Keynote Speakers
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Ben Hartranft
Opening Keynote Session
Sunday, August 2, 2026 – 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Renaissance Allentown Hotel
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- SESSION DESCRIPTION: “Never let go of Your Dreams” details Ben’s journey through the maze of Autism. This presentation features Ben’s resilience working through diagnosis, finding appropriate services, academic struggles and social understanding to becoming a strong advocate for Autism awareness and action. Ben’s dream of becoming a full-time speaker came true when Benergy1 Presentations was founded. His “Benergy” for life is contagious and this humorous and passion filled presentation will inspire and encourage those who attend” www.benergy1.com
- BEN’S BIO: Ben Hartranft is a 27-year-old young man who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2. At that time, he knew only 20 words and everything was a safety issue. His early years were marked by uncertainty and challenges but he has surpassed all expectations and is strengthened by his faith in God and the people He has placed in Ben’s life. Ben’s story is not one of defeat, but rather of resilience and determination. He received his diploma, works part-time for Philadelphia Eagles, earned his driver’s license and treats everyone he meets like a rock star. Ben has had some extraordinary opportunities that you won’t believe until you hear! Ben loves being an advocate for Autism Awareness and wants to take awareness to action.
- SESSION DESCRIPTION: “Never let go of Your Dreams” details Ben’s journey through the maze of Autism. This presentation features Ben’s resilience working through diagnosis, finding appropriate services, academic struggles and social understanding to becoming a strong advocate for Autism awareness and action. Ben’s dream of becoming a full-time speaker came true when Benergy1 Presentations was founded. His “Benergy” for life is contagious and this humorous and passion filled presentation will inspire and encourage those who attend” www.benergy1.com
Dr. Christopher Culver
Second Keynote Session
Monday, August 3, 2026 – 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Parkland High School
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- SESSION DESCRIPTION: Kindness Isn’t Cringe – Coming Soon!
- DR. CULVER’S BIO: Dr. Christopher Culver is a highly sought-after, dynamic, and engaging thought leader, keynote speaker, and founder of Orange Sparrow, where he helps organizations, leaders, and teams transform through The Science of Kindness. His energetic keynotes and workshops merge vulnerability, neuroscience, leadership, and humanity to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to thrive.A proud product of Oklahoma public education, Dr. Culver’s story began between Tulsa, a 300-acre farm in Wyandotte, and Fayetteville, North Carolina, an upbringing that taught him the power of perspective, empathy, and grit.For more than a decade, he served educational communities as a classroom teacher, secondary principal, and cabinet-level administrator. Today, he brings that same servant-leader mindset to all corners of the globe, guiding spaces to reimagine success through belonging, compassion, and connection.Dr. Culver is a member of the Board of Directors for the Virtue Center focused on holistic healing and recovery, former Vice President of Oklahoma Citizens for Education, and the former President of the Oklahoma Association for Bilingual Education. As an adjunct professor, Chris teaches future teachers and leaders how to cultivate trust, autonomy, and purpose through kindness. He believes that If you cannot find the light, be the light because kindness is not one more thing. It is the thing that changes everything. https://www.orangesparrow.org
Dr. Dennis Williams
PA EDGE President
Third Keynote Session
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 – 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Parkland High School
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- SESSION DESCRIPTION: The Conductor’s Role: Orchestrating Communities That Nurture Every Child – You stand at the center of it all. Teachers look to you for vision and support. Families expect you to keep their children safe and help them succeed. Students need you to create an environment where they can grow. Support staff wait for your direction. Central office demands results. And somehow, in the midst of it all, you’re supposed to lead transformational change. This keynote is designed specifically for the unique pressures, opportunities, and leverage points that only principals have.
- DR. WILLIAMS’ BIO: Dr. Dennis M. Williams, Jr., has spent 26 years in education, including 19 as a building-level administrator. At 29, he became the first African American male to serve as building principal in his school district’s history. Dr. Williams currently serves as the principal at Hatboro-Horsham High School, where his leadership has earned national recognition and advanced successful high school reform initiatives. He has presented at local, regional, national, and international conferences and is highly skilled in educational leadership and family engagement. Dr. Williams has been a member of PA EDGE (formerly PASCD) since 2009, when he facilitated his first PASCD workshop at the annual conference. He proudly serves as President of PA EDGE. He has been featured in U.S. Department of Education journals and on numerous podcasts. Dr. Williams challenges leaders to redefine their roles and responsibilities in the ever-changing landscape of public education.