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Mario Arnauz Bonds
Motivator & Singer-Songwriter
Mario Arnauz Bonds
Motivator & Singer-Songwriter
Biography
We think we fully comprehend that courage, creativity and determination are critical to our success. However, you will quickly see how much we all still have to learn about the innate power of these concepts when you hear the story of Mario Arnauz Bonds. Bonds is a multitalented motivational speaker and singer-songwriter. Made famous by NBC Universal's 2012 run of The Glee Project, season two, in which he showed the world that a person with a disability can rise to meet any challenge, Bonds enjoys entertaining and inspiring millions.
One of a set of triplets and adopted at age 16, Bonds comes from a large family of nine siblings. Born with Morning Glory Syndrome, a degenerative condition that gradually destroyed the optic nerve in both of his eyes, he was completely blind by the tender age of nine. After losing both his vision, and his parents, Bonds experienced a childhood the likes of which few of us can even imagine—suffering abuse on a number of levels, abandonment and eventually, homelessness. Amazingly, one thing he never suffered from was hopelessness.
Instead of allowing these setbacks to define him, Bonds utilized them to propel himself forward—earning a spot in the prestigious Suitland’s School for the Visual and Performing Arts in his teens, followed by a degree in Journalism from George Mason University. Among his various achievements, he became a gifted technology expert, providing skillful computer guidance to people needing support.
In recognition of his work with students and the performing arts, Bonds was awarded the prestigious Imagination Award for 2012 by the Imagination Stage, a theatre arts organization for young people. He is the author of Without Sight but Full of Vision, a memoir recounting how he overcame a childhood marked by blindness, abuse and abandonment.
Bonds exemplifies the philosophy that triumph and success are still possible, no matter the obstacle, with sufficient courage, creativity and determination to overcome the odds. His experiences and lessons will motivate you, both personally and professionally, to push the envelope, overcome any difficulty and ultimately, make the choices that will set you along the path to achieving your goals. Bonds is a must-see inspirational keynote speaker who will deliver a passionate “special surprise” for the audience, as he demonstrates what it truly means to overcome adversity—you will undoubtedly walk away inspired!
Speaker Videos
Conqueror of Life's Challenges
Human (Official Video)
Anything Is Possible
BELIEVE: Starr Commonwealth All-Star Choir and Mosaic Youth Theater Kids
The Art of Resilience
Success Despite Setbacks
The Glee Project
Speech Topics
Without Sight but Full of Vision: A Message from Mario's Childhood Memoir
This is an in depth lecture based on Bonds’ childhood memoir, which depicts his triumphs over abuse, abandonment and adjusting to, and ultimately accepting going totally blind.
Putting the Odds in Your Favor: Choosing to Overcome Adversity
Bonds decided that his tumultuous childhood would not define him. He discusses how he made the choice to persevere and he inspires audiences to do the same.
What Disability? Redefining What it Means to be Disabled
Bonds motivates audiences with this presentation on independence, hard work and success, despite a visual impairment. People frequently say that although Bonds is totally blind, he can “do everything but drive.” This compelling presentation explains why.
Life's Box of Chocolates: Diversity, Equal Access & Inclusion
For Corporate audiences, Bonds lectures on the importance of diversity and inclusion for persons with disabilities and from varied backgrounds. He discusses technology, social etiquette, employment and more.
From Victim to Survivor: Ways to Reclaim Your Power
Bonds offers audiences an in depth look into the emotional, physical and sexual abuse he experienced as a child and teenager. With this presentation of survival, he inspires audiences to not let their “yesterday” conquer “today.” He illustrates methods he uses to heal and move forward.
World of Assistive Technology: A Blind Man's Virtual Life
Bonds takes audiences into the world of technology used by the blind. From surfing the web, word processing, reading recipes, to editing his own videos, web developing and more, Bonds has a greater sense of independence, thanks to talking computers and phones.
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