During Black History Month, BOOST proudly celebrates the extraordinary leaders who have graced the BOOST Conference stage. These Keynote Speakers and OSTI Award winners embody Black excellence in leadership, championing equity, education reform, social justice, youth development, and community empowerment.
Celebrating Visionary Black Leaders in Education, Justice, and Community Impact
At the BOOST Conference, we center on supporting educators and youth-serving professionals who Inspire Youth, Inspire Learning, and Inspire Change. The thought leaders highlighted below have inspired our community through transformative keynotes that challenge systems, uplift voices, and drive meaningful change.
Meet Our BOOST Conference Black Speakers & Leaders
Arik Armstead
NFL Defensive Lineman & Founder, Armstead Academic Project
2023 BOOST OSTI Award Winner
Arik Armstead is both a professional athlete and a community advocate. Through the Armstead Academic Project, he supports youth literacy, educational equity, and mentorship initiatives. His leadership demonstrates the power of athletes as changemakers in education and community development.
Dr. Bertice Berry
Sociologist, Author & Motivational Speaker
2019 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Dr. Bertice Berry is a dynamic sociologist and bestselling author whose storytelling blends research, humor, and social insight. Her work inspires resilience, leadership growth, and meaningful human connection—key themes that resonate strongly with educators and youth professionals.
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
Pediatrician & Former California Surgeon General
2024 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris is a pioneering public health leader whose research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress transformed how educators and healthcare providers understand trauma. As California’s first Surgeon General, she advanced policies that support child wellness and trauma-informed care.
Stephanie Costner
Education Leader & Youth Development Advocate
2025 BOOST OSTI Award Winner
Stephanie Costner is an experienced education leader dedicated to student achievement and community impact. Her work centers on empowering educators, strengthening school culture, and creating equitable opportunities for youth success.
Dr. Christopher Emdin
Scholar, Author & STEM Education Advocate
2013 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Dr. Christopher Emdin is an award-winning educator known for transforming STEM education and culturally responsive teaching. A professor at Columbia University, he is the creator of the #HipHopEd movement and author of influential works that bridge science, culture, and student identity. His innovative approach empowers educators to engage historically marginalized students in meaningful learning experiences.
Dr. Shawn Ginwright
Professor, Author & Founder, Flourish Agenda (in 2022)
2019, 2022 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Dr. Shawn Ginwright is a nationally recognized scholar and advocate for youth development, healing-centered engagement, and educational equity. As a professor at San Francisco State University and founder of Flourish Agenda, he advances strategies that support the social, emotional, and civic well-being of young people—particularly those in historically marginalized communities. His research and writing have helped shape national conversations on trauma, healing, and transformative youth leadership.
Dee Hankins
Inspirational Speaker & Youth Advocate
2023 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Dee Hankins brings powerful lived experience to her work as a motivational speaker and advocate. Her message centers on resilience, purpose, and youth empowerment—encouraging educators to support students beyond the classroom.
Monroe Howard-Shackelford
Equity Advocate & Youth Development Leader
2016 BOOST OSTI Award Winner
Monroe Howard-Shackelford is a passionate leader committed to advancing equity and uplifting underserved communities. Through advocacy and leadership, he supports inclusive practices that promote opportunity and positive outcomes for young people.
John Hunter
Founder, World Peace Game
2014 BOOST Keynote Speaker
John Hunter is an internationally recognized educator and creator of the World Peace Game, an immersive simulation designed to teach global problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. His work promotes student leadership and social responsibility, preparing young people to navigate complex global challenges.
Gordon Jackson
Assistant Superintendent, California Department of Education (in 2010)
2010 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Gordon Jackson is an experienced education leader and equity advocate with a long history of advancing student success. Formerly with the California Department of Education, he has played key roles in statewide initiatives that support youth development, culturally responsive practices, and equitable learning opportunities. Today, he serves as the National Director of 3Strands Global Foundation, where he works to strengthen schools and communities through capacity building, collaboration, and inclusive leadership.
Claudine James
National Board Certified Teacher & Education Advocate
2023 BOOST OSTI Award Winner
Claudine James is an accomplished educator and digital content creator who amplifies best practices in teaching and culturally responsive education. Through her platforms, she empowers teachers to build inclusive classrooms where all students thrive. TikTok: @iamthatenglishteacher
Dr. Bettina L. Love
Professor & Author of We Want to Do More Than Survive
2022 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Dr. Bettina Love is a leading voice in abolitionist teaching and educational justice. Her scholarship calls educators to create schools rooted in freedom, joy, and liberation for Black and marginalized students. Through research and advocacy, she continues to shape national conversations about race, equity, and transformative education.
Pedro A. Noguera, Ph.D.
Dean, USC Rossier School of Education
2009 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Dr. Pedro Noguera is one of the nation’s leading voices in education equity and school reform. As Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education, his research focuses on how social and economic conditions impact student achievement. A nationally recognized scholar, Dr. Noguera has authored numerous books on urban education and racial justice in schools, helping educators nationwide create more equitable learning environments.
Glenn Singleton
Founder, Courageous Conversation
2025 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Glenn Singleton is a nationally respected equity leader and founder of Courageous Conversation About Race, a framework used in schools and organizations to facilitate meaningful dialogue about race and systemic inequities. His work strengthens institutions through racial literacy and inclusive leadership practices.
Bryan Stevenson
Founder & Executive Director, Equal Justice Initiative
2018 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Bryan Stevenson is a nationally acclaimed civil rights attorney and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). His work challenges mass incarceration and racial injustice in the U.S. legal system. Stevenson also spearheaded the creation of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, deepening the national dialogue around racial history and reconciliation.
Baratunde Thurston
Emmy-nominated Storyteller, Producer, and Thought Leader
2026 BOOST Keynote Speaker – THIS YEAR!
Baratunde Thurston is an Emmy-nominated host, author, and social commentator known for exploring race, identity, and civic engagement with humor and insight. His work bridges storytelling and social impact, encouraging audiences to think critically about democracy and belonging.
Dr. Tererai Trent
Founder, Tererai Trent International
2016 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Dr. Tererai Trent’s journey from rural Zimbabwe to earning a Ph.D. is a powerful story of perseverance and educational empowerment. As the founder of Tererai Trent International, she builds schools and expands access to education for children in underserved communities. Her global advocacy highlights the transformative power of education for girls and women.
Principal Wayman
Educational Consultant & Leadership Coach
2023 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Principal Wayman is an educator, author, and leadership consultant who empowers schools through innovative professional development and digital engagement strategies. Their work supports school leaders in building inclusive, high-performing learning communities.
Jesse Williams
Actor, Activist & Social Justice Advocate
2017 BOOST Keynote Speaker
Jesse Williams is widely recognized for his advocacy in racial justice and civil rights activism. Through public speaking and organizing, he has amplified conversations around systemic inequities and community empowerment, inspiring audiences to take action for social change.
Why Black Leadership Matters for Education and Youth Development
The BOOST Conference remains committed to elevating diverse voices and advancing equity in education. The leaders we honor during Black History Month exemplify transformational leadership, educational innovation, and social justice advocacy.
Their impact extends far beyond the keynote stage—shaping policy, empowering communities, and inspiring educators nationwide. As we reflect on their contributions, we recommit ourselves to fostering inclusive learning environments where every young person can succeed.
Learn more about the BOOST Conference
The BOOST Conference is the largest, most recognized, and comprehensive global convening for after school, expanded learning, and in and out-of-school time professionals. Through inspiring keynote speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities, BOOST supports those global educators who serve children, families, and their communities.