Education
Facing Adversity
Facing Adversity:
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.
Actress on Amazon’s Critically Acclaimed Series HARLEM & New York Times Best-Selling Author
As a bi-racial, multicultural daughter of deaf parents raised in the Cayman Islands, Byers lends insights into challenging social, racial and cultural experiences, reminding us to have compassion and show grace for each other because we are enough.
Founder & Artistic Director of National Disability Theatre
Mickey Rowe is on the autism spectrum. He was the epicenter of significant publicity when he became the first autistic actor to play Christopher Boone, the lead role in the Tony Award-winning play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”
Professor of Science Education & Author
Christopher Emdin teaches STEM classes at Columbia where he serves as Director of Secondary School Initiatives at the Urban Science Education Center. He wrote Urban Science Education for the Hip-Hop Generation.
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.
Brother of George Floyd & Activist
On May 26, 2020, Floyd learned that his older brother, George “Perry” Floyd, Jr. had been murdered by four police officers in Minneapolis after a store clerk alleged that he passed a counterfeit $20 bill.
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.
Juvenile Court Judge & Star of Judge Hatchett
Nationally recognized as an expert on juvenile & social issues, Judge Glenda Hatchett garnered national appeal for her award-winning show, Judge Hatchett. She is the author of Dare to Take Charge.
Entrepreneur, Author & Philanthropist
Chris Gardner is an entrepreneur whose autobiography, the Pursuit of Happyness, became a best seller and the inspiration for the movie of the same name. His talks aim to help others achieve their full potential.
Co-Founder of the Community Responsive Education (CRE) Group
As a classroom teacher in East Oakland for the past 24 years, Jeff Duncan-Andrade's pedagogy has been widely studied and acclaimed for producing uncommon levels of social and academic success for students.
Inspirational Educator & Author
Erin Gruwell helped students "written off" by the system harness the power of education to graduate high school. Her dedication to her students resulted in the publication of The Freedom Writers Diary.
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.
Inner-City Youth & Education Advocate
Founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone, Canada addresses inner city poverty and violence. His model was featured in Waiting for Superman and has been replicated across the U.S.
US Army Lieutenant Colonel / Education Advocate
Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch is the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field in the US Army. She is recognized for her work on teen pregnancy, gang violence and parenting education.
Former NFL Athlete, Transformative Executive Coach & Award Winning Author
Robert Jackson is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Robert Jackson Consulting, LLC. A highly sought-after keynote speaker, executive leader, relationship coach, and award-winning author, he is known for his guiding philosophy: “For every problem, there is a solution.”
Former NBA Player / Addiction Recovery Advocate
A hometown basketball legend, Chris Herren realized his dream of playing for the Celtics only to lose it all to addiction. He shares his story in Basketball Junkie & the ESPN documentary Unguarded.
Child & Family Psychologist
Speaker Michael Thompson has worked in over 200 schools nationwide. He co-wrote the bestseller Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys.
Expert on the Impact of Financial & Emotional Poverty on Learning
Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D. is the founder of aha! Process and an author, publisher, and career educator. She is recognized internationally for A Framework for Understanding Poverty, her foundational book and workshop.
Recognized Expert on School Crisis
Dr. Poland is an expert in school suicide prevention. He was president of the National Association of School Psychologists, and the former Prevention Division Director for the American Association of Suicidology.
Keynote Speaker, 3x WSJ Bestselling Author, M.S. in Criminal Justice, Philanthropist & Recovering Addict
The only athlete in the history of the NCAA to receive a life sentence and parole out of prison with enough life left to tell the story, Damon West has made the most of his second chance.
Inspirational Educator & Survivor
A decade ago, Brenda Combs Ed.D. was a homeless cocaine addict and criminal. Today, she's turned her life around and motivates others with her story of perseverance and rediscovery.
Domestic Violence Activist, Actor & Author
Born in Cuba, Rivers came to the US at the age of two, endured horrific child abuse and witnessed domestic violence at the hands of his father, which he chronicles in his bestseller, A Private Family Matter.
Best-Selling Author & Screenwriter
Antwone Fisher is the screenwriter and real-life subject of the Hollywood hit Antwone Fisher, directed by Denzel Washington. The film tells the story of his childhood at the hands of the foster care system.
