Eating Hot Wings with the Co-Founder of Apple is something I will never forget.
What a night! The 2023 Ad Astra Technology Summit has come to an end, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. I had the incredible honor of hosting the event and moderating a fireside chat with none other than Steve Wozniak. It was a dream come true to engage in a captivating conversation with such a tech icon, followed by an unforgettable onstage game of Blab or Burn—a Q&A game with a spicy twist.
The hot wings were no joke! While Steve ate them like they were jelly beans, I found myself desperately dipping my tongue in ranch dressing to cool down the heat. It was an exhilarating and hilarious experience that had the audience in stitches.
“These are tasty, but they are not very hot.”
-Steve Wozniak
But the night had an even more profound moment in store for me. As a total surprise, I was awarded the Kansas Tech Visionary of the Year Award. I was blown away and moved to tears by the kind words from Amanda Duncan, Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer for Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas and Flagship Board Treasurer. Her heartfelt speech touched me deeply, and I will always cherish that moment.
What made the night even more special was seeing my kids cheering me on from the back. Their support and enthusiasm meant the world to me and added a personal touch to an already extraordinary evening.
I will never ever forget this night—the honor of moderating a chat with Steve Wozniak, the thrill of surviving the Blab or Burn hot wing challenge, and the overwhelming joy of receiving the Kansas Tech Visionary of the Year Award. This event has left a lasting mark on me, and I am deeply grateful for everyone who made it possible.