Motivation & Inspiration
Overcoming Adversity
Overcoming Adversity:
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.
Abuse & Homelessness Survivor, Author of CinderGirl
Empowering others with her inspiring life story, Christina Meredith survived sexual, mental and emotional abuse, incest, trauma, aging out of foster care, poverty and homelessness to forge a life committed to helping others.
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.
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.
Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor
Abbott’s life changed forever when she was struck by bomb shrapnel and lost her left leg. She captivates audiences with her inspirational story of pain, anger, optimism and resilience.
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.
Subject of the Movie Stronger, Boston Marathon Bombing Hero & Best-Selling Author
A survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing and a national hero, Jeff Bauman shares his story in a presentation that will inspire. He is the subject of the movie Stronger starring Jake Gyllenhaal, based on his best-selling book of the same name.
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.
Founder & President, World Without Hate, 9/11 Hate-Crime Survivor
Rais Bhuiyan has a remarkable story — one that continually inspires people to interview him about his campaign, World Without Hate. His captivating speeches educate others on the regenerative power of forgiveness.
Spinal Cord Injury-Recovering Athlete
A world-renowned athlete and adventurer, speaker Grant Korgan continues to climb and ski around the globe after having suffered a spinal cord injury and advocates for choosing positivity through adversity.
Snowboarder & Founder of Adaptive Action Sports
After going through a life-altering experience, Amy Purdy attained goals that even those who have both legs struggle to achieve. Today, she is one of the top ranked adaptive snowboarders in the world.
NFL Defensive End & Childhood Cancer Advocate
Devon Still is a professional athlete, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and advocate for childhood cancer awareness.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer Scholly
Raised in poverty and determined to help others go to college, Gray sparked the biggest fight in Shark Tank history with Scholly, his breakthrough app that helps students find scholarships.
Illusionist & Magician
From his astounding “Cage Levitation” and “Walking Through a Brick Wall” to his cutting edge “Teleportation” and “Plasma” illusions, Bishop features stunning & original state of the art magic.
CEO of Robin Hood
Richard is the CEO of Robin Hood and former Chief Executive Officer of Achievement First, a network of 37 public charter schools providing an excellent education to 15,000 students across New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Award-Winning Actress, Producer & Equal Rights Advocate
With various ‘firsts’ in her already impressive career, Laverne Cox is a four-time Emmy- nominated actress, Emmy-winning producer, and a prominent equal rights advocate and public speaker.
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.
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.
Authors, Storytellers & Advocates
Twins Sarah Eagle Heart and Emma Eagle Heart-White are members of the Oglala Lakota Nation and grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where they learned Native American storytelling traditions.
Founders of I AM ALS, Health Care Activists & Movement-Builders
In 2017, Brian was given a terminal diagnosis, ALS. Having met on the Obama campaign in 2008 and worked in the White House, they responded by building the most powerful patient and caregiver-led movement since the fight against HIV.
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.
Co-Authors of The Price She Pays, Mental Health Advocates & Licensed Experts
For Katie Steele and Dr. Tiffany Brown, sports have always been a means of connection, and when they witnessed first-hand the mental health crisis facing athletes, they could not look away.
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.
Writer & Performer
Writer and performer Jenny Allen has been delighting audiences and readers for many years. “I Got Sick Then I Got Better,” her solo show about being diagnosed and successfully treated for ovarian cancer, opened in New York to rave reviews.
Business and Career Coach & Chronic Illness Advocate
Amina AITai is a business and career coach, proud immigrant and chronic illness advocate. A leading coach to notable female leaders and impact-driven celebrities-Amina’s mastery is in connecting us to our brilliance and teaching us to live.
Animal Advocate & Founder, The Asher House
Lee Asher is a renowned speaker, animal advocate, and founder of The Asher House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and providing lifelong care for high risk animals.
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.
Expert on Inclusive Growth, Impact Innovation & Employee Engagement Through Purpose
After escaping the devastating effects of the Asian Tsunami in his home country of Sri Lanka, Fortune 500 executive Afdhel Aziz struggled with PTSD and Survivor Guilt: why had he survived and what was his Purpose in life?
Author, Entrepreneur & Paralympian
Although physically challenged, Lloyd Bachrach has never let anything keep him from achieving his dreams. He turned his challenge into a strength by excelling in a variety of sports and taking his confidence to others seeking a positive message.
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.