Where Difference Drives Performance
This unusual duo of tuba and piano, present events containing musical performances as well as opportunities to discuss diversity in many of its forms – gender, race, cultural, ideological and textural.
Acclaimed Rapper, Financial Literacy Guru & Social Influencer
What do you call an acclaimed rapper, math teacher, financial literacy guru, social influencer, and award-winning motivational speaker? Dee-1.
Directors of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies and Professors of Teacher Education at Montclair State University
Monica Taylor and Emily J. Klein are professors at Montclair State University focusing on Teaching and Learning, Education, and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.
The Subjects of the Award-Winning Film & Best-Selling Book, I'll Push You
Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray guide individuals and organizations toward their full potential through the power of relationships and community.
Gracie Award-Winning Media Personality, Motivational Speaker & Boy's Prep Basketball Coach
For nearly two decades, Gracie Award-Winning media personality and basketball coach, MalaniKai has dedicated her life to training and mentoring youth and daring to speak her mind on radio and television.
Dr. Richard White, inspirational speaker and full professor at the University of New Mexico, and Dr. Kevin Sanders, director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis, have spent over two decades in higher education.
TIME Women of the Year 2023, Journalist, Activist & Author
Masih Alinejad is an Iranian-American journalist and women’s rights activist who gained worldwide attention when she removed her veil, or hijab, and posted a photo on her Facebook page standing proudly with her hair blowing in the wind.
National Champion Heavyweight Olympic Boxer, Former Captain of Team USA & Featured in the NETFLIX Original Documentary, CounterPunch
Through his powerful message, Cam Awesome will teach you how to develop a champion's mindset, embrace the power of failure, and unleash your full potential.
Author, Entrepreneur & Paralympian
Although physically challenged, Lloyd Bachrach has never let anything keep him from achieving his dreams. He turned his challenge into a strength by excelling in a variety of sports and taking his confidence to others seeking a positive message.
"The Real Ted Lasso"
John U. Bacon has worked nearly three decades as a writer, a public speaker, and a college instructor, winning awards for all three.
Global Authority on Child Development, Renowned Developmental Psychologist, Best-Selling Author & Professor
Jay Belsky is one of the world’s most influential thinkers on how early life experiences shape who we become. Drawing on decades of pioneering research that bridges developmental science and evolutionary thinking, Belsky has helped expand the conversation about nature and nurture beyond genetics alone.
Poet & Children’s Rights Advocate
Yorri Berry may be most well-known as a poet. But don’t let that fool you. She is a force to be reckoned with—playing a major role in elevating the voices of young people.
Academy Award Winning Producer, Period. End of Sentence.
An Academy Award winning producer for Best Documentary Short (2019), Melissa Berton taught English at Oakwood Secondary School, where she inspired her students to make the film Period. End of Sentence. to raise awareness about menstrual health.
Mother of Olympic Gold Medalist Noah Lyles & Certified Life Coach
30.6 million! That is the amount of people who watched the Paris 2024 Olympics on television. Keisha Caine Bishop was arguably the “Mom of the Olympic Games.”
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.
Adventurers
Drawing on their 139-day, 9,750 mile non-stop and unsupported row from Peru to Australia, brothers Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean share what kept them moving when conditions turned, morale dipped, and there was no easy way out: the mindset that overcomes adversity, the habits that strengthen a team, and the power of combining your passion with purpose.
Top Inspirational Speaker, Bestselling Author, Wheelchair Athlete & Successful Entrepreneur
Scott brings the concepts of Vision, Mindset and Grit to life using his life-changing story. Three powerful words, when put into action, will help you Stand Up to Any Challenge.
Trauma Survivor & Internationally Recognized Trauma Informed Care Expert
Tonier works tirelessly to raise the awareness about trauma informed care around the world. Tonier is an advocate and educator, speaking all over the world on trauma, addiction, incarceration, homelessness, substance abuse and mental health.
Serial Entrepreneur, Leadership Coach & National Bestselling Author
Jane Marie Chen is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, leadership coach, and national bestselling author of Like a Wave We Break (Penguin Random House).
