COMMUNITY WATCH
Speakers on Education, Family Speaking to the World & Societal Issues APBSPEAKERS.COM 617.614.1600 3 EDUCATION LEADERS
7 COMMUNITY & CULTURE COMMUNITY 10 DISTINGUISHED VOICES WATCH 12 INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
Welcome to CommunityWatch
CommunityWatch showcases speakers for K-12 educators and school-based audiences, including educational organizations and parent and community groups.
Drawing from our extensive roster of renowned education thought leaders, best-selling authors, crowd-drawing celebrities and more, our experienced agents (who are also former educators) will match you with the perfect speaker for your goals and audience.
Concerned about going virtual? In the age of COVID-19, you can also trust us to help you create an outstanding virtual event. And, as conditions open up, we will work with you on in-person or hybrid programs.
Here’s to making your event unforgettable!
We look forward to working with you!
FIND MORE GREAT SPEAKERS AT APBSPEAKERS.COM APBSPEAKERS.COM EDUCATION LEADERS 617.614.1600
Diane Ravitch Geoffrey Canada Colin Seale Former Assistant Secretary Founder of the Harlem Critical Thinking Evangelist & of Education Children’s Zone Founder/CEO of thinkLaw The nation’s leading champion for Child and community advocate A challenging upbringing in Brooklyn, public education with more than Canada speaks passionately NY gave birth to Seale’s passion 36 million blog hits, about addressing for educational historian of education the needs of at-risk equity after he was Ravitch writes on the children, families, tracked early into danger of privatizing and communities and gifted programs and public schools. eliminating education afforded opportunities inequities. his neighborhood peers were not.
Michael Sorrell Christopher Emdin Michael Fullan Transformative College President Professor of Science, Columbia U Innovator & Leader in & Higher Ed Innovator Celebrating the magic of teaching, Teacher Education Ranked by Fortune as one of the urban education reform expert The former Dean of the Ontario world’s greatest leaders, Sorrell’s reminds us that students enter Institute for Studies in Education of the “urban work college model” the classroom from University of Toronto, transformed a struggling Paul different walks of Fullan is an expert on Quinn College into one of the most life—and shares education reform. He innovative colleges in the U.S. creative ways to advises lawmakers engage all youth. with the moral goal of universal education. 3 APBSPEAKERS.COM EDUCATION LEADERS 617.614.1600
John B. King Yong Zhao John Medina President Obama’s Secretary Globalization & Education Expert Author, Brain Rules of Education Exploring education in our global A developmental molecular biologist, An inspiring leader whose life age, Zhao focuses on integrating Medina turns brain research and was transformed by the power of best practices from Eastern and how the brain interprets information education, King has witnessed Western education into captivating teaching and learning at all levels. systems and talks and effective He offers a big picture look at encourages us to education strategies education and opportunity. think of students as for children and teens. entrepreneurs.
Talithia Williams Salome Thomas-EL Michael Hynes STEAM Education Advocate Inspirational Principal Superintendent & K-12 A professor, mathematician and “Every child needs someone to be Thought Leader statistician with a TED talk viewed crazy about them.” These are the words Emphasizing the importance of play almost 2 million times, Williams of Thomas-EL, nationally recognized and recess in schools and yoga and reveals the role of educator. They shape mindfulness in the data in our everyday his lifelong commitment classroom, Hynes lives and inspires kids to answering the champions taking a to embrace STEAM. question, “How do we holistic approach to ensure that every child educating children achieves their greatest around the world. 4 potential?” APBSPEAKERS.COM EDUCATION LEADERS 617.614.1600
Justin Shaifer Jeff Duncan-Andrade Alberto M. Carvalho LinkedIn Top Voice In Technology, Co-Founder of the Teaching Superintendent of Miami-Dade Science Show Host & Excellence Network County Schools STEAM Educator A veteran classroom teacher in East An expert on education transformation, A rising star in education and Oakland, CA, Duncan-Andrade and Carvalho is credited with advocacy, Shaifer is a popular and his pedagogy have successfully turning his district inspiring science communicator been widely studied around and elevating it to one of the creating breakthrough programs to and acclaimed for nation’s highest-performing urban engage underserved youth in STEAM. producing uncommon school systems. levels of social and academic success.
