Summer Speaker Series
Our Summer Speaker Series brought inspiring leaders from diverse fields to share their journeys, insights, and advice with A Bridge for Kids students, sparking motivation and new possibilities.
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Ryan grew up in a small town in rural Oregon in a middle-class family where hard work was expected and life was simple. He got his first job at 12 picking strawberries, later working in a logging mill and Alaska’s commercial fishing industry—experiences that taught him grit and resilience. Believing education and effort could open doors, he put himself through college and built a successful career in real estate. Today, he’s a partner on the Jason Barry Team, one of the top luxury real estate groups in the country, helping clients buy and sell high-end homes in San Diego. Ryan has also invested in other business ventures, but he never forgets his roots—staying hungry, always learning, and committed to giving back.
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Charlotte Marshall is a globally recognized employer brand strategist, bestselling author, and recipient of the World Employer Brand Leader of the Year award. As Head of Employer Brand & Recruitment Marketing at Intuitive, she leads bold, purpose-driven strategies that attract top talent and turn employees into brand ambassadors. She authored the bestselling book Give & Get Employer Branding, a definitive guide that helps companies build stronger emotional connections by embracing authenticity. Named one of LinkedIn’s Top 10 Employer Branding Experts, Charlotte has built award-winning brands at Intuitive, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Magellan Health, and Danaher, and is a sought-after keynote speaker known for her candor and practical insights.
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For nearly two decades, CEO Abed Abusaleh has been a driving force in Direct Response, pushing boundaries and leading innovation to help clients grow and succeed. Under his leadership, Havas Edge has evolved into a data-driven powerhouse, delivering the insights and transparency needed to build both brand and business. Abed believes strong relationships are key to success—internally and externally—and personally meets every new team member to foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and shared goals that make Havas Edge an exceptional place to work and partner with.
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Michael Nance is the Founder of A Bridge for Kids and a former Managing Director at Putnam Investments, where he oversaw more than $25 billion across mutual funds, pension plans, and hedge funds. He previously held senior roles at Barclays Capital and American Express, and holds an engineering degree from Drexel University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Inspired by his own experience growing up in a low-income household, Michael launched A Bridge for Kids to provide mentorship, scholarships, and life-changing opportunities to underserved youth. The nonprofit has since supported over 1,000 students across San Diego.