Entrepreneur & Cancer Survivor
With two successful businesses, four rounds of cancer (so far!), and one brain aneurysm under her belt, Courtney Clark is the luckiest unlucky person in the world.
Former Broadcaster & Professional Baseball Player
Roberto Clemente, Jr. is a universally respected philanthropist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, producer, former broadcaster, and professional baseball player.
Navy SEAL, 7x Paralympic Medalist & Harvard Graduate
A true patriot, early on Dan Cnossen knew he wanted to serve his country. He knows something about leadership and overcoming obstacles. Dan delivers powerful presentations on leadership, motivation and mental strength.
Mental Health CEO, Entrepreneur & Brain Changer
Johnny Crowder is the 33-year-old founder and CEO of Cope Notes, a science and text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to healthcare systems, employers, government agencies and individuals in nearly 100 countries around the world.
CEO of Pizza Girl, Inc.
Caroline D’Amore is the founder and CEO of her own organic Italian foods and kitchen electronics company called Pizza Girl. She’ll also be opening her first Pizza Girl pizza shop later this year.
Shark Attack Survivor & Shark Week Star
An Australian Navy diver who lost two limbs in a brutal shark attack that changed his life, de Gelder now inspires others to overcome obstacles and champions shark conservation.
Best-Selling Author, Educator & Thought Leader
Jennifer De Leon is author of the YA novel Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From which was chosen as a Junior Library Guild selection, and the essay collection White Space: Essays on Culture, Race, & Writing, which is a recipient of the Juniper Prize in Creative Nonfiction.
Global Storyteller, Trilingual Poet & Thought Leader in Respectful Dialogue & Social Courage
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large.
Influential Leader & Ambassador for the Deaf and Disabled Communities
An influential leader and ambassador for the Deaf and Disabled communities which make up the largest minority in America, Nyle DiMarco inspires audiences to challenge assumptions, lead with purpose, and pursue their goals—no matter the obstacles.
CEO and Member of Board of Directors for Sign Talent Solutions, Former NFL Player & Author
Success isn’t about talent alone — it’s about being able to LOCK IN on vision, values, and disciplined execution that drives long-term success. Damon Dunn has built a career proving that high performance is a mindset, not a moment.
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.
Transgender Public Scholar & Intellectual Activist
Dr. Roberto Che Espinoza is passionate about the politics of radical difference and the ways that our collective differences might shed light on how we become a better body together. He is also a teacher at heart and loves being with people and teaching the community.
National Award Winning Author, Professor & Activist
Sanderia Faye (Smith) is an Assistant Professor of Practice at Southern Methodist University (SMU). She is also a professional speaker, activist and sommelier, where she pairs wine with books.
Deaf LGBTQ+ Writer, Producer & Actor
Deaf since birth, Josh Feldman is a writer, producer, and actor living and working in Los Angeles, California who is passionate about telling stories that feature intersectional, diverse, LGBTQ+ characters.
Award-Winning Educator, Entrepreneur & Author
Over the past decade, Brandon P. Fleming has become one of the most highly awarded and sought-after educators, entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers in the world.
Founder, Everybody Fights
George "Monk" Foreman III is an entrepreneur, boxing trainer/coach, and son of the legendary businessman and former two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman Sr.
Sales/Finance Leader at Red Hat/IBM
As the first blind executive to complete the Harvard leadership program, Chad Foster teaches teams how to pursue success with blind ambition.
Inventor, CEO of Jara & Forbes 30 Under 30
Soraya Fouladi is the Founder & CEO of Jara, on a mission to ensure the 816 Million children in high-poverty and low-connectivity communities globally can get access to a quality education, anywhere, anytime, through her invention, the Jara Unit.
Psychologist & Expert on Violence & Children
An expert on youth violence and bullying, Dr. James Garbarino has served as consultant or advisor to a wide range of organizations and is a fellow of the American Psychological Association.
Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter
Alicia Garza is someone who believes that black communities deserve what all communities deserve — to be powerful in every aspect of their lives. That’s what drives Garza as an innovator, strategist, internationally recognized organizer and writer.
Singer/Songwriter
For more than 35 years, Debbie Gibson has been a true pioneer and force in the entertainment industry. A singer, songwriter, producer, musician, actor, and entrepreneur, she embodies what it truly means to be an icon.
