What do an “American Idol” star, a princess and a “Survivor” contestant have in common? They are all part of an exceptional lineup of speakers and entertainment at the 2023 Key Club International Convention! You’ll want to join us in Anaheim, California, July 5-9, to hear their personal journeys. Without further ado:
The stars have aligned, and we’re thrilled to announce that Princess Sarah Culberson will serve as an inspirational keynote speaker at convention. Culberson discovered that she was related to African royalty, a ruling Mende family in Sierra Leone, and that she was considered a mahaloi, or princess. Her extraordinary journey has been featured on CNN, “Good Morning America” and the BBC, among numerous other media outlets. Her story inspired the book she cowrote, “A Princess Found,” which is being turned into a live-action movie with Disney. Culberson’s diverse background and experience in education over the past 15 years have led her to present and create curriculum for schools, universities and corporations. As a specialist in diversity and inclusion work, president and co-founder of her nonprofit, Sierra Leone Rising, and a businessperson in the entertainment industry, Culberson has done work that spans the globe. Her upcoming projects include an animated show with Randy Jackson and a Roblox game to connect children to cultures around the globe. Culberson has also been honored with the prestigious Trumpet Impact Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated vision, leadership and innovation that have led to a positive impact on the Black community.
Leah Marlene excelled in Season 20 of “American Idol.” Now she’ll wow our audience in a live concert. Marlene, a Key Club alum at Normal West High School in Normal, Illinois, U.S., is a songwriter, artist and producer with a deeply rooted desire to create art unlike anything you have heard before. During her season of “American Idol” she released her original single “Flowers” and placed second runner-up of the season. With an engaging voice and a songwriting style that combines elements of folk, rock, pop, soul, funk, jazz and more, Marlene cannot be put into a box. She grew up in a house filled with music and guitars as her father, Derry Grehan, is a songwriter and lead guitarist with the Canadian band Honeymoon Suite. He passed along his knowledge and passion for writing and performing. Marlene has been performing professionally since age 10 and has been releasing music since she was 13. Now 21, Marlene is a lover of people, and her greatest hope is that her music meets you exactly where you are and helps you feel whatever you need to feel in that moment.
Best known for competing on the American reality show “Survivor,” Adam Klein will combine his inviting sense of humor and tenacity during his keynote presentation at the Key Club convention. Klein is one of only five unanimous winners of “Survivor,” winning the Millennials vs. Gen X season in 2016. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University in 2013 and went on to become a senior manager for a large nonprofit shelter for those experiencing homelessness. After being on “Survivor” again during the historic 40th season featuring past winners, Klein started a business, coaching reality TV hopefuls on their auditions. Since “Survivor,” Klein has become a leading advocate for lung cancer research in memory of his mom, Susie, who passed away just moments after Adam returned from filming the show. He uses his personal megaphone to support the efforts of different charities, including Stand Up to Cancer, the American Lung Association, Camp Kesem and Give Kids the World Village.
Registration for the Key Club International convention closes on June 2.
That’s not all. You’ll also be able to attend workshops in the following areas: