Education
Youth Culture & Empowerment
Youth Culture & Empowerment:
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.
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.
Football Player, Rhodes Scholar, Humanitarian
A gifted athlete, scholar, and philanthropist, Myron Rolle was a professional football player, Rhodes scholar, and humanitarian who strives to be an inspirer of dreams, a teacher of fitness, and a leader for many.
Award-Winning Author, Educator & Former School Counselor
Julia Cook, M.S. is a national award-winning children’s author, counselor, and parenting expert. The goal behind Cook’s work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers.
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.
Inspirational Speaker on Homelessness & Resilience, Professor, Principal Tubist & 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.
"Cool Dad" & Foster Care Expert
Derek Clark, the viral "Rapping Dad" sensation, had a life of resilience and redemption. As a speaker, author and singer, Clark has spoken about his history of child abuse with a hopeful message to never give up.
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.
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.
The Real-Life Spencer From Netflix’s All American
Former NLF player Paysinger is the inspiration behind CW’s hit drama, All American. Passionate about helping underserved communities, he serves on the board of KIPP Public Schools Black and LatinX Leadership committee.
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.
Relationship Advocate & Inspirational Speaker
Determined, passionate, motivational! Dewayne “D.J.” Batiste has a story that touches millions of people on a scale from students, teachers, parents and more. D.J. has a passion for reaching out to kids on a level no one can reach them.
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.
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.
Generational Enthusiast, Serial Entrepreneur & Professor
Kristen Geez is a globally recognized Gen Z Enthusiast, Tech Innovator, and highly sought-after International Speaker and Professor, with a mission to inspire and empower the next generation.
Author & Esteem Coach
The founder and CEO of Respect Rx, Courtney Macavinta is an award-winning journalist, author, keynote speaker, and coach who has reached more than a million teens and adults through her work and training programs.
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, Literacy Advocate, Former NFL Champion & Inspirational Speaker
When former New England Patriot’s wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell entered the University of Georgia, he could only read at a junior high level—something he realized after attending his first English class and recognizing he wasn’t at the same literacy levels as his peers.
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.
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.
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.
Native American and Jewish Advocate, Model & Anti-Propagandist
Lani Anpo (Lani Dawn) is an influential advocate for global Indigenous and Jewish communities. Lani passionately champions the rights and stories of marginalized groups.
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.
WSJ Bestselling Author, Barking Up the Wrong Tree
Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former Hollywood screenwriter Eric Barker uses research and compelling stories to challenge common myths about success and relationships.
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.
TIME Kid of the Year & America's Top Young Scientist
Heman Bekele, named TIME Kid of the Year and America's Top Young Scientist, is a teen Ethiopian scientist passionate about innovation and inspiring the next generation.
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.
Award-Winning Latina Children’s Author & Literacy Advocate
Monica Brown is the award-winning author of over thirty magical multicultural picture books for children including Waiting for the Biblioburro, Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match/Marisol McDonald no combina, Frida and her Animalitos, and more.
Workplace Generation Expert & Author
Jeff Butler is an author and workplace strategist who explores human behavior within the working world. His experience spans over 40 industries in 4 continents on how different cultures and employees interact with each other.
Marine Biologist, Ocean Advocate & Environmental Storyteller
Carissa is a CEO, published marine biologist, Harvard-recognized content creator, and climate activist.
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.
Social Psychologist, Award-Winning Harvard Lecturer & Bestselling Author
Dr. Amy Cuddy is a social psychologist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. She focuses on presence and performance under stress, the causes and outcomes of feeling powerful vs. powerless, and more.
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.
Head Coach, Ohio State University
Heading into his sixth season as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Ryan Day led Ohio’s powerhouse team to an extraordinary record of 34-4 in his first three seasons, including 23 consecutive wins.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Emily Edlynn, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist passionate about integrating science and common-sense in parenting guidance to support healthier and more sustainable lives for parents.
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.
Executive Director at Waic Up, White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council Member
Jerome Foster II is an environmental justice activist, social entrepreneur, and renowned public speaker. At 18, he made history becoming the youngest person ever to advise the White House.
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.
Advisor to 8-Figure CEOs
As a trusted advisor to 8-figure CEOs, Rocky Garza’s work is built on a powerful belief: "Who you are is good." With a focus on personal and professional transformation, Rocky helps leaders align their purpose with action to drive their bottom line up and establish sustainable growth.
Youth Education & Wellness Expert; Founder & Director of Hope + Future Foundation
Gian Paul is widely recognized for inspiring the New York Giants to their most recent Super Bowl victory with the phrase 'All In".
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.
Author & Founder of EQ Schools
Roni Habib is an expert in helping leaders, educators, and parents become happier, more resilient, more connected to their purpose, and more playful.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Author & Founder of Coping Skills for Kids and Encourage Play
Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been working with children, teens, and their families for over 20 years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Youth Philanthropist, Student-Athlete, Best-Selling Author & Social Entrepreneur
Jahkil Naeem Jackson is a 2-time best-selling author, social entrepreneur, student athlete, influencer and founder of Project I Am, a nonprofit organization he created when he was eight years old to build awareness to homelessness.
Visionary in Agentic AI-Driven Decision Intelligence
Dr. Moriba Jah is an internationally recognized, award-winning scientist, educator and MacArthur fellow acknowledged for his work in space environmentalism.