New York Times Bestselling Author & James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Princeton University
One of the nation’s most prominent scholars, Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. is an author, political commentator, public intellectual and passionate educator who examines the complex dynamics of the American experience.
Psychiatrist & Founder of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine
James S. Gordon, MD, a Harvard-educated psychiatrist and former NIMH researcher. He is the Founder and CEO of the nonprofit Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) in Washington, DC.
Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor & Mental Health Advocate
Rebekah Gregory’s life was forever changed due to the bombings at the Boston Marathon on April 15th, 2013. This act of terrorism may have claimed her leg, but it could not claim her spirit.
Speaker, Bestselling Author & Marine Corps Veteran
Raised in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., Craig Grossi is a Marine Corps veteran, bestselling author of Craig & Fred and Second Chances, recipient of the Purple Heart and Georgetown University graduate.
Photographer & Founder, POSITIVE EXPOSURE
Rick Guidotti has spent the past 25 years collaborating internationally with communities to affect a sea of change in societal attitudes toward individuals living with genetic, physical, behavioral or intellectual differences.
Former Professional NFL Athlete & High-Performance Coach
As a former professional NFL athlete, Shawn learned that victory isn’t just about talent—it’s about culture, discipline, and mindset.
Former NASA Astronaut & Inspiration for A Million Miles Away
Former NASA engineer Jose Hernandez wanted to fly in space ever since he heard that the first Hispanic-American had been chosen to travel into space. That hard work paid off when Hernandez was selected to begin training as a mission specialist.
President, Urban Learning & Leadership Center
Dr. John W. Hodge is president and co-founder of Urban Learning and Leadership Center (ULLC), an organization focused on student achievement and reduction of the achievement gap.
Champion for Mental Wellness & Breaking Stigma, 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.
One of the Most Accomplished & Widely Recognized Rock Climbers in the World
Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished and widely recognized rock climbers in the world, celebrated for his bold free solo ascents of America's most iconic cliffs—performed without ropes or safety equipment.
Award Winning Television Executive & Creative Corporate Change Agent
Michelle D. Hord is a creative storyteller and media executive. As the President of Hope Warrior, Inc., and former Vice President of Creative Content and Talent Management for NBCUniversal, Michelle has produced content for television shows.
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.
Athlete, Entrepreneur & Author
Husband, father, collegiate athlete, entrepreneur and author, Inky Johnson is one of the most highly sought after speakers in the world.
Olympic Hurdler & Bobsledder
Lolo Jones is a three-time summer and winter Olympian who competes in both track and field and bobsled.
International Inspirational Speaker, TEDx Speaker, Expert on Creating Enduring Success & Founder of Enduring Success Strategies
Trish is proof that true success—enduring success—comes from making a choice. We each have the power to make that choice and achieve enduring success, no matter the obstacles.
Resilience Mode Founder, Inspirational Leader, Author & Justice Advocate
You would probably be incredibly angry after spending nearly a quarter of a century in prison before being exonerated for a crime you didn’t commit. But not Ricky Kidd. Instead, Ricky focused on the positive—no matter how unfairly he was treated.
Professor at Montclair State University in the Department of Teaching and Learning & the Department of Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies
Emily J. Klein is a professor at Montclair State University in the Department of Teaching and Learning, the PhD program in Teaching and Teacher Education, and the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.
Educator / Attorney / Author
A human relations and education expert, Dr. Crystal Kuykendall has gained national recognition for her extensive talents in promoting problem resolution. She is President of her own firm, K.I.R.K., Inc.
Olympic/Paralympic Games Medalist
Patrick “Blake” Leeper is an eight-time Paralympic Track and Field international medalist, world record holder and three-time American record holder.
Former MS-13 Gang Member
Gerardo Lopez, a.k.a., Clever, has been working in gang intervention since 1998. Formerly of the notorious MS-13 from Los Angeles, Lopez escaped gang life and works to keep at-risk youth from making the same mistakes.
Author, Motivational Speaker & MA Retired State Trooper
Vladimir Louissaint is a motivational speaker, empowerment coach, retired Massachusetts State Trooper, and author of The Embrace Method, a transformative guide to healing and purpose-driven leadership.
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.
