Keynote Speakers 2016

Steve Birdine is a visionary, diversity educator, attitude-adjuster, motivator, and risk taker! He is a success coach, retreat leader, keynote speaker and workshop facilitator and has been called the “Mr. Miyagi” of speakers and an “edu-tainer” because of his ability to both educate and entertain. His passion for academic excellence, student motivation, diversity education, and leadership development has led him to be an inspiration for those seeking strong positive role models and honest dialogue. Named "One of America's Most Influential African-Americans" (2001-2005) Birdine has worked for 15 years as an administrator in higher education.  A life member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., he served as their Grand Polaris (national president) from 2001-2005 and sat on their Board of Directors.  Currently, Birdine co-hosts a weekly international internet radio program called “The Man Show” which highlights issues related to empowering African-American men.

Ted Robinson has over forty years of success working in the education and business arena.  Most recently, he was Vice President of Sales & Partnerships for Kaplan K12 Learning Services and was charged with moving Kaplan K12 into metro markets, developing partnerships with federal agencies and additional K12 education partners so Kaplan can capitalize on its strong brand.   From 2007-2011, Robinson served as Vice President of Major Accounts for Quantum Learning Technologies in Ann Arbor, MI. He opened and expanded accounts in Nashville PS; Memphis City SD; San Diego City Schools; Orange Co. Office of Education (CA). He was in charge of sales and marketing for Skate Kids and Ramps to Reading. He served as Vice President of Sales for startup Advanced Academics from 2001-2007. Prior to that time, Robinson was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for startup NeTel Educational Systems, National Sales Manager for startup Creative Publications,  and sales and marketing positions at Macmillan/McGraw Hill and Simon and Schuster Company. He also has done consulting work for Leapfrog, Achieva.com, CInnovations, Achieve Data Solutions, Scholar Centric, Civil Survival, Colloquy360, Edgenuity, Learning Upgrade and several other small or medium sized tech K12 companies.

Hoan Do is a student success coach, author, corporate trainer, inspirational speaker and competitor in NBC’s hit show, American Ninja Warrior. From an early age, Do understood the sacrifices his parents had made in their escape to the United States during the Vietnam War. Feeling indebted to his parents for their courageous pursuit of a better life, Do vowed to ensure that one day, he would be able to take care of his parents. Do’s hard work took him to Malibu, California, where he graduated from Pepperdine University. In 2009, Do published Succeeding in the Real World, a book of straightforward useful advice about what a student can do to prepare for their life after graduation. It includes instructions on how to deal with the challenges encountered in life and how to find employment and achieve goals. Recognized as the best youth mentor by the International Examiner in Seattle, Do travels across North America speaking at colleges, high schools, and student leadership conferences where he shares practical advice that helps students to succeed in and out of school. Do’s engaging style and ability to share important life lessons in a way that resonates with his audiences has earned him the Verizon Wireless Motivator Award.

Harvey Katz is a transgender educator, writer, performer, producer, and activist. He has spent the last twelve years touring under the performance name Athens Boys Choir. These days, Katz mainly works with colleges bringing transgender entertainment and workshops to campus communities. 

Sandra Kim is the founder and publisher of Everyday Feminism. Launched in June 2012, Everyday Feminism has become one of the most popular feminist digital media sites in the world, with over 4.5 million monthly visitors from over 150 countries and a team of over 40 writers. EF takes an intersectional approach to feminism, addressing the daily issues people face around gender, sexuality, race, class, and more, and how we can create change in our lives and our communities. As a person with multiple marginalized identities, Kim is committed to an intersectional feminism that focuses on personal and social liberation for everyone. She’s also pioneering an innovative online business model for feminism and social justice to make this work sustainable for activists. Kim brings a wide range of approaches and skills to Everyday Feminism from her experience working with trauma survivors, healing and personal transformation, social change work, and life coaching.