Keynote Speakers

Brandon Kazen-Maddox

Brandon Kazen-Maddox (they/them) is an American Sign Language Artist and Grandchild of Deaf Adults (GODA), growing up from birth in a culturally Deaf household. As a third-generation heritage signer, it is Brandon’s passion and responsibility to carry on their generational birthright and lineage of ASL Artistry.

As an ASL Artist, choreographer, filmmaker, dancer, actor, acrobat, and activist, Brandon has spent the last 10 years as a professional ASL interpreter in the mediums of activism, performance, politics, film, television and theater, providing access to, and facilitating communication between the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and hearing communities. Brandon creates work with and for the Deaf and Disability communities, and highlights and empowers BIPOC and LGBTQAI+ artists, building bridges among people of all backgrounds and abilities. Recent keynote appearances have included NASPA Conference, Fidelity Investments Conference, MAS Event+Design, California Faculty of the Arts and A Day of Unreasonable Conversation at the Getty Museum for the social impact organization Propper Daley.

Brandon was a featured storyteller on the 100th episode of Stories From the Stage on PBS and they were named as one of Gucci's Chime for Change 22 for '22. Brandon is a recipient of the Creative Capital Award, New England Foundation for the Arts National Dance Production Grant, the Mertz-Gilmore Foundation Grant and the New York State Council on the Arts grant. Brandon is also a member of the Circle of Advocates for RISE Theater Directory, curated and supported by the Miranda Family Foundation. Brandon's television credits include guest appearances on High Maintenance and The Good Fight. Their work has been profiled by The New York Times, ABC World News, ABC/Disney, CNN and The PBS NewsHour’s “Brief But Spectacular” series.

Brandon holds an MFA in Dance and New Technology from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and is a co-founder of Up Until Now Collective, an arts and media company that focuses on developing and producing radically inclusive interdisciplinary work.

Cinthia Manuel

Cinthia Manuel is a nationally recognized facilitator and leadership strategist known for her authentic, community-centered approach. As Founder and CEO of Autentica Consulting LLC, she helps organizations and leaders cultivate stronger communication, belonging, and collaboration through practical, people-first strategies.

With over 21 years of experience working with diverse communities and organizations, Cinthia has designed and led leadership programs, mentoring initiatives, and organizational development strategies that create lasting, positive change. Her bilingual and bicultural perspective allows her to connect deeply with audiences and bring to life the real stories and values that shape community impact.

A first-generation Latina and immigrant from Mexico City, raised in Woodburn, Oregon, Cinthia often shares her journey of navigating two worlds — an experience that shaped her passion for authenticity, resilience, and mentorship. Her TEDx Talk, “Mentoring Is Backwards,” highlights how mutual growth and connection can transform both individuals and systems.

Her sessions blend science-based insights with storytelling, humor, and heart, creating experiences that inspire participants to reflect, connect, and lead with greater purpose.

Some of her speaking engagement and facilitation highlights include:

•    Gates Millennium Program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
•    Umatilla-Morrow Head Start
•    PODER’s Hispanic Heritage Month Summit
•    Linfield University
•    Oregon Community Foundation (Emcee, Conexiones Summit)
•    And many more statewide and national engagements empowering leaders, educators, and community advocates.