Meet our expert speakers - walt's cloud
Inspiring leadership and transformation through impactful speaking for every audience.
Our inspirational speakers
Justin Gatlin
A decorated sprinter with a career spanning two decades, Justin Gatlin is a five-time Olympic medalist and a nine-time World Championship medalist. Known for his exceptional speed, consistency, and competitive spirit,
Gatlin’s achievements include gold in the 100m at the 2004 Athens Olympics, along with multiple world titles, including the 100m-200m double in 2005. After an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, Gatlin turned professional, quickly establishing himself as a dominant force in international track and field.
Gatlin’s longevity in the sport is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and ability to evolve. From 2013 to 2016, he remained unbeaten in the 200m, showcasing his capacity to compete at the highest level well into his 30s. He also clinched gold in the 100m at the 2017 World Championships, becoming one of the oldest athletes to do so.
Justin enjoys spending time with his family. He’s working to grow the sport of track and field to be a better environment for athletes. He does speed consulting for all sports and mental coaching.
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Uncover the inspiring journey of Olympic champion Justin Gatlin in Ready, Go!: From Grind to Glory. A must-read on resilience, discipline, and chasing greatness—perfect for athletes and dreamers alike.
Amber Midthunder
Amber Midthunder grew up in an artistic household, with her father a renowned actor and her mother an award-winning casting agent. Amber developed a passion for acting early and has since gained recognition for her versatile performances in both television and film.
She became widely known for her role in the FX series “Legion,” where she portrayed a mutant with unique abilities, showcasing her ability to bring depth to complex characters. In addition to her television work, Amber has made a mark in film with roles in “Hell or High Water” and “Ice Road.”
In 2022, Amber starred in “Prey,” earning acclaim for her portrayal of a young Comanche woman fighting the Predator. The film, which broke Hulu viewership records and earned six Emmy nominations, made history for having a Native female lead and a primarily Indigenous cast.
Upcoming projects include “Rez Ball,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” and “Opus.” A member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes, Amber continues to rise as a star in Hollywood.
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Amber is currently in South Africa working on her next project-Novocaine with Jack Quaid. You will also see her alongside John Malkovich in Opus.
Martin Sensmeier
Martin Sensmeier’s journey into acting was shaped by his upbringing in rural Alaska, where he was immersed in the traditions of his Tlingit and Koyukon-Athabascan heritage. From a young age, he was drawn to storytelling and cultural ceremonies, which sparked his passion for the performing arts.
Martin’s breakout role came in “The Magnificent Seven,” where he portrayed a young warrior alongside stars like Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt. His commanding performance earned him widespread praise and established him as a rising talent.
He has since continued to captivate audiences with roles in “Wind River” and “Yellowstone,” earning critical acclaim for his authenticity and depth. In addition to acting, Martin is committed to amplifying Indigenous voices and promoting cultural representation in media.
With upcoming projects like “Cottonmouth,” “Ice Fall,” and “Wind River: The Next Chapter,” Martin’s star continues to rise. Proud of his Indigenous heritage, he remains dedicated to creating opportunities for future generations of Indigenous talent, both in front of and behind the camera.
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You WILL see him as the lead actor in Wind River: The Next Chapter (with Jason Clark, Scott Eastwood and our very own Kali KO Reis and Tatanka Means), Cottonmouth (with Ron Pearlman and Esai Morales) and Takover with rapper Quavo. Martin recently arrived home from Brussels after filming “Ice Fall” with Danny Huston and Graham Greene.
Kali Reis
K.O. Kali Reis, the former WBC, WBO, and IBO world boxing champion, is ready to conquer new heights with Walt’s Cloud! Known for her powerful presence both in and out of the ring, Kali made waves with her performance in the thriller “Catch the Fair One,” earning a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead. Recently, she starred alongside Jodi Foster in the mystery series “True Detective: Night Country,” further showcasing her acting talent.
Proud of her Cape Verdean ancestry, Kali also identifies as Native American with Cherokee and Nipmuc roots and is a respected member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe in Massachusetts.
Kali has exciting collaborations on the horizon with stars like Rebecca Ferguson and Chris Pratt. Beyond her athletic and acting career, Kali is a passionate health advocate, inspiring others with her journey in boxing, fitness, and mental wellness. Don’t miss the chance to bring Kali’s powerful story of resilience and success to your event!
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Tatanka Means
Tatanka Means is more than a name; it’s a symbol of resilience and talent. As an actor, activist, comedian, and entrepreneur, he has carved a dynamic path in Hollywood. From his early roles to recent projects, Means consistently challenges stereotypes, bringing depth to every character. His notable works, including “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Saints & Strangers,” and “Into the West,” showcase his versatility.
Beyond acting, Means is an activist, using his platform to advocate for accurate Native American representation in film. As a comedian, he blends humor with storytelling, connecting with audiences on a personal level. His entrepreneurial efforts further build a legacy that extends beyond the screen.
