Education
School Safety, Culture & Belonging
School Safety, Culture & Belonging:
CEO & President of The Education Trust
An inspiring educational leader and advocate, King’s own story is proof of the transformative power of education. He shares a passionate message about access to opportunity and America’s future.
Founder of Pacific Educational Group, Inc.
A product of public elementary and independent secondary school, Singleton founded Pacific Educational Group, Inc. (PEG) to support families in their transitions within and between K–12 and higher education.
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.
Freedom Fighter, Critical Scholar & Equity Strategist
Dr. Whitaker is Director of the Center for Urban Education, Equity, and Improvement at Cabrini University. He focuses on the psychology of race and racism, issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and more.
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.
Public Intellectual & Best-Selling Author
Featured on NPR and MSNBC, Professor Dyson melds scholarly insight with contemporary culture and examines civil rights and race relations. This thought-provoking talks foster social change.
Inspirational Principal
Being driven by a purpose larger than the self is the theme of I Choose to Stay, a memoir written by the award-winning school principal and speaker Salome Thomas-EL.
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.
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.”
Big Data Expert, Professor, Host of Nova Wonders
A popular TED speaker and passionate STEM education advocate, Dr. Williams deploys data in unusual and insightful ways, viewing subjects ranging from health to diversity in a new light.
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.
Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Education & Author
H. Richard Milner IV is Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair and Professor of Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.
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.
Founder & CEO of REthinc
Kate Gerson is a powerful advocate for equity in American institutions. With over 25 years racial equity work and education leadership, Kate has emerged as a thought leader.
Emmy & Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist
Maria Hinojosa is the Pulitzer Prize-winning founder of Futuro Media based in New York City. She has written four books, won multiple awards, and is the Anchor and Executive Producer of the Peabody Award-winning show Latino US.
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.
Editor-in-Chief, The Cut
One of the nation’s rare Black female editors-in-chief and a 2020 Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, The Cut’s Lindsay Peoples shares an invaluable view of women’s empowerment, marketing to GenZ and elevating your brand in the era of BLM.
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.
College President & Diversity Consultant
Speaker Johnnetta B. Cole is President Emerita of both Bennett College and Spelman College. She fights for diversity, justice, health, and safety.
Diversity, Inclusion, Social Justice Advocate
A seminal thought leader on addressing unconscious bias, best-selling author Howard Ross is one of the nation’s most influential diversity consultants and workplace experts, specializing in corporate culture change and leadership development.
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.
Cultural Critic, Best-Selling Author & The Atlantic Contributing Writer
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.
Global Head of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix
A thought leader, advocate and writer on gender, race and orientation equality and intersectionality, Davis is the NFL’s first LGBTQ+ consultant and works with numerous pro teams.
Neuroscientist & Mental Health Advocate
Dr. Addy is a sought-after speaker on college and university campuses, a popular conference keynote speaker, and a frequent guest on podcasts and community panels where he discusses topics of neuroscience, mental health, faith, and diversity.
President Emeritus of UMBC
Award-winning educator and diversity expert Hrabowski transformed UMBC with his enthusiasm for STEM. Partnering with businesses, UMBC fosters skills to ensure employability.
Author, Rhodes Scholar & Aspiring Professor
By all rights, Caylin Louis Moore should be dead, in prison, or a gang member. Instead, he’s a Rhodes Scholar, author, speaker, and role model for every kid deprived of hope in downtrodden communities.
President & CEO, TheCaseMade
Dr. Tiffany Manuel is the President and CEO of TheCaseMade, which is transforming communities by helping leaders effectively build the public's will to participate in equitable and inclusive systems change.
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.
Civil & Women's Rights Activist
Known for coining the term “intersectionality,” Crenshaw offers a critical examination of how social structures interact with gender and race on multiple levels, resulting in social inequality.
Vice Chairman, Morgan Stanley
Carla Harris is a Vice Chairman, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley. She is responsible for increasing client connectivity and penetration to enhance revenue generation across the firm.
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.
18th U.S. Surgeon General & Healthcare Disparity Expert
A leader in fighting health disparities and developing innovative community-based health strategies and systems for low-income communities, Regina Benjamin is best known for her service as U.S. Surgeon General from 2009-2013.
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.
The Professors: Nationally Recognized Educators
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.
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.
