Throughout his career, Byron Pitts has never been known to be silent. If he sees something wrong, he addresses it. And when it came to diversity, equity and inclusion of off-air talent at ABC where he is co-anchor of Nightline, he knew he had to do something about it. Byron worked with the management of the broadcast company to address the problem. The result was the creation of a DEI advisory council for ABC’s parent company—the Walt Disney Company—to help change the culture across all of its brands. Byron leads the group. In this keynote, Byron shares his story, what DEI looks like and how to achieve it. He truly believes it’s something everyone needs to fight for. When speaking about the legacy of the late Civil Rights Icon John Lewis, Pitts said it best. “John Lewis knew success and setbacks because he believed so deeply in America, fought so courageously. We have no excuse to do any less, wherever we stand.”

For famed journalist Byron Pitts, his proudest moment wasn’t when he won any of his many awards Instead, it was the first time Byron, who was functionally illiterate until the age of 12, was able to read a note sent home from school to his mom. They both cried tears of joy. That is how much education meant to his family. His mother knew it could change the trajectory of his life. And it’s something that he still deeply believes in today. In this inspiring presentation, Byron motivates students and educators, alike, to believe in their dreams, the transformative power of education for themselves, their families and communities, and that the American dream still can come true, when you open your mind and heart to learning.

Award-winning journalist Byron Pitts knows what it is like to be functionally illiterate. He struggled with reading until he was 12, when his mom learned that Byron needed help. Through those years, he labored to keep up at school and life—everything was more challenging. He’s not alone. According to the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy, over 40% of American adults lack proficiency in literacy—reading below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level. Studies have also shown the relationship between low literacy and adverse health outcomes. Patients with low literacy tend to have less health-related knowledge, receive less preventive care, have poorer control of their chronic illnesses, are hospitalized more frequently than other patients and have a higher mortality rate. In this talk, Byron shares his personal struggles with literacy and offers solutions on how healthcare practitioners can recognize the problem  and help those who are struggling to read in order to get the best quality care.

It was August 25, 2006, Byron Pitts’ first on-camera studio open for the CBS News broadcast 60 Minutes. Executive Producer Jeff Fager poked his head into the dressing room. “Good luck, Brotha! You've come a long way to get here. You've earned it." …If only he knew. Though growing up with separated parents and a mother who consistently worked two jobs to make ends meet was tough, many thought Byron Pitts’ biggest misfortune was that he suffered from a debilitating stutter. But Byron was keeping an even more embarrassing secret: He was also functionally illiterate. For a kid from inner-city Baltimore, it was a recipe for failure. Pitts turned struggle into strength and overcame both of his impediments. Along the way, a few key people "stepped out on nothing" to make a difference for him. From a challenged youth to a reporting career that has covered 9/11 and Iraq, Pitts's triumphant and uplifting story will resonate with anyone who has felt like giving up in the face of seemingly insurmountable hardships. In this inspiring keynote address, Byron Pitts chronicles his astonishing story of overcoming a childhood filled with obstacles to achieve enormous success in life and the people who helped him along the way.

While working as a war correspondent in Afghanistan, award-winning journalist Byron Pitts learned a new expression from members of the military: Embrace the suck. What it means, he says, is that when things are tough—even horrendous—not only should you accept the difficulties but also make the best of them. It was a tough time for his family when his mother, the strong matriarch and the one you called on in times of crisis and celebration, became ill. Byron gives the caregivers perspectives- How his family pulled together to care for his mom the best they could-all taking on different roles to be there for their matriarch. Byron knows it takes a village- that a family needs to work together and with healthcare providers. His job was the enforcer with doctors-his brother always took care of fixing things in the house- painting things and keeping things together. His uncle would to be at the house every day to watch his moms favorite TV shows with her, and another uncle-who is the most dependable and was always on time, was in charge of taking his mom to her doctor appointments. Byron said in the end, it brought the family closer together. In this keynote, Byron shares his philosophy of embracing uncertainty and shares the story of his mom’s journey with dementia and cancer and how his family “embraced the suck" while caring for her. It’s a story of hope and lessons that you can apply if you are a caregiver for anyone you love.

When it comes to covering national and international affairs, from elections to riots to wars, award-winning journalist Byron Pitts has just about seen and done all. A consummate reporter, he has taken his skills as a journalist to the highest level. In this fascinating keynote, Byron talks about current national events and the politics of today from an observer’s point of view. He’ll share some of his favorite stories from his career, and discuss what’s happening now and why you need to care about it. If you’ve dreamed of becoming a journalist or want an insider’s view of American politics or national affairs, this talk is for you.

What’s Byron Pitts’ secret to success? For this award-winning journalist, it’s his faith. He is unabashedly Christian and proud of it, although he deeply respects other faiths. It has helped in good times and bad and has been fundamental to who he is. In fact, he calls it his “secret sauce.” In this inspiring keynote, Byron shares his personal story of faith, the important role it has played in his life and how it sustains him. Byron’s triumphant and uplifting story of faith will resonate with anyone who has felt like giving up in the face of seemingly insurmountable hardships.