College & Independent Schools
Education
Education:
12th U.S. Secretary of Education
Dr. Miguel A. Cardona is an American leader and educator. He served as the 12th United States Secretary of Education, a position he was nominated for by President Joe Biden.
Research Professor & Historian of Education
Diane Ravitch is a research professor of education at New York University and a prolific writer, who has published more than 500 articles and reviews for scholarly and popular publications on the subject.
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.
Renowned Finnish Educator & Scholar
Pasi Sahlberg is a Finnish educator and scholar. Known as the international “school improvement activist,” he shares his experiences in classroom teaching, teacher education, and global educational change.
CEO & President of The Education Trust
An inspiring educational leader and advocate, King’s own story is proof of the transformative power of education. He shares a passionate message about access to opportunity and America’s future.
One of the Nation’s Leading Scholars on Race, Inequality & Education
Pedro Noguera is the Dean of the Rossier School of Education, and a Distinguished Professor of Education at USC. He is one of the nation’s leading scholars on issues related to race, inequality, and education.
Higher Education Thought Leader
Selingo has spent his journalism career covering colleges and universities worldwide. His book, College (Un)Bound: The Future of Higher Education and What It Means for Students, explores the college of tomorrow.
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.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer Scholly
Raised in poverty and determined to help others go to college, Gray sparked the biggest fight in Shark Tank history with Scholly, his breakthrough app that helps students find scholarships.
Award-Winning Essayist & Critic
William Deresiewicz is an award-winning essayist and critic, a frequent college speaker, and the best-selling author of Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life.
Brain Scientist
Wherever the very latest neuroscience intersects with real-world challenges facing the workplace, education, healthcare, and our everyday lives, you’ll find energizing insights from brain scientist John Medina.
Human-Centered Thought Leader, Bestselling Author & Managing Director at Seramount
Steve Pemberton is a visionary human-centered thought leader and the Founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Academy.
Globalization & Education Expert
Speaker Yong Zhao is the presidential chair and associate dean for global education at the University of Oregon. He covers everything from policy to innovation and technology.
President Emeritus of UMBC
Award-winning educator and diversity expert Hrabowski transformed UMBC with his enthusiasm for STEM. Partnering with businesses, UMBC fosters skills to ensure employability.
Academy Award Nominee for Hidden Figures
Allison Schroeder is a screenwriter and film producer known for Brooklyn Sound, Side Effects, and Hidden Figures, which earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Author, Literacy Advocate, Former NFL Champion & Inspirational Speaker
When former New England Patriot’s wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell entered the University of Georgia, he could only read at a junior high level—something he realized after attending his first English class and recognizing he wasn’t at the same literacy levels as his peers.
Daughter of Malcolm X, Professor & Author
Sharing the legacy of her parents, Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, Ilyasah is an inspirational role model, youth advocate and champion of women and girl empowerment.
Leading National Voice on Restorative Justice
A long-time social justice activist, civil rights trial attorney, writer, professor and scholar, Davis speaks on the power of restorative justice and search for healing.
Former Education Correspondent, NPR
A former elementary and middle school teacher, Sanchez was the education correspondent for NPR. His reports air on NPR's award-winning newsmagazines Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition.
Best-Selling Author & Leadership Educator
Rachel Simmons is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Odd Girl Out and The Curse of the Good Girl, and Enough As She Is.
College President & Diversity Consultant
Speaker Johnnetta B. Cole is President Emerita of both Bennett College and Spelman College. She fights for diversity, justice, health, and safety.
Educator, Best-Selling Author, Recovery & Prevention Coach
Teacher and NYT best-selling author, Jessica Lahey, inspires audiences with her rallying cry to allow children to experience failure as an integral part of becoming successful, resilient and self-reliant adults.
"Maria" on Sesame Street & Best-Selling Author
Having retired her iconic Sesame Street character “Maria,” Manzano now dedicates her time to speaking and writing on education, communication, and Hispanics in the media.
