This Week in Edutainment | March 30 - April 3
We connect students around the world to primary source experts from a wide variety of topics and subjects. For more information, visit edutainmentlearning.com.
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In 1982, Steve was sailing solo across the Atlantic Ocean when his boat sank after a collision with a whale. With no ship, no crew, and limited supplies, he survived 76 days alone at sea in a small inflatable life raft—drifting thousands of miles before being rescued near the Caribbean.
His experience became the basis for his bestselling memoir, Adrift: Seventy-Six Days Lost at Sea, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest survival books ever written. The book is studied not only for its gripping narrative, but for the lessons it offers on problem-solving, perseverance, mental resilience, and the human will to survive.
Beyond the physical challenge, Steve’s time alone on the ocean led to deep personal reflection. He has spoken about how the vastness of the sea humbled him and reshaped his understanding of faith, purpose, and humanity’s place in the world.
Today, Steve Callahan shares lessons from his experience with students and audiences around the world, offering powerful insights into resilience, adaptability, faith under pressure, and what it means to keep going when everything familiar is stripped away.
His story reminds students that even in the most overwhelming circumstances, clarity, courage, and hope can still be found.
Trevor is a Navy Special Warfare Operator and Black Water Private Military Contractor. Trevor is a former Special Operator with a sensitive background finding and stopping the world's most dangerous people and weapons. His experience in high-risk situations with little or no outside support remains largely classified. Humble and focused, Trevor's time in special operations shaped his step-by-step approach to leadership, resource management, and decision-making under pressure.Trevor works with executives, teams, and public leaders to teach how to stay calm, think clearly, and avoid mistakes under pressure. Trevor shares simple frameworks leaders can use right away, especially when time is short and being wrong isn’t an option. This is a co-produced event with www.everydayspy.com
Yareli Bolanos is a current senior and the Student Body President at Mater Academy East. As Student Body President, she serves as the voice of students who are often overlooked, which drives her to complete every task to the best of her ability, knowing that others rely on her both on and behind the stage. Her passion to help, include, and collaborate with others motivates her continued involvement in student council, whether she is planning, designing, or creating materials for an event.
Being in this role means more than simply completing tasks as they arise; it also involves ensuring that future student council members and officers are prepared to continue the momentum her graduating class leaves behind.
After high school, Yareli plans to attend college out of state, majoring in advertising with a minor in film. Following college, she hopes to work in the international film industry, allowing her to explore diverse cultures while pursuing a career she loves. In the future, she also plans to start her own business to give back to the community that helped shape her into the person she is today.
Jacobi Bikfaya is a men’s fashion designer and entrepreneur known for blending Old World craftsmanship with modern American style. Born in Lebanon, Jacobi developed an early appreciation for fine tailoring, quality fabrics, and the cultural significance of dressing well. His passion for design and precision eventually led him to the United States, where he built his career from the ground up.
After establishing himself in Detroit, Michigan, Jacobi earned a reputation for creating impeccably tailored suits that reflect confidence, professionalism, and individuality. His designs combine European influence with contemporary American trends, offering clients garments that are both timeless and distinctive.
Today, Jacobi owns and operates multiple men’s suit stores in Detroit, Michigan, and Las Vegas, Nevada. His boutiques are known not only for premium craftsmanship and personalized service, but also for helping men look and feel their best for life’s most important moments — from business milestones to weddings and special events.
Jacobi’s journey from Lebanon to becoming a successful American entrepreneur is a testament to vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in men’s fashion.
Steve Iglesias path into education began in coaching baseball and campus security before he transitioned into teaching and eventually school leadership. What started as a career shift became a mission: preparing students for a world defined by rapid technological change. Within Academica schools, including leadership roles at Doral and now Mater Brickell, he has built forward-focused academic programs that integrate innovation with rigor. He has launched initiatives in robotics, engineering, computer science, biomedical engineering, esports, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence—creating hands-on learning environments where students solve real-world problems. His teams have earned national recognition, including distinction as an XPRIZE Connect finalist and winner. He believes schools must lead in innovation, ensuring students are not just prepared for the future—but equipped to create it.
Vanessa Beatriz Maya Segura is a Chemistry graduate from the University of Zaragoza who, driven by her interest in exploring materials at the nanoscale, is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Nanostructured Materials for Nanotechnology Applications at the same university, supported by the competitive SAMCA Chair Scholarship in Nanotechnology. Her path in science began after completing the Spanish Bachiller in Science while also earning her U.S. High School Diploma through the Dual Diploma Program of Academica International Studies, an experience that gave her both a solid scientific background and an international academic perspective before beginning her Bachelor’s degree. Throughout her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, Vanessa has gained research experience at the Carbochemistry Institute (ICB), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), where she works on nanomaterials derived from biopolymers to help develop safer and more sustainable batteries. Her work has contributed to a peer-reviewed publication, and she is now continuing this research as a recipient of the nationally competitive JAE Intro ICU Fellowship at CSIC.
Through her journey, students can see how an interest in science, combined with sustained effort, can open the door to research that contributes to solving real-world challenges
Ten-time PBR World Finals Qualifier Kody Lostroh reached the pinnacle of the sport in 2009 when he was crowned World Champion following a feverish battle with J.B. Mauney.
Following the 2014 season, Lostroh retired from the sport, having won 10 premier series events, while recording 51 90-point rides across all levels of competition. Earning more than $3.2 million during his competitive career, Lostroh currently ranks No. 12 in all-time money earned by all competitors within the PBR.
After stepping away from the PBR in 2014, the following year Lostroh was diagnosed with a tumor around his carotid artery. While Lostroh made a full recovery and briefly returned to competition, he officially retired in March 2018 and has since resided in Colorado with his wife and two children.
Since 2022 he has coached in the new PBR Teams league, initially as assistant coach for the Florida Freedom for two years and now currently as head coach of the New York Mavericks. 2023 PBR Ring of Honor inductee, and 2024 Bullriding Hall of Fame inductee.
Steven Caulker is a professional footballer known for his leadership as a central defender and for a career that has spanned some of the most competitive leagues in world football. Born in London, England, Caulker began his football journey in the youth academy of Tottenham Hotspur, where his talent and strong defensive presence quickly set him apart.
He went on to play in the English Premier League, representing clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Swansea City, Cardiff City, and Queens Park Rangers. During this time, Caulker developed a reputation for his physical strength, composure on the ball, and ability to organize a defense.
In 2012, Caulker earned a cap for the England national team, marking the occasion by scoring a goal on his debut. Later in his career, he chose to represent Sierra Leone internationally, honoring his family heritage and helping raise the profile of football in the country.
Throughout his career, Caulker has played professionally in several countries, gaining experience across different leagues and cultures. His journey in football has also been one of resilience and personal growth. He has openly discussed overcoming significant personal challenges and has used his experiences to advocate for mental health awareness, personal responsibility, and perseverance.
Today, Steven Caulker continues to inspire athletes and fans alike through his story of determination, redemption, and commitment to the game.
Maribel Prieto, MBA, HRM is a senior education leader who helps schools grow, innovate, and serve students better every day. With more than 15 years of experience in K–12 schools, colleges, and virtual learning programs, she currently serves as Senior Director and Dean of Academics at Academica Virtual Education, supporting over 35 schools across the United States and internationally.
Maribel specializes in academic leadership, enrollment growth, curriculum development, and helping teachers and students succeed in both online and in-person learning environments. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and is passionate about creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
In addition to her leadership work, she teaches Business and Finance courses at Doral College, helping students build real-world skills for their future careers.
Maribel holds an MBA in Finance and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management. She believes education, innovation, and strong leadership can transform lives.
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