About oir guest: Kimberly Trueba's appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts ofSouthern Nevada (GSSNV) in April 2018 marked the beginning of a transformative era. With awealth of experience spanning twenty-eight years in real estate development, hospitality design,business strategy, organizational development, and operations, Trueba possesses a unique blendof expertise that she generously shares with those around her. Her ability to nurture talent andfoster growth within the Girl Scouts community is unparalleled, inspiring girls and adultvolunteers alike to strive for excellence and unleash their full potential. Before her tenure withGSSNV, Trueba played a pivotal role in shaping experiential environments within the hospitality,restaurant, and entertainment sectors as Managing Principal, for an award- winning internationalhospitality design firm, TAL Studio and development executive with Forte Specialty Contractors.As a second-generation design professional, Trueba began her journey at Walt DisneyImagineering, where she left an indelible mark over a decade by leading iconic projects within theWalt Disney World Theme Parks and Resorts portfolio. Hailing from Wichita, Kansas, Truebaearned her degree in Interior Architecture from Kansas State University, where she continues tobe recognized for her outstanding contributions, receiving the Honoree Alumni Award. Activelyengaged in professional networks, she has been a member of the Young President’s Organizationfor over a decade, demonstrating her commitment to leadership and mentorship. Trueba'sdedication to service extends beyond her professional endeavors, as evidenced by herlongstanding involvement on various boards, committees and with the Girl Scouts. As a lifetimemember and alumna, she draws upon her formative experiences with the organization to drivepositive change and empowerment for young women. Her commitment to leaving a lastinglegacy of empowerment and opportunity is reflected in her tireless efforts to uplift communitiesand create a more equitable and inclusive society for future women. She understands the powerof unity and collaboration in effecting meaningful change and actively seeks out opportunities toamplify voices that are often marginalized or overlooked. Under Trueba's visionary leadership,GSSNV reached new heights, marked by the historic receipt of the largest single private propertygift in Girl Scouts of the USA history. The generous donation of 70 acres of property and land fromthe Charles and Phyllis M. Frias Charitable Trust, valued at nearly $9 million, enabled GSSNV torestore local overnight camp opportunities, an essential element of the Girl Scout LeadershipExperience. Trueba's ability to inspire philanthropy and uplift communities creates an enduringlegacy of empowerment and opportunity for generations to come.
Dr. Renee Coffman is president and co-founder of the Nevada College of Pharmacy, now Roseman University of Health Sciences. She previously served as the University’s Executive Vice President for Quality Assurance and Intercampus Consistency and the Dean of its College of Pharmacy. Before establishing Roseman University, Dr. Coffman became a founding member of the faculty at Western University of Health Sciences, where she also held the position of Facilitative Officer for Student Services. While at Western, Dr. Coffman and four colleagues received Honorable Mention for the AACP Innovations in Teaching Awards. A licensed pharmacist in the state of Nevada, Dr. Coffman earned a Pharmacy degree from OhioNorthern University in 1987 and, following graduation, worked as a pharmacist in her hometown of Bucyrus, Ohio and in Piqua, Ohio. In 1995, Dr. Coffman earned a doctoral degree in Industrial and Physical Pharmacy from Purdue University, where she received the Kienle Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Jenkins-Knevel Award for Outstanding Graduate Research, and was awarded an AAPE-AFPE Association Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Sciences.Dr. Coffman is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, American Pharmaceutical Association, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, and the International Federation of Pharmacy, as well as Phi Kappa Phi and Rho Chi Honor Societies and the Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society. Dr. Coffman has worked to support pharmacy, education, and improved health care through herwork with the Southern Nevada Medical Industry Coalition, iDO (Improving Diabetes and Obesity inSouthern Nevada), the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy Medication Error Discussion Group, and theNevada State Board of Pharmacy Committee on Standards for Approval of Pharmacy Technician Training Programs. Additionally, Dr. Coffman was instrumental in successful legislative efforts permitting pharmacists to perform finger-stick blood glucose testing. In recognition of her community service in Southern Nevada, in 2008, she received the “Who’s Who in Healthcare” Award and the “Women of Distinction” Award, both sponsored by In Business Las Vegas, now VEGAS INC. In 2017, the publication recognized Dr. Coffman as one of 12 “Women to Watch” in business. In 2012, she was named a “Distinguished Alumnus” by Ohio Northern University and in 2021 was named a “Distinguished Alumnus” by Purdue University.
