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.