College & Independent Schools
Commencement
Commencement:
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Author
The author of Life, Animated (inspiration for the Academy Award nominated film of the same name) shares his journey of connecting with his son, who has autism, through Disney movies.
World-Renowned Neurosurgeon & Neuroscientist
Mexican immigrant Quiñones-Hinojosa went from migrant worker to head of brain tumor surgery at Johns Hopkins. His incredible story is being developed into a movie by Brad Pitt and Disney.
NBA Legend & NY Times Best Selling Author
A global icon that changed the game of basketball, Kareem is a Presidential Medal of Freedom Winner who now works to bring innovative educational opportunities to underserved communities.
Founder, Homeboy Industries
Father Gregory Boyle is the founder and CEO of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention and re-entry program in Los Angeles County.
Former President of Ireland & Former Chair of The Elders
One of the world’s most respected advocates for human rights and Ireland’s first woman President, Mary Robinson leads the mission of the Mary Robinson Foundation—Climate Justice.
NYT Best-Selling Author & Motivational Leader
Moore energizes audiences with his remarkable personal story of overcoming adversity through education, embracing personal responsibility and emerging as an inspirational leader.
ABC News Veteran, Creator & Host, What Would You Do?
A lifetime of “never taking no for an answer” took Quiñones from migrant farm work to the anchor desk at 20/20 and Primetime and creating, What Would You Do?, the hit show he hosts.
Pulitzer Prize winners Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein join together on the speaking stage to point out parallels from our past and provide unparalleled insights for our future—pulling back the curtain on Washington as only Woodward and Bernstein can.
Human-Centered Thought Leader, Bestselling Author, Managing Director at Seramount & The Pemberton Podcast
Steve Pemberton is a visionary human-centered thought leader and the Founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Academy.
America’s First Latina Fighter Pilot
Turned away from flight school because she was a woman, Custodio went on to break barriers (including the sound barrier) as the first Latina USAF pilot and commercial pilot for American Airlines.
First Female U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral
A ground-breaking leader during her 35-year career in the U.S. Navy, Michelle Howard was the first woman to achieve the rank of four-star admiral and the first woman to be appointed to the position of vice chief of naval operations.
Legendary Journalist & News Anchor
One of the most renowned reporters of our time, Emmy-winning Dan Rather has experience and perspective few can match. He offers insight into world events and the significance of journalism today.
Civil Rights Activist & Politician
Presidential candidate and civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson is the voice of American activism. Called “the great unifier,” he has played a pivotal role for civil rights and economic and social justice.
Africa’s First Elected Female President
Known as “Africa’s Iron Lady,” Nobel Peace Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won international acclaim for leading Liberia through the Ebola Crisis and through reconciliation and recovery following her nation’s decade-long civil war.
Award-Winning Actress, Producer & Equal Rights Advocate
With various ‘firsts’ in her already impressive career, Laverne Cox is a four-time Emmy- nominated actress, Emmy-winning producer, and a prominent equal rights advocate and public speaker.
Emmy-Winning CBS Sunday Morning Correspondent
Whether he’s covering AI, the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, the latest consumer tech, a post-robot world, or preparing for climate change, David Pogue is a master communicator who brings even the most non-technical audiences up to speed.
Star of ABC’s Shark Tank
Daymond John has been a phenomenally successful business person for over 25 years. Along his entrepreneurial journey, through his many successes as well as failures, he has learned a few things about getting the best out of business and life.
Award-Winning Actress, Doom Patrol & Orange is the New Black
At age 14, Guerrero watched her family be deported. She shares the incredible story of how she was able to remain in the U.S., continue her education and build a successful career.
Co-Founder, Apple Computer, Inc.
Speaker Steve Wozniak changed the computer world when he designed Apple's first product line: Apple I and II. He is also a philanthropist focusing on computer use in schools.
Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor
Abbott’s life changed forever when she was struck by bomb shrapnel and lost her left leg. She captivates audiences with her inspirational story of pain, anger, optimism and resilience.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning NYT Columnist
How good do you really have to be, to be christened the reporter’s reporter…by other reporters? You have to be Nicholas Kristof – good.
Former Host of the Nightly Show
An Emmy Award winner, Wilmore is a comedic force on and off-screen, speaking out on diversity, politics, current events, culture and beyond.
Miss Liberia USA & Activist/Organizer
Nupol Kiazolu is a powerhouse in the field of activism, from being on the front lines of the Charlottesville protests to taping "Do I look suspicious?" behind her hoodie in the wake of Travyon Martin's death.
Global Authority on Using Soft Power to Change Behavior, Forbes Columnist on Leadership Strategies & Fellow-in-Residence at the McSilver Institute of Poverty Policy and Research, NYU
Penny Abeywardena is an award-winning public official and international columnist with a rapidly growing audience. She has learned a lot about how and why political and social progress happens — especially before and after courts and politicians get involved.