Wendell P Williams was born in Saint Joseph Louisiana and received both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Southern University at Baton Rouge LouisianaAfter locating to Las Vegas Nevada, he worked as a classroom teacher and community organizer. His work in education earned him the Crystal Apple Award and among other things the highest award from the National Education Association as well as the MaryMcCloud Bethune Award from the NAACPIn 1987 he was elected to the Nevada Legislature becoming the first teacher in Nevada history to serve in that body. In his freshman term he introduced and passed two paid state holidays, FAMILY DAY and the Dr Martin Luther King state Holiday. Among dozens of countless bills, he authored legislation to rebuild all schools in Las Vegas that were built before 1970. During his 18 years in the Nevada legislature, he served as chairman of theEducation Committee and Judiciary Committee. He later became the first AfricanAmerican to serve as Speaker of the House.His work in the community includes membership in the Masons, the Order of the Elks theOmega Psi Phi Fraternity among a few. He was a columnist for the Las Vegas SentinelVoice Newspaper and was the founder of Power 88 Radio’s first community affairs talkshow.His community work resulted in the Clark County School District in 2002 opening the first2 story elementary school in the state in his honor “Wendell Phillips Williams ElementarySchool” in his honor. And in 2004 the City of Las Vegas dedicated Wendell Williams Way anew street in his honor. And among his other awards in 2025 President Joseph Biden presented him with the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR SERVICE.1n December of 1981, Williams founded the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Committee of LasVegas as well as the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Birthday Parade. Starting with just 13 Entries the Parade has grown to what is considered the largest King Parade in America. And the celebration spans over 10 days with a mart summit that attracts up to 1000 students and the scholarship gala has helped countless students attain higher education over 40 years.The organization was successful among other things changing the former Highland Blvd to what’s now Martin Luther King Blvd. and the opening of Martin Luther ElementarySchool.However, Mr. Williams feels that his greatest achievement in life in his life was convincing former Jet Magazine Beauty of the Week, Zelda Pur ear to become Mrs. Wendell P Williams.
About our guest … Leon Ravin, MD is currently serving in the position ofStatewide Psychiatric Medical Director for the Division of Public and BehavioralHealth, DHHS, State of Nevada. In addition to Dr. Raven being a board-certifiedgeneral adult and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Raven also serves as a member of theStatewide School Safety Task Force for the State of Nevada and a member ofthe Executive Committee of the Medical Directors Council of the NationalAssociation of State Mental Health Program Directors. Dr. Ravin served for fouryears as a member of the LAI work group for SMI Adviser, an APA and SAMHSAinitiative that offers researched, vetted and verified guidance to the bestresources on SMI. Since 2010 Dr. Ravin has been a member of the ConferenceCommittee for the Annual National Psychopharmacology Update, the largestpsychopharmacology conference in the United States. Additionally, since 2013Dr. Ravin has been one for the lead trainers for the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)training for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Influential ResourcesIzaac credits several books for shaping his artistic mindset and career. Early on, works like Think and Grow Rich and How to Win Friends and Influence People taught him the power of manifestation and networking. Books such as 48 Laws of Power and Mastery reinforced the importance of focus and continual skill development. Other impactful reads include The Power of Habit, The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, Origins of Creativity, and Algorithms to Live By. Together,these resources helped him navigate the challenges of being an independent creative, a path that requires both mental resilience and adaptability.Mission and philosophy At the heart of Izaac’s work lies a mission to highlight social issues and spark dialogue. Through the ambiguity of his art,he invites viewers to extract personalized meanings, often resulting in interpretations that reflect opposing perspectives.Far from being a flaw, Izaac sees this duality as a reflection of human complexity and the contradictions that define society.For Izaac, art is a tool to illuminate these nuances and hypocrisies, providing a medium capable of capturing the layered realities of the modern world.Jan21thIzaac Baron Zevalking Artist
About our guest … Mason Van Houweling Mason Van Houweling serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC), providing leadership to a diverse team of nearly 5,000 employees who dedicate their careers to delivering Nevada’s highest level of care. While guiding Nevada’s most respected academic medical center and its many off-site clinic locations, Mason’s strategic vision supports the organization’s ability to save and improve the lives of community members. UMC remains dedicated to offering exclusive and highly specialized services, including Nevada's Level I Trauma Center, only Verified Burn Center, and only Center for Transplantation. As a result of his commitment to innovation, UMCnow serves as Nevada’s most sophisticated healthcare system, offering the latest breakthroughs in clinical technology. Mason brings 30 years of healthcare experience to UMC, from small community hospitals to those with more than 1,000 beds. He has a proven track record of balancing a hospital's financial performance while providing uncompromised patient care. Mason’s hospital administration career began at Orlando Regional Medical Center and continued progressing with Tenet Healthcare, CarolinasHealthcare System, and Universal Healthcare. Before joining UMC as Chief Executive Officer, Mason was a Senior Leader at Spring Valley and Valley Hospitals in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Get ready for an enlightening episode of No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete as wewelcome innovator and Creative Director, Jose Gomez is also known as “Drix”.In this episode of "No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete," Joe is joined by José Gomez,known professionally as Drix, to discuss his journey to art and his work as theCreative Director of UNAPLGTIC. Drix shares his inspiration behind the design of theGENESIS Apple Art Car, focusing on its innovative theme of Technology.Join us for an engaging conversation that explores Drix’s life, his passion for artinnovation, and his creative participation in shaping a better future for all. This is anepisode you won't want to miss!