LSU’s Current Head Coach & Notre Dame’s Former Head Coach
Notre Dame’s former head coach for 11-years and LSU’s current head coach, Brian Kelly has been praised by Scott Woodward, LSU athletic director, as “the epitome of a winner.”
Psychotherapist, Best-Selling Author & Television Personality
Tom Kersting is a nationally renowned psychotherapist, best-selling author and television personality. He’s hosted television shows and series for A&E Network, Food Network and National Geographic channel.
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.
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.
Your Money Columnist for The New York Times
Ron Lieber has been the Your Money columnist for The New York Times since 2008. His most recent book is The Price You Pay for College.
Generational Guru
Anne Loehr is a sought-after author, executive coach, facilitator, and consultant who helps leaders of large and small organizations successfully move from talk to action.
American Astrophysicist & Strategist
Emma Louden is an American astrophysicist, strategist, and speaker. Raised in Park City, UT, she spent many nights outside looking up at the Milky Way through the crisp and clear mountain air.
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.
General Manager, San Francisco 49ers
John Lynch is in his eighth season as the San Francisco 49ers General Manager following a 15-year playing career and more than eight seasons as an NFL analyst.
Identity Coach, Influencer & Co-Host of The EFF IT Madres Podcast
Welcome to the reintroduction of Romi Marie. Paired with an unmatched self-love, she wears every identity like a badge of honor: bisexual, entrepreneur, divorcee, mother.
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.
Founder of Race To Speak Up Anti-Bullying Organization & Devin Speaks Up! Children’s Book Author
At the age of 14, Devin Moore became the Founder of #RaceToSpeakUp, an anti-bullying organization, where he educates youth about bullying prevention and empowers them to be upstanders.
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.
Head Coach, Minnesota Vikings
At just 37 years old, Kevin O’Connell has played in the NFL, dabbled in broadcasting, and transitioned to head season as a head coach for the Minnesota Vikings.
Author of The Assertive Parent, Support Coach & Mental Health Educator
Daniel Patterson empowers people to discover their hope for the future through a powerful story of personal recovery and reinvention. Since he began his recovery journey, he has established two successful multi-million companies.
Generational Expert & Bestselling Author
Mark Perna is the founder and CEO of TFS Results, a full-service strategic consulting firm at the forefront of the national paradigm shift in education and workforce development.
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.
Head Coach, Las Vegas Raiders
Antonio Pierce was named head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders on January 19, 2024, after serving as the team’s interim head coach for the last nine games of the 2023 season.
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.
Journalist, Award Winning Non-Fiction Author & Photographer
Sam Quinones is a journalist, storyteller, former LA Times reporter, and author of four acclaimed books of narrative nonfiction. His most recent book is The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth.
Head Coach at University of Nebraska—Lincoln
Matt Rhule is a forward-thinking coach determined to lead his team to success. Rhule was named Carolina Panthers head coach before transitioning to head coach at University of Nebraska—Lincoln.
Organizational Psychologist & Belonging Expert
Dr. Jessica Sharp, who uses she/her pronouns, is on a mission to change the world through love and belonging. Jessica is a social entrepreneur and sought-after leadership development consultant and speaker.
Award-Winning Harvard & Oxford Professor
Cindy Skach, a former award-winning Harvard and Oxford professor, was advising the Iraqis and Kurds on constitutional design when her camp was hit by a 240 mm missile, killing several members.
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.
Keynote Speaker, TED Presenter & Global Positivity Advocate
Aaron Stark was almost a school shooter. As a dark and destructive teen, he almost committed a terrible attack. After watching the news coverage of the Parkland school shootings, he wrote an open letter “I was almost a school shooter.”
Founder & Executive Director of the Pan-Mass Challenge
As Founder and Executive Director of the Pan-Mass Challenge, Billy Starr has dedicated 45 years to funding life-saving breakthroughs in cancer research.
Co-Founder of I AM BRILLIANT ™ & Host of Sunday Stacks ™ Podcast
The son of two immigrant parents, Michael Stewart-Isaacs is a man who has changed his point of view at an early age that giving back to others is vital to a strong mindset. He is an entrepreneur that overcame his troubled beginnings.
Award-Winning Artist & Founder of Social Awakening
Max Stossel is an award-winning artist, the Founder of Social Awakening: an organization dedicated to helping young people survive and thrive in the modern world.
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.
A Climate Action Pioneer in the Gen Z Creator Economy
Estella Struck is the visionary force behind Viviene New York, the pioneering sustainability-focused product marketing agency, driven by Gen Z.
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.
Olympic Champion & Chef
Deedee Trotter is a multi-champion in the sport of track and field. She is a SEC, NCAA, USA, World, and Olympic Champion. She competed in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympics where she captured three Olympic medals.
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.
American Ninja Warrior, Award-Winning Leader & Entertainer
Alex Weber not only talks the talk as an in-demand international speaker, he’s walked the walk as an elite competitor on NBC’s Emmy-nominated series American Ninja Warrior.
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.
Energy Generator & Master Facilitator
Marli Williams is an interactive keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and joy instigator, whose journey into transformational leadership began as a camp counselor.
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.