Professional Development
Workplace and School Violence Prevention
This impactful half-day symposium highlights the critical role of human connection and early intervention in preventing acts of violence. Through compelling real-life stories, participants are powerfully reminded that small gestures like noticing, reaching out, and showing compassion can profoundly influence outcomes, even saving lives.
The event inspires a shift from passive awareness to active engagement, encouraging the creation of environments rooted in care, attentiveness, and shared responsibility.
Hear from powerful voices who bring real-world experience and deeply personal stories to the stage.
Trauma and Resiliency
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢 is a beloved and dedicated educator who was at the height of her teaching career when her life was forever altered by the Route 91 Shooting in October 2017. A survivor of that tragic night, Autumn sustained life-altering injuries and continues to navigate the lasting physical and emotional impacts. Despite the trauma, her steadfast devotion to her students and family became a powerful symbol of resilience. Autumn’s story is not only one of survival but of profound transformation — turning pain into purpose and trauma into a message of hope and healing. Through her strength and authenticity, she has inspired her children and countless others to discover courage and connection in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Pathway to School Violence
Known nationwide for his viral TEDx talk “I Was Almost a School Shooter.” 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐤 came dangerously close to becoming a school shooter. His life was shaped by relentless physical and emotional abuse that began in early childhood and intensified through his teenage years. Consumed by pain, isolation, and hopelessness, Aaron reached a breaking point—formulating a plan to inflict mass harm. But that trajectory was changed not by punishment or intervention, but by an unexpected act of kindness. A single friend’s consistent compassion pierced through the darkness and ultimately saved lives, including Aaron’s. Today, Aaron shares his story with raw honesty in his widely viewed TED Talk—seen by over 15 million people—delivering a powerful message: sometimes the ones who seem to deserve love the least are the ones who need it the most.
Lead with Awareness
Dr. Sherry Colgan Stone is a nationally respected expert in campus safety, with 36 years in education and 25 years protecting K-12 and higher education communities. Her journey began while teaching at an American school in Pakistan, where responding to bomb threats ignited her passion for crisis preparedness. She currently serves as an Emergency Services Coordinator, and leads Stone Campus Safety, a firm focused on community empowerment through readiness and connection. Dr. Stone shares her expertise nationwide as an instructor for Texas A&M’s TEEX program, and serves on boards such as the Joyful Child Foundation and InfraGard San Diego. With a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, she champions prevention through care, vigilance, and action.
Moderator
Moderator
“In a time of countless meetings, never ending deadlines, and mounds of paperwork and protocols; this was so needed, and I deeply appreciated it. I went into this field to make an impact and connect with students, which can easily fall to the wayside this time of year. Thank you for helping me realize my ‘why’ again.”
School Psychologist
“The speakers were amazing and their stories could not be more relevant. I also want to thank Autumn Bignami and Aaron Stark for sharing their personal stories. You never know what you say or even how you say something that might greatly impact someone or even change their trajectory.”
Workplace Violence Prevention Program Manager
