Ashford to welcome Army veteran Kickbusch as part of speaker series

Ashford University will host retired Army Lt. Col. Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch Tuesday at the University Club as part of its Distinguished Speaker Series.

The event invitation describes Kickbusch as "a renowned, charismatic, passionate and influential speaker on a mission to empower the next generation of leaders." After growing up in poverty in Laredo, Texas, Kickbusch became the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Army's Combat Support Division. 

Ashford officials said Kickbusch transcended boundaries and set records during her two decades in the army. She was so accomplished that military officials offered her a command post, which she turned down in order to found Educational Achievement Services Inc., which she describes as "a human development company."

Kickbusch has given motivational speeches to people and organizations across the country, working for Fortune 500 clients and being featured on CNN, National Public Radio, and Glamour Magazine, among other outlets.

The Distinguished Speakers Series at the Forbes School of Business began in 2014 as a way of connecting students with the stories and experiences of successful people in business.  The presentation is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the University Club, 750 B St., No. 3400 in San Diego.