August 1 at 9:30 AM

Each year, we invite members of the host city’s communities – their leaders, movers and shakers – to share short, inspirational stories during the Flash Talks session. Learn from their efforts and gather ideas for your own!

Samuel McCullum

Director, STEAM On Wheels

Samuel McCullum, originally from Chicago, is a distinguished innovator and committed community advocate. Holding a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology and a master’s in community and economic development, Samuel is driven by his passion for education and effecting positive change. He has made a significant impact through mentoring in robotics programs for youth. His dedication also permeates the cultural sphere, where he serves as a respected board member, enhancing initiatives related to the arts and community connectivity.

Since its inception in 2018, STEAM on Wheels has evolved from an all-volunteer effort to a staff-led organization over the past year. This period has witnessed significant growth, reaching a current total of 3,200 students and expanding community support, as demonstrated by an increase in partnerships and fundraising.

Ann McGlynn

Executive Director, Tapestry Farms

Ann McGlynn is the founder and executive director of Tapestry Farms, a nonprofit urban farm system that invests in refugees who live in the Quad Cities. She grew up on a small family farm in Clinton County, Iowa. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa. Ann lives in Davenport with her family, which includes her husband, two college-age sons, and two cats.

Tapestry Farms’ work involves social services support for refugee families, growing food using traditional and hydroponic methods at 10 sites in the Quad-Cities, and improving the Quad-Cities’ welcoming infrastructure so that all can engage fully in what our community has to offer. We work with families who come from Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, and Haiti.

Maria Ontiveros

Cofounder and President, Mercado on Fifth

Maria Ontiveros is the Corporate Community Liaison for Illinois Quad Cities-based Group O, one of the largest Hispanic-owned companies in the U.S. She is also Cofounder and President of Mercado on Fifth, a nonprofit organization that hosts a weekly Hispanic night market featuring food trucks, vendor booths, Latin entertainment and activities for kids. Ontiveros helped launch the organization in 2016 and soon after started the Spanish language Food Sanitation Management program at Black Hawk College, helping Spanish speakers become certified to open food service businesses. Mercado has since helped create and/or provided a platform for over 70 new minority-owned businesses in the Quad Cities.

Ontiveros, a 2008 graduate of Bettendorf High School and a 2012 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, also serves as a board member of the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (MetroLINK) and Visit Quad Cities.