Motivation & Inspiration
Inspiration
Inspiration:
Bestselling Author, Cancer Survivor, Host of the PBS Series Tell Me More With Kelly Corrigan
Called “the voice of a generation” by O Magazine, Kelly Corrigan is the author of four New York Times bestsellers and host of the PBS primetime interview show Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan and the weekly podcast, Kelly Corrigan Wonders.
Social Services Advocate, Community Activist
A vibrant community activist, Lonise Bias has turned the losses of her two sons (including basketball star Len Bias) into a calling to help remedy the social ills of today.
Motivator & Singer-Songwriter
Made famous by The Glee Project, Mario Arnauz Bonds overcame a childhood marked by blindness, abuse, and abandonment to become a sought-after motivational speaker and singer-songwriter.
First Nurse to Climb Seven Summits of the World
Patrick Hickey became the first nurse to climb the 7 summits of the world to call attention to the nation's nurse shortage. He parallels his story with goal setting, dedication, and facing adversity.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Author
The author of Life, Animated (inspiration for the Academy Award nominated film of the same name) shares his journey of connecting with his son, who has autism, through Disney movies.
Self-Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome
Rosie King became well-recognized after accurately diagnosed her own Asperger's Syndrome. After her popular TEDMED talk, she raises awareness about autism and is working towards becoming a professional actress.
Entrepreneur, Veteran & Bestselling Author
The founder of an NGO and a former Marine, Rye Barcott has the distinction of being both a warrior and a peacemaker, a juxtaposition he explores in the memoir It Happened on the Way to War.
Physician & Inspirational Leader
One of three young men raised in poverty that made a pact to become doctors, NY Times best-selling author Davis told his story in The Pact and wrote Living & Dying in Brick City and The Stuff.
Founder & CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement
The visionary that built the Essence brand, Taylor left the magazine to found an organization devoted to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty among African-Americans.
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.
Performance Strategist for the World's Top Leaders
Victoria Labalme helps people perform at their highest levels by Risking Forward to express their hidden genius.
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.
Academy Award Nominee for Hidden Figures
Allison Schroeder is a screenwriter and film producer known for Brooklyn Sound, Side Effects, and Hidden Figures, which earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Corporate Execution Strategists
Afterburner Inc. trains organizations in the simple, scalable improvement processes of Flawless ExecutionSM. Encompassing three management solutions, they bring elite military precision to corporations around the world.
Teacher & Student Inspirational Speakers
Donna Porter and DJ Batiste have a story that is sure to inspire all audiences. Porter has dedicated her life to the field of education and changed DJ Batiste’s life by introducing him to Conscious Discipline.
Transformative Presentation
I Am The Change is an exciting program that exemplifies how “the power of one” can transform the world.
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.
Former White House Senior Advisor
Rising from the depths of extreme poverty, Omarosa was the only African American senior advisor to the 45th President of the US Donald Trump and is one of the most dynamic keynotes in the speaking world today.
Host of the Podcast Harry Potter & The Sacred Text
Vanessa is currently a research assistant at Harvard Divinity School, a proctor at Harvard University, and the co-host of the podcast Harry Potter & The Sacred Text and the upcoming podcast, Hot & Bothered.
Writer, Performer & Consultant
Whether ALOK is selling out an international performance tour, publishing essays and books advocating for LGBTQ equality, designing a new fashion collection, or speaking about a 21st century approach to gender rights – their distinctive mix of charisma, poetry, and intellect has made them one of the most dynamic artists of our times.
Principal EL & the Schoolhouse302
The Passionate Leadership Institute is designed to guide the thinking, planning and actions of educators. Dr. EL, Dr. Jones and Dr. Vari will discuss creating and fostering a culture to support educators who are more equity-focused and innovative.
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.
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.
Olympic Gold Medal Winning Power Couple
Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall are an Olympic power couple with a remarkable love story. Their journey of determination, love, and excellence has cemented them as one of the most iconic couples in sports today.
Award-Winning Supermodel & Cultural Trailblazer
Emme is a distinguished and influential figure with a remarkable 30-year career across the fashion, wellness, beauty, and media industries.
Major League Pitcher and Gold Medal Olympian
Though born without a right hand, Jim Abbott went on to become a Major League Baseball pitcher who now shares a powerful message of overcoming adversity.
Author, Self Esteem Coach & Advice Columnist
A woman with a message, Abiola Abrams is an empowerment coach, advice columnist, motivator and author. She is passionate about body image issues, women’s issues, healthy relationships and personal development.
Best-Selling Author of The Happiness Advantage
Shawn Achor is the world’s leading expert on the connection between happiness and success whose research has made the cover of Harvard Business Review.
Real-Life Deaf Football Coach
Keith Adams is a head coach football at California School for the Deaf in Riverside, but he also has been a long time coach for over 30 years in various sports in hearing and deaf sports.
Former First Lady of Somaliland & Women’s Rights Advocate
A pioneer in the struggle for the abolition of female circumcision, Edna Adan is the founder of the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in Somaliland. She previously served as Foreign Minister and First Lady of Somaliland.
Boxing Champion & International Boxing Hall of Famer
The daughter of boxing icon Muhammad Ali, Laila is a world-class athlete, television host and passionate health advocate who encourages others to live an active lifestyle.
Activist & Author
The eldest child of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Maryum is a social worker dedicated to delinquency and gang prevention. She is also a spokesperson for The Parkinson’s Unity Walk.