Erin Gruwell Donna Porter & DJ Batiste William Deresiewicz Teacher, Catalyst & Author Inspirational Teacher-Student Duo Professor & Award-Winning Essayist Freedom Writers author Gruwell From gang member to head of the Deresiewicz shares groundbreaking teaches educators how to class, the course of DJ Batiste’s insights into the power of a liberal incorporate the lessons she gleaned life was literally changed by arts education and the role that in her classroom, award-winning educator Porter. schools play in using journals and the They share tips and tools for shaping our future. power of storytelling reaching all students. to enhance learning.
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Joel Westheimer Johnnetta Cole Jawanza Kunjufu Education Columnist for CBC President Emerita of Spelman Author & Urban School District Radio, Author & Research Chair & Bennett Colleges Consultant Westheimer researches the role of Drawing from her experiences as Kunjufu offers a compelling schools in democratic societies, and an educator and humanitarian, examination of the many unique studies global school Cole lends a unique academic challenges reform, the standards perspective on critical that face black males. and accountability issues such as race, His work has been onslaught, and the gender and other featured in Ebony and politics of education forms of inequality. Essence, and is used and education in online courses research. nationwide.
Dr. Rich Milner Dr. Ron Whitaker Ruby Payne Professor of Education in the Freedom Fighter, Critical Scholar Founder, aha! Process Department of Teaching and & Equity Strategist Internationally known for her book Learning, Vanderbilt University Known as an Equity and Anti-Racist and workshop, A Framework for Centering equity and diversity, Dr. Freedom Fighter, Dr. Whitaker is Understanding Poverty, Payne helps Milner examines Director of the Center for Urban students and adults how the ways in Education, Equity, and Improvement of all economic which teachers talk, at Cabrini University. He focuses on backgrounds achieve particularly about the psychology of race and racism, success. race, influences issues related to diversity, equity, student learning, inclusion (DEI), and more. 6 identity, APBSPEAKERS.COM COMMUNITY & CULTURE 617.614.1600
Rosalind Wiseman Eric Liu Jessica Lahey Teacher, Author & CEO, Citizen University Educator & Author Youth Culture Expert & Civic Evangelist Lahey inspires with her rallying cry to A pioneer in understanding today’s One of the most sought-after allow children to experience failure youth, Wiseman fosters civil speakers on citizen power, civic as an integral part of developing dialogue and inspires health, the future resiliency. She shares communities and of democracy and strategies to reframe schools to build American identity, Liu setbacks as steps strength, courage, celebrates shared toward success. purpose and cultures values and challenges of dignity. us to live up to them.
Jeffrey Selingo Devorah Heitner Robert Jackson Higher Education Thought Leader Founder, Raising Digital Natives Teacher, Education Best-selling author and Washington Heitner teaches schools how to Consultant & Author Post columnist Selingo shares cultivate a culture of responsible Never letting students’ circumstances insights into getting the most out digital citizenship and gives parents define their futures, Jackson’s of your education invaluable advice “No More Excuses” experience to be on helping their kids teaching approach better prepared for thrive in a complex has turned low the jobs of tomorrow. digital world. performing students into successful professionals. 7 APBSPEAKERS.COM COMMUNITY & CULTURE 617.614.1600
Nicole Thompson Kate Gerson Michele Borba Educator, Author & Humanitarian Public Intellectual & Teacher & Educational Committed to Serving Urban Youth Best-Selling Author Psychologist The creator of Reverse the Adverse, A powerful advocate for equity in Citing research that today’s selfie- a trauma-informed care training for American schools, Gerson is known obsessed teens are 40% less educators, Thompson for her ability to translate data into empathetic, Borba helps raise awareness comprehensible truths, as she presents a new of the impact that presents a model for the kind of framework for activating adverse childhood granular, detailed thinking needed empathy for success in experiences have on for instructional change. school and life. urban students.