In this episode of "No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete," Joe engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jonathan E. Sherin, M.D., Ph.D. They explore Dr. Sherin's extensive advocacy work, spanning local, state, and national levels,focusing on vulnerable populations such as veterans, mental health, andhomelessness. The discussion also touches upon the significance of a new medical school inSouthern Nevada. This episode provides profound insights into Dr. Sherin'simpactful background, and career. It sheds light on critical issues affectingcommunities, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in healthcare, advocacy,and societal well-being.
They will also discuss the importance of establishing a new medical school in Southern Nevada. This episode offers valuable insights into Congresswoman Lee's multifaceted contributions and promises an engaging exploration of education, community service, and healthcare initiatives. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!
About our guest … Alex De Castroverde is a Las Vegas personal injury attorney and the owner of De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers along with his brother, Orlando. Their father, Waldo De Castroverde, was born in Havana, Cuba, and was a paratrooper in the Bay of Pigs invasion. Waldo moved to Reno, Nevada, in 1978, along with his wife Vivian De Castroverde (also born in Cuba) and their four children. After attending law school at night—while he dealt blackjack during the day—Waldo became one of the first attorneys in Nevada to open a law office with the focus of representing the Hispanic Community. In 2005, De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers was formed as a branch of the Law Office of Waldo De Castroverde. The firm has grown from three attorneys to over 20 attorneys and a total team of over 100 employees. The firm now has offices in Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, Reno, Oakland, CA and plans on expanding across the United Sates. The firm concentrates on personal injury, immigration, and criminal defense. In 1995, Mr. De Castroverde received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. He received his J.D. from Nova Southeastern University in 1999. Mr. De Castroverde is active in the Southern Nevada community, currently serving on the Board of Directors for Cristo Rey St. Viator Las Vegas College Preparatory and the Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities. He is also on the Advisory Council for the Nevada Independent and serves as a committee member for the Las Vegas Bowl Committee. Mr. De Castroverde is happily married to his wife Cathy of over 14 years, and they have three daughters.
Get ready for an enlightening episode of No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete as wewelcome our esteemed guest, Commissioner William O'Neil McCurdy II.Commissioner McCurdy will take us on a journey through his upbringing, offeringvaluable insights into the experiences and influences that shaped his path. Fromthere, he'll share his experience from his time with the Service EmployeesInternational Union (SEIU), providing a firsthand perspective on labor advocacy andthe fight for workers' rights. Commissioner McCurdy will also delve into theimportance of civic engagement, drawing from his own experiences to highlight thepower of community involvement and activism.Join us for an engaging conversation that explores Commissioner McCurdy's life, hispassion for social justice, and the crucial role of civic participation in shaping a betterfuture for all. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
Join us in our latest episode as we dive into the crucial intersection of mental health and medical education with the inspiring Trinh Dang. Trinh brings a wealth of experience as a mental health advocacy.
About our guest … Vance Farrow is an industry specialist employed by the Governor's Office of Economic Development. He is in charge of growth, hiring, and retention in the development sector. Prior to assuming his current position with G.O.E.D., Mr. Farrow served as the head of the Bureau of Cancer and Chronic Illness for the Columbia Development of Health district. Mr. Farrow was named executive commissioner of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education when he was giving a speech about Nevada's Broadband Medical Education. Vance Farrow is a driven man who yet possesses compassion as a leader for public health professionals. Every demanding opportunity will find Vance Farrow ready.
About our guest … Dr. Lasky joined the Cure the Kids Foundation in 2017. He attended medical school at the University of Illinois in Chicago and did his pediatric residency at the University of Chicago. He completed his Pediatric Hematology Oncology fellowship at UCLA in 2006 and was director of the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program at UCLA until 2009 when he moved to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, CA, and was named Chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology. While there, Dr. Lasky became involved with a number of clinical trials for patients with bleeding disorders (including hemophilia and von Willebrand disease) as well as sickle cell anemia. While continuing to have research interests in pediatric brain tumors and immunology, he also is interested in running and developing clinical trials for patients with bleeding disorders and sickle cell anemia. Dr. Lasky is a member of several professional societies including the Children’s Oncology Group, Society for Neuro-Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He enjoys watching sports, reading, music, and outdoor activities with his family. In September of 2022, Dr. Lasky is now the Medical Director at Cure 4 The Kids (C4K).
