Brian N. Baird Ph.D., is the founder of the National Museum and Center for Service, a clinical psychologist and President of 4πR2 Communication. He is a retired six-term Member of Congress (WA 3rd), former President of Antioch University’s Seattle campus. Dr. Baird is an award-winning instructor and was named the funniest celebrity in Washington DC for his stand-up comedy performances.​

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Brian highlights the importance of the spirit of service, not only to the American character, but as a fundamental part of democracy. That, just as we find it appropriate, even necessary, to honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in the military, we should also find a way, and have places, to honor those who serve without uniforms or weapons.

Dr. Akilah Watkins is president and CEO of Independent Sector. A 25-year national thought leader, conference speaker, and nonprofit executive, Dr. Watkins’ work began at the age of 14 when she led efforts to convert a vacant lot and abandoned home into a community center in Roosevelt, NY. Since then, she’s served as an executive leader for nonprofits and community development initiatives which includes work with the Obama administration, Center for Community Progress, NeighborWorks America, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Center for the Study of Social Policy. Dr. Watkins is an alumna of the University of Illinois at Chicago where she received her Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology. Dr. Watkins serves on multiple national boards of directors with Grounded Solutions Network, Up for Growth Action, National Housing Conference, and Common Future.