Rugged Elegance Presents… a soulful speaker series called DISCOVERY, featuring changemaking leaders who have been given the ‘Day to Breathe Accelerator’.
DISCOVERY: Celebrating the Rise of Africa
On the afternoon of May 31, 2025, we invite you to join us for an inspiring gathering that honors the brilliance, resilience, and creativity rising from across the African continent. This special event will feature a group of visionary African founders who have each embraced the power of the pause—harnessing stillness to find clarity, align with purpose, and drive transformational change in their communities and beyond.
DISCOVERY: Celebrating the Rise of Africa will spotlight five extraordinary leaders who are boldly shaping the future of Africa through entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact. These are founders who lead from the inside out—and who remind us of what becomes possible when we take a moment to breathe before we rise.
Together, we’ll celebrate Africa’s rise and honor the wisdom, potential, and possibility that emerge from this powerful pause.
Discovery: Reveling in the Rise of Women
On March 16, 2025, Discovery: Reveling in the Rise of Women featured the following speakers and organizations:
Ashlie Bryant, Co-Founder, President & CEO, 3Strands Global Foundation
Holly Ruxin, Founder & CEO, Montcalm
Jessica P. Hansen, CEO/Executive Director, Alliance for Smiles
Julie Gordon White, Founder & CEO, Menowell
Zubaida Bai, CEO, Grameen Foundation
Discovery: Revealing The Power of The Pause
On September 20, 2024, Discovery: Revealing The Power of The Pause featured the following speakers and organizations:
Barb Bylenga, Founder & COO, SHE-CAN
Haider Nazar, Co-Founder & CEO, MAHA Global
Jill Osur, Founder & CEO, Teneral Cellars
Rev. Ken Daigle, Senior Minister, Unity San Francisco
Saumya Gupta and Colton Heward-Mills, Co-Founders, Build IRL
Click the button below to check out the speaker videos from this event.
Discovery: Answering The Call to Authenticity
On June 20, 2024, Rugged Elegance Foundation presented the initial Discovery series event entitled, “Discovery: Answering The Call to Authenticity. Click the button below to check out the speaker videos from this event.
David Monticalvo, Minister-in-training, COO, Unity San Francisco
Gabe Wieder, Mental Health Advocate, Innovator, and Founding Member of Somethings
Mwangi Mukami, Catalyst for Possibility and Change, Founder of MLIFE
Noah Maier, Investor, Fundraiser, and Philanthropy Advisor.
Sarah Shourd, Journalist, Playwright, Anti-prison Activist and Somatic Coach
Vee Vargas, Founder, Creator, and Community Builder, Be Here With Vee