Meet our 2024 Speakers

Dr. Cara Poland is a distinguished addiction medicine expert and faculty member at Michigan State University, with a robust educational background that includes a medical degree from Wayne State University, training in internal medicine and addiction medicine at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and Boston Medical Center, respectively, and a master’s degree in education from Boston University. Her focus is on educating healthcare providers and those in training to enhance the care for patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), especially during critical periods such as pregnancy and early parenting. In 2018, Dr. Poland spearheaded the MI CARES initiative, leveraging State Opioid Response funds to foster collaboration among Michigan's medical schools. This initiative aims to train physician-level addiction specialists nationwide, with over 1,000 physicians across all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico currently working towards board certification in Addiction Medicine. The program also extends its educational reach to resident physicians, social work students and practitioners, APRNs, and PA practitioners, emphasizing compassionate, destigmatized treatment for individuals with SUDs.

Beyond her educational endeavors, Dr. Poland is a prominent advocate and public speaker, actively involved in media and community events to support those with SUDs. Her advocacy has significantly influenced policies and procedures for SUD treatment, including her role as Public Policy Chair for the American Society of Addiction Medicine and chair of the Michigan Opioid Advisory Commission. Through these roles, she has been instrumental in advancing evidence-based treatment options and influencing the use of opioid settlement funds in Michigan. Dr. Poland's work, driven by a personal connection to the impacts of substance use disorders, highlights her dedication to improving treatment and reducing stigma for those affected by SUDs, making her a pivotal figure in the field of addiction medicine.

With a storied career spanning over four decades, Ross Chowles has left an indelible mark on the advertising and design industry. As an Art Director and Creative Director at Y&R, and a founding partner of The Jupiter Drawing Room in Cape Town, South Africa, Chowles has been at the forefront of creative innovation and strategy. His expertise and vision have also led him to serve on the board of The One Club for Creativity, further cementing his influence in the field. Transitioning his wealth of knowledge and passion for creativity to academia, Chowles currently enlightens minds as a professor at Michigan State University. Here, he dedicates himself to teaching the next generation of creatives the art of creation and strategy in advertising and design, nurturing future leaders in the industry.

Natalia Khoshnam stands out as an empathetic, creative, and highly adaptable pre-medical undergraduate at Michigan State University, where she is majoring in Arts and Humanities with a minor in Design Justice. Currently, she is applying her unique blend of skills and interests as a clinical research intern with Family Counseling and MSU Pediatrics. Khoshnam's academic and professional paths reflect her commitment to integrating artistic sensibility with medical science, aiming to innovate within the healthcare sector through a design justice lens. Her work in clinical research not only underscores her academic prowess but also her dedication to contributing meaningfully to patient care and medical practice.

“Learning to tell your story doesn't have to be complicated.” Jarrad Henderson is a respected industry leader who seeks to democratize journalism by empowering diverse voices to share their stories. A 4-time Emmy Award-winning visual journalist, multimedia alchemist and inspirational educator, Henderson has produced impactful content in large newsrooms for over a decade — specializing in access to visual storytelling education, documentary filmmaking, photojournalism, video editing, media entrepreneurship, media literacy, mentorship and professional development.