HEADLINER: Paula Francis

Anchor, KLAS: 8 News NOW

@paulafrancis8

Paula Francis anchors the 5, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts at CBS affiliate KLAS: 8 News NOW. She is currently the longest-running anchor in Southen Nevada, having broadcasted the news for 29 years. The Las Vegas Review Journal named Paula "Best TV Anchor in Las Vegas" for 12 consecutive years. Paula has received many humanitarian awards for her community involvement, notablty for her campaign to raise breast cancer awareness. Paula was born in Queens, N.Y., raised outside Chicago, and has lived in Las Vegas since 1985. She is also a recurring character on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, playing herself.  

Jackie Valley: The Human Interest Story

Reporter, Las Vegas Sun

@jackievalley

Jackie Valley is a Cleveland girl at heart. She believes telling a good story is as simple as connecting with another person. Jackie's intimate, seven-part series, "Grace thought Grief," won an EPPY - an elite online journalism award. Jackie followed a father and his two young sons’ physical and emotional recovery over the course of a year after his wife and daughter were killed and he was gravely injured in a home invasion. Jackie graduated from Kent State University. She's always on the hunt for a good people story.

Vogue Robinson

Battle Born Poetry Slam 

@voguer316

Vogue Robinson is a writer and performer. She thinks stories are more than just words; they are traditions. Vogue was introduced to Spoken Word by a friend while attending San Diego State University. At first she was apprehensive about sharing her written work with others, but soon the audience became part of the reason she performed. Spoken Word brings a new element of discussion and depth to Vogue's life. She will always have an appreciation for people who find ways to put truth and heart into words.  

Matt Donnelly

Matt & Mattingly's Ice Cream Social

@sweetmattyd 

Matt Donnelly writes for Penn & Teller on their TV and Film projects. Currently, Matt hosts an award winning podcast Matt And Mattingly's Ice Cream Social. He is also co-host of Penn Jillette's podcast, Penn's Sunday School. Matt is also an improv comic who has taught and performed all over the world. His Wednesday night improv show, The Bucket Show, is a critical success and an example of the fun new movement of bringing art to the new downtown. Matt is also a Writer/Producer/Consultant and Improv Expert.

Host & Curator: Rukesh Samarasekera 

@RukeshTweets  

Rukesh Samarasekera is the proud product of a single mom. Rukesh's talent for talking & listening had him co-hosting a radio show in the 5th grade. That interest evolved into a passion for connecting with others and giving them a platform to share their story. Rukesh is currently the Storyteller & Changemaker for USGBC in Washington, DC. He lives in Las Vegas, believes it is home to incredible talent, and plans to showcase the city’s best at Inspire! Rukesh graduated from Brown University.