Quest 2006: Guest Speakers

Quest Keynote Speaker
Greg Smith

Greg Smith's life is a modern day miracle. Born with muscular dystrophy, Greg has turned his physical challenges into his greatest strengths, and has given inspiration to millions through "On A Roll—Talk Radio on Life & Disability," a nationally syndicated radio show that he created and hosts from his power wheelchair. Greg Smith's memoir is an honest and uplifting story of one African American man's quest for independence, love and success. This book provides a rare "insider's look" at the crossroads in America where family, disability, race and inspiration meet.

Joanne Caputo, Producer/Director

"On A Roll" is Joanne Caputo's first documentary following her 1994 children's video, Ballerina, Ballerina, recommended by Sesame Street, Magazine and others. A magna cum laude graduate from the University of Pittsburgh ('76, '81), Caputo taught school in urban African American communities before transitioning to television production, where she has worked for the past 20 years. Married and the mother of two teenage sons, Caputo is a recent breast cancer survivor with several documentaries in progress; she has also authored two non-fiction book manuscripts about enslaved African American mother, Margaret Garner.