About our guest … Kelvin Watson Named American Library Association Medal of Excellence Award Winner has brought innovative, award-winning leadership to Nevada’s largest library system. Overseeing 25 branches run by 600+ employees with a collection of 3.2 million items. His deep experience in fundraising, technology, program development,and demonstration of success in addressing the digital divide, has brought a new era to this library system. Kelvin joined the Library District from his role as the director of the Broward County Libraries Division, where he managed through 38 locations in the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida region. He brought transformative change through ambitious and groundbreaking initiatives, such as streamlining access to resources, introducing new technology, and developing new collaborative partnerships. He was named the 2021 winner of the Margaret E. Monroe Library Adult Services Award, sponsored by Novelist, for his dedication to implementing new and innovative ways to meet customers – both existing and new – “where they are,” with initiatives targeting non-traditional library users.
We're thrilled to share the exciting news that Dr. Stowe Shoemaker, PhD, will be the featured guest on the upcoming episode of the No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete podcast.Join Joe and Stowe as they delve into Stowe's remarkable journey, explore the intersection of hospitality and healthcare, and discuss his latest book, "Hospitable Healthcare: Just What the Patient Ordered," released in September 2023.We sincerely appreciate your continued support, and we can't wait to bring you another outstanding episode! Get ready for an engaging and insightful conversation!
About our guest … Dr.Matthew Thacker is the Program Director for the Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency in Henderson, Nevada. After earning his bachelor's degree in Biology with a concentration in Integrative Physiology from UNLV, he attended UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine and received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 2018. After graduating from dental school, Dr.Thacker served in the U.S. Navy as a Fleet Marine Force dental officer for 4 years aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in 29 Palms, California. He continues to serve the community as a volunteer dentist for the Special Olympics, Give Kids a Smile, UNLV’s Sgt Ferrin Memorial Veteran’s Clinic, Adopt-a-Vet, Project Homeless, and Roseman University’s Empower. He is passionate about providing a broad scope of evidence-based dental care to the Las Vegas Valley community and is dedicated to training the next generation of dentists to be skilled, compassionate, and service-based healthcare providers.Dr.Thacker is a member of the American Dental Education Association, Nevada Dental Association, Southern Nevada Dental Society, and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr.Thacker and his wife, Dr.Angelica Jane Bustos-Thacker are natives to Las Vegas and currently live in Summerlin with their two dogs, Puka and Boba. On his free time, Dr.Thacker enjoys playing ice hockey, graphic design, computer coding, traveling, and is an avid woodworker.Twitter:@DrJoeGreer @Rosemanmedicine Instagram:@rucomdiversity
About our guest … Dr. DeRionne Pollard is the current president of Nevada State University (NSU). She was appointed by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents in April to lead NSU, a four-year public comprehensive institution. Dr. Pollard began her tenure at NSU on Aug. 16, 2021. Dr. Pollard is the first Black female president of any NSHE institution. She has held previous roles at the College of Lake County and served as president of both Montgomery College and Las Positas College.Dr. Pollard is deeply connected to her community. Dr. Pollard was named one of Washington’s 100 Most Powerful Women by Washingtonian Magazine, won a 2017 Academic Leadership Award from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and a Visionary Award from the Washington Area Women’s Foundation. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s of arts in English from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies in higher education from Loyola University Chicago.Twitter:@DrJoeGreer@RosemanmedicineInstagram:@rucomdiversity
About our guest … Malachi Williams is from Phoenix, Arizona. He moved to Las Vegas 13 years ago. He has been married for 16 years and is a father of 6. Malachi is a muralist and has 20+plus years of experience as an artist. He has pieces in Atlanta, California, Arizona, North Las Vegas, and Las Vegas. Malachi is also an art instructor and does customized shoes. Malachi recently won a spool decorating contest during the ‘Art U Ok’ hosted by First Friday with the Downtown Las Vegas. His piece is titled CAREousel “Life is full of ups and downs, you just have to enjoy the ride.” He was then the featured artist at First Friday for the month of April 2023 where he did a community piece. Malachi believes that art brings the community together. He is now a resident artist at First Friday where he will be working on art pieces with the community. Malachi is currently practicing visual arts at Strokes, LLC a company that he started with his wife in 2018. ”I believe art has a way of saying what can’t be spoken with words, so I use my gift to spread hope to whoever my work is placed. I am most pleased when I see the younger generation gravitate towards creativity, and making it their own. I hope one day my children do the same, fall in love with art, and take it to a new platform.”Malachi hopes to one day have murals all across the United States. Malachi likes to inspire and evoke hope through his art pieces.