Co-Authors of We Are Not Like Them & You Were Always Mine
Christine Pride partnered with Jo Piazza to write We Are Not Like Them, a story of an interracial friendship upended by a police shooting that hits close to home for two women.
Co-Authors of The Thread Collectors
Richman is an internationally bestselling author of several novels and Edwards is a former corporate attorney who now leads Global Talent and DEI for an international law firm.
Award-Winning Investigative Journalist at NBC News & Criminal Legal Reform Activist
In 2002, Dan Slepian, award-winning NBC News journalist and veteran producer of its newsmagazine Dateline, received a letter from Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez, a man incarcerated and serving 25 years to life in person for a crime he didn’t commit.
Deputy Superintendent & Senior Executive Officer of the Office of Equity & Access (OEA) for New York City’s Department of Education
With an unyielding commitment to a vision of transforming the lives of adults, children, communities and school systems, Dr. Ruby Ababio-Fernandez comes to the work with over twenty-three years of experience in education and leadership.
Thought Leader, Social Entrepreneur, & Prison Abolitionist
Imam Taymullah Abdur-Rahman is an educator, social entrepreneur, and prison abolitionist.
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.
Innovative Educator & Chair of the Acosta Institute for Healing-Centered Education
Dr. Angel Acosta is a transformative leader, educator, and speaker, renowned for his innovative work at the intersection of social justice, mindfulness, and education.
Everyday Genius (TM), Executive Coach & Author of Everyday Genius, A Guide to Peaceful Leadership
Wendy Knight Agard is an Everyday Genius (TM) and Master Executive Coach who enjoys helping others develop as leaders from the inside out.
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.
Creator of grown™ & Wife of Ray Allen
Shannon Allen is the creator of grown™, the first 100 percent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certified fast-food restaurant with a drive thru on the East Coast.
CEO of Armstrong Consulting, Retired Police Chief & Author of, I'm Done Here!
Jason P. Armstrong is a retired police chief and nationally recognized leader with over two decades of experience driving organizational transformation in high-stakes environments.
Member of *NSYNC
Lance Bass is the quintessential illustration of a highly successful and driven jack-of-all-trades: singer, host, actor, producer, writer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and cosmonaut.
Award-Winning Multidisciplinary Artist, Writer & Cultural Worker
Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, writer, pedagogue, and cultural worker based in Philadelphia PA.
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.
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.”
New York Times Best-Selling Author & Award-Winning Historian
Dr. Keisha N. Blain is one of the most innovative and influential young historians of her generation. Her research and writing examine the dynamics of race, gender, and politics in both national and global perspectives.
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.
Leadership Catalyst & Innovator
Dr. Christopher Bonn stands as an exemplary figure in the field of educational leadership, demonstrating a unique and powerful approach to revitalizing struggling organizations.
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.
Award-Winning Authors, Prolific Content Creators, Disability & Relationship Experts
Shane and Hannah Burcaw are prolific relationship vloggers and authors on a mission to improve the way society understands disability. On their YouTube channel, Squirmy and Grubs, which has gained 900,000+ subscribers and worldwide media attention.
Counseling Psychologist, Former Chief DEI Officer & Former President of the American Counseling Association (ACA)”
Dr. S. Kent Butler is a dedicated advocate for social justice and a passionate supporter of family, firmly believing in the power of community to uplift and inspire.
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.
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.
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.
Best-Selling Author, The Campus Color Line & Higher Education Thought Leader
Dr. Eddie R. Cole is Associate Professor of Higher Education and Organizational Change at UCLA. His research focuses on college presidents’ historic role in shaping racial policies and practices both inside and outside of the educational sphere.
Psychotherapist
Elliott Connie is a psychotherapist who practices in TX and an author. He has worked with numerous individuals, couples and families applying the solution focused approach to help them move their lives from the problems towards their desired futures.
TED Speaker & Space Exploration Engineer
As a child, Nagin Cox had a dream of exploring space. And through incredible determination, a fighting spirit and a never-quit attitude, she has done just that. Cox has been a spacecraft operations engineer at NASA’s JPL for over 2 decades.
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.
Author, Actor, Advocate & #HopeDealer
Hasan has been a teaching artist, a touring artist, and a living history Chautauqua Actor/Scholar. He has researched, written, and produced three Chautauqua Living History programs and has performed more than 700 shows in 37 states.
