Registration is NOW OPEN
July 27, – July 29, 2025
On Campus at the University of Kansas, Lawrence KS.
KEYNOTE
The Real Life 007: Tony Schiena – A Journey of Action, Impact, and Leadership
Prepare to be inspired by the incredible Tony Schiena at the Small and Rural 2025 Training Conference. With a career that could easily rival any Hollywood action film, Tony Schiena is a real-life 007—a Hollywood actor, World Karate Champion, counterterrorism expert, and former intelligence operative. As the founder and chairman of MOSAIC, Tony has spent his life at the intersection of danger, diplomacy, and action.
From the frontlines of conflict zones to working alongside government agencies, law enforcement, and military forces, Tony has been a pivotal figure in global security. His extraordinary career began in South Africa during the pivotal moments of apartheid’s downfall and has since taken him to some of the most dangerous and high-stakes areas of the world.
Tony’s incredible work includes providing emergency training to the Afghan National Army after a devastating attack, investigating ISIS’s use of chemical weapons against the Kurdish Peshmerga, and training special forces commanders in counterinsurgency tactics. His career is marked by courage, dedication, and an unyielding drive to make the world a safer place.
Tony’s leadership extends beyond the battlefield. A former Deputy Sheriff in Bedford County, Virginia, and a Senior Advisor to SRLEEA, he has used his skills to enhance law enforcement’s abilities to combat drug cartels, human trafficking, and cybercrime. His expertise is sought after globally, serving as a senior advisor to multiple prestigious organizations, including the NW3C and the Global Society of Homeland and National Security Professionals.
For over a decade, Tony has passionately fought against child sex trafficking through his registered 501(c)3 charity, MOSAIC, and has spoken at global platforms like the United Nations, the G20 Women’s Conference in Paris, and the Vatican. His tireless efforts in raising awareness and implementing strategic communications with CNN International have helped combat modern-day slavery on a global scale.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Tony Schiena—a man whose life is defined by extraordinary courage, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to fighting for justice. Join us and be motivated by his journey, his mission, and his call to action. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=326lCZzoc_
Victor Hill became Clayton County’s first African American sheriff and made national headlines for firing twenty-seven people his first day in office. He then gained notoriety by effectively running criminals out of his jurisdiction, becoming the most feared sheriff in metro Atlanta. His reputation as a “crime fighter” inspired famed rappers to include him in their lyrics, and Grand Theft Auto gamers to add his patrol car with his name on it to chase them in pursuits. Hill transformed the Clayton County sheriff’s office from a status quo agency that acted only as bailiffs, jailers, and process servers, into an effective crime-fighting machine, waging an unprecedented war on crime in metro Atlanta.
Now, Victor Hill tells the riveting backstory of how and why he became sheriff, how he fought crime, and how long-time political enemies-plotted to have him indicted, wrongfully convicted, and thrown into a prison housing unit likened to the lion’s den.
David (Kawika) Lau – Unleash Your Potential
Join us at the Small and Rural 2025 Training Conference for an extraordinary journey with David (Kawika) Lau. David Ha’alilio Lau, better known as Kawika, is a keynote speaker, facilitator, and educator who is passionate about adding value to your leadership journey.
Kawika has found purpose in sharing philosophy, empirical data, and personal stories to inspire and illuminate a path for people to lead full and complete lives, and flourish forward after the storms of life hit. Kawika holds several professional certifications and teaches in areas that include: DISC Model Train the Trainer, Motivators Model Train the Trainer, and Tactical Medical Instructor, Physical Fitness and Wellness Coordinator, and Leadership Concepts. Kawika has delivered keynotes and facilitated learning experiences in several nations.
After the 9/11 attacks, Kawika spent over fourteen years serving as an international team leader with the Federal Air Marshal Service, and was also an instructor at the Federal Air Marshal academy. Kawika retired from the U.S. Army in 2014 with 21 years of service in the active, reserve, and National Guard components, having served as the Deputy Team Chief of an Embedded Counterinsurgency Advisor mission to Afghan National Security Forces during his last deployment. Kawika was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his actions in combat.
David H. Lau has a baccalaureate degree in International Affairs from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. Kawika remains active in the veteran community as a volunteer with local combat wounded veterans, and enjoys giving back by volunteering with nonprofit organizations like Task Force Hydro 1 and the Warrior Surf Foundation.
Airlines Flying into Kansas City