Social Justice Leader & Movement Strategist
Tamika D. Mallory is a Harlem born award-winning social justice leader, activist and mother. Quick-witted, strategic, and bold, Tamika speaks truth to power no matter the consequences. She is being hailed as one of the most influential Black voices.
Former Top NFL Draftee & Star, Addiction & Recovery Advocate
Tony Mandarich was featured on Sports Illustrated in 1989 as "The Incredible Bulk, the best offensive line NFL draft Prospect ever". Four years later, he was again featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated as "The NFL's Incredible Bust."
Iconic Storyteller for Leaders & Changemakers — Celebrated Artist, Burn Survivor, Entrepreneur, Encourager
Hailed as “life-changing,” “extraordinary,” and “bold” by audiences worldwide, Allison Massari’s motivational and artistic message of courage, compassion and perseverance inspires participants.
Founder of Morgan Latimer Consulting
A former abuse victim and foster kid straight outta Compton, Anthony D. Mays wears many hats as a public speaker, DEI consultant, writer, tech career coach, and software engineer.
Subject of the Disney+ film Safety
The Disney+ film Safety shares Ray Ray’s story as a shining example of perseverance triumphing through repeated adversity and the message of family above everything.
Inspirational Speaker, Author & Longest Held Captive of Al Qaeda
Stephen's talk is a story about resilience and overcoming adversity amidst harsh weather conditions, a different culture, language and religion. He talks about making important decisions, about the importance of acceptance and communication.
Courageous Pioneer & Combat-Proven Leader
Colonel Martha E. McSally is a pioneering combat-proven leader and celebrated author. McSally is a compelling example of overcoming adversity and fear to achieve extraordinary feats.
ESPYS Jimmy V Perseverance Award Winner, Coach & Motivator
Rob Mendez grew up a passionate sports fan; his first word as an infant was “ball.” However, Rob was born with no arms or legs—the result of an extraordinarily rare condition called tetra-amelia syndrome, with very few known cases globally.
Entrepreneurial Businessman, Philanthropist & Music Mogul
Percy Miller aka Master P is an entrepreneurial businessman, philanthropist, music mogul, producer and entertainer. He is the founder of P. Miller Enterprises and No Limit Records selling over 100 million units worldwide independently.
Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant & Advocate for Veterans and Amputees
Retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne is a recalibrated warrior, motivational speaker, actor, author and an advocate for veterans and amputees.
Learning Disabilities Advocate
A dyslexic writer and activist who did not learn to read until age 12, Mooney earned an honors degree in English from Brown University and is co-founder of Project Eye to Eye, a mentoring program for learning disabled students.
Lawyer, Neurodiversity Expert & Author
Haley Moss is a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, and the author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges.
Survivor of Child Sexual Abuse & Assistant U.S. Attorney in Detroit
Kevin is a survivor of child sexual abuse. He works as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Detroit. Throughout his career, Kevin has prosecuted a variety of cases, including offenses involving firearms, drugs, bank robberies, threats, terrorism, and more.
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Founder & President 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.
U.S. Marine Veteran, Author, Global Explorer & Resilience Expert
Akshay Nanavati is a U.S. Marine veteran, author, global explorer, and resilience expert who has conquered drug addiction in high school, PTSD, alcoholism, and near-suicidal despair after fighting the war in Iraq.
National Geographic Expeditions Expert, Explorer, Adventurer, Mountaineer & Storyteller
Wasfia Nazreen is a National Geographic Expeditions Expert, Explorer & Adventurer, mountaineer, and storyteller whose life’s work bridges extreme exploration with deep social purpose.
Harvard Career Advisor & Best Selling Author
Gorick Ng is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Unspoken Rules: Secrets to Starting Your Career Off Right. Gorick Ng is a career adviser at Harvard College, specializing in coaching first-generation, low-income students.
Chief Operating Officer, NAIC, Transformational Leader & Advocate
Trail-blazing Executive. Authentic Leader. Unwavering Advocate. These are just a few of the descriptions that come to mind when describing the emergent and compelling voice of Carmen Ortiz-McGhee.
Change & Transformational Leadership Expert, Star of Hoarders and Filthy Fortunes & Bestselling Author
Matt Paxton is one of the nation’s leading experts on tackling complexity, driving clarity, and turning overwhelming situations into actionable results.