Former Senior Vice President, Apple Retail
Angela Ahrendts DBE was most recently Senior Vice President, Apple Retail. During her five years, she integrated Apple's physical and digital businesses to create a seamless customer journey for over a billion visitors a year.
Nobel Peace Prize Winner
As President of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari helped steer the nation in its accession to the EU. He is known for his efforts in international peace mediation and conflict resolution.
CNN Political Analyst & Anchor for theGrio
Natasha S. Alford an award-winning journalist, host and media executive driven by the
power of storytelling to inspire and change people’s lives.
Emmy & Golden Globe Nominated Actor
Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor, Anthony Anderson starred in and executive produced ABC’s multi-award nominated sitcom black-ish where he portrayed Andre “Dre” Johnson.
Co-Executive Director of the CPD
Ana María emigrated to the U.S. from Colombia at the age of 17 and has become a leading voice for racial justice, economic justice and immigrant rights in New York and nationally as co-Executive Director of the CPD.
Best-Selling Author, Permission to Speak
Samara Bay is a sought-after speech coach and thought leader on a mission to change how power sounds. Her clients include top actors in Hollywood, C-suite execs and thought leaders, candidates for U.S. Congress, celebrities, activists, diplomats, moms returning to work, and high school girls who want to make a difference.
Inspirational Educator & Author
The author of the memoir Nobody Don't Love Nobody, the story of her first teaching job at a school for homeless children, Stacey Bess shares a powerful message of mentorship and service.
Plays “Nessarose” in Universal’s Wicked Duology, PRWeek’s Communicator of the Year & Inspirational Changemaker
Marissa Bode is a groundbreaking actor and disability advocate who made her feature-film debut as principal character Nessarose in Universal’s Wicked duology, directed by Jon M. Chu.
Former US Senator & Ambassador
Known as a builder of political bridges with deep expertise in both the public and private sector, Ambassador Scott Brown speaks from more than 30 years of experience as a diplomat, senator, military officer, trade negotiator and bestselling author.
Dean of Harvard’s Renowned Radcliffe Institute
Tomiko Brown Nagin is a prize-winning author, eminent legal scholar and historian, dean of Harvard’s renowned Radcliffe Institute, and pathbreaking leader in higher education.
President of Colombia (2010-2014; 2014-2018)
Recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the world, Juan Manuel Santos was the President of Colombia, from 2010 to 2018, where he ushered in a new era of prosperity, peace, equity, and education throughout Colombia during his 2x tenure.
New York Times Bestselling Author & Political Analyst
Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, radio host, political analyst and a New York Times bestselling author. The Grift, an instant New York Times bestseller, was released in January 2024.
12th U.S. Secretary of Education
Dr. Miguel A. Cardona is an American leader and educator. He served as the 12th United States Secretary of Education, a position he was nominated for by President Joe Biden.
Urban Revitalization Strategist
Named among the 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company, speaker Majora Carter hosts the Peabody Award-winning public radio series "The Promised Land."
Hall of Fame WNBA Player & Motivational/Inspirational Speaker
Indiana’s “do-everything” forward completed 16 seasons in the WNBA, stepping away from her future-hall-of-fame-career in 2016. Her 14-year run of community service by her Catch The Stars Foundation is testament to her work off the court.
Biden-Harris Presidential Appointee leading the Office of Women’s Business Ownership at the U.S. Small Business Administration
Natalie has provided some of the nation's most prominent CEOs of billion-dollar organizations, executives of global brands, senior advisors to the White House, and more with inspiration, insight and advice.
Award-Winning Actress, “Taylor McKessie” in Disney’s High School Musical
Monique Coleman is an award-winning actress, producer, host, and humanitarian whose career has spanned over three decades. She’s most recognized for her role in Disney's High School Musical Franchise, but Monique's impact goes far beyond the screen.
Golden Globe-Winning Actor, #1 NYT Bestselling Author, Screenwriter & Producer
Chris Colfer is a Golden Globe-winning, Emmy and SAG Award nominated actor, #1 New York Times bestselling author, screenwriter and producer.
Explorer & Ocean Advocate
Continuing the mission of her grandfather, Jacques and father, Phillipe Cousteau to protect the world’s oceans, Alexandra is a National Geographic "emerging explorer," filmmaker and gifted storyteller.
Academy Award-Winning Actor
One of Hollywood's most respected actors and producers, Michael Douglas is also a UN Messenger of Peace, champion of social and environmental causes, and advocate for human rights and nuclear non-proliferation.
4X Bestselling Author; Founder and CEO, Every Monday Matters
For the past 15 years, Matthew Emerzian has been on a mission to create a world where everyone embraces how much and why they matter.