Prescription Drug Addiction Survivor, Record Breaking Marathon Runner & Author
Dick Beardsley is among the world’s most respected and captivating motivational and inspirational speakers. He is the author of the internationally bestselling autobiography Staying the Course.
Former Member of UK Parliament & Shadow Health Minister
Luciana Berger was first elected as the Labour Member of Parliament for Liverpool Wavertree in 2010 aged 28, after roles with Accenture, the NHS Confederation and the Labour Friends of Israel.
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.”
Bestselling Author of Molly’s Game
Molly Bloom is an inspirational keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Molly’s Game. She is best known for her memoir, Molly’s Game, which was adapted into an award-winning film of the same name by Aaron Sorkin.
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.
Chief Science Officer, Athletes Mental Health Organization; Co-Author of The Price She Pays
Tiffany Brown, Ph.D., LMFT, is an award-winning senior faculty member at the University of Oregon Couples and Family Therapy graduate program and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with student-athletes.
Top Inspirational Speaker, Bestselling Author, Wheelchair Athlete & Successful Entrepreneur
Scott brings the concepts of Vision, Mindset and Grit to life using his life-changing story. Three powerful words, when put into action, will help you Stand Up to Any Challenge.
Trauma Survivor & Internationally Recognized Trauma Informed Care Expert
Tonier works tirelessly to raise the awareness about trauma informed care around the world. Tonier is an advocate and educator, speaking all over the world on trauma, addiction, incarceration, homelessness, substance abuse and mental health.
Founder of Kanchi & The Ability Awards
A visually impaired social entrepreneur working to enhance the relationship between disability and society, Caroline Casey has received several awards for her work worldwide.
Hall of Fame WNBA Player & Motivational/Inspirational Speaker
Indiana’s “do-everything” forward completed 16 seasons in the WNBA, stepping away from her future-hall-of-fame-career in 2016. Her 14-year run of community service by her Catch The Stars Foundation is testament to her work off the court.
12-Year WNBA Veteran, First Openly Transgender & Non-Binary Player in WNBA History
Layshia is a recently retired 12-year WNBA veteran point guard. In her 2 terms as WNBPA Vice president she helped negotiate a groundbreaking CBA Agreement that will serve as a bedrock for women’s professional sports leagues moving forward.
Former Broadcaster & Professional Baseball Player
Roberto Clemente, Jr. is a universally respected philanthropist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, producer, former broadcaster, and professional baseball player.
Navy SEAL, 7x Paralympic Medalist & Harvard Graduate
A true patriot, early on Dan Cnossen knew he wanted to serve his country. He knows something about leadership and overcoming obstacles. Dan delivers powerful presentations on leadership, motivation and mental strength.
American Actor & Comedian
Tommy Davidson’s exceptional range – from stand-up comedy and acting to versatile music accomplishments – have earned him a reputation as an extraordinary performer who delivers no matter the arena.
Decorated Clandestine Officer
Intelligence poacher-turned-gamekeeper, Shawnee Delaney is a decorated Intelligence Officer, licensed Private Investigator, and an Insider Threat Expert and Founder of Vaillance Group.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Comedian, Writer & Host
Ophira Eisenberg is a standup comic, storyteller and host of NPR’s national comedy-trivia show Ask Me Another where she interviews and plays silly games with celebrities.
4X Bestselling Author; Founder and CEO, Every Monday Matters
For the past 15 years, Matthew Emerzian has been on a mission to create a world where everyone embraces how much and why they matter.
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.
Cancer Survivor, Artist & Podcast Host
Steven Farrell, brother in law of Hollywood film star Colin Farrell is an Irish artist and speaker. On September 11th, 2017 Steven’s life changed forever when he was diagnosis with stage 3 metastatic melanoma.
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.
Best-Selling Author & Screenwriter
Antwone Fisher is the screenwriter and real-life subject of the Hollywood hit Antwone Fisher, directed by Denzel Washington. The film tells the story of his childhood at the hands of the foster care system.
NFL Running Back & Community Leader
Justin’s personal journey is one of the best stories in the NFL. Justin has a genuine desire to positively impact others with his message of perseverance through life’s disappointments.
Actor, Comedian & Writer
One of Hollywood’s fastest rising young talents, Jermaine Fowler can most recently be seen in RETREAT for FX. He can previously be seen in Tim Story’s feature, THE BLACKENING, which premiered at TIFF in 2022.
Survivor of the Parkland Florida Shooting
On February 14, 2018 a gunman wielding an AR-15 entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and fired on students, faculty, and staff. Samantha Fuentes was amongst the injured, and while fortunate to be alive, her body and life changed forever.
