Andre Norman

Ambassador of Hope

  • Andre Norman Keynote Speaker Fee Fee range is for U.S. events, depending on location and organization type

    Please Inquire

  • Languages Spoken

    English

  • Travels From

    Massachusetts, USA

  • Andre Norman Keynote Speaker Fee Fee range is for U.S. events, depending on location and organization type

    Please Inquire

  • Languages Spoken

    English

  • Travels From

    Massachusetts, USA

Suggested Keynote Speaker Programs

BREAKING THE BARS: TURN YOUR PRISON INTO A PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE

From an early age, Andre witnessed domestic violence, was a victim of the Boston Busing Crisis and was fatherless by the first grade. Raised by a single mom with six kids, Andre’s mom did her best to keep things afloat, leaving Andre with too much idle time. By...

From an early age, Andre witnessed domestic violence, was a victim of the Boston Busing Crisis and was fatherless by the first grade. Raised by a single mom with six kids, Andre’s mom did her best to keep things afloat, leaving Andre with too much idle time. By the age of 9, he learned a lesson that would define his life and land him in prison by 18.

When you quit on everything positive, all left behind is negativity, which leads you to one of two places: prison or the graveyard. Being allowed to quit and give up at such an early point in his life ultimately led him to prison and realize that everyone there had the same mindset he did.

He was the King of Nowhere. The only place his title took him was into a 2 ½ year sentence in solitary confinement. It was over. Andre had no way out. Alone with only his thoughts, he had an epiphany moment that would forever change his life trajectory. He heard this voice telling him he would go to Harvard. Calling it out to the world where not a soul could hear him, he knew this moment would move him to the King of Somewhere. Andre understood that he needed to change his purpose if he wanted to change his life.

Andre shares the journey from the prison yard to Harvard graduate to become one of the most called upon international speakers and top social justice consultants in this defining keynote. He reveals what is behind the curtain of his success, and it all started with his time in solitary confinement serving a 100-year sentence.

Now, as the Ambassador of Hope, Andre leverages his unique experiences to deliver a message of inclusivity and positive change. Whether you work in the boardroom or the mailroom, if you need that “second voice” of inspiration to be the change you seek, Andre will help you discover and achieve your purpose in life.

Audiences will walk away with not only the mindset needed to succeed but with an actionable plan for change. Andre Norman is the reason to believe in second chances. He will inspire audiences to see that it is never too late to change.

 

Learning Objectives:

  • Cultivating your purpose – Living a life without a dream is impossible

  • The importance of mentorship, a “second voice” – How to find it and craft yours

  • Finding self-belief- You are your own best resource

  • The transformation mindset- Learning the tools it takes for historical change

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HOW TO BRING YOUR DIFFERENCES TOGETHER FOR STRENGT

Growing up in a tumultuous home life raised by a single mother, Andre Norman had much idle time that ultimately led him to gang life, which earned him an over 100-year prison sentence when he was in high school. While in prison, Norman quickly rose through the ranks...

Growing up in a tumultuous home life raised by a single mother, Andre Norman had much idle time that ultimately led him to gang life, which earned him an over 100-year prison sentence when he was in high school. While in prison, Norman quickly rose through the ranks, which led him to a 2 1/2 year bid in solitary confinement. It was during this time that he had an epiphany. Realizing that he was the king of nowhere, Andre started to conceive a plan to get out of prison and attend Harvard University. A start to a long journey that first began with teaching himself how to read.

With his new skill sets, he started attending anger management classes and studying the law, which enabled him to win his appeal. Armed with a GED and a changed mindset, Andre walked out of prison a changed man on November 15, 1999. Within 90 minutes of his release, Andre went from the prison to the parole office to the juvenile center, talking to a room full of young black boys about why they were locked up.

Turning his experiences into programs, he created the Violence Interrupters & Proven Risk Youth model. Andre was a contributor to the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, created by President George W. Bush. He has become one of the nation’s leading experts in gang and prison violence intervention.

Today, Andre Norman is a sought-after advisor for companies dealing with social justice issues taking him to calm the chaos in Ferguson, Missouri, and leading the efforts of change with community engagement & leadership. Andre’s skills are called upon to bring peace to the streets, helping city and state governing officials experiencing violence in their jurisdiction,

In his most called upon keynote, Andre Norman addresses why leaders do not see change, movement, or transformation in their organization. Advising on how to see results with diversity and inclusion programs and shining a light on how to achieve with bringing these programs into a company, leaders will walk away with an actionable plan moving their teams forward towards overall goals and inclusion.

From an educational and outreach perspective, Andre speaks to communities from elementary schools to city council leaders on what it takes to move from the idea of diversity and inclusion and put it into practice. This keynote can be tailored for any audience looking to ask questions and speak with Andre openly and candidly in a safe learning space about how to bring our differences together for strength.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understanding why leaders do not see change, movement, or transformation in their organization.