Animal Scientist & Autism Self-Advocate
The most accomplished adult with autism in the world, Grandin inspired the HBO film Temple Grandin (starring Claire Danes). Grandin shares the challenges and successes of her fascinating life.
Theoretical Physicist Known for Supersymmetry
A pioneer in advancing our understanding of supersymmetry, supergravity, and string theory, Gates captivates with his ability to explain complex theories in a fun, accessible way.
Author & Expert in International Education
Carl Hobert, a leading voice on global education equity, human rights and social justice, reveals how to harness creativity, passion, teamwork, and determination to make the world a better place.
Disney Animator, Author & Illustrator
Glen Keane created many beloved Disney characters, such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Beast, Tarzan, and Rapunzel with Walt Disney Feature Animation. In 2012, he created Glen Keane Productions.
Learning Disabilities Advocate
A dyslexic writer and activist who did not learn to read until age 12, Mooney earned an honors degree in English from Brown University and is co-founder of Project Eye to Eye, a mentoring program for learning disabled students.
The Professors: Nationally Recognized Educators
This unusual duo of tuba and piano, present events containing musical performances as well as opportunities to discuss diversity in many of its forms – gender, race, cultural, ideological and textural.
Directors of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies and Professors of Teacher Education at Montclair State University
Monica Taylor and Emily J. Klein are professors at Montclair State University focusing on Teaching and Learning, Education, and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.
Bestselling Authors of Sexual Citizens
Columbia University Professor Jennifer S. Hirsch and Princeton University Professor Shamus Khan's bestselling book — Sexual Citizens: Sex, Power and Assault on Campus — has transformed how we understand and address sexual assault.
Deputy Superintendent & Senior Executive Officer of the Office of Equity & Access (OEA) for New York City’s Department of Education
With an unyielding commitment to a vision of transforming the lives of adults, children, communities and school systems, Dr. Ruby Ababio-Fernandez comes to the work with over twenty-three years of experience in education and leadership.
Innovative Educator & Chair of the Acosta Institute for Healing-Centered Education
Dr. Angel Acosta is a transformative leader, educator, and speaker, renowned for his innovative work at the intersection of social justice, mindfulness, and education.
Real-Life Deaf Football Coach
Keith Adams is a head coach football at California School for the Deaf in Riverside, but he also has been a long time coach for over 30 years in various sports in hearing and deaf sports.
Former Chancellor of the New York City Public Schools
David C. Banks is the former Chancellor of the New York City Public Schools, the largest school system in the United States.
Co-Chair, Poor People’s Campaign & NYT Best-Selling Author
The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is the President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach; Co- Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign; Bishop with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries; and Visiting Professor at Union Theological Seminary.
Founder and Past President of Solution Tree & HOPE Foundation
Award-winning author and educational leader, Alan Blankstein served for 25 years as President of the HOPE Foundation, which he founded and whose honorary chair was Nobel Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Co-Founder of She’s the First
In the past decade as She's the First Co-Founder and Chief Programs Officer, Christen has revolutionized outdated models of philanthropy by shifting power to the most vulnerable.
Dean of Harvard’s Renowned Radcliffe Institute
Tomiko Brown Nagin is a prize-winning author, eminent legal scholar and historian, dean of Harvard’s renowned Radcliffe Institute, and pathbreaking leader in higher education.
CEO of Robin Hood
Richard is the CEO of Robin Hood and former Chief Executive Officer of Achievement First, a network of 37 public charter schools providing an excellent education to 15,000 students across New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Higher Education Evangelist & CEO, University Innovation Alliance
Named one of the “16 Most Innovative People in Higher Education” by Washington Monthly magazine, Dr. Bridget Burns is the founding executive director of the University Innovation Alliance (theUIA.org).
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.
Co-Founder of Blackboard & CEO of PrecisionHawk
Michael Chasen is an entrepreneur who is focused in the technology, education, and Social Local Mobile (SoLoMo) space.
