Education
Speakers Who Draw a Crowd
Speakers Who Draw a Crowd:
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalists
Husband-and-wife duo Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn were the first married couple to win a Pulitzer in journalism and have written a series of best-selling books together as well as appeared in television documentaries of their books.
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.
Opinion Columnist for The Washington Post
Catherine Rampell writes a twice-weekly, nationally syndicated opinion column for The Washington Post. She covers economics, public policy, politics, and culture, with a special emphasis on data-driven journalism.
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.
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.
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.
Mother of Trayvon Martin
After the death of her son made national headlines, Fulton channeled her loss to become a gun control law activist and motivational speaker.
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.
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.
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.”
"Maria" on Sesame Street & Best-Selling Author
Having retired her iconic Sesame Street character “Maria,” Manzano now dedicates her time to speaking and writing on education, communication, and Hispanics in the media.
Actor, Activist & Philanthropist
An actor known for his roles on Sex and the City and In Treatment, speaker Blair Underwood is the co-founder of Artists for New South Africa.
Research Professor & Historian of Education
Diane Ravitch is a research professor of education at New York University and a prolific writer, who has published more than 500 articles and reviews for scholarly and popular publications on the subject.
Rapper & Actor, Law & Order: SVU
Hip-hop pioneer Ice-T has risen from a disadvantaged childhood to become a successful entertainer and entrepreneur. A sobering, yet inspirational, role model, he discusses overcoming adversity with education.
Jugglers / Entertainers
Jon Wee and Owen Morse demonstrate great skill as motivational speakers. Add their artistry as jugglers and entertainers, and The Passing Zone can turn your next function into the most talked about event.
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.
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.
Actor & Filmmaker
Sean Astin is an actor and director known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Goonies, Rudy and Netflix’s Stranger Things 2. Son of actress Patty Duke, he is an advocate for mental health awareness, civic engagement and more.
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.
Award Winning International TV Host & Producer
After winning CBS’s The Amazing Race at age 23, Alex’s sense of adventure catapulted him into the limelight, creating a successful and dynamic entertainment career both in front of and behind the camera.
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.
Actress on Hit TV Show Empire
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.
Former Broadcaster & Professional Baseball Player
Roberto Clemente, Jr. is a universally respected philanthropist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, producer, former broadcaster, and professional baseball player.
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.
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.
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.
Author, Recovering Addict & Son of Michael Douglas
Born into Hollywood royalty as the son of Michael and grandson of Kirk, Cameron is the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller Long Way Home, an unflinching account of his dangerous descent into years of drug abuse and his eventual rise to recovery.
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.
Teacher & Diversity Trainer
Chosen as one of Peter Jennings' ABC-TV's "Person of the Week," Jane is the adaptor of the "Blue Eyes, Brown Eyes" discrimination experiment. This ground breaking exercise is the pinnacle of all other diversity programming in the country today.
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.
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.
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.
Emmy-Winning Journalist & Host
From TV journalist to radio personality, producer and businesswoman, Gibbons has been a part of America's living rooms for over 20 years. She hosts What Should You Do? and won The Celebrity Apprentice Season 7.
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.
Intersectional Activist & Co-Founder of March For Our Lives
X González (they/them) is a gun-violence prevention activist born and raised in Parkland, Florida. A survivor of the Marjory Stoneman-Douglas High School shooting, X became a leading voice in the gun-violence prevention movement.
Animal Scientist & Autism Self-Advocate
The most accomplished adult with autism in the world, Grandin inspired the HBO film Temple Grandin (starring Claire Danes). Grandin shares the challenges and successes of her fascinating 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.
Finance Guru, Comedian & Performer
Managing your money can seem complicated, even scary. For 20+ years, Garrett Gunderson has helped people keep more of what they make – legally and ethically – by plugging financial leaks and finding cash that is rightfully theirs.
Emmy Winning TV Host & Breast Cancer Survivor
Best known as the co-host of Dancing with the Stars and Entertainment Tonight and host of Game Show Network's wordplay game show, Tug Of Words, Emmy-winner Samantha Harris is also an author, certified health coach & cancer survivor.
Founding Member of The Legendary Jamaican Bobsled Team
From the sun-baked streets of Kingston, Jamaica, to the freezing tracks of four Winter Olympics, Devon Harris's extraordinary journey embodies the power of perseverance and unwavering determination.
CBS News Correspondent
Steve Hartman has been a CBS News correspondent since 1996. Hartman shares moving stories about the extraordinary people he meets in his weekly feature segment On the Road.
President of Unleashed Productions
Robin is the director and producer of cause-based documentary films. Robin’s award-winning film, CODE, premiered at Tribeca Film Festival 2015, and has caught the attention of the international tech industry and of policy makers and educators.
Legendary Skateboarder & Entrepreneur
The most recognized action sports figure in the world, Tony Hawk was just nine-years old when his brother changed his life by giving him a blue fiberglass Bahne skateboard.
Academy Award-Winning Actress
One of Hollywood's most beloved actresses, Goldie Hawn is an Academy Award winner, producer, director, best-selling author, and children's advocate.
Author & Entrepreneur
Dan Heath is the co-author, along with his brother Chip, of four long-running bestsellers: Made to Stick, Switch, Decisive, and The Power of Moments. Their books have sold over three million copies worldwide and been translated into 33 languages.
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.
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.
Education & Cultural Futurist
Ravi's journey as a rock star, aviator, cultural diplomat for the US Department of State, and keynote speaker is an inspiring example of how to pivot and succeed in an ever-changing world.
Greatest Jeopardy! Player of All Time & Jeopardy! Host
Ken Jennings became the stuff of legend when he beat fellow champs “Jeopardy James” Holzhauer and Brad Rutter to win $1 million and be named the “Greatest Jeopardy! Player of All Time.”
