Speakers
John Nadalin
John Nadalin was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio on the Hilltop, the westside of the city. He learned about hard work and union membership at the right hand of his father. Along the way he has been a member of the UFCW, the Brotherhood of Firemen and Enginemen, the Brotherhood of Fireman and Oilers, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the United Transportation Union, and upon retirement in 2010, the SMART TD (Transportation Division), formerly the UTU.
While he holds three college degrees (BS, MBA, and Ph.D.), none has been as significant as his promotion to Locomotive Engineer in 1971. Over his 42 years in the rail industry, he has held union positions in his locals as Committee Chair, Legislative Representative, Safety Chair, International Delegate to three Conventions, Director of Research and Education for the BLE where he also served as Assistant to the President, the Labor Research Coordinator for the UTU, and Director of Strategic Planning responsible for many organizing campaigns.
Currently, John serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Ross College of Business at Franklin University in their Doctor of Business Administration program.
John is married to his wife of 51 years, Saundra, and the father of Matt for the last 34 years.
My greatest tip would be, “the more involved you are in your union, the greater the satisfaction you will have.”
Carlos Wallace
Carlos Wallace is an author, youth advocate, motivational speaker and labor relations expert. He is a multifaceted creator and sought-after public speaker with a diverse range of accomplishments.
The bestselling author, motivational speaker, and youth advocate has made significant contributions to various fields.
With an impressive literary portfolio, Carlos has authored three books that have garnered national acclaim. His works include "Life Is Not Complicated, You Are: Turning Your Biggest Disappointments into Your Greatest Blessings," "The Other 99T.Y.M.E.S: Train Your Mind to Enjoy Serenity," and his latest literary masterpiece, "Why Sell Lies When the Truth Is Free." Notably, "Life Is Not Complicated You Are" and "Why Sell Lies When the Truth Is Free" are now integral components of the Behavioral Psychology Curriculum at Prairie View A&M University, reflecting their impact and relevance in academic settings.
In addition to his literary accomplishments, Carlos has made significant strides in the film industry. He has written and produced two award-winning films, including the critically acclaimed "Poetic Energy Needed in Society (P.E.N.S.)."
Moreover, Carlos is deeply committed to raising awareness about labor relations and the history and power of unions. With decades of experience as a fifth-generation railroader and a graduate of the National Labor College, he is recognized as an expert in labor relations, mediation, and contract negotiations.
As President and CEO of Sol-Caritas LLC, an entertainment and philanthropy company, Carlos has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at supporting charitable causes. Through multi-city tours and events featuring stand-up comics, spoken word artists, and entertainers, Sol-Caritas has made generous donations to over 100 nonprofit organizations, including Covenant House, the American Diabetes Association, and the Lupus Foundation of America.
Carlos Wallace's dedication to social activism and the arts, combined with his diverse talents and accomplishments, solidifies his status as a prominent figure in various fields.
Carlos is married to award-winning journalist, television anchor, and children’s book writer, Liz Faublas-Wallace.