(fka Ron Artest) NBA Champion & All-Star, Coach
We have long admired athletes for coming back from injuries, addiction or other hardships, but until NBA champion Ron Artest (nka Metta World Peace), none had so publicly triumphed over mental illness to reach the highpoint of their career.
Ironman Champion Triathletes
The story of Kyle & Brent Pease will inspire you to find your finish, to define for us all what is truly possible. Kyle, born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy has never stopped striving for his very best.
Olympic Silver Medalist, 2x World Champion & 26x World Cup Medalist in the Sport of Skeleton
Noelle Pikus Pace is an Olympic silver medalist, two-time World Champion, and 26-time World Cup medalist in the sport of skeleton, but her most defining moments weren’t just captured on the podium — they came through adversity.
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.
Explorer & Researcher
Everything Mark Pollock does is about inspiring leaders and their teams to build resilience, optimize performance and collaborate with others so that they achieve more than they thought possible.
Nationally Recognized Motivational Speaker & Best Selling Author of Severed Dreams
Chad Porter is widely recognized as one of the nation’s most inspirational and impactful motivational speakers.
Award-Winning Journalist & Author of The Family Roe
For more than twenty years, Joshua Prager, a former senior writer for The Wall Street Journal, has written about historical secrets. His work has shed new light on our cultural touchstones.
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.
DEI Expert, Bestselling Author & Award-Winning Former Nonprofit Leader
Ruth Rathblott is an expert on inclusion and diversity. She is a TEDx and inspirational speaker, bestselling author, and an award-winning former nonprofit leader.
Top 50 Global Speaker, Hall of Fame Inductee, Resilience Strategist & Paralympic Medalist
John Register transforms adversity into advantage. A decorated U.S. Army veteran, two-time Olympic Trials qualifier, and Paralympic silver medalist, John’s career spans elite athletics, military service, and national leadership in disability advocacy.
Member of the Exonerated 5
April 19, 1989 changed 14-year-old Kevin D. Richardson's life and American society forever. After the brutal attack and sexual assault of jogger Trisha Ellen Meili in Central Park, the NY Police Department arrested suspects, including Richardson.
Aerospace Engineer & Former NASA Rocket Scientist
Shayla Rivera is an Aerospace Engineer and former Rocket Scientist with NASA turned salesperson, corporate trainer, and now TV & Radio host, Emcee/Host, Comedian, Actor, and Professor of Practice with the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University.
Disability Public Speaker, DEI Consultant & Content Creator
As a young child, Catarina Rivera began wearing hearing aids. At 17, she was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome, which includes progressive vision loss. Currently, she has about 5% of her vision remaining.
“Skid Row CEO” & Inspirational Leadership Speaker
Joe Roberts embodies the power of possibility. Celebrated in national media as the “Skid Row CEO,” his astounding transformation from substance abuse and homelessness to leading executive has inspired countless audiences.
The “TikTok Pastor,” Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church, Author, Activist & Public Theologian
Rev. Brandan Robertson is a public theologian working at the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social renewal. Robertson is as the “TikTok Pastor”, creating videos which have garnered over 215k followers and 5 million views.
Former Professional Surfer, Humanitarian Leader & Founder of Waves For Water
Jon Rose is a former professional surfer, humanitarian leader, and founder of Waves For Water—one of the world’s most respected clean-water organizations, responsible for delivering clean water solutions across 51 countries and responding to more than 40 major disasters.
International Speaker, Bodybuilder & Model
Nick Santonastasso is a medical miracle. Not only is he one of four people with the rare genetic condition, Hanhart Syndrome, the inspirational speaker is an internationally known bodybuilder —despite missing both his legs and one arm since birth.
Former Managing Director of Black Lives Matter Global Network
Kailee is a global strategist, champion of social justice, and public speaker. She has served as the former Managing Director of Black Lives Matter Global Network.
1st African American Female Coach in NFL History
Collette V. Smith is the Founder and President of Believe N You, Inc. and the NFL’s 1st African American Female Coach in the History of the National Football League by way of being the 1st Female Coach in NY Jets Franchise History, Coaching the Defensive Backs in 2017 during Training Camp.