Scott Poland Michael A. Davis Kevin Powell Expert on School Crisis, NYT Best-Selling Author, Writer, Activist & Suicide & Bullying Producer & Educator President of BK Nation An internationally recognized pioneer In Davis’ acclaimed book Street Raised by a single mother in horrific in school suicide prevention, Poland Gang (and documentary of the same poverty, Powell went on to become helps schools develop name), he offers a the author of over a and implement compelling look into dozen books and one effective assessment the history of Sesame of the most celebrated and intervention Street and what it political, cultural, strategies. took to bring the and literary voices in iconic characters and America today. 8 show to life. APBSPEAKERS.COM COMMUNITY & CULTURE 617.614.1600
Maureen Healy Malcolm Mitchell Katie Hurley Educator & Best-Selling Author Former NFL Player & Psychotherapist & A leader in her field, Healy draws Children’s Book Author Parenting Expert from her extensive teaching and A former wide receiver for the The Founder of “Girls Can!” empowerment counseling background to give New England Patriots and active groups, Hurley explores everything adults the ideas community volunteer, from relational they need to nurture Mitchell is known for aggression and positive emotional visiting elementary cyberbullying to how health and resilience schools to read to students can tap into in today’s children. students and talk empathy to affect about literacy. meaningful change.
Dr. Nii Addy Peggy Orenstein Mike Veny Neuroscientist, Mental Health NYT Best-Selling Author Mental Health & Wellness Facilitator Advocate, Yale Professor & Orenstein is an internationally- Veny shares his story about living Podcast Host, Addy Hour acclaimed expert on the challenges with mental health problems while Dr. Addy’s familiarity with effective facing teens, college students—and offering tips and tools on how to psychological interventions and his their parents—as how to transform the perspective as a black scientist in they come of age in stigma in our schools the midst of ongoing racial injustice today’s culture. and communities. makes him a sought after speaker He is known for his on topics such as neuroscience, impactful drumming mental health, faith, and diversity, workshops. 9 equity and inclusion. APBSPEAKERS.COM DISTINGUISHED VOICES 617.614.1600
David Epstein Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. Dan Rather #1 NYT Best-Selling Author New York Times Best-Selling Legendary Broadcaster Epstein shares how learners Author & Chair of African Bringing six decades of chronicling and educators can thrive in an American Studies, Princeton our world, Rather is more relevant increasingly complex world—not A prominent scholar, political than ever as a best-selling author, by picking a single commentator, public active voice on social specialty and intellectual and media and patriotic mastering it—but by passionate educator, advocate for uniting in sampling many areas Dr. Glaude examines divisive times. to develop range. the complex dynamics of the American experience.
John Quiñones Maria Hinojosa Nick Kristof Host, What Would You Do? Emmy-Winning Journalist Pulitzer Prize-Winning An Emmy winner and ABC’s first Anchor and executive producer of NYT Columnist Latino anchor, Quiñones grew up as NPR’s “Latino USA,” and a panelist Advocating for human rights and the child of migrant farm workers. on Meet the Press, Hinojosa giving a voice to the voiceless, Kristof His inspiring story is examines the shares compelling the embodiment of critical issues that stories from close to the transformative are changing our home and around the power of education. cultural and political world to illuminate the landscape. most critical issues of our time. 10 APBSPEAKERS.COM DISTINGUISHED VOICES 617.614.1600
Wil Haygood David Hogg Catherine Rampell Acclaimed Biographer, Co-Founder, March For Our Lives Washington Post Columnist Author of The Butler Thrust into the world of activism One of the youngest nationally Best-selling author and cultural by the largest school shooting in syndicated columnists, Rampell historian Haygood tells the story American history, Parkland survivor takes a straight-on, data-driven of America through Hogg has become approach to the most intriguing the lens of history, one of the most areas of economics, public policy, politics, sports, compelling voices of politics, and culture. race, and the lives his generation. of change-making African-Americans.