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.
TV Critic/Media Analyst/Guest Host
Eric Deggans is NPR’s first full-time TV critic and media analyst, providing reviews, feature stories, commentary and guest hosting for the network’s shows such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
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.
National Book Award-Nominated Author & Executive Editor of YES! Media
Evette Dionne, known across the internet as @freeblackgirl, is a journalist, critic, and magazine editor. She’s the National Book Award-nominated and Coretta Scott King honor author of Lifting As We Climb.
Trans Non-Binary Filipinx Activist & Educator; Creator of "Call Me They"
AC Dumlao (they/he) is a transgender non-binary first-generation Filipinx-American New Yorker. They were named a NYC/WorldPride Community Hero, during the 50th anniversary year of the Stonewall Uprising.
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.
Performing Artist, Founder of the Sphinx Organization, & Best-Selling Author
Named a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, President Obama’s first appointment to the National Council on the Arts and member of President Biden’s Arts Policy Committee, Aaron P. Dworkin is former dean and current Professor at the University of Michigan.
Emmy Award Winning Storyteller
Sarah Eagle Heart is an Emmy award winning storyteller focused on education and advocacy on behalf of Indigenous Peoples whose deep perspective is rooted in her life story as Oglala Lakota activist raised on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
One of Wall Street’s First Black Women Traders
From humble Southern beginnings to breaking barriers on Wall Street, Martina Marshall Edwards is the epitome of not allowing your circumstances to determine your outcome.
178th President of the American Medical Association
Dr. Jesse M. Ehrenfeld was the 178th president of the American Medical Association (AMA). Upon his inauguration in 2023, he made AMA history as the first openly gay president of the organization.
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.
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.
Educational Leader, Social Justice Advocate, Strategist & Author of Being Black in America’s Schools
Brian Rashad Fuller is educational leader, social justice advocate, strategist and author with a passion for addressing the needs of historically underserved students.
Environmental Justice Warrior, Rhodes Scholar & Founder of Black Girl Environmentalist
Wanjiku "Wawa" Gatheru is an environmental justice advocate, writer and current graduate student at the University of Oxford.
Bestselling Author & World-Renowned Thinker
Richard Gerver is a sought-after speaker, bestselling author and world-renowned thinker. His career began in education, first as a teacher and then as a school principal, when he turned the fortunes of a failing school and its pupils around in just two years.
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.
1st Legally Blind D1 Athlete & Ex NFL Free Agent
Aaron Golub is a professional speaker, entrepreneur, and consultant. He became the first legally blind division one athlete to play in a game when he played football at Tulane University.
Activist, Pastor & Thought Leader
The Rev. Stephen A. Green is a global thought leader at the intersection of faith and social justice. He leads with radical love in action through his ministry at St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church in NYC.
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.
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.
Entrepreneur, Author & Former Education Leader
Entrepreneur, speaker, author, and former education leader David Hardy Jr. has an accomplished career in leading transformational change in organizations across multiple industries.
Renowned Author & Researcher Advocating for Equitable and Inclusive Education
Andy Hargreaves is Visiting Professor at the University of Ottawa in Canada and Research Professor at Boston College in the US. He is an elected member of the US National Academy of Education.
Founder & CEO of charity: water, New York Times Bestselling Author
Scott founded the non-profit organization charity: water in 2006. He created public installations and innovative online fundraising platforms to spread international awareness of the issue.
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.
Environmentalist, Educator & Founder of QueerBrownVegan
Isaias Hernandez is a full-time content creator for QueerBrownVegan and has experience in diversity inclusion work in environmental spaces, academic research, and creative work.
New York Times Politics Reporter & Podcast Host
Astead W. Herndon is a national politics reporter for the New York Times and a political analyst for CNN. He reports and hosts "The Run Up," a political podcast from The New York Times that debuted ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.
Globally Recognized Authority on Leading & Creating Cultures of Dignity, Harvard Professor and Award-Winning Author
Harvard’s Dr. Donna Hicks is an expert in human dignity and a specialist in conflict resolution. Through her work Dr. Hicks has identified a major obstacle in our human relationships and shares how to use dignity as a way of repairing relationships.
National Educator
Dr. Sharroky Hollie is a national educator who provides professional development to thousands of educators in the area of cultural responsiveness.
