Social, Community & Cultural Issues
Children & Family
Children & Family:
Award-Winning Actress & Best-Selling Author
Speaker Jamie Lee Curtis has demonstrated her versatility as an actress with roles in such films as Halloween. She is also the author of eight children's books.
Producer, Writer, Entrepreneur, Women’s Health Advocate
Tonya Lewis Lee is an accomplished author, producer, entrepreneur and women's health advocate. She is director emeritus of the board of trustees of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
"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.
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.
Award Winning Actress, Accomplished Writer, Director & Producer
Helen Hunt has enjoyed a distinguished career not only as an award-winning actor but also as an accomplished writer, director and producer. As an actress, her extensive and diverse body of work includes roles in film, theater and television.
Actress, Family Advocate & Health Activist
Award-winning actress Elisabeth Röhm rose to prominence for her appearance on Law and Order. She has also appeared in Academy Award nominated and acclaimed films like American Hustle (2013) and Joy (2015).
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.
Writer, Producer & Actor
Nia Vardalos is a writer, producer, and actor best known for her work in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. She is also an adoption advocate and the author of Instant Mom.
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.
Academy Award-Winning Actress
One of Hollywood's most beloved actresses, Goldie Hawn is an Academy Award winner, producer, director, best-selling author, and children's advocate.
Child & Teen Development Specialist, Parenting Expert, Best-Selling Author of How to Talk to Kids about Anything
Dr. Robyn Silverman has spent more than 15 years researching, writing and working in a variety of areas: leadership development, character education, body image, and developmental psychology, among others.
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.
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.
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.
Author & Child Advocate
Regina Louise’s life story is one of a child who prevails against all odds, whose resilience shines through each attempt to break her and whose sheer will to not only survive but to thrive, is a beacon to us all.
Child Advocate
From a foster child and teen dad, Salter has become a leading child advocate, devoting his energies to neglected and abused children through The Shane Salter for Kids Foundation.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Author
The author of Life, Animated (inspiration for the Academy Award nominated film of the same name) shares his journey of connecting with his son, who has autism, through Disney movies.
"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.
Psychotherapist & Parenting Expert
Katie Hurley, LCSW, is a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting expert, and writer. She is the founder of “Girls Can!” empowerment groups for girls between ages 5-11.
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.
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.
Co-Authors of The Price She Pays, Mental Health Advocates & Licensed Experts
For Katie Steele and Dr. Tiffany Brown, sports have always been a means of connection, and when they witnessed first-hand the mental health crisis facing athletes, they could not look away.
Former First Lady of Somaliland & Women’s Rights Advocate
A pioneer in the struggle for the abolition of female circumcision, Edna Adan is the founder of the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in Somaliland. She previously served as Foreign Minister and First Lady of Somaliland.
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.
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.
Co-Star of TLC’s Little Couple, Neonatologist & Cancer Survivor
Featured on TLC’s The Little Couple, which follows her personal and professional life, Dr. Jennifer Arnold's presentations range from healthcare simulation education to motivational talks on overcoming obstacles.
Preeminent Polar Explorer
Ann Bancroft is the first known woman in history to cross the ice to the North and South Poles. She leads the Ann Bancroft Foundation, a nonprofit organization that celebrates the potential of females.
Member of *NSYNC
Lance Bass is the quintessential illustration of a highly successful and driven jack-of-all-trades: singer, host, actor, producer, writer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and cosmonaut.
Senior National Correspondent, Yahoo! News
Lisa Belkin is the Senior National Correspondent for Yahoo! News. Prior to joining Yahoo!, she was the Senior Correspondent at the Huffington Post, where she reported on life, work and family.
Professor & Author
As the co-author of The Manufactured Crisis: Myths, Fraud and the Attack on America's Public Schools, David Berliner challenges the notion that American students are lagging behind other nations.
Author, Educator & Social Activist
An expert on cultural diversity, Dr. Bertice Berry is an inspirational and humorous motivator who empowers people to improve their lives. She is the best-selling author of The Ties That Bind.
