Inspirational speakers slated for convention

Attendees to the National Convention will hear moving speeches from our roster of keynote speakers. At the Thursday, July 22 Opening General Session, Kate Adamson will share her inspirational journey from paralysis to an active and influential life. “Paralyzed, but not powerless,” Adamson sets herself apart by focusing on her abilities and not her disabilities. She asks the question, “What if difficulties and disabilities were regarded as assets rather than liabilities?” Her simple, but profound presentation demonstrates that there is more than one way to solve seemingly overwhelming challenges. She encourages appreciation for difficulties and disabilities by recognizing that individuals and organizations that overcome tough situations often develop extraordinary approaches to extraordinary problems.

Her entertaining yet practical message comes not from theory, but from personal experience. Once pronounced “dead” – her life not worth saving – she traveled the long road back to the land of the living and now travels the country as the only professional speaker to ever recover from Locked-in Syndrome—total paralysis resulting from a devastating double brainstem stroke. This deeply inspirational speaker encourages audiences to act with renewed focus and determination.

Jess Armas, MSW, will be speaking at the CAP Breakfast on Friday, July 23. Armas, from Salem, Ore., has developed family programming for 43 years. He has served in numerous capacities with agencies serving families and children and has developed family-centered, community based programs for special populations. Armas serves as a primary consultant to the state of Oregon, providing the theory base and training for the Family Empowerment Program. Most recently, he has been working with a large collaboration of agencies and community leaders in an effort to coordinate efforts to best serve families and to most efficiently utilize limited funding resources. This initiative has received much positive attention at the highest levels in Salem and in the State of Oregon. His efforts are also crucial to bringing in funds to reopen the Exchange Club CAP Center in Salem. Armas is well-known for his tireless efforts and advocacy for families and his passion for the Exchange Foundation’s parent aide model.

This year’s One Nation Under God breakfast keynote speaker on Saturday, July 24 will be Exchange’s own Wayne Swindall. Swindall is a past district president for the Alabama District and is a member of the Exchange Club of Opelika, Ala. He has an extensive background in educational and pastoral work. He officially retired after almost 30 years at California Baptist University, but has taught courses in Auburn since. His work as a full professor of philosophy included many courses on philosophy, ethics, and humanities, and chairmanship of the philosophy department. Over the years, Swindall has received many honors, including a listing in the Outstanding Educators of America, Distinguished Professor of the Year Trustee Award and participation in the 1993 Goodwill Delegation to China.

Swindall’s connection with Exchange began with his father, who was a member of the Opelika Exchange Club from 1947 until his death in 2003. Swindall returned to Alabama after his father passed away and was soon involved with the Opelika club. He became club president in 2005, then district director, district president-elect in 2007 and district president the following year.

The One Nation Under God Breakfast will also feature the Swing Dolls, a female variety vocal trio. They will entertain attendees with their re-creation of the renowned Andrews Sisters. They have performed many high profile shows, including the WB’s Gilmore Girls’, Bob Hope’s 100th birthday celebration, HBO’s “Band of Brothers” Gala, and numerous performances for the USO and patriotic-themed shows aboard the USS Midway and at military officers’ clubs.