Academics

American Dream Conversations

Our students interact directly with Freedom Leaders, learning from these extraordinarily successful individuals about their careers and contributions to our country and community.

Featured Conversations

Leaders who inspire our students

From governors and members of Congress to founders and CEOs, these leaders have shared their journeys directly with Freedom students. Click any video to watch.

Parker Conrad at The Freedom Institute
January 6, 2026

Parker Conrad

The Freedom Institute of Collier County welcomed Parker Conrad, American entrepreneur. He has co-founded three startup companies: SigFig, Zenefits and Rippling, and is currently serving as the CEO of Rippling, one of the fastest-growing workforce technology platforms in the country. Conrad offered an unfiltered look at his entrepreneurial journey, from his early ventures and setbacks to his resiliency and success today. His message resonated strongly with students preparing to enter a workforce being reshaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and rapidly changing career paths, connecting the American dream to modern work.

Read the press release
Congressman Byron Donalds at The Freedom Institute
October 6, 2025

Congressman Byron Donalds

The Freedom Institute of Collier County welcomed U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds for a candid and inspiring conversation, moderated by Tom Grady, Freedom Institute Board Chair. The discussion captivated students for more than two hours as Congressman Donalds shared personal experiences that reinforced the values of discipline, personal responsibility, and resilience. Congressman Donalds, who represents Southwest Florida, recounted his journey from Brooklyn, New York, to becoming one of Florida’s most influential political figures. He spoke openly about the lessons he learned through hard work, and how a commitment to learning and faith in one’s purpose helped shape his path.

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Senator Rick Scott at The Freedom Institute
May 5, 2025

Senator Rick Scott

Senator Rick Scott visited the Freedom Institute in Naples on May 5, 2025, to speak with students and faculty about civic responsibility, leadership, and American values. During his visit, he toured the campus, engaged in dialogue with students, and shared personal stories about his early work experiences, emphasizing hard work, accountability, and perseverance. Joined by longtime public servant Tom Grady, the two highlighted how early employment builds character, resilience, and future success. The visit was part of the Institute’s ongoing speaker series aimed at inspiring students through direct engagement with influential leaders.

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Tom Grady leading the Economic Freedom 101 workshop
December 9, 2024

Tom Grady

Tom Grady is a founding board member of The Freedom Institute of Collier County and a former Florida State Representative. He has also served as Chair of the Florida Department of Education and currently practices law as an attorney at Grady Law in Naples. Mr. Grady will lead the “Economic Freedom 101” workshop for high school students, focusing on personal finance, investing, and the principles of capitalism and socialism.

Governor Ron DeSantis at The Freedom Institute
February 28, 2024

Governor Ron DeSantis

Governor Ron DeSantis visited The Freedom Institute of Collier County to emphasize Florida’s education achievements and its top ranking in school choice nationwide. He engaged in a Q&A session with co-founder Tom Grady, discussing the diverse opportunities available to Florida students.

Read the press release
Career Guest Speakers

Real careers, real mentors

Throughout the year, professionals from every field share their work and career paths, giving students a window into life beyond the classroom.

2025

Dr. Chris Lee

Founder, Elemental Shift Consulting

Dr. Chris Lee is the founder of Elemental Shift Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping leaders and organizations apply neuroscience-informed strategies to excel in high-pressure environments. With over a decade of experience in the neuroscience field, Chris bridges the gap between research and real-world application, teaching executives how to regulate stress, sharpen focus, and design systems for sustainable growth. His consulting work spans finance, real estate, and technology, where he partners with C-suite teams to address challenges around burnout, executive function, and organizational performance. By combining leadership development with neuroscience-based frameworks, Chris has helped companies scale operations, foster resilience, and innovate while maintaining balance and well-being. As a recognized thought leader with an audience of more than one million and over 30 million monthly media impressions, Chris has built a global community around leadership, emotional intelligence, and self-regulation. His keynotes, workshops, and digital content are known for blending science, storytelling, and practical tools that empower high performers to take immediate action. Chris is also the host of the Wired for Wonder podcast, where he explores the intersection of neuroscience, leadership, and human potential. His mission is to help leaders turn chaos into clarity, stress into strategy, and ambition into meaningful, sustainable success.

Lauren Grady

Marketing Director, Freedom Institute

Lauren Grady, a versatile artist, mentor, and mom, stands out in various roles. Lauren’s ability to weave historical narratives into her photography is paralleled by her skill in storytelling for The Freedom Institute’s brand, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. Her dedication to mentorship has dramatically impacted the lives of many students, inspiring them to harness their inner creativity. Lauren’s ability to connect with people is well-recognized, enhancing her role as a Marketing Director. She is a proud mom to a gifted 13-year-old. Lauren’s passion for her roles, from art to mentorship, resonates with people from all walks of life.

