Keynote Information

Room CDEF – 10:10 – 11:20 AM

Darrell “Coach D” Andrews is an internationally recognized education/workforce consultant, strategist, motivational speaker, and author. His books, Believing The HYPE-Seven Keys To Motivating Students of Color, The Purpose Living Teen-A Teen’s Guide To Living Your Dreams, and The Parent As Coach-Developing A Family Dream Team have transformed thousands of students, teachers, educators, and parents worldwide. His story 5 Garbage Bags and a Dream is one of the top stories in the national bestseller Chicken Soup For The African-American Soul. As an expert and motivator, he has been invited to be a featured speaker at conferences such as the National PTA, The National Association of Secondary School Principals, ASCD, NCCEP/GEAR-UP, and many statewide, regional, and local events. He and his team have empowered countless youth and educators alike. He is also the developer of the H.Y.P.E. (Helping Youth Pursue Excellence) Program. HYPE was one of the top-rated contracted youth programs nationally under the WIA (Workforce Investment Act) Grant in the areas of dropout prevention, soft-skills development, and career/college-life readiness. HYPE had one of the highest graduation rates in the USA, serving at-risk students, students with disabilities, and students in poverty. Coach D is a regular guest on many radio and television programs. He has been featured on MSNBC, Fox News, The Black Enterprise Report, The Tavis Smiley Show, and Comcast Cablevision’s “Your Morning” Talk Show. His life’s philosophy has been the same for nearly two decades, “It is not what you have accomplished in your life that counts – but what others are able to accomplish because of your life. This is a real legacy at its best!” Lastly and most importantly, he has been happily married to the love of his life, Pamela, for 27 years and is the proud father of Darrell, Jr., Sophia, Alexander, and Abigail. His family is truly his pride and joy.