UCLA Pritzker Family Endowed Chair in Education to Strengthen Children & Families & Best-Selling Author
Dr. Tyrone Howard is a professor of education in the School of Education & Information Studies at UCLA. His research addresses issues tied to race, culture, access and educational opportunity for minoritized student populations.
Award Winning Corporate Head of DEI & Multidimensional Change Leader
Amy E. Hull, M.Ed. is the First Director and Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Paycor, Inc. She brings authenticity to the forefront of leadership, action, and learning in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Education Policy Advocate, USC Policy Doctorate Student (DPPD) & Mental Health Children’s Book Author
Nicole Jain has dedicated her career to public service and leadership specifically in the realm of K-12 public education policy and management.
Dean, Brown University School of Public Health
A global leader driving public health research, policy, and practice, Dr. Jha is a trusted expert on major issues impacting public health, and a catalyst for new thinking and approaches.
Olympic Hurdler & Bobsledder
Lolo Jones is a three-time summer and winter Olympian who competes in both track and field and bobsled.
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.
Best Selling Author & K12 Education Leader
Principal Baruti Kafele, a highly regarded urban educator in New Jersey for more than 20 years, has distinguished himself as a master teacher and a transformational school leader.
Professional Surfer & Phd Scientist
Dr. Cliff Kapono is a professional surfer, chemist and journalist. Born on the eastern shores of Hawai‘i, his life involves equal parts science as it does surf.
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.
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.
Nationally Recognized Health Leader, Executive & Presidential Appointee
Kody H. Kinsley is a nationally recognized health leader, executive, and presidential appointee. Serving as North Carolina’s 18th Secretary of Health and Human Services under Governor Roy Cooper, he was unanimously confirmed by the North Carolina Senate.
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.
Author of Deep Kindness, CoFounder of CharacterStrong
Houston has spoken at over 600 events internationally. In 2016, he co-founded CharacterStrong which currently serves 10,000 schools across 50 states and 36 countries helping to support the teaching of kindness in education.
Mental Health & Recovery Advocate, Actor & Entrepreneur
Kevin Kreider is an actor, speaker, the breakout star in Netflix's Bling Empire, and Founder/CEO of Sans by Taejin Beverage Inc. and Taejin Entertainment, LLC.
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.
Sociologist, 2x TED Speaker & Author
Dr. Anindya Kundu is a 2-time TED Speaker and is author of the new book, The Power of Student Agency: Looking Beyond Grit to Close the Opportunity Gap.
Award-Winning Journalist, Creator of Queer News Daily & Author
Nico Lang is a multi award-winning journalist, editor, culture critic, and essayist. In the decade they’ve spent in journalism, Lang has also served as the deputy editor for Out magazine.
Executive Public Policy Storyteller & Convener
Jeff Le has had a career at the highest levels of public policy and politics at the state, federal and international levels. He is a recognized thought leader in political advocacy and representation, and his analysis and opinion-writing has been featured in many publications.
Grief Advocate, Entrepreneur & Bestselling Author
Marisa Renee Lee is a called upon grief advocate, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Grief is Love: Living with Loss.
School Turnaround Expert & Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor of Urban Education
Dr. Chance W. Lewis is the Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor of Urban Education and former Provost Faculty Fellow for Diversity, Inclusion and Access at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
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.
Co-Founder of Create Labs, Ambassador & Partner to OpenAI, Google AI, NVIDIA & ElevenLabs
Abran Maldonado is a true visionary in the world of artificial intelligence. As co-founder of Create Labs, Abran is leading the charge in the generative AI and metaverse design space.
Youth Mental Health Expert & Parenting Coach
Dr. Andrea Mata, PhD, is on a mission to throat-punch the youth mental health crisis and equip parents, educators, and leaders with the tools they need to raise emotionally strong kids and build resilient communities.
National Leader on Belonging & New York Times Bestselling Author
Rev. Ben McBride is a native of San Francisco, spiritual leader, and longtime activist for peace and justice in the Bay Area.
Global Head of Social Impact, Google
Reggie McKnight has been a champion for corporate social impact and economic equity throughout his 20-year career as a leader within some of the world’s largest corporations, including Google, Facebook, and BP.