Author, Activist, Educator & Historian
As co-founder of the Free South Africa Movement, Berry helped to end apartheid. Today, she is one of the most respected activists in the cause of civil rights, gender equality and social justice.
Inspirational Educator & Author
The author of the memoir Nobody Don't Love Nobody, the story of her first teaching job at a school for homeless children, Stacey Bess shares a powerful message of mentorship and service.
Social Services Advocate, Community Activist
A vibrant community activist, Lonise Bias has turned the losses of her two sons (including basketball star Len Bias) into a calling to help remedy the social ills of today.
Mother of Olympic Gold Medalist Noah Lyles & Certified Life Coach
30.6 million! That is the amount of people who watched the Paris 2024 Olympics on television. Keisha Caine Bishop was arguably the “Mom of the Olympic Games.”
CEO of the Digital Wellness Institute
The only person to be named a Point of Light by two Presidents, Amy Blankson co-founded GoodThink and was a key driver in developing and scaling the company as it sought to bring the science of happiness to life.
Best-Selling Author of Thrivers, Parenting & Child Expert
Educational psychologist Dr. Michele Borba is as world-renowned for her warm, down-to-earth speaking style as she is for cutting edge insights. Her informative presentations leave audiences with usable strategies.
Chief Science Officer, Athletes Mental Health Organization; Co-Author of The Price She Pays
Tiffany Brown, Ph.D., LMFT, is an award-winning senior faculty member at the University of Oregon Couples and Family Therapy graduate program and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with student-athletes.
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.
Widow of Award-Winning Musician Glen Campbell
Determined to continue her late husband Glen’s quest to educate people about Alzheimer’s disease, Kim Campbell has made it her personal mission to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Alzheimer’s Advocates
With passion, wit, music and love, the Campbells celebrate the power of the human spirit to persevere through Alzheimer’s—while keeping their beloved husband's and father’s memory alive.
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.
Country Music Singer & Anti-Bullying Advocate
Named one of Billboard’s Artists to Watch List in 2018, Jessie is a country music singer and anti-bullying advocate. She hopes her advocacy and music will encourage audiences to lift each other up, rather than knocking each other down.
Former Broadcaster & Professional Baseball Player
Roberto Clemente, Jr. is a universally respected philanthropist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, producer, former broadcaster, and professional baseball player.
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.
Educator
Dr. Rudy Crew is the former superintendent of the Miami-Dade County Public School system and chancellor of New York City.
Scholar & Educator
Speaker Linda Darling-Hammond is a professor of teaching at Stanford University, where she focuses on school restructuring and teacher education.
NYT Best Selling Author of Street Gang
Author, producer and educator Michael Davis wrote the New York Times Non-Fiction Best Seller Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street and is a co-executive producer of the documentary film adapted from the book.
Elementary School Teacher & Author
A third-grade teacher and thus a witness to the joys of discovery, Phillip Done inspires readers with the everyday adventures and milestones of his students in his irresistible collection of bite-sized essays.
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.
Child Advocate
Founder and Director of the Children's Defense Fund, Marian Wright Edelman achieved victories in mandatory education for children with disabilities and health benefits for uninsured 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.
Psychologist & Author
Renowned psychologist and author of Reinventing Childhood, David Elkind provides the information and guidance that parents and teachers need to work effectively with the new generation of children in our care.
Journalist & ADHD Authority
Katherine Ellison is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, former foreign correspondent, and author of Buzz: A Year of Paying Attention, a memoir from a mom with ADHD about her son with ADHD.
Bestselling & Award Winning Novelist & Essayist
Amy Ephron lives in Los Angeles. Her new book Carnival Magic the continued, startling, sometimes magical adventures of Tess and Max is a bestseller and was featured in Teen Vogue.
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.