Former Astronaut, NASA Johnson Space Center
Dr. Jeanette J. Epps is a trailblazing former NASA astronaut, aerospace engineer, and former CIA intelligence officer whose remarkable career embodies leadership and a steadfast commitment to inspiring the next generation.
CEO, Ferrazzi Greenlight & Bestselling Author
Keith Ferrazzi is the world’s foremost expert on professional relationship development. His signature focus on success through relationships – a deeply energizing passion – has fueled his own rise to prominence.
Executive Director, ICAN & Nobel Prize Winner
Beatrice Fihn is the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and has over a decade of experience in disarmament diplomacy and civil society mobilization through her work with ICAN. She has delivered lectures on weapons law, humanitarian law and more.
Keynote Speaker, Author & Leadership Strategist
Austin J. Franklin is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and leadership expert. He is also the CEO and Co-founder of Good-Natured Life.
Board Certified Clinical Psychologist & Professor
Dr. Jeff Gardere is a board certified clinical psychologist. He is an Associate Professor and Course Director of Behavioral Medicine at Touro College.
Host of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior & CBS’s The Talk
Akbar is the host of NBC’s four time Emmy nominated series American Ninja Warrior, Universal Kid’s spin off show, American Ninja Warrior Jr.
Best-Selling Author & Harvard Professor of Education and African American Studies
Jarvis R. Givens is a professor of education and faculty affiliate in the department of African & African American studies at Harvard University.
Former White House Press Secretary for Donald Trump
Stephanie Grisham is a public relations specialist and television pundit with over 15 years of experience at the highest levels of government and media relations. She is one of just 31 people in American history to hold the title of White House Press Secretary.
Senior Fellow M-RCBG at the Harvard Kennedy School & Former College President
Gregory Haile has exceptional leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. By the time he was 40 years old, he had become the president of Broward College, one of the largest colleges in the United States.
Award-Winning American Historian, Bestselling Author & Journalist
Best-selling author, prize-winning journalist, acclaimed biographer and cultural historian Wil Haygood tells the story of America through the lens of history, politics, sports, race and the lives of change-making African-Americans.
Transformational Speaker, Educational Leader & National Trainer
Brian Heat is a dynamic Educator, Trainer and Amazon Best Selling Author with his latest book release Get Ignited, who transforms audiences by infusing high-octane motivational and cinematic themes.
Powerful Mental Health Advocate, Olympic Gold Medalist & WNBA Hall of Famer
Chamique Holdsclaw was the #1 Pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics. Aside from her outstanding athletic career, Chamique has dedicated her life’s work to mental health and wellness activism.
NBA Hall of Famer, Champion & Eight-Time All-Star
Dwight Howard is an NBA Hall of Famer, global basketball icon, and multifaceted entertainer whose career spans nearly two decades across sports, media, and pop culture.
Co-Founder, Facebook & Economic Security Project
Best known as one of the founders of Facebook and as the legendary digital architect of President Obama’s campaign, Chris Hughes is now driving the national conversation on providing a guaranteed, universal basic income for working people.
Award-Winning Journalist
Civil Rights trailblazer Hunter-Gault discusses her historic entry into the University of Georgia as its first black female student and the road she took through the Jim Crow South to get there.
Thought Leader & Founding Director, LBJ School of Public Affairs CSRD
In Fall 2015, Dr. Peniel E. Joseph joined the University of Texas at Austin as Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy.
CNN Chief National Correspondent
John King is the anchor of CNN's John King, USA, offering in-depth analysis, discussion and commentary on a blend of politics, national & world affairs, and social, cultural & media trends.
Son of Martin Luther King, Jr. & Civil Rights Activist
As the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III serves as an ambassador of his parent’s legacy of nonviolent social change.
Emmy Award Winning TV Personality & Style Expert
Emmy Award winning TV personality, style expert, fashion designer, interior designer and New York Times best-selling author are some of the credits of the multi-talented and unforgettable Carson Kressley.
Most-Recognized Player of Both the WNBA & Team USA
When the "face" of your sport is a Wilhelmina model, you know you're off to a good start. Lisa Leslie is undoubtedly the most-recognized player of both the WNBA and Team USA, who brought considerably more than a stunning visage to the court.
Heart Inspired Speaker, Leadership Consultant & Author
Dr. Luff is an overcomer! As the son of a single-parent housekeeper, he was homeless in high school but went on to become a first-generation college graduate three times over despite being told that he was not college material.
President of Argentina (2015 - 2019)
Mauricio Macri was President of Argentina from 2015 to 2019. He was the three-time President of Boca Juniors Football Club and featured twice as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME magazine in 2016 and 2018.
