The 2020 Broward College Speakers Series Presented by Virgin Trains USA is bringing star power to South Florida for its seventh edition. The annual program will kick off on March 12 with Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, followed by U.S. soccer star Abby Wambach on April 29, and closing with humanitarian chef José Andrés May 18.

"These speakers are among our country's history-makers and social-influencers and will stimulate thoughtful, public discussion on issues that relate to each of us as well as the community-at-large," says Broward College President Gregory Adam Haile.

Each lecture will take place at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in the Amaturo Theater, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The Web Celeb

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Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales was dubbed a "web celebrity" by Forbes magazine. TIME magazine named him one of its "100 Most Influential People" in 2006. He is a Fellow of the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School and serves on the board of directors of Socialtext and for the non-profit Creative Commons.

He is the founder of the Wikimedia Foundation, WikiTribune, and Wikia. Following on his expertise, he will address the topic "What's Next in Tech?" Thrive in a "Wiki" Future" during his presentation sponsored by Exults Marketing.

World Star Athlete

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Abby Wambach is not only one of the greatest women soccer players in history but also a leading voice for women athletes in all disciplines. Wambach was the U.S. women soccer team captain who led them to victory in the World Cup championship in 2015 and gold medals in 2004 and 2012. She is the all-time leading scorer in international soccer history, with 184 career goals under her belt.

Wambach, a New York Times Best Selling author and activist of equality and inclusion, will discuss how she is "Living Authentically" when she visits Fort Lauderdale this spring.

Humanitarian Chef

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José Andrés is known for his avant-garde cuisine in the culinary industry. Named one of TIME magazine's "100 Most Influential People" in 2012 and 2018, he's received several honors, among them the "Lifetime Achievement Award" in 2017 from the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the "National Humanities Medal" in 2015.

Andrés has taken his passion for food to a higher level. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria when he delivered more than 3.5 million meals in Puerto Rico through his non-profit organization World Central Kitchen. During his presentation sponsored by Stearns Weaver Miller, Andrés will explain how he is "Changing the World Through the Power of Food."

Tickets for the general public are $55-$65 and can be purchased at the Speaker Series Site. Broward College students and employees are eligible for a discount when they purchase tickets at the AutoNation Box Office window at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. They must show valid student ID or proof of employment. Tickets are also available to a reception and photo opportunity with the speaker after each presentation. Tickets to the receptions are limited.