Entrepreneur, Author & Philanthropist
Chris Gardner is an entrepreneur whose autobiography, the Pursuit of Happyness, became a best seller and the inspiration for the movie of the same name. His talks aim to help others achieve their full potential.
6X Ninja Warrior, Former Biochemist & Award-Winning Fitness Coach
Angela Gargano is a keynote speaker, 6x American Ninja Warrior, Miss Fitness America, 3x Covergirl biochemist-turned-coach, and founder of a global movement that’s helped thousands of women accomplish what once felt impossible—starting with their first pull-up.
Singer/Songwriter
For more than 35 years, Debbie Gibson has been a true pioneer and force in the entertainment industry. A singer, songwriter, producer, musician, actor, and entrepreneur, she embodies what it truly means to be an icon.
New York Times Bestselling Author & James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Princeton University
One of the nation’s most prominent scholars, Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. is an author, political commentator, public intellectual and passionate educator who examines the complex dynamics of the American experience.
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.
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.
Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor & Mental Health Advocate
Rebekah Gregory’s life was forever changed due to the bombings at the Boston Marathon on April 15th, 2013. This act of terrorism may have claimed her leg, but it could not claim her spirit.
Inspirational Educator & Author
Erin Gruwell helped students "written off" by the system harness the power of education to graduate high school. Her dedication to her students resulted in the publication of The Freedom Writers Diary.
Parkland Parent & Founder of Orange Ribbons for Jaime
Fred Guttenberg is an activist against gun violence. His 14-year-old daughter Jaime Guttenberg was killed in the Parkland school shooting. Fred and his wife started a nonprofit organization dedicated to Jaime’s life called “Orange Ribbons for Jaime.”
First Blind Contestant & Winner of MasterChef
The season three winner of Gordon Ramsay’s competitive amateur cooking show, MasterChef, Ha is the author of Recipes from My Home Kitchen: Asian and American Comfort Food.
2X Olympic Judo Gold Medalist & MMA Fighter
Kayla Harrison made history as the first American to win two gold medals in Judo. A survivor herself, she founded the Fearless Foundation to help survivors of child sexual abuse through education and sport.
Helping Teams & Individuals Overcome Adversity
Austin Hatch is a walking miracle who survived two plane crashes in the span of 8 years. He launched his entrepreneurial venture Overcome It in 2019 and has since spoken to organizations across the country about his road to recovery.
Former NASA Astronaut & Inspiration for A Million Miles Away
Former NASA engineer Jose Hernandez wanted to fly in space ever since he heard that the first Hispanic-American had been chosen to travel into space. That hard work paid off when Hernandez was selected to begin training as a mission specialist.
Actress
April Hernandez Castillo's dream became a reality when she booked her first commercial as the “Yo girl” in the Visa Check Card spot starring Yao Ming and Yogi Berra. The commercial would air for the Super Bowl and become a sports classic.
Biomechanics Pioneer
After losing his lower legs during a mountaineering accident, Hugh Herr joined MIT’s Biomechatronics group as the director to seek advancements in technologies that accelerate the merging of body and machine.
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.
Powerful Mental Health Advocate, Olympic Gold Medalist & WNBA Hall of Famer
Chamique Holdsclaw was the #1 Pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics. Aside from her outstanding athletic career, Chamique has dedicated her life’s work to mental health and wellness activism.
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.”
American Gymnast & Entrepreneur
There’s no doubt about it. Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson East is a champion. But it’s about so much more than excelling at her chosen sport of gymnastics.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Advisor & Speechwriter
An influential confidant of Dr. King, Jones played a pivotal role in drafting the “I Have a Dream” speech. He delivers passionate presentations on the challenges still facing civil rights.
Cognitive Scientist and Humanistic Psychologist & Host: The Psychology Podcast
Renowned humanistic psychologist, Scott Barry Kaufman, explores the depths of human potential by challenging traditional metrics of success.
International Inspirational Speaker, TEDx Speaker, Expert on Creating Enduring Success & Founder of Enduring Success Strategies
Trish is proof that true success—enduring success—comes from making a choice. We each have the power to make that choice and achieve enduring success, no matter the obstacles.
Resilience Mode Founder, Inspirational Leader, Author & Justice Advocate
You would probably be incredibly angry after spending nearly a quarter of a century in prison before being exonerated for a crime you didn’t commit. But not Ricky Kidd. Instead, Ricky focused on the positive—no matter how unfairly he was treated.
