Early Childhood Development - Global Speakers Bureau

Howard Weinstein is the visionary inventor behind Solar Ear, the world’s only humanitarian hearing aid organization whose products are developed and manufactured by people who are deaf. Solar Ear is much more than a hearing aid—it’s a catalyst for change, fostering health, education, peacebuilding, and ecological sustainability across communities.

For 25 years, Howard led a successful international plumbing manufacturing business based in Montreal. However, a pivotal life event inspired him to transition from the corporate world to social entrepreneurship. Volunteering in Africa, he worked to empower individuals with disabilities by helping them build sustainable businesses. His groundbreaking model of social entrepreneurship was so impactful that it was replicated and expanded in Brazil, China, and the Middle East, creating ripples of social and economic change globally.

Howard’s work has earned him prestigious accolades, including several Technology and Health Innovation Awards, the AAA Humanitarian Award, and the title of Global Social Entrepreneur of the Year from the World Technology Network, presented at the United Nations.

His projects have captured worldwide attention, featured in Newsweek, National Geographic, and 20 other publications across six countries. Innovations from his initiatives have been showcased in iconic institutions, including the Smithsonian, the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, and the Lower Pyramid Museum of Japan.

As a passionate educator, Howard has taught courses on social business at Harvard, Oxford, Duke, McGill University, and INSEAD, sharing his expertise with the next generation of changemakers. Today, he continues to mentor young social entrepreneurs, inspiring them to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.

Howard credits much of his success to his two most profound mentors—two young adults with Down Syndrome—who taught him the power of inclusion, resilience, and humanity. His journey is a testament to how business can be a force for good, transforming lives and creating a more equitable world.

Stephan Turnipseed is the President Emeritus of LEGO Education, North America and Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships for LEGO Education.

LEGO Education has a thirty year history in developing playful learning solutions that enable every student to succeed. Mr. Turnipseed is passionate about inspiring children through education and is a proponent of hands-on learning. Turnipseed led LEGO Education North America for 16 years. During this time, he was responsible for helping to transform LEGO Education from a product sales company to an educational resource leader, working with educators, industry experts and academia to help inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow.

As part of the global LEGO Education team, he helps to establish the strategic direction for the company, leads advocacy and outreach efforts and is responsible for strategic relationships. He is the Chairman for The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, a national organization that advocates for 21st century readiness for every student. He is a member of both the Clinton Global Initiative and the Global Business Coalition for Education founded by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Turnipseed is the past president of the Tourette Syndrome Association, non-profit dealing with research, advocacy and policy for those, like himself, affected by Tourette Syndrome, a neurologic movement disorder.

Before joining LEGO Education, Turnipseed owned his own leadership consultancy practice, focused on strategic and tactical planning and leadership skills development. He also previously managed business units for Schlumberger Limited, an oilfield service company.

Turnipseed is a veteran of the United States Air Force and is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in electrical engineering. He is the author of two books and numerous published articles. He holds two patents for the design of the TETRIX robotic system.

He resides in Pike Road, Alabama, with his wife, Joyce and is the proud father to one adult son. When not working with educators, Stephan enjoys pursuing his and his wife’s dream of expanding a green space they created on his ancestral land for children to appreciate the importance of agriculture and the environment.