Thought Leader, Bridge Builder, Mental Health Champion, Transformational Speaker & #1 Bestselling Author
Dr. Robin L. Smith is a globally respected authority on human resilience, organizational courage, and transformational leadership.
Actress, Model, Disability Advocate & Lifestyle Influencer
At just 14 years old, Lauren “Lolo” Spencer was diagnosed with ALS and given five years to live. The news was devastating. But instead of letting it define her, she made a life-changing decision—she would live fully and fearlessly.
Trend & Pop Culture Journalist
Trend & pop culture journalist and four-time author Alix Strauss is a media savvy social satirist. A frequent contributor to the New York Times Metro, Styles, Real Estate and Special Section, she also created and writes the It’s No Secret column.
Motivational Speaker, Musician, Author, Veteran & Entrepreneur
Sleeping in a homeless shelter. Bouncing between foster homes. Losing his mother to suicide. And that’s just the beginning. Ryan Stream’s story didn’t start in the spotlight, it started in survival mode.
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.
Author & Community Advocate
What is your why? What is your purpose? These two questions are asked by Logan Taylor to ensure that his audiences are maximizing their full potential. The founder of Y.B.Normal?, Taylor has spoken to thousands upon thousands of people worldwide.
Director of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies & Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at Montclair State University
Monica Taylor is the Director of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, a professor in the Department of Educational Foundations, as well as in the teacher education and teacher development doctoral program at Montclair State University.
Educator, Author & Humanitarian
Thompson is an educator, author, mentor to urban youth and retired school psychologist. She created Reverse the Adverse, a trauma-informed care training for educators and mental health professionals.
Champion for Women's and Refugee Rights, First Rhodes Scholar from Afghanistan & Founder of Dosti Network
Summia Tora is the founder of Dosti Network, an organization dedicated to empowering Afghans both within Afghanistan and those living as refugees with crucial resources and education.
White House Coronavirus Task Force Whistleblower
Olivia Troye is a risk management and national security executive whose most recent role was serving as the Homeland Security, Counterterrorism, and White House Coronavirus Task Force Advisor to the Vice President of the United States.
Former NFL Player Turned Transformational Identity-Shift Coach
Anthony Trucks is a former NFL player turned transformational identity shift coach. He believes a transformational shift is what your life is missing to reach your full potential, always operating at your peak performance.
Inspirational Thought Leader, Resilience Expert, Former Professional Baseball Player & Three-Time Cancer Survivor
Chris Vasami’s story proves that resilience is not something you talk about, it is something built in the face of adversity and proven through action.
Attorney, Business Consultant, Co-star of Unicorn Hunters
The staff and the co-stars on the YouTube show “Unicorn Hunters,” call Moe Vela a modern-day renaissance man. And it’s a title well deserved. Vela, who is also co-executive producer of the series, can do it all.
Award-Winning Writer & Educator
Tony Weaver, Jr. is an award winning writer and educator creating diverse stories that make young people feel seen and valued. After seeing the impact that media stereotypes had on students in his community, Tony created new media narratives.
DM, Indiana University — Historic First, Inspirational Speaker, Professor & Best-Selling Author
With over two decades of performing on the world’s classical music stages, tubist Richard White has matured into a musician known for his clear sound and stylistic flexibility.
Award-Winning Cultural Critic, Best-Selling Author & Contributing Writer at The Atlantic
A cultural critic for extraordinary times, Thomas Chatterton Williams brings his insightful perspective to subjects of race, Black identity and history, cancel culture, social justice and inequality in America and the world.
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.
Olympic Gold Medalist, Author & Mindset Enthusiast
Mary Wineberg surmounted monumental challenges and overcame astronomical odds to earn the highest honor in all of sport, Olympic Gold in track and field.
Award-Winning Trumpeter, Composer, Teacher, Arranger
Dontae Winslow is one of the rising stars in the music industry. He is known as an A-List arranger, music producer, touring trumpeter, film composer, and educator in Hollywood.
Three-Time Paralympic World Medalist
At only 21 years of age, Hunter Woodhall is redefining what it means to be an athlete, entrepreneur, and trailblazer, and setting a new tone for the next generation of dreamers.