Innovation & Change Navigation Strategist
Jay Kiew is an innovation strategist with more than 15 years of transformation experience. He has created more than $2B of impact for 400+ executives by designing, developing, and delivering organizational transformation.
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.
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.
Founder and CEO of Hollywood Unlocked, Multimedia Powerhouse and Self-Made Entrepreneur
Multimedia powerhouse and self-made entrepreneur Jason Lee’s success has nothing to do with luck. Life tried to underestimate Lee. Life has learned its lesson.
Entrepreneur & Sales Expert
Weldon Long is a successful entrepreneur, sales expert and author of the NY Times Bestseller, The Power of Consistency – Prosperity Mindset Training for Sales and Business Professionals.
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.
Global Ambassador for Technology & Inclusion, Disability Rights Activist
Srin is an entrepreneur who sold the company he co-founded, Accomable, to Airbnb. Srin has been a wheelchair user since childhood and co-founded Accomable to make it easier for people with disabilities to find accessible travel accommodation.
Emmy-Nominated Storyteller, Classically-Trained Opera Singer & On Tour with NPR's "The Moth"
Prepare to embark on a powerful and inspiring journey with Deonna Marie as she shares her incredible story of triumph over adversity.
Iconic Storyteller for Leaders & Changemakers — Celebrated Artist, Burn Survivor, Entrepreneur, Encourager
Hailed as “life-changing,” “extraordinary,” and “bold” by audiences worldwide, Allison Massari’s motivational and artistic message of courage, compassion and perseverance inspires participants.
Founder of Morgan Latimer Consulting
A former abuse victim and foster kid straight outta Compton, Anthony D. Mays wears many hats as a public speaker, DEI consultant, writer, tech career coach, and software engineer.
Inspirational Speaker, Author & Longest Held Captive of Al Qaeda
Stephen's talk is a story about resilience and overcoming adversity amidst harsh weather conditions, a different culture, language and religion. He talks about making important decisions, about the importance of acceptance and communication.
Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition
Desmond Meade is a formerly homeless returning citizen who overcame many obstacles to eventually become the President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC).
Bilingual TV Personality & Life Coach
Television star Rosie Mercado is capturing hearts and imaginations across the globe with her compelling story, electric persona and breathtaking beauty.
Paralympic World Medalist, Model & Entrepreneur
Trenten Merrill wants to use his platform as a Paralympic world medalist, an athlete, speaker, and model to inspire others to pursue their dreams.
Author, Activist & Force Behind Erin's Law
As a victim of sexual abuse, Merryn now travels around the country giving a voice to the voiceless and shares he inspiring story, pushing for Erin's Law to pass in every state.
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.
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.
Disability Rights Advocate, Former United States Special Advisor on International Disability Rights
Sara Minkara is a world-renowned, in-demand speaker and visionary who masterfully shatters conventional wisdom about leadership, disability, and human potential.
Best-Selling Author, Entrepreneur & Confidence Creator
Confidence is the one thing that will change everything. Heather Monahan’s life and career are proof positive. After 20 years shattering glass ceilings, Heather, a.k.a., “Boss in Heels” has dedicated herself to helping others shift mindsets.
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.
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.
2021 Nobel Peace Prize Winner & Editor-in-Chief of Novaya Gazeta
Dmitry Muratov is a Russian journalist who, as editor in chief of the newspaper Novaya Gazeta, was a vocal advocate for an independent press and known for investigating abuses of power. In 2021 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace, cited for his “efforts to safeguard freedom of expression.”
Inspirational Speaker & Best-Selling Author
Formerly homeless, Liz Murray transformed her life of despair into an inspiring journey of determination, hope and hard-won success. Lifetime produced a movie about Murray’s life story entitled Homeless to Harvard, which was nominated for three Emmys.
U.S. Marine Veteran, Author, Global Explorer & Resilience Expert
Akshay Nanavati is a U.S. Marine veteran, author, global explorer, and resilience expert who has conquered drug addiction in high school, PTSD, alcoholism, and near-suicidal despair after fighting the war in Iraq.
Musician & Reality TV Star
Born blind in his left eye due to congenital glaucoma, standout musician Blessing Offor of The Voice emigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria. With a love of people and energy, Offor is making his dreams come true.
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.
1st Actively & Openly Serving Transgender U.S. Military Member
Shane Ortega is a human rights equity advocate, diversity educator, fitness model, DJ, and mixed-media artist. He/they are retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Marine Corps Veteran.
