CARLANA STONE Carlana Stone is an internationally- published author & speaker, and Emmy-nominated, award-winning television producer and storyteller with over 25 years experience, partnering with some of the top creative entertainment & technology pipelines in the world. Stone specializes in content development, imaginative strategies, and inclusive conversations - serving up a storm of lively social interactions, powerful visuals and emotional demonstrations, leaving a lasting impression. "From an early age, and by necessity, I had to learn to put strategy into action and unearth innovative solutions. It is this very spirit that characterizes my unique connection to story, and my approach to telling it.” Specialties: • Diversity Equity & Inclusion Expert & Strategist • Ability to think critically and strategically and suggest creative solutions with a proactive approach to problem identification and solving. • Ideation & Concept Development for Enriched Engagement • Generate content & learning tools powered by storytelling, interactive exercises and simulations that bring spirit into human engagements. • Connect intuition with strategy and design solutions that actively engage our communities SPEAKING BIO Carlana’s body might be confined to a wheelchair, but her spirit and energy are in a constant state of glorious flight. She lost the use of her legs after being involved in a car accident when she was 16. She has known frustration, pain, doubt, fear and rejection. She tells it like it is and calls it like she sees it. The only thing she’s not willing to do is call it quits. Carlana never walked again... But she has soared! She became the first wheelchair-wielding TV news reporter in Miami, went on to become an award-winning tv producer in Hollywood, published a book and is a frequent guest on national and international talk shows. She sky dives, scuba dives, rides a Harley and has even flown an airplane… solo! She can’t walk. But she can fly. Carlana has overcome her own paralysis, both physical and emotional, and connects deeply with people who are struggling because her own experiences give her paralysis has put her in the unique position to see how alike we all are. That we’re all paralyzed. With a spirited alchemy, Carlana summons others to break out of their metaphorical cages! In a viscerally-charged presentation, Carlana models her own vulnerability, peeling away the veneers of her own guardedness, helping others to identify (recognize) their own point of paralyzation. By getting to the root cause of the pain, we transcend any paralysis. By bringing us into the healing process, Carlana leaves the members of the audience with the challenged to stop being tourists in their own lives, move past their own paralysis and become the true heroes of their own stories. Carlana will motivate, inspire, and drive your audience into action – into letting go of what's paralyzing them so that they can fulfill their dreams, reach their goals, access their potential.