James McBride Michael Eric Dyson Richard Buery NYT Best-Selling Author Public Intellectual & CEO of Robin Hood & Former CEO & Musician Best-Selling Author of Achievement First McBride uses music and writing to Featured on NPR and MSNBC, Buery is the CEO of Robin Hood, share powerful stories such as his two-time NAACP Image Award one of the largest anti-poverty landmark memoir The winner Dyson melds forces in the nation. Also the former Color of Water, The scholarly insight with CEO of Achievement First, a network Good Lord Bird and contemporary culture as of public charter schools, he helped his latest best-seller, he examines the critical provide an excellent education to Deacon King Kong. issues of the day. 15,000 students across New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island. 11 APBSPEAKERS.COM INSPIRATIONAL STORIES 617.614.1600
Wes Moore Temple Grandin Steve Pemberton NYT Best-Selling Author & CEO, Autism Advocate Inspirational Child Advocate The Robin Hood Foundation The world’s most accomplished & Best-Selling Author Moore energizes audiences with adult with autism, Grandin was Pemberton’s triumphant life story his remarkable personal story of portrayed by Claire Danes in the is about defying insurmountable overcoming adversity film, Temple Grandin. beginnings through through education, She reminds us that the power of embracing personal all children can be education—going from responsibility and taught to achieve an orphan in foster emerging as an their potential. care to college and inspirational leader. the C-suite.
Grace Byers Christopher Gray Sonia Manzano Author & Actress on Founder & Chief Executive “Maria” on Sesame Street Hit TV Show, Empire Officer of Scholly A first-generation American of Latin Raised by two deaf parents, Byers Raised in poverty and determined descent, Manzano’s tale is one of lends insights into challenging to help others go to college, perseverance and courage as she social and cultural Gray sparked the biggest fight in overcame obstacles experiences, Shark Tank history with Scholly, to become one of encouraging all of us to his breakthrough app that helps the most influential have compassion and students find scholarships. Latinas in television. grace for each other.
12 APBSPEAKERS.COM INSPIRATIONAL STORIES 617.614.1600
Freeman Hrabowski Stacey Bess Ernie Hudson President of The University Of Inspirational Educator & Author Actor & Activist Maryland, Baltimore Subject of the movie Beyond the Rising out of poverty to appear An award-winning educator whose Blackboard, Bess shares heartfelt in Ghostbusters, Oz and Law and passion has transformed his campus, stories about her years teaching Order, Hudson shares a moving Hrabowski partners children in a homeless life story filled with lessons on with businesses shelter, and offers fatherhood, overcoming adversity, and the community powerful insights and following dreams. to foster skills and and tools for youth ensure that graduates educators and are employable. advocates.
Cheryl Brown-Henderson Dr. Sampson Davis Kristen Geez Educator & Civil Rights Activist Physician & Inspirational Leader Youth Practitioner & Gen Z Expert The “Brown” in the landmark Growing up surrounded by crime, Dedicated to building confidence Brown vs. The Board of Education drugs and poverty, Davis embraced and setting high standards for case, she has devoted her the power of education to emerge as young people and the adults that inspiring life to ensuring that a a successful doctor. work with them, child’s educational future isn’t His empowering story Geez has inspired predetermined by their zip code. challenges us to be thousands to pursue the best we can be. their personal and professional goals.
13 APBSPEAKERS.COM INSPIRATIONAL STORIES 617.614.1600
Ron Suskind Heather Abbott Damon West Pulitzer Prize Winner & Boston Marathon Addiction, Recovery & Behavioral Education Advocate Bombing Survivor Health Advocate As told in the Oscar-nominated film, Abbott’s life changed forever when she A former NCAA quarterback sentenced Life Animated, Suskind shares his was struck by bomb shrapnel and lost to life in prison, West shares his story son’s moving journey her left leg. She captivates audiences of abuse, addiction and with autism and how with her compelling story of optimism, recovery. His “coffee he emerged from resilience and helping others. bean” analogy inspires the silence of the us all that we can spectrum to become reach full potential by a thriving young adult. adjusting perspective.
Richard White Mickey Rowe Caylin Moore Inspirational Leader, Professor Founder & Artistic Director of Author, Rhodes Scholar & & Principal Tubist National Disability Theatre Aspiring Professor White overcame a challenging Lauded for his roles in Tony Moore’s against-all-odds journey from childhood marked by intermittent Award-winning plays, Rowe is the the cruel poverty of gang-ridden Los homelessness to first actor with autism to play an Angeles to becoming become a tubist autistic character in a professional a Rhodes Scholar performing on the performance. He celebrates celebrates the pursuit world stages. He differences as strengths. of dreams and the shares an incredible transformative power story of resilience and of education. 14 determination.