Education Innovation Expert
Speaker Milton Chen is a leading figure in educational media for years, currently leading the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit that shares ideas on education.
Best-Selling Author, The Campus Color Line & Higher Education Thought Leader
Dr. Eddie R. Cole is Associate Professor of Higher Education and Organizational Change at UCLA. His research focuses on college presidents’ historic role in shaping racial policies and practices both inside and outside of the educational sphere.
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.
Psychotherapist
Elliott Connie is a psychotherapist who practices in TX and an author. He has worked with numerous individuals, couples and families applying the solution focused approach to help them move their lives from the problems towards their desired futures.
Best-Selling Author, Educator & Thought Leader
Jennifer De Leon is author of the YA novel Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From which was chosen as a Junior Library Guild selection, and the essay collection White Space: Essays on Culture, Race, & Writing, which is a recipient of the Juniper Prize in Creative Nonfiction.
Former Mayor of Miami
As former mayor, speaker Manny Diaz transformed Miami from a poor, crime-ridden, and economically stagnant city to a flourishing metropolis with a hurtling skyline.
Performing Artist, Founder of the Sphinx Organization, & Best-Selling Author
Named a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, President Obama’s first appointment to the National Council on the Arts and member of President Biden’s Arts Policy Committee, Aaron P. Dworkin is former dean and current Professor at the University of Michigan.
China Expert, Millennial Explorer & Cultural Futurist
Zak Dychtwald is a writer and consultant, and has traveled extensively throughout five continents to explore what makes people and cultures tick while searching for glimpses into the future.
One of Wall Street’s First Black Women Traders
From humble Southern beginnings to breaking barriers on Wall Street, Martina Marshall Edwards is the epitome of not allowing your circumstances to determine your outcome.
Founder of McSweeney's & Author
Dave Eggers is an expert of every step of the book industry as the founder of McSweeney’s, a designer, an editor, and author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, You Shall Know Our Velocity and more.
178th President of the American Medical Association
Dr. Jesse M. Ehrenfeld was the 178th president of the American Medical Association (AMA). Upon his inauguration in 2023, he made AMA history as the first openly gay president of the organization.
Professor of Science Education & Author
Christopher Emdin teaches STEM classes at Columbia where he serves as Director of Secondary School Initiatives at the Urban Science Education Center. He wrote Urban Science Education for the Hip-Hop Generation.
Best-Selling Author on Science of High Performance
Best-selling author David Epstein has made it his mission to uncover the keys to achieving high performance in any domain. In his latest book, Range, he examines the world’s top performers, from professional athletes to artists and more.
Global Education Thought Leader, Author, Futurist & Inventor
Charles Fadel is a global education thought leader and author, futurist and inventor. He is the founder and chairman of Center for Curriculum Redesign.
Award-Winning Educator, Entrepreneur & Author
Over the past decade, Brandon P. Fleming has become one of the most highly awarded and sought-after educators, entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers in the world.
Brother of George Floyd & Activist
On May 26, 2020, Floyd learned that his older brother, George “Perry” Floyd, Jr. had been murdered by four police officers in Minneapolis after a store clerk alleged that he passed a counterfeit $20 bill.
Inventor, CEO of Jara & Forbes 30 Under 30
Soraya Fouladi is the Founder & CEO of Jara, on a mission to ensure the 816 Million children in high-poverty and low-connectivity communities globally can get access to a quality education, anywhere, anytime, through her invention, the Jara Unit.
Educational Leader, Social Justice Advocate, Strategist & Author of Being Black in America’s Schools
Brian Rashad Fuller is educational leader, social justice advocate, strategist and author with a passion for addressing the needs of historically underserved students.
Best-Selling Author & Harvard Professor of Education and African American Studies
Jarvis R. Givens is a professor of education and faculty affiliate in the department of African & African American studies at Harvard University.
New York Times Bestselling Author & James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Princeton University
One of the nation’s most prominent scholars, Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. is an author, political commentator, public intellectual and passionate educator who examines the complex dynamics of the American experience.
