Author. Professor. Speaker.

Dawna Ballard is a leading communication scholar, author, and professor at The University of Texas at Austin whose work explores the profound impact of time on our lives, organizations, and culture. She is the author of the forthcoming book Time by Design (MIT Press, Fall 2025), which expands on her groundbreaking research to help individuals and organizations rethink their relationship with time. A sought-after expert, Dawna has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, and other major outlets for her insights on time, work, and well-being.

As both a researcher and speaker, Dawna is known for translating complex ideas into clear, powerful lessons that resonate across audiences. Her work challenges conventional thinking about productivity and balance, offering new ways to reclaim time as a resource for healthier, more intentional living.

Documentarian. Survivor. Advocate.

Lisa Whitmore Davis is the creator of The Whitmore Project, a groundbreaking documentary that sheds light on breast cancer disparities and the urgent need for better health resources in underserved communities. A breast cancer survivor herself, Lisa has transformed her personal journey into a powerful platform for advocacy, awareness, and change.

With a career spanning nonprofit leadership and public service, she continues to champion health equity, aging, and community empowerment on a national scale. Her work is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of storytelling to drive impact.