Lauren Maxwell

Executive Vice President, CrossCountry Mortgage

Lauren is the Executive Vice President of CrossCountry Mortgage and Team Leader of the Maxwell Mortgage Team. Her work is personal, her staff is like family, and the word “No” is not in her vocabulary. Helping people and making deals are what motivates her in life. Lauren’s career spans over 37 years, yet her focus has remained the same, to help first-time home buyers achieve the American Dream of owning a home. While leading a team Lauren is involved personally in every transaction, makes every effort to get every mortgage approved, and sends a representative to attend every closing within proximity of her office with a celebratory gift in hand. Lauren’s motto is: “Financing the world one loan at a time.”

Kate Tuttle-Owens

Owner, Kate’s Kuts Salon & Spa

Kate has built a career in the hair and salon industry. She owns the salon, Kate’s Kuts, in Bonita Springs. Her true passion is her newest project and non-profit organization, The Sensory Safe Salon, which provides Sensory Safe Certification and Training to stylists to help individuals with autism and/or sensory issues. Her goal is to globally transform the industry with the mission to educate, support, and grow stylists to be inclusive of all individuals.

2024

Tom Grady

Founding Board Member of The Freedom Institute

Tom Grady is a founding board member of The Freedom Institute of Collier County and a former Florida State Representative. He has also served as Chair of the Florida Department of Education and currently practices law as an attorney at Grady Law in Naples. Mr. Grady will lead the “Economic Freedom 101” workshop for high school students, focusing on personal finance, investing, and the principles of capitalism and socialism.

Peter Harris

Founding Partner of the University Growth Fund

Peter Harris is a founding partner of the University Growth Fund, where he leads deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management while mentoring students in the program. Previously, he was a principal at the University Venture Fund, contributing to the funding of several companies. Peter also has extensive experience as an international business consultant, having launched over 10 micro-franchises worldwide and sharing his insights and opportunities with students.

Vincenzo Betulia

Chef-Partner of Campagna Hospitality Group

A Sicilian native, Vincenzo Betulia grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after his family emigrated from Sicily when he was 2. When on a vacation in Naples, Florida, Chef Vincenzo fell in love with the area and the dining scene. He is now a celebrated restaurateur and owns Bar Tulia, Bar Tulia Mercato, Osteria Tulia, The French, Rouge Steakhouses, and Tulia Catering.

Garrett Richter

Former Member of the Florida Senate

Garrett Richter is a Republican politician from Florida. He served as a member of the Florida Senate from 2008 to 2016, representing parts of Collier and Lee counties in Southwest Florida. Prior to being elected to the Senate, Richter served one term in the Florida House of Representatives, representing a Naples-based district from 2006 to 2008. Richter currently serves as the Executive Vice President, Market President of Florida at First Foundation Inc.

Mike Barbone

Education Developer and Instructor, Revs Institute

Michael Barbone, the Education Developer & Instructor for the RevsEd program, boasts a distinguished career spanning four decades that began in the automotive repair industry. He now dedicates his time to teaching automotive repair, igniting the minds of countless students. He is proud to contribute to the development of the RevsEd initiative and feels fortunate to have his life passions evolve into his dream position.

Governor Ron DeSantis

46th Governor of Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis visited The Freedom Institute of Collier County to emphasize Florida’s education achievements and its top ranking in school choice nationwide. He engaged in a Q&A session with co-founder Tom Grady, discussing the diverse opportunities available to Florida students.

Governor Scott Walker

President, Young America’s Foundation and 45th Governor of Wisconsin

Governor Scott Walker spoke about his current job responsibilities as the President of Young America’s Foundation (YAF) and his political journey as the former Wisconsin governor. He also shared opportunities for our students to get involved within the YAF.

2023

Jeff Poteet

General Manager, City of Marco Island Water and Sewer

Jeff Poteet shared about the organization, structure, and career opportunities available for students with the City of Marco Island, specifically in the water and sewer department.

Dr. Tammy Caraker

Director of Accelerated Pathways Programs, Florida SouthWestern State College – Collier Campus

Dr. Tammy Caraker presented to students and parents at an evening event about the fantastic dual enrollment opportunities available to high school homeschool students. Many of our students seized the opportunity and are enrolled in dual enrollment courses this spring semester.

James Haick

President, Scout Comics

James Haick spoke to students about graphic design and the comic world industry. He shared his own path in entrepreneurship and how he became successful in the comic world.

Keith West

Owner, Rex Air

Keith West was our first guest speaker at Freedom. He presented to students about the Rex Air facility, the history of aviation, and multiple opportunities available to high school students interested in pursuing aviation careers.

Get Involved

Help shape the next conversation.

Are you a leader, entrepreneur, or professional who would like to share your story with our students? We would love to hear from you.

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