Social, Community & Cultural Issues
Child Abuse/Welfare
Child Abuse/Welfare:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Activist & Expert on Violence
Speaker William Kellibrew IV is an international advocate for civil, human, women, children, and victims' rights who speaks about violence, trauma, trauma-informed care, and children exposed to violence.
Author & Therapist
Co-author of Ghosts from the Nursery: Tracing the Roots of Violence, Robin Karr-Morse helps provide parents with developmental knowledge for raising emotionally competent children from conception to adolescence.
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.
Authority on Child Development
Dr. Pruett is an authority on child development with a special interest in fatherhood and its effects on children. Considered a parenting visionary, he takes parents deep into the hearts and minds of children.
"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.
Survivor of Cleveland Kidnappings
As one of the women who escaped from the Cleveland home of Ariel Castro after 11 years of captivity, torture and abuse, Michelle Knight has risen out of darkness and trauma to captivate audiences around the world with her incredible story.
Investigator, Adverse Childhood Experience Study
Vincent Felitti, MD, is a physician and researcher on the negative impacts in adults of adverse childhood experiences. Dr. Felitti is co-principal investigator of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study.
Juvenile Court Judge & Star of Judge Hatchett
Nationally recognized as an expert on juvenile & social issues, Judge Glenda Hatchett garnered national appeal for her award-winning show, Judge Hatchett. She is the author of Dare to Take Charge.
Child Health, Safety & Welfare Expert
Janet Rosenzweig makes life safer for children, easier for parents, and more rewarding for professionals who have dedicated their careers to serving children and families.
Founder of Peaceful Hearts Foundation
The Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal was highly publicized. Through the traumatic experiences Matthew Sandusky has gone through, he has decided to take on the role of advocate for CSA survivors.
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.
Emotional Intelligence Expert & Author
Brett Francis is a professional speaker and mental health advocate, with a TV and radio show. Her radio show, Not Broken® Radio has 1.8M+ listeners/downloads per month.
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.
First Legally Deaf Player in NBA History
Hearing impaired since birth, former NBA player Lance Allred is a best-selling author and thought leader who compels those around him to seek ways to overcome setbacks and pursue dreams.
Co-Founder of ACE Study
Dr. Robert Anda played the principal role in the design of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study and serves as its Co-Principal Investigator. He has presented findings from the ACE Study at Congressional Briefings and numerous conferences.
Gender Equality Advocate & Founder of New Light
Urmi Basu fights for social justice for the marginalized community of sex workers and women in prostitution. She founded New Light, whose mission is to promote gender equality and fight abuse of women and children.
One of America's Most Provocative & Controversial Authors
Raymond Bechard is an Author, Publisher and Human Rights Advocate. For over 25 years he has worked to provide justice, tolerance and equality to people around the world.
Visionary Sustainability Expert, Award Winning Author & Entrepreneur
Maxine Bedat is a renowned expert in sustainability, the future of business, and an acclaimed author known for her groundbreaking book, Unraveled: The Life and Death of a Garment.
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.
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.
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.
Inspirational Educator & Survivor
A decade ago, Brenda Combs Ed.D. was a homeless cocaine addict and criminal. Today, she's turned her life around and motivates others with her story of perseverance and rediscovery.
Accomplished Mental Health Specialist
Dr. Christian Conte is one of the country’s most accomplished mental health specialists. A familiar figure on TV and radio, he is also a prolific writer, powerful communicator, and sought-after corporate consultant and trainer.
Co-Founder of Stand for Children
Co-Founder and CEO of Stand for Children, Jonah Edelman teaches advocacy skills to child-serving professionals, students, and civic leaders to share a powerful plan for creating a better future for children.
The 15th Surgeon General of the United States
A pediatric endocrinologist and 15th Surgeon General of the US, Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders has a deep concern for young people and teaches that education, prevention, and responsibility are the keys to a healthy life.
Criminal Lawyer & Best-Selling Crime Novelist
Linda Fairstein’s writing is influenced by her experiences as a former prosecutor. An expert on crimes of violence against women and children, her work draws on today’s most pressing societal issues.
Pulitzer Prize Winning Author
James Forman, Jr. started the Maya Angelou Public Charter School and is a Professor of Law at Yale Law School. He also worked as a law clerk for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor of the U.S. Supreme Court and is a Pulitzer Prize Winning Author.
Writer, Attorney, Speaker & Survivor
Jackie Fox is a writer, speaker and Harvard-educated attorney whose piece on sexual assault has appeared in the Huffington Post among others. Fox is best known as the bass player for the rock band, The Runaways.
Psychiatrist & Founder of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine
James S. Gordon, MD, a Harvard-educated psychiatrist and former NIMH researcher. He is the Founder and CEO of the nonprofit Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) in Washington, DC.
Global AI/Metaverse Expert
Cortney Harding is a global thought leader, published author, and speaker on emerging technology and the role of virtual and augmented reality. She is the Founder and CEO of a transformational VR/AR agency focused on creating innovative experiences.
Former Surgeon General of California
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris is an award-winning physician, researcher and public health leader who has spent her career on the front lines of some of our world’s most pressing public health challenges.
Globally Recognized Authority on Leading & Creating Cultures of Dignity, Harvard Professor and Award-Winning Author
Harvard’s Dr. Donna Hicks is an expert in human dignity and a specialist in conflict resolution. Through her work Dr. Hicks has identified a major obstacle in our human relationships and shares how to use dignity as a way of repairing relationships.