Victim of Brain Injury - Mathematical Marvel
When Padgett was attacked by muggers outside a karaoke club ten years ago, he thought he was going to die. Repeatedly kicked in the head, his brain trauma caused him to develop a mysterious mathematical gift.
Olympic Gold Medalist, Gymnastics
At the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Carly Patterson became the first American gymnast in 20 years to win the All-Around Olympic Gold medal and the first American to win the All-Around in a non-boycotted Olympic Games.
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.
(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.
Extreme Adventurer, Award-Winning Author & International Keynote Speaker
Neal Petersen has completed two amazing journeys in his life: a single-handed yacht race around the world, 27,000 miles, 9 months at sea, alone, and in the smallest, least-funded yacht, he designed and built himself.
Emmy Award-Winning Co-Anchor of ABC's Nightline & Best-Selling Author
Byron Pitts is an award-winning journalist who has covered some of the most horrific and dangerous news stories in the world, from Sept. 11 to Hurricane Katrina to the Boston Marathon to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Explorer & Researcher
Everything Mark Pollock does is about inspiring leaders and their teams to build resilience, optimize performance and collaborate with others so that they achieve more than they thought possible.
Nationally Recognized Motivational Speaker & Best Selling Author of Severed Dreams
Chad Porter is widely recognized as one of the nation’s most inspirational and impactful motivational speakers.
Award-Winning Journalist & Author of The Family Roe
For more than twenty years, Joshua Prager, a former senior writer for The Wall Street Journal, has written about historical secrets. His work has shed new light on our cultural touchstones.
Former Teacher & Elementary Principal
Toby Price is a former teacher and elementary principal. He is a husband, an educator, a writer, a story teller, an artist, and the King of Dad Jokes.
Cosmic Visionary, Futurist Space Artist & Inspirational Leader
Dr. Sian Proctor is a groundbreaking space artist, Afrofuturist, commercial astronaut, and international motivational speaker who inspires audiences to chase their dreams and see the world from a cosmic perspective.
Emmy Award-Winning Author, Musician & Workforce Expert
Clint Pulver is an Emmy Award-winning, motivational keynote speaker, author, musician, and workforce expert. He’s also fun, dynamic, entertaining – and the no-stress speaker clients love to work with.
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.
CEO of Raymond Insurance & Author
Benjamin Raymond has refined the art of recreating a life filled with purpose in spite of one’s past circumstances. As a former captain of a basketball team from University of Minnesota, Benjamin learned the importance of hard work and leadership.
Navy SEAL & Best-Selling Author
Retired Navy SEAL Jason “Jay” Redman is the author of The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader, which captures his 21-year career and journey in leadership serving with the US Navy SEAL teams.
Domestic Violence Activist, Actor & Author
Born in Cuba, Rivers came to the US at the age of two, endured horrific child abuse and witnessed domestic violence at the hands of his father, which he chronicles in his bestseller, A Private Family Matter.
“Skid Row CEO” & Inspirational Leadership Speaker
Joe Roberts embodies the power of possibility. Celebrated in national media as the “Skid Row CEO,” his astounding transformation from substance abuse and homelessness to leading executive has inspired countless audiences.
The “TikTok Pastor,” Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church, Author, Activist & Public Theologian
Rev. Brandan Robertson is a public theologian working at the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social renewal. Robertson is as the “TikTok Pastor”, creating videos which have garnered over 215k followers and 5 million views.
Emmy Award Winning Motivational Speaker, Author & Producer
Against all odds on a gridiron South Bend, Indiana, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger carved his name into history books as perhaps the most inspiring graduate of the University of Notre Dame.
Drummer for P!NK
Mark Schulman is the drummer for P!NK, performing for sold-out audiences all over the world. Get ready to be empowered, inspired and elevated to an evolved mindset and new level of peak performance.
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.
Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor & Author
A Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor and amputee, Roseann is making strides in changing lives. She combines her powerful story of perseverance with her professional corporate background, offering lessons learned.
Resiliency Expert & Coach
An internationally recognized expert on resiliency and stress reduction, Dr. Eva Selhub specializes in helping individuals and organizations improve health, wellbeing, productivity and outcomes by creating a culture of resilience.
Recovering Addict & Subject of Beautiful Boy
Nic Sheff’s heartbreaking and inspiring struggle with substance abuse disorder is the story of Beautiful Boy, a major motion picture starring Timothée Chalamet as Nic and Steve Carrell as his father, David.
