Robert Jackson began his teaching career almost 25 years ago in Indianapolis Public Schools with a No More Excuses teaching approach with all of his students after being cut from the NFL Minnesota Vikings.

He has become one of the most sought-after speakers in the country, delivering keynote addresses and workshops to educators and administrators at national conferences, parents and student workshops, corporate events and churches. He has delivered 100’s of presentations and has become an expert in teaching cultural diversity, restorative practices, socio emotional learning, working with students who have experienced trauma and how to educate Black and Latino males. His goal is to teach educators and administrators how to use their power more effectively to Educate, Activate and Motivate all Students to be Successes.

Mr. Jackson has written and published 6 books and has written articles for ASCD EL Leadership Magazine. His new book, “Becoming the Educator They Need: Strategies, Mindsets, and Beliefs for Supporting Male Black and Latino Students” just won the Gold Excel Award for Technical Writing in August 2020. His “No More Excuses” Curriculum has been featured in publications nationally and is being utilized in K-12 Schools, Colleges and Universities in the US and Canada. His books include, “Black Men Stand Up”, “A Boys Guide to Manhood”, “A Young Woman’s Guide to Womanhood”, “Put a Stop to Bullying” and “Solutions to Educating Black and Latino Males.”

He attended Western Kentucky University where he received his BS Degree in Industrial Technology while lettering 4 years in both Football and Track. After being cut from the NFL he was broken himself and understands the importance of educators being sensitive to students who have experienced trauma and let downs. He has spoken at national conferences including ASCD, SDE, CAAASA, NABSE, SREB, School Discipline National Conferences and the National ESEA.

Mr. Jackson is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and the NFL Players Association. He has received numerous awards for his work including the Key to the City of Miami, Florida and the 2019 National Motivational Educator of the Year Award by the Alpha Foundation. 1000’s of youth, parents and educators are being transformed through his speeches and presentations.

He is married to Essence Best Selling Author, Tajuana “TJ” Butler-Jackson and they have 3 children and 1 grandson.

“His motto is, “For Every Problem, there is a Solution”

Region 10 Regional Manager-Indiana Dept of Child Services

Peggy has been employed by DCS for 33 years. She also obtained her MSW and BSW from Indiana University.

Marc Lamont Hill is host of BET News and a Professor of Media Studies at Temple University. He is the author of the New York Times Bestseller "Nobody: Casualties of America's War on the Vulnerable, From Ferguson to Flint and Beyond."

In 2007, a “fatal” car wreck had multiple medics pronouncing Lindsey brain dead and paralyzed. Battling to live, Lindsey acquired a rare outlook on life that guides her work as an award-winning peak potential strategist, transformational speaker, and 3x Amazon #1 best-selling author. Founder of Lindsey Vertner Global, she’s devoted to teaching female entrepreneurs and ambitious leaders how to master their mindset. Her mission is to teach women around the world how to create their First Class Life™ full of purpose, fulfillment, and happiness. Lindsey is the co-founder of The Unleashed Woman – a nonprofit organization that uplifts women of all backgrounds through national empowerment and networking events.

As a “Speaker Rising Star of the Year Award” nominee at the prestigious SpeakerCon in Washington, DC, Lindsey challenges and encourages audiences to lean in and take action immediately. At conferences, events, and corporate workshops, Lindsey serves by speaking life into others by utilizing her inspirational experiences to provide practical and actionable tips. She guides listeners through finding the purpose in their pain and turning their breakdown into a breakthrough.

Lindsey’s expertise centers on overcoming obstacles, work-life balance, and the “3 Pillars of Self”. The “3 Pillars of Self” is a methodology uniquely created by Lindsey that focuses on self-care, self-worth, and self-discipline and how each of these three areas affect our personal and professional lives at a subconscious level. With a master’s in Professional Counseling & Coaching, Lindsey is a graduate of both Indiana and Liberty Universities. Connect with her at www.LindseyVertner.com

Chrystal Hines, a 38 year old native of Indianapolis, is a proud wife, mother, and daughter. Hines is a a graduate from the University of Indianapolis, she majored in Education with a strong concentration in Science and Social Studies. Chrystal has worked in both IPS and Charter Schools at the middle school level. While teaching, Chrystal noticed that she was being pulled more toward the social arena of the children's lives thus developing The Inner Beauty Program, Inc. This unique program caters to young ladies ages 8-18. Armed with a passionate purpose of creating life-changing experiences to ultimately change our urban communities, Hines has been blessed to create a team of professional women in Indianapolis to work with the youth on a daily basis. She has also paired with her husband, Kareem Hines, to provide a brother program, New BOY (New Breed of Youth) to mirror The Inner Beauty Program but cater to young males in need of services.

The Inner Beauty Program, Inc. is focused on building character, poise, and personality while teaching girls to be upright virtuous young ladies. There are strength-based sessions held every Thursday evening to enhance the talents and inner attributes of the girls, as well as personal and small group mentoring. Additionally, Inner Beauty offers beauty bootcamps for school breaks, Day Reporting services, Tutoring, Parent Support Services, and much more. Inner Beauty has become known for some of its annual events, which include talent shows, fashion shows, camping, skiing, award ceremonies, the annual out of state college and historical tour, and the Inner Beauty Pageant (now in its 17th year). Also, since creating the agency, Chrystal continues to let God order her steps so that she can fill the need for young ladies in our communities.

Yaritsa Perez (any pronoun with respect) is the Youth and Training Specialist at Indiana Youth Group, an organization that creates safe spaces to foster community and empower LGBTQ+ youth. Previously, Yaritsa worked in early childhood education. Yaritsa has her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Purdue University. As a proud queer femme of color, they were an active member of the GSA during high school and continued to speak out about LGBTQ+ issues during their university years. She has worked with youth of all ages and enjoys spending time with the future leaders of the LGBTQ+ movement. Outside of work, they enjoy gardening and writing the next great American novel.

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