Authors at ONT

Since 2018, Thomas R. Williams has served as a dynamic member of The Jon Gordon Speaking Team, leveraging his signature energy to help organizations build winning cultures through transformative leadership principles. A former standout linebacker and two-time National Champion at USC, Thomas spent five years in the NFL before a career-ending neck injury shifted his focus from being a "game-changer" on the field to a "life-changer" in the world. Today, he draws on his elite athletic background and personal resilience to empower others to overcome adversity, embrace a positive mindset, and unlock their full potential.

In his memoir, Dream Chasing, former Walt Disney Imagineering President Bob Weis reflects on a storied forty-year career overseeing global projects like Tokyo DisneySea, Shanghai Disneyland, and the Disney Wish cruise ship. From 2016 to 2022, Weis led the creative vision for Disney’s most iconic destinations, utilizing a passion for storytelling and emerging technologies to redefine the visitor experience. His book offers an intimate look at the perseverance, triumphs, and failures behind bringing these innovative world-class dreams to life.

Annette Chavez Macias is a Mexican-American author known for her stories that focus on love, family and pursing drams She write under her own name and also uses the pseudonym Sabrina Sol for romance novels. Annette is a native of Southern California and resides near Los Angeles with her family. Her works often reflect her Mexican-American heritage, culture and traditions, providing readers with heartfelt narratives that resonate with authenticity.

Karla Ishino Banning was born in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, and is a woman who radiates talent, wisdom, and joy in everything she does. While a lawyer by profession, her essence goes far beyond the law. Karla is a proud mother of six children, a loving wife, and a loyal friend. In the book Mi Novio es un Angel, Karla reminds us that each moment is unique, that limits are merely illusions, and that when we connect with our true selves, anything is possible. Her book is not just a novel; it is a spiritual tool and a gift for those seeking answers, guidance, or simply a reminder of the power of love and faith 

Hailed as the "Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century," six-time Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee has parlayed her historic track-and-field success into a dedicated career of philanthropy and mentorship. While her accolades include being the first woman to receive the Sporting News Athlete of the Year Award, she is most proud of her work through the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, which provides essential resources for education, sports, and lifelong learning to families in need. In her book, Running for the Gold: Connecting Kids to Dreams, she shares the essential tools for success, empowering the next generation to achieve greatness both on the field and in life.

Terry Steele is a two-time Grammy nominee and two-time ASCAP Award–winning songwriter who has toured internationally and collaborated with legendary artists including Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Patti LaBelle; he also earned a Grammy nomination for co-writing the hit “Here and Now.” Beyond music, Steele has transformed his lifelong passion for gardening and cooking into a successful digital platform and authored the book Where Do We Grow From Here? Where Do We Grow from Here? is a “how-to” gardening and cookbook that showcases how the recent pandemic impacted people of every nation, creed, and color. This book serves as a snapshot in time of how a large portion of the world’s population coped with the pandemic through gardening and cooking.  

Devon Kennard is a 9-year NFL veteran and on the short list of NFL Players who secured both an undergrad and master’s degree before entering the NFL. He is well known for his philanthropic efforts and was recognized as a Walter Payton Man of The Year Finalist in 2020 for his work with after school programs where he teaches financial literacy to youth. Devon is now an Author of his new book It All Adds Up and has been investing in real estate since he entered the NFL.