The Idea Salon returns for its third installment, “Overcoming Extraordinary Odds,” on Wednesday, May 7, inviting three bold voices who’ve done exactly that for an evening of raw, real conversation about resilience and their relentless drive to make a difference.

From 5 to 7 p.m. at the San Tan Ford Club at Mountain America Stadium, The Idea Salon’s Third Edition will welcome the following innovators and leaders whose personal and professional experiences embody the evening’s theme:

• Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State University’s Head Football Coach and the youngest Division I Coach in NCAA football. 
• Pastor Warren Stewart, a nationally known faith leader, author and civil rights, immigration and community advocate who led the fight for Arizona’s historic statewide vote for the MLK holiday.  
• Bill Way, a Valley resident and Oscar-Nominated, Peabody Award-Winning film producer who is the CEO and co-founder of Fit Via Vi Film Productions.

A press release explained that in addition to a fireside chat featuring all three icons, attendees will enjoy cocktails and compelling stories in an inspiring setting designed to inspire reflection, conversation and impactful change at the community level. 

Designed with the intent of “emancipating innovation,” The Idea Salon unites community leaders and catalysts for change across multiple industries and sectors, with the event’s second edition, held in May 2024, featuring NBA Hall of Famer and eight-time All-Star Steve Nash, who spoke of “Fueled by Failure.” 

The inaugural salon welcomed Valley creative entrepreneur Kirk Strawn, who intrigued the audience with a discussion on “Bringing Burning Man Principles to Business.” Anita Lang, founder, said in the release that The Idea Salon is much more than a lecture series.

“It’s about creating a space where leaders and community members can come together and share impactful, unexpected conversations and unfiltered stories you won’t hear anywhere else,” Lang said.

Lang founded The Idea Salon in 2024 with Horizon Strategies managing partner Jessica Pacheco and Jason Rose, founder of Rose & Allyn Public Relations, The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, and Quixote Productions and co-owner of Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week. 

There is no cost to attend the event, which will be hosted by the Arizona Board of Regents, Lang, Rose and Pacheco, according to the release.