development She is an award-winning Sociology Professor whose impact in the community spans across a wide landscape that includes teaching and civic engagement She holds a Doctorate in Education, a Master’s in Sociology and Bachelor’s in Psychology and has earned the reputation of an exemplary teacher with a commitment to excellence As a champion for the vulnerable she has organized countless events that brought people together for fundraisers and community awareness She has received the prestigious Children’s Opportunity Group Endowed Teaching Chair Award, the NISOD Teaching Excellence award, and the Heart of the Community Award
DR.JEFFREY DOCKSWELL
faculty Pillar of the community Service Award
Jeffrey Dockswell is an outstanding Assistant Professor of History and Political Science at Broward College’s Central Campus Known for his engaging teaching and commitment to student success, he consistently goes above and beyond in the classroom and beyond. As a dedicated faculty mentor in the Professional Enhancement Program (PEP), Professor Dockswell plays a key role in guiding and empowering future leaders, making him a vital pillar of academic excellence and community impact.
KISHA KING Pillar of the community Service Award
Kisha King is the Associate Dean and Associate Professor of History in the Social Behavioral Sciences and Human Services Department at Broward College. With over two decades of dedicated service to the institution, she has become a cornerstone of academic excellence and community engagement. Her expertise spans American History, African American History, and Florida History, and she is widely respected for her ability to make history come alive through meaningful, inclusive, and thought-provoking dialogue. Through her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, Kisha has helped shape the academic and personal journeys of countless students, empowering them to understand their past and embrace their potential.
Beyond the classroom, Kisha is deeply committed to serving the community. Her work consistently reflects a passion for equity, education, and social justice. Whether she's developing programs that address local needs, mentoring underserved youth, or championing initiatives that promote civic responsibility, Kisha’s contributions have made a lasting impact on those around her. A devoted wife and mother of three, she balances her professional accomplishments with a strong foundation in family and faith. Her tireless dedication, both personally and professionally, makes her a true pillar of community service and an inspiration to all who know her.
NELSON TELEMACO Pillar of the community Award
Nelson Telemaco is a testament to resilience and purposeful leadership. Raised in the Bronx, NY, he overcame cross-generational challenges to earn a degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in Marketing and Communications. Nelson’s career spans leadership roles at some of the world’s largest financial firms, where he built and led high-performing teams, solved complex problems, and guided organizations through transformative growth.
As a startup founder, board director, investor, and mentor, Nelson’s dedication shines in his role with the Professional Enhancement Program, where he has inspired countless individuals to reach new heights. His accomplishments with Amplify South Florida have fostered collaboration and innovation, creating opportunities for growth and advancement throughout the region. By connecting and uplifting others, Nelson exemplifies the very spirit of maximizing the art of purposeful living.
Nelson’s commitment to impact extends to both his professional and personal life. He is devoted to fostering a legacy of hard work, compassion, and positive change-values he continues to share with his wife and two children, building on the foundation of service and resilience instilled by his family.
Maximize through "LEADERSHIP" 2010
Maximize through "SERVICE" 2011
Maximize through "MINIMIZING EXCUSES" 2012
Maximize through "DISCIPLINE OF FOCUS" 2013
Maximize through "REVIEWING YOUR VISION" 2014
Maximize through "TRUTH TELLING" 2015
Maximize through "THE ART OF SIMPLICITY" 2016
Maximize through "THE ART OF NEGOTIATION" 2017
Maximize by "LEADING CHANGE" 2018
Maximize by "MASTERING SOFT SKILLS" 2019
Maximize through "PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT" 2020
Maximize through "TEAMWORK & DIVERSITY" 2021
Maximize through "CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION" 2022
Maximize the "POWER OF NOW" 2023
Maximize the "ART OF RISK TAKING" 2024
Maximize through "PURPOSEFUL LIVING" 2025
Michael Landry is an outstanding pillar of the community. S housed the Pillars Conference at his award-winning boutique lu ideally situated right on the Intracoastal Waterway. It offer experience in the prime of the most renowned Florida beach a to an exceptional level of individual service and luxury reminisc inns
Michael Landry
Landry Trebbi Investments, CEO
Mr. Michael G. Landry is a respected business leader and education advocate in Broward County. He holds a degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Born in Canada, he graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics His first job out of college was as a teacher and basketball coach at St. Patrick’s High School in Ottawa.
Three years later, he worked for a firm specializing in physicians’ investments, and then he worked with John Templeton. His many organizational affiliations include membership in the Association for Investment Management and Research, and founding member of the International Society of Financial Analysts, for which he also served as director.
The investment business involved a lot of travel, which led to his interest in small boutique hotels, such as the award-winning hotel, The Pillars at New River Sound, which merited the Jerry Johnston Award as the highest-rated hotel in Broward County’s Superior Small Lodging Program For the past 14 years, since the Pillars Conference was founded, he has generously offered his beautiful resort as the official site of the conference
Mr. Landry was awarded the Pillars of the Community Award in 2018. He has served on the boards of the Community Foundation of Broward, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Broward Workshop, Jack and Jill. And he is an honorary member of the Broward College Foundation Board of Directors because of his exemplary service At Broward College, he has assisted students just like you with the establishment the George and Jean Trebbi Endowed Scholarship, named in honor of his wife’s parents, as well as the Michael Landry American Dream Scholarship
SPONSORS:
LIVING PURPOSEFUL THEARTOF
16TH ANNUAL P I L L A R S S U M M I