Looking ahead, Means stars in upcoming works like “Ransom Canyon,” “Wind River: Rising,” and “Opus,” continuing to redefine what it means to be a Native actor in Hollywood. With each project, he leaves a lasting impact and inspires future generations.
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Ali Ingersoll
Ali Ingersoll’s journey is one of remarkable resilience and determination. After a tragic accident left her paralyzed from the chest down, Ali spent seven years in hospitals, overwhelmed by despair and grappling with the belief that her life had reached its limit.
Instead of surrendering to hopelessness, Ali embarked on a journey of self-discovery, shifting her perspective and embracing a new reality despite her paralysis. Her story stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit and the potential within each individual to overcome obstacles.
Today, as a professional speaker and disability consultant, Ali shares her story around the globe, advocating for disability inclusion and inspiring individuals and organizations alike. Known by names like “Energizer Bunny on Wheels 2.0” and “Ms. Wheelchair America,” she embodies perseverance and purpose.
Ali’s journey exemplifies the extraordinary power of the human spirit to rise above challenges. She encourages others to embrace life’s adversities and find meaning in even the most difficult circumstances.
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Turning paralysis into purpose – TEDx UNCPembroke
Ali Ingersoll is living proof that we all have the power to keep moving forward despite the circumstances surrounding us.
Dallas sonnias
Dallas Soonias’s journey is one of pride, perseverance, and passion. A proud member of the Nehiyaw/Anishinaabe heritage, Dallas hails from the Red Pheasant First Nation and is affiliated with the Chippewas of Nawash.
Despite diagnosed learning disabilities, including dyslexia and dysgraphia, Dallas has never let challenges define him. He uses his platform to promote awareness and inspire resilience in others. Dallas successfully graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in psychology and earned a graduate certificate in high-performance coaching from the University of British Columbia.
After a 13-year career representing Canada’s national volleyball team, including a historic win over Russia, Dallas transitioned to a role as an on-air analyst for CBC Sports. His insightful commentary will be featured at the upcoming Olympics, solidifying his contribution to sports.
Beyond volleyball, Dallas advocates for Indigenous athletes and individuals with learning disabilities, continuing to inspire future generations to defy the odds.
newy Scruggs
Newy Scruggs’s path to success is marked by dedication and passion. After graduating from UNC Pembroke in 1994 with a B.A. in Public Relations and Broadcasting, Scruggs pursued an MBA at Texas Christian University, further solidifying his expertise in sports media.
With an impressive 12 Emmy Awards, Scruggs has established himself as a leading figure in sports broadcasting. His journey has taken him from Myrtle Beach to Los Angeles and since 2000, he’s been a staple in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His multifaceted career includes anchoring TV sportscasts, hosting radio talk shows, and providing commentary for college football and basketball.
One of his notable accomplishments is the creation of the Dr. Sylvester Wooten Scholarship for UNCP Sports Broadcasting majors in 2003, reflecting his commitment to nurturing future talent.
Currently, Scruggs hosts the Emmy Award-winning show “Out of Bounds,” where his insight and enthusiasm continue to inspire and entertain audiences.
Robert doore
Robert Doore’s journey is driven by a commitment to bridging the tribal world he grew up in with the mainstream world he now navigates. As a contemporary Native man in a traditional world, he blends both in his personal and professional life. As the owner of Chief Mountain Sports and Consulting (CMC), a 100% Native-owned company, Doore strives to create positive change in sports, entertainment, and business.
At CMC, Doore specializes in business strategy, leadership development, and cultural training. His mission includes increasing opportunities and representation for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other underrepresented groups in various industries.
With experience as the NFL’s Director of Guest Experience and in corporate leadership for a Fortune 100 company, Doore bridges worlds with authenticity and strong relationship-building skills. His vision is one of unity, where all voices are valued, and leadership development promotes a more inclusive future. Through his work, Doore continues to empower individuals and organizations to embrace positive change.
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Elizabeth Blake-Thomas
Lecturer at Pepperdine University, Director, Author, Mother, Filmmaker, and Creativity Coach, Elizabeth Blake-Thomas’ experience in a variety of fields gives her the knowledge with which to help other people live more purposeful lives. The main focus of her talk is helping people live by speaking about death.
Despite having never been to film school, Elizabeth’s knowledge of film shows itself through her credits. Her directing credits include romcom Just Swipe, action/thriller Hunt Club, YA supernatural thriller Karma: Death at Latigo Springs, and more. Her third book “Living with Intention” was released March 1st 2024 and is available on Amazon as are her previous books “Arabella” and “Filmmaking without Fear”.
Her creativity coaching methodology “Medicine with Words” has been around for a few decades, beginning as public speaking coaching and culminating in creativity coaching. Elizabeth not only helps to guide people towards their purpose, but she mentors budding directors and filmmakers, showing them that there is not a “right or wrong” way to get started.
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Elizabeth Blake-Thomas discusses life changes and purposeful living, drawing from her diverse experiences as a filmmaker, author, and creativity coach.
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