Motivation & Inspiration
Personal Stories
Personal Stories:
Human-Centered Thought Leader, Bestselling Author & Founder & CEO, The Lighthouse Academy
Steve Pemberton is a visionary human-centered thought leader and the Founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Academy.
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.
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.
World-Renowned Neurosurgeon & Neuroscientist
Mexican immigrant Quiñones-Hinojosa went from migrant worker to head of brain tumor surgery at Johns Hopkins. His incredible story is being developed into a movie by Brad Pitt and Disney.
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.
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.
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.
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.