Meet the Speakers Resource Group
Members of the inaugural Speakers Resource Group were selected as ambassadors of Disney's Dreamers Academy and share common goals - inspiring youth to believe in their dreams and giving them tools to jumpstart their dreams into reality. The Speakers Resource Group champion Disney's Dreamers Academy in a variety of ways from participating in a panel selecting 100 students to attend the flagship event at Walt Disney World® Resort to offering insights about the four-day event curriculum. They will also collaborate with Disney in extending Disney's Dreamers Academy program content into relevant community, educational and entertainment platforms.

Terrence J
Terrence J
Host, BET's "106 and Park"
Chosen from thousands of applicants in BET's nationwide "New Faces" search, our party boy is definitely a natural. Terrence's determination is is one of the main reasons he landed the gig. After auditioning for the "New Faces" search in New York and not making a good impression, he wasn't about to let that get the best of him. He headed to the next audition in Atlanta, where he would eventually win over BET executives. Terrence has a swagger about him that has 106 all over it, and with that and his infectious personality he was able to land the opportunity of a lifetime.
Terrence J
Chosen from thousands of applicants in BET's nationwide "New Faces" search, our party boy is definitely a natural...
Yolanda Adams
Yolanda Adams
Gospel Superstar/Radio Personality
From her late-`80s debut, Yolanda Adams has carried the torch for contemporary gospel and inspirational music. Stunningly beautiful, exceptionally educated, filled with the spirit and blessed with one of the most powerful voices in any genre of music, this Houston-native has been a stately beacon of God's light, earning numerous accolades and awards for her shining efforts.

Since 2007, Yolanda is heard on 14 radio stations (and counting) across the country with her barrier-breaking "The Yolanda Adams Morning Show," a program of her creation and ownership in thrilling conjunction with Radio One.
Yolanda Adams
From her late-`80s debut, Yolanda Adams has carried the torch for contemporary gospel and inspirational music...

Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith
Journalist/Commentator
A native of Hollis, Queens, who built his foundation as a journalist over the course of 14 years in New York and Philadelphia, Stephen A. Smith, once widely recognized as one of the most popular voices on ESPN, is still one of the preeminent voices in the African-American Community. At the Philadelphia Inquirer, Smith was promoted to General Sports Columnist, one of only 21 African-Americans in the nation to hold such a title at that time. Smith's career at ESPN began on the show, "NBA Shootaround". He has also hosted his own show on 1050 ESPN Radio, which due to its success, was picked up nationwide.
Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith, once widely recognized as one of the most popular voices on ESPN, is still one of the preeminent voices in the African-American Community...
Mikki Taylor
Mikki Taylor
Editor-at-Large, ESSENCE Magazine
Mikki Taylor is the Editor-at-Large at ESSENCE Magazine, and the president of Mikki Taylor Enterprises, LLC, a strategic branding, consulting and communications company. She has devoted a lifetime to helping women micro-manage their inner and outer beauty and helping audiences to own their lives to the fullest.

Today Taylor, who for 30 years served as the magazine's groundbreaking beauty and cover director, lends her unique signature to marketing events and special celebrity projects with Essence Communications, Inc.
Mikki Taylor
Mikki Taylor is the Editor-at-Large at ESSENCE Magazine, and the president of Mikki Taylor Enterprises, LLC...

Dr. Steve Perry
Dr. Steve Perry
Educator/Author/Motivational Speaker
Dr. Steve Perry's heart pumps passion. His career has taken him from directing a grassroots organization in Chester, PA to a full scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work, back to his hometown of Middletown where he ran a homeless shelter, became a candidate for state representative and published his first of four books… then he turned 26. In 2004, Capital Prep was born and since its inception, it has sent 100% of its graduates to four year colleges for three consecutive years! Perry courageously forged a path by starting a public middle and high school in the state's lowest performing district.
Dr. Steve Perry
His career has taken him from directing a grassroots organization in Chester, PA to a full scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work, back to his hometown of Middletown...
Sonia Jackson Myles
Sonia Jackson Myles
Founder & Author, "The Sister Accord-The Promise That Will Transform Your Life"
Sonia is the mother of Kendall, age 15 and Jordan, age 13 and is married to Kenneth A. Myles, President & CEO of KAMJAM Entertainment. In 1995, Sonia developed a highly successful program, during her employment with Ford Motor Company, focused on teaching life skills and critical communication skills to high school students in Detroit. She was named one of Essence Magazine's "Women of Power" in 2008, Bloomberg Report's "History Makers" in 2009, Trumpet Award Foundation's "Women in High Heels" in 2010, and was inducted into the Florida A&M School of Business and Industry's Hall of Fame in 2011.
Sonia Jackson Myles
She was named one of Essence Magazine's "Women of Power" in 2008...

Brandi & Karli Harvey
Brandi & Karli Harvey
Founders, CEO and Artistic Director of Young Fit and Fly
As founders of Young Fit & Fly, Brandi Chief Executive Officer and Karli Artistic Director are entrepreneurs, motivational speakers, and media mavens. Graduating from The Ohio State University in 2005 with a degree in African American and African Studies, Brandi oversees public relations, forms strategic partnerships with corporate and community leaders and champions the global brand of the Steve Harvey World Group. Karli is currently a hair artesian at U Salon in Atlanta, GA, transforming lives one head at a time. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2005 and moved on to pursue her career in hair design by attending and graduating from Vidal Sassoon Academy in 2006.
Brandi & Karli Harvey
Brandi Harvey and Karli Harvey are among the most recognized and admired young women of today...
Alex O. Ellis
Alex O. Ellis
CEO, Simply Ellis Custom Clothier
Honored with the distinguished "40 Under Forty Award" from the Network Journal, Ellis is redefining the meaning of style. An author, speaker, custom clothier, mentor and gentleman of distinction, Ellis is the owner of Simply Ellis LLC, a custom clothing company that specializes in custom suits, shirts, and men's accessories. Ellis has called men of color to join forces to take action by teaching young men the power of image, and to convey their personalities with a sense of strong character, pride and dignity.
Alex O. Ellis
An author, speaker, custom clothier, mentor and gentleman of distinction...

Jonathan Sprinkles
Jonathan Sprinkles
Motivational Speaker
Voted the 2006 College Speaker of the Year by members of the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities, Jonathan Sprinkles has quickly become recognized as one of the most sought-after and well-respected speakers and entrepreneurs in the country. The author of several books, informational audio projects and countless articles, his writings have been published internationally and are frequently cited by industry experts. Jonathan "sprinkles" elements of wisdom and humor to create a learning environment that is light-hearted yet purpose-filled.
Jonathan Sprinkles
Voted the 2006 College Speaker of the Year by members of the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities...
Chef Jeff Henderson
Chef Jeff Henderson
Executive Chef, Las Vegas' Cafe Bellagio
After a very long journey which included a stint in San Pedro's Terminal Island federal penitentiary, Chef Jeff found his life's calling, the culinary arts. His prison job as a dishwasher got him into the kitchen where he dreamed of one day being a chef. "Prison saved my life," he says. "It rescued me from the streets and now I have an obligation to give back." He became the first African-American to be named a Chef de Cuisine at Caesars Palace and in 2001 was named Chef of the Year in Vegas by the Tasting Institute of America.
Chef Jeff Henderson
After a very long journey which included a stint in San Pedro's Terminal Island federal penitentiary, Chef Jeff found his life's calling, the culinary arts.

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