Acclaimed Cinematic Pioneer & CalArts Faculty
Considered a cinematic feminist pioneer and one of America’s foremost independent filmmakers, Menkes has shown widely in major international film festivals including multiple premieres at Sundance, the Berlinale, Cannes and more.
Chairman, Jordan Brand Advisory Board
Best known for leading Nike’s Jordan Brand from a $150 million sneaker company to a $4 billion global apparel juggernaut, Larry Miller is one of the most successful Black executives in the country.
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.
Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law at NYU School of Law
Melissa Murray knows the transformational power of women’s rights and gender justice. As a leading scholar of constitutional law and reproductive rights and justice, she researches and writes about the structures, systems, and institutions.
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.
Award-Winning Diversity Activist, Changemaker & Political Commentator
Subject of the #1 Netflix film WHITE HOT: The Rise and Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch Ben is known for his transformative work in culture, politics, and entertainment.
Award-Winning Author, Poet & Spoken Word Artist
José Olivarez is the son of Mexican immigrants. His debut book of poems, Citizen Illegal, was a finalist for the PEN/ Jean Stein Award and a winner of the 2018 Chicago Review of Books Poetry Prize.
Geneticist, Professor, Mentor & TEDx Speaker
Dr. Tiffany Oliver is a dynamic motivational speaker, author, professor, and scientist. For almost 20 years, she has captivated audiences with her research and presentations on leadership, persistence, and excellence.
Writer, Speaker & Internet Yeller
Ijeoma Oluo (ee-joh-mah oh-loo-oh) is a writer, speaker and internet yeller. She is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller So You Want to Talk About Race and most recently, Mediocre.
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.
(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.
Internationally Bestselling Author, Award-Winning Journalist & Podcast Creator
Jo Piazza is a bestselling author, podcast creator and award-winning journalist. Jo is the national and international bestselling author of many critically acclaimed novels and nonfiction books including We Are Not Like Them.
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.
Editor, Writer, Co-Author of We Are Not Like Them & You Were Always Mine
Christine Pride is a writer, editor and long time publishing veteran. She’s held editorial posts at many different imprints including Doubleday, Broadway, Crown, Hyperion, and Simon and Schuster.
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.
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.
Founding Executive Director of the National Institute for Student Success
Timothy Renick is the founding Executive Director of the National Institute for Student Success and Professor of Religious Studies at Georgia State University.
Scientist, Inventor & Entrepreneur
Christalyn Rhodes is a scientist, inventor and entrepreneur. She is a pioneering biotech innovator and strategist responsible for the innovation strategies at 3 VC funded biotech startups.
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.
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.
Renowned Authority in Mental Health & Child Psychology
Dr. Jillian Roberts is a renowned authority in the fields of mental health, child psychology, parenting, and resilience building.
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.
33-Year Veteran of NASA & TIME Magazine 100 Most Influential People of 2022
A 33-year veteran of NASA, Gregory Robinson is the former director of the $10 billion dollar James Webb Space Telescope (Webb). With 100 times more power than its predecessor, the Hubble Telescope, Webb is considered one of NASA’s greatest achievements of the 21st century.
Award-Winning Producer, Transgender Fashion Model & Activist
Geena Rocero, born and raised in Manila, Philippines, is an Award Winning Producer, Writer, Director, Model, Public Speaker, Trans Rights Advocate and co-host of the Webby Awards honoree TV Show ASPIREist, broadcasted on HLN/CNN.
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.
Bestselling Author & Screenwriter
Steven Rowley is the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus, a Washington Post Notable Book of 2016, The Editor, named by NPR and Esquire magazine as one of the Best Books of 2019.
CEO at REVOLT Media & TV
Detavio Samuels serves as CEO of REVOLT, America’s fastest growing Black-owned media company.
Dean of the Baylor School of Music & Arts Leader
From performing as a professional tubist on five continents, Dr. Kevin Sanders knows how music can teach us to live up to our potential, find resilience in the face of fear or change, and lift up those around us.
Executive Editor/Founder of The Diversity Council at America's Test Kitchen
If you could only use one word to describe Elle Simone Scott, it would be warrior. The Executive Editor and Founder of The Diversity Council at America’s Test Kitchen fought for herself—navigating a career and life full of extreme highs and lows.
