Rethink Summit: Making a home for all of our stories

The Rethink Summit brings together business and community leaders with an interest in communication practices and policies that honor inclusiveness, diversity, and multiculturalism.

We imagined a gathering where poets would begin the day with words that had wings.

Where all our voices would be heard.

Where your story and my story would become our story.

A gathering in a beautiful setting with lots of light. With people clustered around a sandbox, a stage, a screen, a circle, a conversation, a game, food.

A place where music and memory would meet in songs we’d never heard before. Nipsey Hussle’s spirit would speak. Bruce Lee’s daughter would open doors to ideas flowing like water.

Where learners and teachers had equal status because they’d be one and the same.

Where every conversation would be the beginning of something.

We imagined we’d partner with the L.A. Times and Loyola Marymount University’s Graduate School of Business on this event. And that we’d imagine it together.

And then, together, we made it happen.

We were grateful to play a role and experience this with everyone who attended. And to all of those who poured their hearts, minds, and talents into helping it all to come together -- thank you! A special shout-out, and deep appreciation for and to Dr. Mitch Hamilton (@thefreshprofessor), and Clint Schaff (@clintschaff).

Mike Bonifer and Donna Pahel from 21 Day Story happily join in an arm-in-arm pose with Dr. Mitch Hamilton of Rethink Creative Agency at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles at the Rethink Summit. The Rethink Summit brings together business and community leaders with an interest in communication practices and policies that honor inclusiveness, diversity, and multiculturalism.

Mike and Donna with Dr. Mitch Hamilton who is CEO of Rethink Creative Agency and a professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Mitch's story includes a personal testimony of how his higher purpose gave him the strength to come back from a harrowing experience that nearly took his life. We're so glad you're here, Mitch, and the world is blessed by your gifts and contributions.

Mike Bonifer of 21 Day Story leads a collaborative object theater activity with participants around a sandbox. The Rethink Summit brings together business and community leaders with an interest in communication practices and policies that honor inclusiveness, diversity, and multiculturalism.

A curious and eager group gathered during a break to join Mike in an object theater activity. The group collaborated to resolve a challenge posed by one of its members. Most of them had not ever met one another prior to the event. Their open-mindedness and willingness to work together toward a common purpose led the group to some inspired ideas.