One of America's Most Celebrated Schoolteachers
A once-in-a-lifetime educator, Rafe Esquith may be the most inspiring school teacher in America. Called “a genius and a saint” by The New York Times, Esquith stresses the need to make students our priority.
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.
Co-Authors of Come Back
When honors student Mia Fontaine ran away and descended into society’s underbelly, her mother Claire took desperate measures to bring her back. In Come Back, Mia and Claire reveal their story of healing and love.
Founder, Everybody Fights
George "Monk" Foreman III is an entrepreneur, boxing trainer/coach, and son of the legendary businessman and former two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman Sr.
Innovator & Leader in Teacher Education
The former Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, Michael Fullan is an expert on education reform. He advises lawmakers with the moral goal of universal education.
Leading Authority on Work-Family Issues
Ellen Galinsky is the President and Co-Founder of Families and Work Institute, a Manhattan-based nonprofit organization conducting research on changing family, workplace and community dynamics.
Psychologist & Expert on Violence & Children
An expert on youth violence and bullying, Dr. James Garbarino has served as consultant or advisor to a wide range of organizations and is a fellow of the American Psychological Association.
Life Coach & Motivator
Tony Gaskins is a celebrity life coach, having coached over 300 high profile individuals, and an international speaker whose mission is to spread self-love and dream building around the world.
Photographer of Infants in Whimsical Settings
Anne Geddes creates images that are iconic, award winning and beloved. She speaks about growing her business from nothing to an international brand, being a global children's advocate and following your dreams.
Intersectional Activist & Co-Founder of March For Our Lives
X González (they/them) is a gun-violence prevention activist born and raised in Parkland, Florida. A survivor of the Marjory Stoneman-Douglas High School shooting, X became a leading voice in the gun-violence prevention movement.
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.
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.
Entrepreneur / Author / Syndicated Columnist
Farrah Gray is an American "rags-to-riches" story of success, perseverance, and hard work. Raised in the projects on Chicago's south side, Gray defied the odds and became a self-made millionaire by 14.
Psychologist & Author
Ross Greene is the creator of the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) approach, author of the acclaimed book The Explosive Child, and an advocate for compassionate treatment of behaviorally challenging kids.
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.
Leading Hispanic Educator
Dr. Ana Guzman served as senior advisor to the Secretary of Education under Clinton. She has been in educational administration for over 15 years as the leading voice for Hispanic Americans in education.
Global AI/Metaverse Expert
Cortney Harding is a global thought leader, published author, and speaker on emerging technology and the role of virtual and augmented reality. She is the Founder and CEO of a transformational VR/AR agency focused on creating innovative experiences.
Renowned Former BBC Education Editor & Bestselling Author of The Brain That Loves to Play
Dr Jacqueline Harding is a multi award-winning international child development and education expert. As a former BBC Education Editor, she is recognised for her influential work advising the UK government, practitioners and parents.
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.
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.
Actor & Activist
Appearing in Ghostbusters and The Crow, Ernie Hudson’s journey to Hollywood success was not without difficulties. He shares how he overcame seemingly insurmountable problems and inspires others to persevere.
Education Policy Advisor, Children’s Book Author, Film Producer, & Public Servant
Nicole Jain has dedicated her career to public service and leadership specifically in the realm of K-12 public education policy and management.
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.”
Political and Social Activist
An award-winning journalist, communications specialist, and former NAACP National Youth Director, Jeff is as comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind the scenes as an activist and corporate strategist.
Inspirational Teacher & Author
The inspiration for the movie Dangerous Minds, LouAnne Johnson is a former US Navy journalist, Marine Corps officer, high school teacher and college instructor. Now she is an author and advocate for public school.
Educator & Technology Expert
A teacher, administrator, author, international consultant, university instructor and speaker, Ian Jukes focus has consistently been on the compelling need to prepare children for their future, not our past.
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.