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.
Pioneering Advertising Researcher & Filmmaker
Recognized for her work on the image of women in advertising and for her studies of alcohol and tobacco advertising, Jean Kilbourne is renowned for her ability to present provocative topics in a way that unites.
Legendary R&B Vocalist / American Juniors Judge
Gladys Knight & The Pips transcended countless musical fads and made some of the most memorable records of our time. Following her success, Knight has become a fervent advocate for raising diabetes awareness.
Climate Justice & Renewable Energy Advocate
Melina is a renowned advocate for climate justice, Indigenous sovereignty and women's rights. She is Lubicon Cree from Northern Alberta, Canada. She is the Founder of Sacred Earth Solar and a Climate Fellow at the David Suzuki Foundation.
Producer, Writer, Entrepreneur, Women’s Health Advocate
Tonya Lewis Lee is an accomplished author, producer, entrepreneur and women's health advocate. She is director emeritus of the board of trustees of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Author & Child Advocate
Regina Louise’s life story is one of a child who prevails against all odds, whose resilience shines through each attempt to break her and whose sheer will to not only survive but to thrive, is a beacon to us all.
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.
Child & Domestic Violence Advocate, Author
Maralee Mclean is a child advocate, protective mother, and author of <i>Prosecuted But Not Silenced</i>. Fighting the system both body and soul, she gained the insight that this was not her nightmare alone.
Courageous Pioneer & Combat-Proven Leader
Colonel Martha E. McSally is a pioneering combat-proven leader and celebrated author. McSally is a compelling example of overcoming adversity and fear to achieve extraordinary feats.
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.
The People's Court Judge
Judge Milian joined The People's Court in January 2001, with more than 19 years of legal experience on the bench, becoming the first female judge to preside over The People's Court.
Domestic Abuse Prevention Advocate & Author
Melissa G. Moore is the daughter of Keith Hunter Jesperson, a man infamously known as the "Happy Face Serial Killer," and the author of Shattered Silence: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer's Daughter.
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.
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.
The DNA Detective, Genetic Genealogist
CeCe is an investigative genetic genealogist and media consultant. She is the Founder of DNA Detectives and the Chief Genetic Genealogist for Parabon Nanolabs.
Survivor of Child Sexual Abuse & Assistant U.S. Attorney in Detroit
Kevin is a survivor of child sexual abuse. He works as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Detroit. Throughout his career, Kevin has prosecuted a variety of cases, including offenses involving firearms, drugs, bank robberies, threats, terrorism, and more.
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.
Author of KooKooLand
Gloria Norris’s heartbreaking and hilarious memoir, KooKooLand, was named a best book of the year by NPR. Some of the issues Gloria has spoken passionately about include domestic violence and mental health issues.
Chief Operating Officer, NAIC, Transformational Leader & Advocate
Trail-blazing Executive. Authentic Leader. Unwavering Advocate. These are just a few of the descriptions that come to mind when describing the emergent and compelling voice of Carmen Ortiz-McGhee.
Author, Child Rights & Mental Health Advocate
As a child, Pelzer's resilience enabled him to overcome extreme life-threatening obstacles. As an adult, his inspirational work has encouraged millions to remain steadfast to their personal convictions.
Father of Gabby Petito
Joseph Petito is a public speaker and dedicated advocate for domestic violence awareness and education, fueled by the profound loss of his daughter, Gabby Petito.
Granddaughter of Bob Marley; Filmmaker & Poet
Continuing her grandparent’s legacy and message, Donisha offers an inside look into her family’s life and speaks on how to embody the idea of “One Love” in the community.
Social Entrepreneur & Change Maker
Lynn Price is an author and social entrepreneur. As an Ashoka Fellow, she is one of only a several hundred in the US recognized as a global social entrepreneur who tackles society’s greatest challenges.
Gold Medal Gymnast & Advocate
Aly Raisman, team captain of the gold medal winning Women’s Gymnastics teams in 2012 and 2016, is the third most decorated American gymnast of all-time.
Attorney, Trayvon Martin & Michael Brown Family
Known for her representation of the Trayvon Martin family, Jasmine Rand excels in the civil rights arena. Rand is currently scheduled to provide lectures worldwide on her I Am the Change World Tour.
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.
2014 Nobel Peace Prize Winner & Child Rights’ Activist
Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi has been a tireless global advocate of children’s rights for four decades now. He left a lucrative career and started Save the Childhood Movement to rescue children from the shackles of slavery.
Founder of Comfort Cases
Rob Scheer founded Comfort Cases, an all-volunteer charitable organization that provides overnight bags, pajamas, hygiene items, and activities to give comfort to children and teens transitioning into foster care.
Domestic Violence Prevention Activist
Speaker Dawn Schiller was only 15 when she became involved with John Holmes, notorious for the Wonderland murders. As a sex trafficking survivor, she shares her story in The Road Through Wonderland.
Dir. Boston Medical Center Child Protection Team
Dr. Robert Sege is a medical director & professor of pediatrics. His research involves the development of a healthcare response to violence involving children and adolescents.
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.
Serial Social Entrepreneur, Storyteller & Author
Growing up in Washington, DC, Chris Wilson was surrounded by violence and despair. At 18, he was sentenced to life in prison, with no hope of parole. While behind bars, Chris embarked on a remarkable journey of self-improvement.