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.
Athlete, Entrepreneur & Author
Husband, father, collegiate athlete, entrepreneur and author, Inky Johnson is one of the most highly sought after speakers in the world.
Award-Winning Singer & Media Personality
There are many motivational speakers, and then there is the one, the only, the incomparable Dr. Willie Jolley. He has been described simultaneously as a world-class, award-winning speaker and singer, best-selling author and media personality.
NYT Bestselling Author, Political Commentator & Cultural Critic
Molly Jong-Fast is a New York Times bestselling author, political commentator, and cultural critic known for her sharp wit, fearless honesty, and unwavering commitment to truth.
Disney Animator, Author & Illustrator
Glen Keane created many beloved Disney characters, such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Beast, Tarzan, and Rapunzel with Walt Disney Feature Animation. In 2012, he created Glen Keane Productions.
Actress, Sports Broadcaster, Television Personality, Writer & Producer
Jayne Kennedy is an actress, sports broadcaster, television personality, writer, and producer. Her accolades for being a trailblazer are numerous, including the National Sports Media Association’s Roone Arledge Award for Innovation.
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.
Award-Winning Actress & Best-Selling Author
Speaker Jamie Lee Curtis has demonstrated her versatility as an actress with roles in such films as Halloween. She is also the author of eight children's books.
World-Leading Tech Magician, Digital Illusionist & Expert on the Psychology of Imagination, Innovation & Creativity
For nearly two decades Keelan Leyser has been providing blue-chip companies worldwide with conference presentations that combine a potent blend of cutting-edge psychology, state of the art digital illusion, mentalism and corporate theatre.
Father of Trayvon Martin & Community Activist
Since the death of his son, Martin has committed his life to transforming tragedy into social change and awakening the nation’s conscience.
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.
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.
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.
World Renowned Composer, Storyteller & Cellist of “The Piano Guys”
Steven Sharp Nelson is an award winning, Billboard chart-topping, YouTube total ROCK STAR, but in a cellist sort of way. His creative content is watched and streamed over 3 MILLION TIMES EVERY DAY.
Anchor of Inside Edition & Best-Selling Author
As the anchor of Inside Edition, Norville is an acclaimed television journalist, active volunteer, and author of Back On Track: How to Straighten Out Your Life When it Throws You a Curve, among other books.
Actor, Comedian, Author, Game Show Host & Television Personality
John O'Hurley is best known as J. Peterman on Seinfeld, the #1 syndicated television show in the world, for which he won a Screen Actor’s Guild Award. This year is the 20th Anniversary of the NBC Dog Show (32 million viewers) which he hosts.
Dueling Pianist turned Author & Experience Evangelist
Gregory Offner is a multi-talented individual, with a passion for entertaining and educating others.
Ponemon Institute Fellow, Former McKinsey & IBM Consultant
Edgar Perez is one the world’s few business and technology visionaries who can light up a room with insightful and inspiring presentations on the impact of cutting-edge technologies.
Actor, Breaking Bad
Steven Michael Quezada is an actor, comedian and writer. His crowning achievement was playing DEA Agent Steve Gomez on the multi-award winning TV mega hit Breaking Bad.
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.
ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent
Martha Raddatz is ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent and co-anchor of This Week with George Stephanopoulos. She has covered national security, foreign policy and politics for decades.
Actor, Director, Writer, Producer
Improvisational actor John Ratzenberger gained international fame as the character "Cliff" in the NBC phenomenon Cheers. He has enjoyed success as a screenwriter, director, producer, and Emmy-nominated actor.
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.
Author & Leadership Speaker
Mike Robbins is a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and leadership expert known for captivating audiences with his insights on team performance and company culture.
Emmy Nominated Actress & Millennial Icon
Christy Carlson Romano is an Emmy-nominated actress and voice artist whose career has spanned three decades of stage, screen, and digital media.
Filmmaker, Media Strategist & Activist
Schwartzman is a documentary film director who uses storytelling and technology to create safer communities for women and girls. Roll Red Roll is her feature film debut, and goes beyond the notorious Steubenville, OH high school sexual assault case.
Daughter of Malcolm X, Professor & Author
Sharing the legacy of her parents, Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, Ilyasah is an inspirational role model, youth advocate and champion of women and girl empowerment.
Reality TV Star & Winner of Survivor
Parvati Shallow is an internationally recognized yoga teacher, executive coach, and speaker. She holds advanced certifications in both Hatha and Kundalini Yoga and is a four-time competitor and winner of CBS’s hit series SURVIVOR.
Chairman, Special Olympics
Shriver is a social leader, educator, author, film producer and entrepreneur. As the Chairman of Special Olympics, he serves over 4.9 million athletes with intellectual disabilities from 172 countries around the world.
New York Jets DT, Co-Founder & Board Chair of The Defensive Line Solomon Thomas
Solomon Thomas has played in the NFL for six seasons as a Defensive Lineman and is Co-Founder and Board Chair of The Defensive Line.
Filmmaker & Former CEO, the Black Family Channel
Raised by a single mom on the West Side of Chicago, Townsend transcended his environment to become an actor, writer, director, comedian, producer and ultimately, the President and CEO of the Black Family Channel.
FOX News Commentator
Widely regarded as one of America’s top speakers, New York Times Best-selling Author, Fox News Political Analyst and Award-winning Columnist Juan Williams has a talent for motivating and inspiring audiences.
Author & Journalist
After ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff was wounded in Iraq, he and his wife, speaker Lee Woodruff, penned the best-selling In an Instant to help others cope with crisis.