World-Leading Educator on Gender & Violence
Dr. Jackson Katz is recognized for his groundbreaking work in gender violence prevention education in schools, sports culture, and the military, as well as for his pioneering work in critical media literacy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Clinical & Research Psychologist
Daniel Kindlon is a clinical and research psychologist specializing in the behavioral problems of youths. He focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of emotional problems, learning disabilities, and ADD.
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.
Self-Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome
Rosie King became well-recognized after accurately diagnosed her own Asperger's Syndrome. After her popular TEDMED talk, she raises awareness about autism and is working towards becoming a professional actress.
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.
Education Expert & Author
Alfie Kohn speaks widely on human behavior, education, and parenting and is the author of 12 books. Time describes him as " the country's most outspoken critic of education's fixation on grades [and] test scores."
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.
Mental Health & Recovery Advocate, Actor & Entrepreneur
Kevin Kreider is an actor, speaker, the breakout star in Netflix's Bling Empire, and Founder/CEO of Sans by Taejin Beverage Inc. and Taejin Entertainment, LLC.
Author / Speaker
Jawanza Kunjufu is the author of over 25 books including Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys and his most recent, Raising Black Boys. His work has been featured in Ebony and Essence magazines.
Educator / Attorney / Author
A human relations and education expert, Dr. Crystal Kuykendall has gained national recognition for her extensive talents in promoting problem resolution. She is President of her own firm, K.I.R.K., Inc.
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.
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.
Sociologist / Author
Director of the Program for the Study of Violence and Conflict at Northeastern University, Dr. Jack Levin is an authority on school crime and violence. He offers strategies and solutions for keeping students safe.
Educator & Author of The Price of Privilege
Author of The Price of Privilege, Madeline Levine cautions parents to be cognizant of the harmful influence of media violence and offers instructions on properly supervising their children's viewing habits.
Adventure Sports & Travel Journalist / Author
Writer, educator, public speaker and entertainer Buddy Levy is a co-star of Brad Meltzer's Decoded on The History Channel. As a freelance journalist, he has covered adventure sports and lifestyle/travel worldwide.
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.
Filmmaker & Poet
Cynthia Lowen is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and award-winning writer whose work uses the power of story to catalyze meaningful change, confronting timely social issues from bullying to online harassment to reproductive rights.
Best-Selling Author & Community Activist
Author of the New York Times best-seller All Souls, Michael Patrick MacDonald shares his remarkable story of survival and redemption while examining the relationship between poverty and class he witnessed growing up in South Boston.
Actress & Activist
A talented actress in a career that shows no signs of slowing down, Andie MacDowell is known for her role Cedar Cove among others. She is recognized worldwide for her undeniable charm, talent, and versatility.
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.
Former Senior Writer for Newsweek & Author
Susannah Meadow’s book, The Other Side of Impossible, details her young son's arthritis and her family's efforts to help him get better using a variety of therapies, including changing his diet.
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.
Teacher / Author
Deborah Meier has spent more than three decades working in public education as a teacher, principal, writer, advocate, and ranks among the most acclaimed leaders of the school reform movement in the US.
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.
Bilingual TV Personality & Life Coach
Television star Rosie Mercado is capturing hearts and imaginations across the globe with her compelling story, electric persona and breathtaking beauty.
Author, Activist & Force Behind Erin's Law
As a victim of sexual abuse, Merryn now travels around the country giving a voice to the voiceless and shares he inspiring story, pushing for Erin's Law to pass in every state.
Strength Trainer & Life Coach
Jillian Michaels is a bestselling author, Daytime Emmy nominated television personality, entrepreneur and one of the nation’s leading health and wellness experts.
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.
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.
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.
Subject of "The Rookie"
Jim “The Rookie” Morris’ life story is the inspiration behind the Walt Disney blockbuster film, The Rookie. It is also the model for the greatest sports film of the 21st century, The Blindside.
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.
Human Rights Activist & Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; President & Chairwoman of Nadia’s Initiative
Human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad became a leading advocate for survivors of genocide and sexual violence after surviving the horrific Yazidi Genocide in Iraq carried out by the Islamic State (ISIS).