Inspirational Educator & Author
Erin Gruwell helped students "written off" by the system harness the power of education to graduate high school. Her dedication to her students resulted in the publication of The Freedom Writers Diary.
Senior Fellow M-RCBG at the Harvard Kennedy School & Former College President
Gregory Haile has exceptional leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. By the time he was 40 years old, he had become the president of Broward College, one of the largest colleges in the United States.
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.
Globally Recognized Authority on Leading & Creating Cultures of Dignity
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.
Leading Expert in Digital Transformation & Professor at the University of California, Davis
Martin Hilbert is a leading expert in digital transformation and a Professor at the University of California, Davis, where he chairs the pioneering Computational Social Sciences program.
Expert on Anti-Black Violence & Historical Remembrance
Dr. Karlos K. Hill founded the Distinguished African American History Month Lecture Series at TTU. His research explores how black Americans have resisted racial violence and how black resistance has changed.
Emmy & Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist
Maria Hinojosa is the Pulitzer Prize-winning founder of Futuro Media based in New York City. She has written four books, won multiple awards, and is the Anchor and Executive Producer of the Peabody Award-winning show Latino US.
Professor of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University, Co-Author of Sexual Citizens
Jennifer S. Hirsch, a Professor of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University, is widely recognized as one of the nation’s top voices researching gender, sexuality and health.
Visionary in Agentic AI-Driven Decision Intelligence
Dr. Moriba Jah is an internationally recognized, award-winning scientist, educator and MacArthur fellow acknowledged for his work in space environmentalism.
Greatest Jeopardy! Player of All Time & Jeopardy! Host
Ken Jennings became the stuff of legend when he beat fellow champs “Jeopardy James” Holzhauer and Brad Rutter to win $1 million and be named the “Greatest Jeopardy! Player of All Time.”
Thought Leader & Founding Director, LBJ School of Public Affairs CSRD
In Fall 2015, Dr. Peniel E. Joseph joined the University of Texas at Austin as Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy.
World-Renowned Theoretical Physicist
Dr. Michio Kaku is an authority in Einstein's unified theory field, innovation, and "the future of the future.” He explores the science of tomorrow from computing power and AI to communication and genetics.
Professional Surfer & Phd Scientist
Dr. Cliff Kapono is a professional surfer, chemist and journalist. Born on the eastern shores of Hawai‘i, his life involves equal parts science as it does surf.
Professor of Sociology and American Studies, Princeton University; Co-Author of Sexual Citizens
Shamus Khan is the Willard Thorp professor of sociology and American Studies at Princeton University. He writes on culture, inequality, gender and elites.
US Army Lieutenant Colonel / Education Advocate
Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch is the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field in the US Army. She is recognized for her work on teen pregnancy, gang violence and parenting education.
Son of Martin Luther King, Jr. & Civil Rights Activist
As the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III serves as an ambassador of his parent’s legacy of nonviolent social change.
Professor at Montclair State University in the Department of Teaching and Learning & the Department of Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies
Emily J. Klein is a professor at Montclair State University in the Department of Teaching and Learning, the PhD program in Teaching and Teacher Education, and the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.
Educator & Social Justice Advocate
A former urban teacher, Jonathan Kozol is a long-term public education activist. He confronts the mania of high-stakes tests, the invasion of private corporations in schools, and the inequalities of urban schools.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning NYT Columnist
How good do you really have to be, to be christened the reporter’s reporter…by other reporters? You have to be Nicholas Kristof – good.
Sociologist, 2x TED Speaker & Author
Dr. Anindya Kundu is a 2-time TED Speaker and is author of the new book, The Power of Student Agency: Looking Beyond Grit to Close the Opportunity Gap.
CEO of Century Tech, Renowned Entrepreneur, AI Expert & Advocate for Innovation in Education & Business
Priya Lakhani OBE is the Founder CEO of CENTURY Tech, the award-winning AI and education technology company that develops learning tools for schools, colleges, universities and employers across the world.
