About

Play for Change: Empowering Youth to Lead the Way

Angela Maiers

Futurist • Innovator • Educator • Entrepreneur • Change Maker

Angela Maiers is dedicated to empowering individuals to transform their world. As the founder of Choose2Matter, her mission is to help people recognize their value and contribution to change. This journey began with her viral TEDTalk in 2011, “You Matter!” which led to the creation of Choose2Matter in 2014. The movement has influenced over a million children globally, encouraging social enterprises and legislative changes. Angela is a renowned thought leader in education and transformation, collaborating with Fortune 500 companies and global institutions on employee engagement and purpose-driven cultures. Her accolades include Forbes’ Top 5 Edupreneurs and IBM’s Top 20 Global Influencers. Author of nine books, Angela is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and researcher, integrating education, neuroscience, and innovation to foster purposeful leadership. Her work with various organizations focuses on cultivating positive cultures and unlocking individual potential, driven by the belief in everyone’s inherent purpose and dignity.

Dan Adams

Vice President of Programs, Sources of Strength

Dan Adams is the Vice President of Programs at Sources of Strength, where he is dedicated to empowering young people to discover their strengths, build connections, and take action to improve mental health and well-being. With over a decade of experience, Dan has worked globally in youth empowerment, including leading community development initiatives in Kampala, Uganda, where he partnered with local leaders to create programs that help young people thrive. He also ran a mentorship and skills training program for juveniles at Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town, South Africa, one of the world’s most challenging correctional facilities, and worked in juvenile justice and gang diversion programs, focusing on solutions that build hope and resilience. Known for his engaging and strengths-based approach, Dan combines fun, storytelling, and practical strategies to help young people create lasting change in their communities and beyond.