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.
Journalist & Author
Judith Newman is the author of the bestseller To Siri With Love, a collection of illuminating stories about life with a fourteen-year-old boy with autism.
Emmy, Tony & Grammy Award-Winning Actress
Cynthia Nixon has completed her final season of HBO's celebrated series, Sex and the City, in which she played "Miranda Hobbes," a role that garnered her 2002 and 2003 Emmy nominations.
Creator of Go! Go! Sports Girls Dolls & Books
An expert in creating change, Jodi Bondi Norgaard shares her entrepreneurial journey of passion. She is the founder and creator of the award-winning Go! Go! Sports Girls line of dolls, books and apps for girls.
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.
Epidemiologist & Director, Center for Infectious Disease
Hailed by CNN as “the infectious disease expert who has been warning us for a decade and a half that the world will face a pandemic,” Dr. Michael Osterholm quickly became the go-to expert on the public health impact of COVID-19.
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.
“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.
Actress
Peete is a TV star with roles in comedy and drama. Married to football player Rodney Peete, they have formed a foundation HollyRod, to help improve the lives of people plagued with devastating life circumstances.
Author, Child Rights & Mental Health Advocate
As a child, Pelzer's resilience enabled him to overcome extreme life-threatening obstacles. As an adult, his inspirational work has encouraged millions to remain steadfast to their personal convictions.
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.
Lawyer, Judge Cristina’s Court, Activist
Known as the internationally popular judge on Telemundo’s La Corte de la Familia and Cristina's Court, Perez is also a sought after lawyer with a practice specializing in immigration and nationality law.
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.
Recognized Expert on School Crisis
Dr. Poland is an expert in school suicide prevention. He was president of the National Association of School Psychologists, and the former Prevention Division Director for the American Association of Suicidology.
Fitness & Transformation Expert
Heidi Powell is the ultimate female force. She is a trainer, transformation specialist, businesswoman and author. Heidi became a fixture in America’s living room as she worked side-by-side husband Chris Powell on ABC’s hit show, Extreme Weight Loss.
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.
Youth Violence Expert / Physician
Dr. Prothrow-Stith is a nationally recognized public health leader. As a physician working in inner-city Boston, she broke new ground with her efforts to have youth violence defined as a public health problem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Member of the Exonerated 5
April 19, 1989 changed 14-year-old Kevin D. Richardson's life and American society forever. After the brutal attack and sexual assault of jogger Trisha Ellen Meili in Central Park, the NY Police Department arrested suspects, including Richardson.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Original Chick-fil-A Marketing Executive
David Salyers was one of the original two marketing executives at Chick-fil-A. He spent 37 years in the Chick-fil-A Marketing Department and most recently served as a Vice President before his recent retirement.
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.
16th US Surgeon General
A former US Surgeon General who created the first government-released report on obesity, speaker David Satcher works to eliminate racial disparities in healthcare.
Founder of Comfort Cases
Rob Scheer founded Comfort Cases, an all-volunteer charitable organization that provides overnight bags, pajamas, hygiene items, and activities to give comfort to children and teens transitioning into foster care.
Filmmaker, Media Strategist & Activist
Schwartzman is a documentary film director who uses storytelling and technology to create safer communities for women and girls. Roll Red Roll is her feature film debut, and goes beyond the notorious Steubenville, OH high school sexual assault case.
Emmy-Winning Film Director
Director Joshua Seftel received his first Emmy nomination at age 22 with the award-winning documentary film, Lost and Found, about the plight of Romania’s 120,000 orphaned and abandoned children.
Resiliency Expert & Coach
An internationally recognized expert on resiliency and stress reduction, Dr. Eva Selhub specializes in helping individuals and organizations improve health, wellbeing, productivity and outcomes by creating a culture of resilience.
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.