Founder & CEO of PlayWerks
Shirin Laor-Raz Salemnia is the Founder and CEO of PlayWerks, an independent interactive media company that creates high-quality, innovative, multi-platform immersive experiences for children and adults.
Sociologist, Educator & Author
Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, a MacArthur prize-winning sociologist, is the Emily Hargroves Fisher Professor of Education at Harvard University, where she has worked since 1972, and the author of nine books.
Chief Engineer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
A renowned science fiction writer who produced the Cosmos series with Carl Sagan, B. Gentry Lee is responsible for the engineering integrity of all the robotic planetary missions managed by JPL.
CEO, Citizen University & Civic Evangelist
One of the country’s most sought-after speakers on citizen power, civic health, the future of democracy and American identity, civic evangelist Eric Liu celebrates shared values and challenges Americans to live up to them.
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.
Host & Managing Editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered
A dynamic and influential voice on the intersection of politics, social justice and race, Martin gives a voice to the voiceless and speaks truth to power on the issues of the day.
Bestselling Author, Poet & Advocate
Aija Mayrock is a bestselling author, poet, and advocate. Forbes Magazine wrote about Aija Mayrock, “With hundreds of thousands of social media followers, Aija Mayrock uses writing and performing to connect, educate, and advocate...”
Subject of the Disney+ film Safety
The Disney+ film Safety shares Ray Ray’s story as a shining example of perseverance triumphing through repeated adversity and the message of family above everything.
Actress & Mathematician
Danica McKellar was first introduced to us as “Winnie Cooper” on the iconic television classic, The Wonder Years. Danica is the apotheosis of pop culture meets nerd culture. Her message to girls? Smart is sexy!
Expert on Interfaith, Interracial & Multicultural Experiences
Samira K. Mehta is the Director of Jewish Studies and an Associate Professor of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research and teaching focus on the intersections religion, culture, and gender.
Author, I Love My Job But It's Killing Me
Lesley Moffat has taught high school band for over thirty years in the Pacific Northwest. She has written two #1 International Bestselling books and raised three daughters while serving in the community where she lives.
Certified Suicide Prevention Trainer & Award-Winning Author
Anne Moss Rogers is an emotionally naked® speaker, TEDx storyteller, certified suicide prevention trainer, NAMI Virginia board member, and the award-winning author of Diary of a Broken Mind.
Educator, Author & Activist
Dr. Muñoz was the founding chair of the first Chicano Studies department in the nation at the California State University at Los Angeles and is the author of texts on the Mexican American political experience.
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.
Organizational Thought Leader, Expert on Rejection & Best-Selling Author
As the CEO and publisher of College Magazine, the trusted guide to navigating college, reaching millions of readers, Amanda Nachman empowers young professionals to achieve a career they love.
Former Asst Secretary, Secondary & Elementary Ed
Susan B. Neuman is a professor of early childhood and literacy and chair of the Teaching and Learning Department at the New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.
Education Technology Leader
Nationally renowned expert on the role of technology in restructuring K-12 education. Consultant for schools and industries as they plan the use of technology in their environments.
Geneticist, Professor, Mentor & TEDx Speaker
Dr. Tiffany Oliver is a dynamic motivational speaker, author, professor, and scientist. For almost 20 years, she has captivated audiences with her research and presentations on leadership, persistence, and excellence.
Supreme Court Justice & Former Football Player
Minnesota’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice, Alan C. Page, was elected to the court in 1992 after serving as an assistant attorney general. He was reelected in 1998 and 2004.
Higher Education Professional & Author
Wes Parham MBA, Ph.D. is a national speaker in the critical areas of organizational and individual development, innovative leadership, and educational engagement. He is also the founder of the field of "Haterology."
President & CEO, The Boston Foundation & Former President, Emerson College
Lee Pelton became President and CEO of The Boston Foundation in June 2021, after serving as president of Emerson College in Boston for 10 years. He is a nationally respected leader with a long career in higher education.
