Hotel accommodations are at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo Hotel & Conference Center, 2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, New York
Keynote Speakers
Michael Fancher
"Power in the Pivot"
Michael Fancher is a dynamic speaker with over 15 years speaking in public, corporate, and educational settings. He is a senior healthcare executive, and the founder of MindFit USA. As a husband and father to three teenage boys, he embodies the balance between personal dedication and professional achievement. Michael has authored two published books, "The MindFit Method" and "The Dopamine Intervention," and hosts "The MindFit Method Podcast," globally recognized in the top 1% of all podcasts in the world. His experiences, from overcoming significant personal challenges to achieving professional excellence, inspire his speeches. Michael's keynotes are rich with insights from his journey, blending personal stories with actionable strategies for mental fitness and resilience. He engages audiences across various spheres, motivating them towards physical, mental, emotional, and professional growth with authenticity and passion.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
"POWER IN THE PIVOT" is a transformative keynote speech designed to empower and uplift individuals navigating through life's toughest challenges. This speech is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the incredible strength that comes from embracing change. Through the lens of the "Four P's" - PURPOSE, PAIN, PURSUIT AND PIVOT - this presentation dives deep into the journey of overcoming adversity and harnessing the power of pivoting in life.
Financial aid professionals at colleges and universities across the country have felt the pain of the new FAFSA process, yet they continue to push forward and serve the students and families that they assist every day. The purpose and the pain they have persisted through are nothing short of admirable and amazing. This talk will be uplifting, and motivational, and will most certainly draw both a hearty laugh as well as tug on the heartstrings of this incredible audience.
Michael shares his personal story, marked by a series of formidable challenges and breathtaking rebounds. From surviving a near-fatal car accident at the age of 17 to undergoing a total hip replacement at the young age of 22, forcing a career change; from the loss of a job due to legislative changes to the heartbreak of closing a business during the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, amidst these trials, Michael's story is one of triumph - becoming a 2-time top-selling author, launching a globally ranked podcast within the top 1% worldwide, and more.
This speech is crafted to inspire attendees to not only endure their hardships but to view their struggles through a lens of opportunity. It emphasizes the significance of reevaluating one’s path in the face of obstacles, finding renewed purpose, and thriving on a new path. "POWER IN THE PIVOT" is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest times, there lies an incredible opportunity for growth, reinvention, and success.
Perfect for anyone at a crossroads or facing significant life changes, this speech will motivate you to push through hardship, reassess your surroundings, and emerge stronger and more focused on your journey to greatness. Prepare to be inspired to pivot towards your most fulfilling life.
Harlan Cohen
"WIN or LEARN: Help You and Your Team Build Resilience and Navigate Change"
Harlan Cohen is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist who has visited over 500 high school and college campuses. He is the author of 7 books. His titles have over 1 million copies in print (titles include: WIN or LEARN: The Naked Truth About Turning Every Rejection into Your Ultimate Success, The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run into In College). Harlan is a frequent guest on television and radio programs, hosts The Harlan Cohen Podcast, and has popular social media accounts. He hosts a weekly college success coaching program for students and parents. Follow him on Instagram @harlancohen and on TikTok @helpmeharlan. Harlan is based in Chicago, Illinois where he lives with his wife and three children. For more info visit www.HarlanCohen.com.
New York Times bestselling author and journalist Harlan Cohen takes over 25 years of expertise and helps attendees increase grit, build resiliency, and turn adversity into success. During this interactive and humor-filled keynote, Harlan shares a WIN OR LEARN five-step approach and delivers a new framework to help attendees create change, support team growth, and set personal and professional goals. Attendees will laugh, learn, and leave with actionable tools. Harlan turns fear into freedom and transforms obstacles into a springboard to future success. He uses his trademark humor, audience interaction, and personal journey as a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and father to challenge attendees to step outside their comfort zone and grow as individuals and leaders.
Karen McCarthy | Vice President of Public Policy and Federal Relations, NASFAA
"Inside the Beltway"
Karen currently works in NASFAA's division of policy and federal relations, providing a financial aid administrator's "on the ground" perspective to federal student aid policy discussions and debates. She began her career in student aid working in the financial aid offices at several large, four-year institutions, including Boston University, Miami University of Ohio, and The Ohio State University. She began work in NASFAA's training department in 1999 before joining NASFAA's policy team in 2010.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This NASFAA Federal Update will provide an overview of the latest happenings in Washington, including a high-level landscape of the current political climate in D.C. with a focus on federal financial aid policy and how it has impacted students and institutions in recent years. Overall trends in student aid will be discussed including recent legislative and regulatory activity, reauthorization proposals and predictions for how student aid funding will fare in upcoming budget negotiations. Movement within the Department of Education concerning negotiated rulemaking and updates from Federal Student Aid (FSA) will also be discussed. The session will also provide an overview of NASFAA-led projects, services, and advocacy efforts.