Hall-of-Fame NCAA Basketball Coach, Best-Selling Author & Mental Health Warrior
When it comes to coaching, teamwork and the leadership needed to excel, no one does it better than Joanne “Coach P” McCallie, former NCAA Division I women’s basketball head coach for 28 years.
Best-Selling Author & “America’s Historian”
History. Legacy. Character. Great leadership. Brad Meltzer draws upon the themes of his best-selling books and popular television shows, challenging audiences to look at their lives, work and mission through the lens of legacy.
Multi-Platinum Band AJR, Founder of Planet Reimagined & Columbia University Professor
Adam Met, PhD seamlessly transitions between roles as musician, educator, advocate, and scholar.
Human Rights Activist & Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; President & Chairwoman of Nadia’s Initiative
Human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad became a leading advocate for survivors of genocide and sexual violence after surviving the horrific Yazidi Genocide in Iraq carried out by the Islamic State (ISIS).
Inspirational Speaker & Best-Selling Author
Formerly homeless, Liz Murray transformed her life of despair into an inspiring journey of determination, hope and hard-won success. Lifetime produced a movie about Murray’s life story entitled Homeless to Harvard, which was nominated for three Emmys.
Consumer Advocate
A former Green Party candidate for president, Ralph Nader fights for the people on the issues that matter most: healthcare, safety, environment, ethics, education, and economic & social equality.
President & CEO, The Boston Foundation & Former President, Emerson College
Lee Pelton became President and CEO of The Boston Foundation in June 2021, after serving as president of Emerson College in Boston for 10 years. He is a nationally respected leader with a long career in higher education.
Emmy Award-Winning Co-Anchor of ABC's Nightline & Best-Selling Author
Byron Pitts is an award-winning journalist who has covered some of the most horrific and dangerous news stories in the world, from Sept. 11 to Hurricane Katrina to the Boston Marathon to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Former Teacher & Elementary Principal
Toby Price is a former teacher and elementary principal. He is a husband, an educator, a writer, a story teller, an artist, and the King of Dad Jokes.
Gold Medal Gymnast & Advocate
Aly Raisman, team captain of the gold medal winning Women’s Gymnastics teams in 2012 and 2016, is the third most decorated American gymnast of all-time.
ABC News Correspondent & U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel
Stephanie Ramos is a correspondent for ABC News based in NYC. She has been front and center on every major news story and has covered everything from the White House, the COVID pandemic, the tragic Parkland shooting, and more.
Former Mayor of Cambridge
Ken Reeves is a Cantabridgian who served as a Cambridge City Councilor for 23 years. He served three terms as Mayor of Cambridge.
Olympic Medalist, Figure Skater, On-Air Host & LGBTQ+ Activist
Artist. Athlete. Activist. Adam Rippon is a combination of all three. One of the most dramatic figure skaters on the planet, Adam won the hearts of America and the world at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Award-Winning Scholar & Professor of Political Science at Brown University.
Melvin Rogers is an award-winning scholar and stands as a distinguished academic renowned for his insightful contributions to the discourse on race and democracy within the realms of American culture and politics.
ESPN Analyst & Former NBA Player
Current ESPN/ABC studio analyst and former 13-year NBA veteran Jalen Rose is one of the select professional athletes to maintain a high profile post-retirement as a philanthropist and entertainer.
Real Life Hero of Hotel Rwanda
Known as the "Rwandan Schindler," speaker Paul Rusesabagina saved countless lives during the Rwandan genocide. His story is chronicled in the film Hotel Rwanda.
16th US Surgeon General
A former US Surgeon General who created the first government-released report on obesity, speaker David Satcher works to eliminate racial disparities in healthcare.
Legendary Lawyer & Noted Mental Health Advocate
Rolling Out magazine calls Corey Minor Smith a “legendary lawyer, renowned attorney, noted mental health advocate, prominent media fixture, and New York Times celebrated author.”
Disability Advocate, Educator & Best-Selling Author, Sitting Pretty
Rebekah Taussig will challenge everything you think you know about disability as she invites us into her experience of living in a body that looks and moves differently than most.
Bestselling Author & Creator of the Wildly Popular Blog Wait But Why
Tim Urban is a wildly popular thinker, blogger, illustrator, and speaker beloved for his ability to make sense of our world and humanity in head-spinning, hilarious ways.
Serial Social Entrepreneur, Storyteller & Author
Growing up in Washington, DC, Chris Wilson was surrounded by violence and despair. At 18, he was sentenced to life in prison, with no hope of parole. While behind bars, Chris embarked on a remarkable journey of self-improvement.
Nobel Laureate
The founder and managing director of Grameen Bank, speaker Muhammad Yunus is a Nobel Peace Prize winner who is respected for his work toward eradicating world poverty.