Emmy Award-Winning Co-Anchor of ABC's Nightline & Best-Selling Author
Byron Pitts is an award-winning journalist who has covered some of the most horrific and dangerous news stories in the world, from Sept. 11 to Hurricane Katrina to the Boston Marathon to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Actor, Ugly Betty / Education Advocate
With an acting career in film, television, and theater spanning almost thirty years, starred on the hit series Ugly Betty. A former teacher, he maintains his passion for education.
Professor at NYU & Founding Director, CREATE Consortium
Dr. Jan L. Plass is a Professor at New York University, holding the Paulette Goddard Chair in Digital Media and Learning Sciences. He is the founding director of the CREATE Consortium for Research and Evaluation of Advanced Technology in Education and co-director of the Games for Learning Institute.
Education Expert on Assessment & School Reform
Dr. Douglas Reeves is one of the most noted experts on education and school reform. As a researcher, reformer, and educator, he has received some of the most noteworthy awards in his respective fields.
Founding Executive Director of the National Institute for Student Success
Timothy Renick is the founding Executive Director of the National Institute for Student Success and Professor of Religious Studies at Georgia State University.
Award-Winning Scholar & Professor of Political Science at Brown University.
Melvin Rogers is an award-winning scholar and stands as a distinguished academic renowned for his insightful contributions to the discourse on race and democracy within the realms of American culture and politics.
Football Player, Rhodes Scholar, Humanitarian
A gifted athlete, scholar, and philanthropist, Myron Rolle was a professional football player, Rhodes scholar, and humanitarian who strives to be an inspirer of dreams, a teacher of fitness, and a leader for many.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author & Columnist
Tina Rosenberg is co-writer of the New York Times "Fixes" column and author of Join the Club: How Peer Pressure Can Transform the World.
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 & Artistic Director of National Disability Theatre
Mickey Rowe is on the autism spectrum. He was the epicenter of significant publicity when he became the first autistic actor to play Christopher Boone, the lead role in the Tony Award-winning play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”
Emmy Award Winning Motivational Speaker, Author & Producer
Against all odds on a gridiron South Bend, Indiana, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger carved his name into history books as perhaps the most inspiring graduate of the University of Notre Dame.
LinkedIn Top Voice in Tech & STEM Educator
Justin Shaifer, award-winning Science & Technology TV Presenter & Producer, uses cutting-edge tech to revolutionize science education. Through his company Fascinate Media, Justin creates immersive educational experiences with 3D animation, volumetric capture robotics, and more.
Fellow, Int'l Center for Leadership in Education
Eric Sheninger is a Senior Fellow and Thought Leader on Digital Leadership with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) and Scholastic Achievement Partners (SAP).
Chairman, Special Olympics
Shriver is a social leader, educator, author, film producer and entrepreneur. As the Chairman of Special Olympics, he serves over 4.9 million athletes with intellectual disabilities from 172 countries around the world.
Teacher, Author & Humorist
With 30 years spent as a teacher and staff development instructor, Debbie Silver doesn't just know her way around the classroom- she is familiar with the challenges educators face at every level.
Founder of LiberatED
Dr. Dena Simmons is the founder of LiberatED, a liberatory approach to social and emotional learning, racial justice, and healing. She is also the inaugural scholar-in-residence at the Institute for Racial Justice at Loyola University of Chicago.
Founder of Pacific Educational Group, Inc.
A product of public elementary and independent secondary school, Singleton founded Pacific Educational Group, Inc. (PEG) to support families in their transitions within and between K–12 and higher education.
Legendary Lawyer & Noted Mental Health Advocate
Rolling Out magazine calls Corey Minor Smith a “legendary lawyer, renowned attorney, noted mental health advocate, prominent media fixture, and New York Times celebrated author.”
Innovative Educational Consultant
Speaker David Sousa is the author of How the Brain Learns, in which he translates discoveries on brain research into practical and effective classroom strategies.
