Inspirational Speakers
Bernard-Henri Levy
Lévy is one of the most highly acclaimed philosophers, journalists, activists and best-selling authors in Europe today. A celebrated thinker, his works of philosophy, fiction, and biography included in his over 30 books, have made him one of the world’s most admired intellectuals. Now Lévy has crossed the Atlantic with his newes...
Tonya Pinkins
Oprah described Tonya Pinkins as one of the “Ten Women in America Who Will Take Your Breath Away in 2004.” This Tony Award-winning actress and modern day Renaissance woman most recently starred on Broadway in Tony Kushner’s critically acclaimed, hit Broadway musical “Caroline, or Change.”
Andrew Carroll
Carroll, is a magna cum laude graduate of Columbia University and the editor of three New York Times bestsellers, including WAR LETTERS: Extraordinary Correspondence from American Wars. The book inspired the critically acclaimed PBS documentary, "War Letters," produced by American Experience and the audio version was no...
Susan L. Taylor
As editorial director of Essence magazine, Taylor is the driving force behind one of the most celebrated black-owned business success stories of the past three decades. Her firm belief that tapping into the power within and motivating her employees to adopt the best practices they can achieve has led Essence to become...
Patty Duke
A young oscar winner for her role in The Miracle Worker, Duke stunned the world when she shared her story of living with bi-polar disorder in her best-selling book, A Brilliant Madness. Now an outspoken, yet compassionate advocate for those suffering from mental illness, she is honored for her ongoing efforts to create...
Michael Clarke Duncan
Standing 6'5" and weighing over 300 pounds, Michael Clarke Duncan inarguably possesses one of Hollywood's more unforgettable figures. A former bodyguard and bouncer, Duncan first gained attention when he appeared as one of the roughneck oil drillers sent to stop an asteroid from annihilating Earth in the blockbuster, "Armageddon." A...
Kirk Douglas
Douglas is one of the most recognized and respected actors ever to appear on movie screens. His acting experience is rivaled by few in the industry as he has taken on 85 different movie roles in the past 55 years. Known as one of the most socially conscience actors ever, Douglas's work extends far beyond the big screen. He has ove...
Lonise Bias
Mother of college basketball star Len Bias, who died of a cocaine overdose, and James Bias, who was murdered in a drive-by shooting. Aims to save a generation from self-destruction by fighting violence and drugs.
Bruce I. Yamashita
When he arrived at Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, one of the first things he heard was a staff sergeant yelling, "You speak English? We don't want your kind around here. Go back to your own country."
The racial and ethnic harassment continued for all nine weeks of the program until, two days before graduation, Yamashita, al...
John Wood
At age 35, he left his job as Director of Business Development for Microsoft’s Greater China region to form Room to Read, a nonprofit organization that promotes literacy in impoverished parts of the world. He spent most of his career running significant parts of Microsoft’s international business, including the worldwide launch...
Warren MacDonald
Warren Macdonald became the first double above- knee-amputee to reach the summit of Africa's Mt Kilimanjaro. His first book, "One Step Beyond," recalls the horror of his accident, turning quickly to triumph as he overcomes incredible adversity to once again experience the wild places he loves. "One Step Beyond" is now in it's 4th pr...
Bonnie Blair
Success under pressure is the measure of a true champion. There are numerous winners in the world of sports but the celebrated athletes are the few who meet the challenge of pressure time after time. Blair is undoubtedly celebrated as the speed skater who produces her best performances when it counts the most.
Andie MacDowell
Actress from Four Weddings and a Funeral, MacDowell believes that believing in yourself and the greater good in life can change lives for the better. A woman of renowned grace and beauty, she emphasizes that aging is not something to endure, but to embrace, in achieving a happy, full life at any age.
Robert Ballard
Dynamic explorer Ballard has led or participated in over 100 deep-sea expeditions, ranging from the first manned exploration of the Mid-Ocean Ridge, to the discovery of the sunken R.M.S. Titanic and JFK's PT-109, to the examination of the luxury liner Lusitania. A widely published author of scientific articles and numerous bes...
Rosario Marin
Rosario Marin, former Treasurer of the United States, firmly believes that "of him to whom much is given, much is expected." She has served as the highest-ranking Latina in the Bush Administration and the first U.S. Treasurer born outside of the country.
