Social, Community & Cultural Issues
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence:
"Real Housewife" & NYT Best-Selling Author
Taylor Armstrong stars in Bravo's hit reality show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She survived domestic abuse at the hands of her late, estranged husband, a story she shares in the book Hiding from Reality.
Domestic Violence Survivor, Activist & Author
Dr. Mildred D. Muhammad, D.Hum is a domestic violence survivor. Many know her by her former husband, John Allen Muhammad – the convicted and now executed DC sniper who terrorized the Washington, DC, metro region in 2002.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Domestic Violence Prevention Advocate
Sister to the late Nicole Brown Simpson, Tanya Brown has dedicated her life to advocating domestic violence prevention. She candidly shares her experience and offers an inspiring message of hope.
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.
Journalist & Author
After her sister was murdered at the hands of her boyfriend, Janine Latus set out to write If I Am Missing or Dead, a journey of discovery as she traces the roots of her sister's victimization.
Documentary Filmmaker
Amy Ziering is a two-time Emmy Award–winning and Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker. Her most recent film, The Hunting Ground, was a piercing, monumental exposé of rape culture on college campuses.
Documentary Film Director
Kirby Dick is a two time Emmy-award winning and two-time Academy award-nominated documentary film director. His most recent film, The Hunting Ground, was a monumental exposé of rape culture on college campuses.
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.
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.
Co-Executive Director of the CPD
Ana María emigrated to the U.S. from Colombia at the age of 17 and has become a leading voice for racial justice, economic justice and immigrant rights in New York and nationally as co-Executive Director of the CPD.
Actress
Meredith Baxter has been an actress for 49 years; she’s also a writer, artist and mother of five, grandmother of 3. She starred in five television series, including the long-running Family Ties.
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.
Sister of Nicole Brown Simpson
Born in Germany and raised in Southern California, Denise Brown led a life remarkable only in its normalcy until June 12, 1994 when her sister, Nicole Brown Simpson, was murdered.
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.
"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.
Playwright & Novelist
Speaker Pearl Cleage probes issues of race, sex, and love in her literary works. She authored popular books such as 2011's Just Want to Testify.
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.
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.
Nationally Acclaimed Litigator
Kristen Feden concentrates her practice on complex commercial litigation, securities litigation, education law, employment & labor, and white-collar defense. Most recently, she was prosecutor in the trial and re-trial of Commonwealth v. Cosby.
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.
Expert on Violence Against Women & Children
Dr. Ludy Green is an expert on violence against women and children. She speaks about the importance of financial autonomy in breaking abusive patterns that hold captive victims of violence and human trafficking.
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.
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.
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.
Best-Selling True Crime Author & Journalist
Jones is a best-selling true crime author and journalist who uses her reporter’s hunch to investigate high-profile crimes and murder cases. Through her eyes, Jones sheds light on the dark motives and emotional truths lurking behind the headlines.
Former NFL Quarterback & VP at FamilyLife
Former NFL Quarterback Jeff Kemp is a Dartmouth graduate from a political family. His life stories, transparency and genuine wisdom inspire people to embrace change, serve others and turn problems into positives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Acclaimed Cinematic Pioneer & CalArts Faculty
Considered a cinematic feminist pioneer and one of America’s foremost independent filmmakers, Menkes has shown widely in major international film festivals including multiple premieres at Sundance, the Berlinale, Cannes and more.
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.
Award Winning Actress, Author & Advocate
Debbi Morgan is known to international audiences for her prolific career most recently starring in TYLER PERRY'S "Divorce In The Black" for Amazon Prime and TYLER PERRY'S "Beauty In Black" for Netflix.
Award-Winning Actress & “Social Action Hero”
Best known for her award-winning work in more than 30 films—including the blockbusters Sister Act, Hocus Pocus, WALL-E and Rat Race—the voice of Peggy Hill on King of the Hill and roles on VEEP, Younger and Graves, Kathy Najimy is also a celebrated advocate on the frontline of myriad progressive social causes.
“What’s Now” Anchor on WKYC-TV in Cleveland
After nearly 20 years at CNN and HLN, Christi Paul decided it was time to come home to Ohio. Now, you’ll find her every evening anchoring the “What’s Now” 5pm newscast for NBC affiliate WKYC-TV in Cleveland.
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.
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.
Actress, Film Director & Screenwriter
Lori was most recently seen in the role of "Lolly" in the Netflix hit Orange is the New Black and had a major presence in the most recent season after appearing in the previous two seasons.
GRAMMY-Nominated Poet; Human & Civil Rights Activist; Filmmaker; Author of 16 Books
Kevin Powell is one of the most celebrated political, cultural, literary, and hip-hop voices in America today. Kevin has gone on to author 14 books, including When We Free The World, his new short essay collection about freedom in America.
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.
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.
Rape Survivor, Victims' Advocate, Author
Liz Seccuro offers a fresh perspective on Gender & Domestic Violence. As a bestselling author, media commentator and journalist, she talks about progress in terms of victims' rights and where we can improve.
Author & Criminal Justice Advocate
Smith attended the prestigious Hampton University, but what happened at her campus was a nightmare, and led to a 24.5-year sentence in a federal prison. In 2000, after serving 6.5 years, President Clinton commuted her sentence to time served.
Founder, President & CEO of Lifeway Foods
Julie Smolyansky became the youngest female CEO of a publicly held firm at the age of 27, when she took over leadership of Lifeway Foods in 2002 after her father’s unexpected passing.
NYT Best-Selling Author, Former Corporate Executive & Domestic Violence Survivor
Leslie Morgan Steiner seemed to have it all: a Harvard diploma, a glamorous job at Seventeen magazine, a funky NYC apartment. Plus a handsome boyfriend who adored her. But behind a façade of success, this golden girl hid a dark secret.
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.
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.
Actress & Women's Rights Activist
Actress, model, and speaker Gabrielle Union is one of America's top young stars, appearing in Bring It On and Ugly Betty. She also advocates for women's rights.