Child Prodigy & Education Advocate
Called a "tiny literary giant" by Diane Sawyer, teenager Adora Svitak has authored three books and taught over in 400 schools and classrooms worldwide.
Disability Advocate, Educator & Best-Selling Author, Sitting Pretty
Rebekah Taussig will challenge everything you think you know about disability as she invites us into her experience of living in a body that looks and moves differently than most.
Author & Community Advocate
What is your why? What is your purpose? These two questions are asked by Logan Taylor to ensure that his audiences are maximizing their full potential. The founder of Y.B.Normal?, Taylor has spoken to thousands upon thousands of people worldwide.
Director of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies & Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at Montclair State University
Monica Taylor is the Director of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, a professor in the Department of Educational Foundations, as well as in the teacher education and teacher development doctoral program at Montclair State University.
Inspirational Principal
Being driven by a purpose larger than the self is the theme of I Choose to Stay, a memoir written by the award-winning school principal and speaker Salome Thomas-EL.
Child & Family Psychologist
Speaker Michael Thompson has worked in over 200 schools nationwide. He co-wrote the bestseller Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys.
Co-Founder/CEO of She’s the First
As the Co-Founder & CEO of She’s the First and co-author of Impact: A Step-by-Step Plan to Create the World You Want to Live In, Tammy inspires audiences to think like a social entrepreneur.
Champion for Women's and Refugee Rights, First Rhodes Scholar from Afghanistan & Founder of Dosti Network
Summia Tora is the founder of Dosti Network, an organization dedicated to empowering Afghans both within Afghanistan and those living as refugees with crucial resources and education.
Innovative Educator
A California Teacher of the Year, speaker Marco Antonio Torres is a professional filmmaker who integrates the use of technology into the classroom to empower students.
Maryland's 1st Female Lt. Governor
As Maryland's first female Lieutenant Governor, speaker Kathleen Kennedy Townsend has worked tirelessly on behalf of children and families.
Author, Humorist & Public School Advocate
Tsing Loh is an award-winning author, academic and host of the syndicated radio show "The Loh Down on Science." She is also the author of the book The Madwoman In The Volvo: My Year Of Raging Hormones.
Education Specialist
An education author and former co-director of the Change Leadership Group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, speaker Tony Wagner has worked for more than 30 years to improve schools.
Author, Educator & Inspirational Speaker
Rodney Walker is an American author, educator, entrepreneur, and inspirational speaker. He is the bestselling author of A New Day One, and is most known for his work in trauma-informed education.
Inaugural Associate Professor of Equity & Inclusion in Education Policy at Vanderbilt University
Dr. Chezare A. Warren is the inaugural Associate Professor of Equity & Inclusion in Education Policy at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development.
FOX News Commentator
Widely regarded as one of America’s top speakers, New York Times Best-selling Author, Fox News Political Analyst and Award-winning Columnist Juan Williams has a talent for motivating and inspiring audiences.
Big Data Expert, Professor, Host of Nova Wonders
A popular TED speaker and passionate STEM education advocate, Dr. Williams deploys data in unusual and insightful ways, viewing subjects ranging from health to diversity in a new light.
Cultural Critic, Author & The Atlantic Contributing Writer
A cultural critic for extraordinary times, Thomas Chatterton Williams brings his insightful perspective to subjects of race, Black identity and history, cancel culture, social justice and inequality in America and the world.
Founder and CEO, Room to Read
Speaker John Wood left a career at Microsoft to form Room to Read, a nonprofit helping children in the developing world escape poverty through education.
Co-Founder, Apple Computer, Inc.
Speaker Steve Wozniak changed the computer world when he designed Apple's first product line: Apple I and II. He is also a philanthropist focusing on computer use in schools.
Featured in Gap Kids Back to School Campaign, CEO and Founder of The Push Through Organization
Jasmyn Wright, a globally recognized educator, author, and speaker, received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College and her Master’s in Education from Christian Brothers University.