Programs

2025-2026 Speakers

“Unique Journeys from Our Community and Abroad

–PATHS OF COURAGE, VOICES OF CHANGE– 

October 4, 2025           Paulina Andrade-Marin Obert from Ecuador will share her story about her transition to life in the US as a teen.
November 1, 2025       Dr. Ashok Kumar is a servant leader from India who became a U.S. citizen and will talk about giving back in countless ways.
December 13, 2025      Lisa Ficek’s journey involved living in 7 countries over 22 years, and shares about life as a diplomat with the US State Department.

January 3, 2026                       Hani Shafi left the Gaza Strip to study at SDSM&T. Now a developer and owner of Dream Design in Rapid City, he will share his experiences.                         

February 7, 2026          Victoria Vasylyshyn came to South Dakota as a refugee from the Ukraine and will discuss her path and work with other refugees from the war.
March 7, 2026               Anpotowin “Anpo” Jensen grew up on Pine Ridge and attended Stanford University. As the first Native Woman to serve on the Global Student Health Board, she will share her unique experiences.                            
April 4, 2026                  Dr. Pam Carriveau is the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at BHSU, and will share the journey of South Dakota’s political landscape.
May 2, 2026                   Leah Nixon Fitzgerald will share how she transformed her life in spite of the adversity of a debilitating accident.