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.
Abduction Survivor & Best-Selling Author
The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time. Smart’s speeches not only tell her story but also cover topics such as overcoming extreme adversity.
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.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Running Back, Speaker & Entrepreneur
Emmitt Smith is a professional football icon and one of the greatest to ever play the game. In his 15 seasons as a running back in the National Football League, Smith amassed many records that still stand today, including most career rushing yards and most career rushing touchdowns.
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.
Founder & Executive Director, Athletes Mental Health Organization; Co-Author of The Price She Pays
Katie Steele is the Founder and Executive Director of the Athletes Mental Health Organization, a non-profit organization dedicated to changing athletic systems and providing resources to support mental health in athletes.
American Two-Time Paralympian & Former U.S. Army Officer
Melissa was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s transportation corps. 1 month after being deployed to Iraq, she became the 1st female American soldier in history to lose a limb in active combat after her vehicle was hit by a bomb.
Minister & Baseball Legend
Darryl Strawberry is described as a legend by many who have been dazzled by the dynamics of his game, the power he possessed at the plate and the story of redemption that continues to bring hope to so many lives.
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.
Entrepreneur & Full Time Adventurer
Patrick Sweeney has always focused on building an amazing life. Patrick graduated near the top of his class and caught the entrepreneurial bug. After overcoming leukemia, Sweeney transitioned into a full-time adventurer, breaking many world records.
Disability Advocate, Educator & Best-Selling Author, Sitting Pretty
Rebekah Taussig will challenge everything you think you know about disability as she invites us into her experience of living in a body that looks and moves differently than most.
Author & Community Advocate
What is your why? What is your purpose? These two questions are asked by Logan Taylor to ensure that his audiences are maximizing their full potential. The founder of Y.B.Normal?, Taylor has spoken to thousands upon thousands of people worldwide.
Heisman Trophy Winner & Former NFL Quarterback
Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, and a former professional baseball player.
Champion for Women's and Refugee Rights, First Rhodes Scholar from Afghanistan & Founder of Dosti Network
Summia Tora is the founder of Dosti Network, an organization dedicated to empowering Afghans both within Afghanistan and those living as refugees with crucial resources and education.
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.
Attorney, Business Consultant, Co-star of Unicorn Hunters
The staff and the co-stars on the YouTube show “Unicorn Hunters,” call Moe Vela a modern-day renaissance man. And it’s a title well deserved. Vela, who is also co-executive producer of the series, can do it all.
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.
Founder & CEO, Life Without Limbs
Without any medical explanation or warning, Nick Vujicic was born with neither arms nor legs. He is the founder & CEO of the nonprofit organization Life Without Limbs.
Human Rights Activist & Advocacy Educator
Natalie Warne is an activist who at the age of 17 decided to work for the humanitarian aid organization, Invisible Children. What began as a 5 month internship resulted in Natalie producing award-winning international human rights awareness campaigns.
Keynote Speaker, 3x WSJ Bestselling Author, M.S. in Criminal Justice, Philanthropist & Recovering Addict
The only athlete in the history of the NCAA to receive a life sentence and parole out of prison with enough life left to tell the story, Damon West has made the most of his second chance.
3X Olympic Gold Medalist
Legend isn’t often a word bestowed upon someone in his early 30s, but then again, most 32-year-olds aren’t Shaun White. Dual-sport professional athlete in snowboarding and skateboarding, 3-time Olympic gold medalist, and so much more.
Actor & Mental Health Advocate
De'Voreaux (Dae) Sefas White is known to audiences worldwide as "Argyle," Bruce Willis' chauffeur in the original Die Hard. He reteamed with Bruce recently for the high-profile DIE-HARD BATTERIES commercial.
Public Intellectual, Author & CNN Commentator
Theo Wilson is a founding member of the Denver Slam Nuba team, who won the 2011 National Poetry Slam. Wilson is the executive director of Shop Talk Live, Inc. The organization uses the barbershop as a staging ground for community dialogue and healing.
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.
Social Entrepreneur & Co-Founder of 321 Coffee
Lindsay Wrege is the co-founder and CEO of 321 Coffee, a coffee shop and roaster in Raleigh, NC that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Award-Winning Advocate and Trans Justice Leader & Campaign Manager at the ACLU
LaLa B Zannell is an advocate, organizer, and artist working towards liberation for transgender and nonbinary communities, with a particular focus on trans women of color and trans sex workers.