  • How to see results with diversity and inclusion programs.

  • Walk away with an actionable plan moving their teams forward towards overall goals and inclusion.

Learn More

About Keynote Speaker Andre Norman

Andre Norman is the reason to believe in second chances. He grew up in a challenging situation witnessing domestic violence, was a victim of the Boston Busing Crisis, and was fatherless by the first grade.
Raised by a single mom with six kids, Andre’s mom did her best to keep things afloat, leaving Andre with too much idle time.

At his new elementary school, it was discovered that Andre was illiterate. The Administrators placed Andre in what was effectively known as the “dummy class.” That is until Mrs. Oliver intervened in third grade.

It wasn’t until Andre started middle school that he fully understood his family was poor. He was tormented by the other students for wearing dirty clothes and receiving free lunch. Quitting school was not an option, so Andre began working for the marijuana dealers in the local park.

While in high school Andre went full-time into gang life. He was arrested and received a 100-year prison sentence.

When Andre entered the prison, he double-downed on gang life, following in the footsteps of the wrong path that so many had walked before him. Andre rose the ranks of the prison gang.

Andre was placed in solitary confinement for 2 1?2 years. It was during this time that he had an epiphany. Realizing that he was the King of Nowhere

Andre crafted a plan to go from solitary confinement to Harvard University. Over the next eight years, Andre worked 20-hour days to make this plan a reality. Teaching himself how to read and write. His transformation included studying the law and attending anger management classes. Mentors became a key part of his transformation.

Winning his appeal and armed with a GED, Andre walked out of prison in 1999.

Within 90 minutes of his release, Andre went from the prison to the parole office to the juvenile center, talking to a room full of young black boys about why they were locked up.

Turning his experiences into programs he created the Violence Interrupters & Proven Risk Youth model. Andre was a contributor to the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, created by President George W. Bush. He went on to become one of the nation’s leading experts in gang and prison violence intervention.

In 2018 Andre was called on to create a program after one of the most deadly prison riots in American History.

From working with child soldiers in Monrovia, Liberia, to suburban families throughout America on the opioid crisis. Andre’s talents have turned trauma into triumphs.

Since 2001, Norman has been working with the London Business School Executive Education Department, for clients including Prudential Insurance (UK), Bovis Lend Lease, (AUS), Deutsche Bank (Germany), British Petroleum, UK), Ericsson (Sweden), DANONE (France), KPMG and more.

In 2016, Andre received a fellowship to Harvard Law School for his help ending the protest in Ferguson, Missouri.

Today, Andre Norman is a sought-after advisor for companies dealing with social justice issues, community engagement & leadership. Also helping city and state governing officials experiencing violence in their jurisdiction. On top of his successful advising business, he is one of the most impactful international speakers. He collaborates with various notable organizations.

  • United Nations
  • Genius Network
  • Department of Corrections
  • Entrepreneurs Organization
  • Young Presidents Organization
  • Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose

In 2020, Andre released his first of two books titled, “Ambassador of Hope: Turning Poverty and Prison into a Purpose-Driven Life,” which continues to spark the conversation that if Andre can achieve all that he has with such odds against him, then what is truly holding anyone
back?

His focus on inclusion and making an impact is why he has been selected as an advisor to several corporations and a Board of Director member.

In 2021 he made history when the prison system that he was sentenced to, hired him to design a program and mentor other inmates where he once lived. Yet again proving that the impossible is possible with Andre Norman.

Testimonials

Our past events have featured some of the world’s most respected visionaries including Sir Richard Branson, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dr. Stephen R. Covey and many others – so being one of the top rated speakers at one of our events is a significant accomplishment. What amazes me about Andre’s incredible presentations at our programs is that he has consistently ranked at the very top of the feedback from attendees. I believe it’s because Andre is one of the most powerful and mission-driven speakers in the world, and I’m grateful to have met him and to call him a friend.

Greg Habstrit

Founder, SimpleWealth, Inc.

Andre recently spoke at GOT – our annual entrepreneurial summit at MIT. His message was inspiring and he was one of our highest rated speakers. It’s no surprise that Andre left our gathering with many new friends and admirers.

G. Michael Maddock

Gathering of the Titans CEO & Founding Partner at Agency of Innovation

Andre Norman was truly inspirational speaking to Correctional Educators at the 22nd Annual MA Correctional Education Association conference in April 2012. His life story – disappointments, failures, accomplishments, and ultimate success served as a true motivation for the teachers, counselors, and administrators in attendance. He is the reason that we do what we do on a daily basis; we believe an “Andre” exists within each of our students.

Dr. Steven Ultrino

Director of Education, MA Middlesex Sheriffs Department

Andre’s matter-of-fact and honest message forces the audience to challenge their current values and beliefs in an attempt to align them to a life of integrity, dignity, and selflessness. Andre’s words are a must for every high school student.

Richard Allen

 

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