Critical Thinking Evangelist, Founder and CEO of thinkLaw
Colin Seale was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where struggles in his upbringing gave birth to his passion for educational equity. Tracked early into gifted and talented programs, Colin was afforded opportunities his neighborhood peers were not.
LinkedIn Top Voice in Tech & STEM Educator
Justin Shaifer, award-winning Science & Technology TV Presenter & Producer, uses cutting-edge tech to revolutionize science education. Through his company Fascinate Media, Justin creates immersive educational experiences with 3D animation, volumetric capture robotics, and more.
Learning Experience Designer & DEI Consultant
Ken currently holds an M.A. in Education with a specialization in Educational Technology as well as New Media Design and Production. He has worked as an Educator for over 20 years and spent most of his classroom experience teaching technology.
Founder of LiberatED
Dr. Dena Simmons is the founder of LiberatED, a liberatory approach to social and emotional learning, racial justice, and healing. She is also the inaugural scholar-in-residence at the Institute for Racial Justice at Loyola University of Chicago.
Award-Winning Journalist at NBC News & Author of The Sing Sing Files: One Journalist, Six Innocent Men, and a Twenty-Year Fight for Justice
Dan Slepian is an Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist at NBC News, a leading authority on the criminal justice system, and a seasoned public speaker.
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.”
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.
Trailblazing Civil Rights Attorney & Deputy Director for Transgender Justice at the ACLU
Chase Strangio is a trailblazing civil rights attorney and one of the most visible advocates for transgender rights in the United States.
Professional Development Expert, Author & Recovering CPA
Adam graduated from Clemson University with an accounting degree and then spent ten years as a CPA working with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, The Neiman Marcus Group and finally BKD CPAs & Advisors (now called Forvis).
Speaker, Author & Thought Leader
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College, is a clinical psychologist widely known for both her expertise on race relations and as a thought leader in higher education.
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.
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.
Founder of Intersectional Environmentalist & Author of The Intersectional Environmentalist
Coining the term ‘eco-communicator’ to describe her style of environmental activism, Leah uses her passion for writing to explore and advocate for the critical yet often overlooked relationship between social justice and environmentalism.
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.
Founder of the Theory of Enchantment
Chloé Valdary is a speaker, writer, musician, and founder of the Theory of Enchantment, a New York-based startup that trains and develops inclusion and belonging strategies for businesses.
President, Futuro Media & Founder, Latino Rebels
As Editorial Director for Futuro Media, Julio (Julito) Ricardo Varela is responsible for the overall editorial vision and voice of Latino USA, Latino Rebels and In The Thick.
Criminal Legal Reform Activist
With more than 23 years of lived experience, incarcerated for a crime he did not commit, Mr. Velazquez has worked tirelessly to redefine the humanity of men who are or have been incarcerated.
Global Drag Icon, International Performer, Director, & Host, and LGBTQ+ History Scholar
Sasha Velour is a gender-fluid drag queen and visual artist. As a drag artist, Velour has toured the world with her acclaimed one-queen drag spectacular Smoke & Mirrors, bewitching audiences on 3 continents.
Leading Mental Health Speaker & Teamwork Facilitator
Mike Veny loves working with leaders who are tired of bringing the same old textbook presentations on mental health or Diversity & Inclusion to their events.
Author, Educator & Inspirational Speaker
Rodney Walker is an American author, educator, entrepreneur, and inspirational speaker. He is the bestselling author of A New Day One, and is most known for his work in trauma-informed education.
Inaugural Associate Professor of Equity & Inclusion in Education Policy at Vanderbilt University
Dr. Chezare A. Warren is the inaugural Associate Professor of Equity & Inclusion in Education Policy at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development.
CEO of Unpacking
Kristina Ashley Williams is a leading voice in people cultures, strategic design and futurist thinking in business. She is known for her illuminating personality and experiential learning innovations specialized in interactive collaboration.
Founder & CEO of Technology Startup Resilia
Sevetri Wilson is the Founder and CEO of technology startup Resilia, founded in 2016. Sevetri is a 2010 recipient of the Nobel Prize for Public Service, the Jefferson Award; and her work was featured in the U.S. Senate report to the White House.
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.
Featured in Gap Kids Back to School Campaign, CEO and Founder of The Push Through Organization
Jasmyn Wright, a globally recognized educator, author, and speaker, received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College and her Master’s in Education from Christian Brothers University.