Reality TV Star & Winner of Survivor
Parvati Shallow is an internationally recognized yoga teacher, executive coach, and speaker. She holds advanced certifications in both Hatha and Kundalini Yoga and is a four-time competitor and winner of CBS’s hit series SURVIVOR.
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.
Motivator & Philanthropist
Justine Simmons, star of MTV's hit reality show Run's House, is an accomplished author, jewelry designer, and philanthropist who speaks on family and motivation.
Actress & Singer
Known for her roles in Eve's Bayou and Friday Night Lights, speaker Jurnee Smollett is also a member of ANSA, which combats HIV/AIDS and assists at-risk youth.
Founder and CEO of Starting Right, Now (SRN) & Author of If You See Them
Vicki Sokolik is the founder and CEO of Starting Right, Now (SRN), a pioneering nonprofit that provides social and health services to unhoused students in Florida. A CNN Hero, she has co-authored and amended legislation to pass ten bills protecting unaccompanied youth statewide.
Actor & Stroke Survivor
Best known as “Hercules,” Sorbo was the picture of health & fitness until he suffered three strokes at the age of 38. With a message that’s particularly relevant to men, he shares how nearly dying saved his life.
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 & Family Psychiatrist
Co-writer of the syndicated column "Families Today" and co-author of Touchpoints: Three to Six, speaker Joshua Sparrow focuses on child development and family dynamics.
Psychologist & Stereotype Expert
Speaker Claude Steele is an expert on "stereotype threat," the notion that students who belong to negatively stereotyped groups are likely to perform less well.
Founder & Executive Director, Athletes Mental Health Organization; Co-Author of The Price She Pays
Katie Steele is the Founder and Executive Director of the Athletes Mental Health Organization, a non-profit organization dedicated to changing athletic systems and providing resources to support mental health in athletes.
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.
Expert on Young People & Sexuality
The author of Unhooked, Laura Sessions Stepp offers an inside look at the "hookup" - the basis of social interaction between sexes in high schools and colleges.
America's Most Trusted Lifestyle Expert
As founder of Martha Stewart Living, an Emmy Award-winning television show host, and best-selling author, Martha Stewart is America's most trusted lifestyle expert.
NFL Defensive End & Childhood Cancer Advocate
Devon Still is a professional athlete, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and advocate for childhood cancer awareness.
Autism Advocate, Star of Life Animated
Walter Suskind is a star of the 2017 Academy Award-nominated documentary, Life, Animated, which follows the twenty-year journey of his family with autism. He is also the founder of SibStrong.
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.
Humanitarian, Director & Author of The Third Wave
Dr. Alison Thompson is a global humanitarian volunteer, running large refugee camps, field hospitals and resilience command hubs in natural and man-made disasters around the world for the past 23 years.
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.
Award-Winning Actress & Author
A Golden Globe winner for her role in Agnes of God, speaker Meg Tilly is a child protection advocate and the author of Singing Songs, which addresses family violence.
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.
Child & Family Resilience Expert
The director of the Good Grief Program, Boston University professor and speaker Maria Trozzi is an expert in normal developmental stresses and family coping.
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.
Artist & Motivator
Committed to leading businesses to new levels of vision and performance through creativity, speaker Erik Wahl helps people identify - and overcome - roadblocks to success.
NY Times Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur & CEO of Inherit Learning Company
Nicole Walters is on a mission to inspire people to not only live better lives but also leave a legacy. Known as the coach you need in your business and life, she is adept at identifying ways to turn influence into income and popularity into profits.
Former President, Center for the Advancement of Women
Faye Wattleton's distinguished career has amassed an extraordinary track record for leadership. Wattleton is the former President of the nation's oldest & largest voluntary reproductive health provider, Planned Parenthood.
Serial Social Entrepreneur, Storyteller & Author
Growing up in Washington, DC, Chris Wilson was surrounded by violence and despair. At 18, he was sentenced to life in prison, with no hope of parole. While behind bars, Chris embarked on a remarkable journey of self-improvement.
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.