World Leaders Forum Inspirational Series
Featuring Edward James Olmos
Hosted by Entrepreneur Jacqueline Ruiz
Due to a last-minute filming schedule change for Edward James Olmos, Judson University’s World Leaders Forum Inspirational Series will be held Monday, August 22 at 7 p.m. at Herrick Chapel at Judson University.
The event will be hosted by entrepreneur Jacqueline Ruiz, who will also moderate a panel discussion with Rick Najera.
This event with Olmos is the fourth Inspirational Series event and the first developed and hosted in partnership with Jacqueline Ruiz, an entrepreneur, author and Latina pilot. Previous speakers at the event have been Magician Jim Munroe in 2017, Olympic Champion Mary Lou Retton in 2016, and Inspirational Speaker Nick Vujicic in 2015.
Proceeds from this event will fund leadership, entrepreneurship, diversity, and RISE program scholarships for students at Judson University.
Monday, August 22, 2022
Tickets: $25; VIP: $500
Herrick Chapel, Judson University
1151 N. State St. Elgin, IL 60123
Register Now
About The Event
Ticket Info
General admission tickets are just $25. VIP tickets are also available for $500, and include premier seating at the event and a meet-and-greet reception and photo opportunity with the panelists following the event. We would love to have you join us.
About The Speaker
Edward James Olmos
Edward James Olmos is a Mexican-American actor, director, producer, and activist. He is best known for his roles as Lieutenant Martin “Marty” Castillo in “Miami Vice” (1984–1989), actor in and director of “American Me” (1992), William Adama in the re-imagined “Battlestar Galactica” (2004–2009), teacher Jaime Escalante in “Stand and Deliver” (1988), and Detective Gaff in “Blade Runner” (1982) and its sequel “Blade Runner 2049” (2017). In 2018, he played the father of two members of an outlaw motorcycle club in the FX series “Mayans MC.”
For his work in “Miami Vice,” Olmos won the 1985 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film. For his performance in “Stand and Deliver,” Olmos was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
He is also known for his roles as patriarch Abraham Quintanilla in the film “Selena,” narrator El Pachuco in both the stage and film versions of “Zoot Suit,” and the voice of Chicharrón in “Coco.”
Over the course of his career, Olmos has been a pioneer for more diversified roles and images of Hispanics in the U.S. media. His notable direction, production, and starring roles for films, made-for-TV movies, and TV shows include “Wolfen,” “Triumph of the Spirit,” “Talent for the Game,” “American Me,” “The Burning Season,” “My Family/Mi Familia,” “Caught,” “12 Angry Men,” “The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca,” “Walkout,” “The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit,” “American Family,” and “Dexter.”
Actor, Director and Producer
About The Host
Jacqueline Ruiz
Jacqueline Camacho Ruiz is a social entrepreneur who has created an enterprise of inspiration. Her keen sense of service coupled with the vision to bring good to the world has led her to create two successful award-winning companies, establish two nonprofit organizations, publish 24 books, create over 10 products, and hold dozens of events around the world in just the past decade. She is often referred to as a “dream catcher” as her strategies have supported thousands of women, authors, and young ladies to live a life of significance. Ruiz’s quest to be a servant leader extends to every area of her life. She has shared her inspiration in four continents and aligned with some of the most powerful brands to elevate others. Being a cancer survivor sparked a sense of urgency to serve and transcend. Ruiz is one of the few Latina sports airplane pilots in the United States. Jacqueline believes that “taking off is optional, landing on your dreams is mandatory.”
Social Entrepreneur
About The Panelists
Rick Najera
Rick Najera is an award-winning screenwriter, actor, director, producer, sketch comedian, author, playwright, coach and national speaker with an expansive portfolio of credits in all forms of entertainment. He has received numerous industry awards for his work. From starring in films with Sidney Poitier, George Clooney and most recently Mario Lopez, to writing sketch comedy for Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx, Najera is best known for starring on Broadway in his award-winning, self-penned stageplay, Latinologues, directed by comedy legend Cheech Marin. Najera is only one of three Latinos to ever write and star in their own play on Broadway. For the last six years, he has traveled the country with his multimedia platform Latino Thought Makers which exposes the most important issues affecting the Latino community. It is currently housed at Morton College.
Actor, Director and Screenwriter
Become a Sponsor
An Inspirational Series Sponsorship offers you, your company, church or foundation the opportunity to serve as a partner for this premier event. Proceeds from this event will fund leadership, entrepreneurship, diversity, and RISE program scholarships for students at Judson University.
BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities for business and community sponsors include event tickets, a meet-and-greet reception, photograph with the panelists, special commemorative gift, company recognition and premier seating. You can also choose to sponsor Judson students to attend the event free of charge. To learn more, please see the sponsorship flyer below or contact us.
Contact Us
Julie Schmidt
Past Inspirational Speakers
JIM MUNROE
Author and
Cancer Survivor
Mary Lou Retton
1984 Gold Olympic
Medal Winner
Nick Vujicic
Motivational
Speaker