The Conference

GearUp4Success

GearUp4Sucess is an exciting and energizing event for students, educators, and community partners. This all day experience for middle school and high school students (and staff) teaches our youth success strategies while also recognizing and promoting the strength of our community. Over 1,100 area students will be attending this year's conference. There are amazing speakers (most from the Flint area) that will provide attendees with the skills and the mindset they need on their journey to success!

Click here for 2019 GearUp4Success recap video.

Speakers

Shon Hart is a married father of three, a premier keynote motivational speaker, and a leading authority on fatherhood. Shon travels the country inspiring organizations, sports teams, and school districts; providing them with resources and tools which empower them to control the narrative and use their “why” as fuel to excel in everything they do. Shon operates in the belief that “It’s your responsibility to steward the gift you have, therefore you should DOMINATE YOUR LANE!” In 2015, Shon founded InvolvedDad, an organization that reunifies, supports, and restores relationships of fragile families. Shon has worked with hundreds of fathers and restored numerous tumultuous relationships throughout the years. Shon believes that if fathers are supported and made a priority rather than an option, the epidemic cycle of fatherlessness in America will be broken. Shon’s motto is, “Strong fathers create strong families, strong families, create strong communities.” Shon has committed his life to making a difference, and that difference is made by impacting one father at a time. Shon will never give up on the work of fatherhood, until fatherlessness is eradicated.

Eric Woodyard is an award-winning NBA reporter covering the Midwest region for ESPN.com as a native of Flint, Michigan, and graduate of Western Michigan University. Woodyard also appeared on ESPN's "E:60" and "Outside the Lines" in 2016 and was awarded first place for Best Sports Story and Best Sports Feature categories in 2012 and 2015 by the Michigan Associated Press. He previously worked for MLive.com-The Flint Journal for six years and covered the Utah Jazz for the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, Utah for two seasons.

Eric is a proud parent of one son, Ethan, and authored two books, "Wasted" and "Ethan's Talent Search."

Whitney Foley was born and raised in Flint Michigan and has always had a passion for life and helping others. On the surface to most, it looks like Whitney has lived a picture-perfect life which is far from the truth. Dating all the way back to elementary school, Whitney had a lot of curve balls thrown her way and those difficult situations continued into her adult years. Each tough time taught her a lesson and made her a stronger and braver person. Her mission now is to help others thrive by working through their challenges, facing their struggles and focusing on their strengths through personal development. She believes that even in our darkest hours, we can shift our mindset and get back to a positive place with tools and resources. She will help you stand a little taller, feel a whole lot stronger and be the best version of yourself!

Whitney is raising funds to give all of our participants a Too Legit To Quit Journal or Playbook.You can help by clicking here .

Christian Moore is a renowned author, speaker, and licensed clinical social worker who consults with thousands of school districts on lowering dropout rates, improving school climate, preventing bullying, and closing the achievement gap by teaching social and emotional education.

To learn more about Christian’s movement click the link below.

WhyTry.org

Adrian Walker was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. He attended Flint Community Schools from kindergarten to the eighth grade. Adrian attended Carman Ainsworth for high school where he graduated in 2005. Upon graduating from high school, Adrian went on to attend Michigan State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/ Pre Law. During his last semester of college, Adrian participated in Michigan State’s study away program in Washington D.C. During this program he interned at EMILY’S List in their Campaign Services Division. Once he completed his internship, Adrian was fortunate enough to land a job offer from United States Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Adrian worked for Sen. Stabenow for five years serving in numerous capacities both in Washington D.C. and in Michigan. His final role with her was as a Special Advisor. Serving on Capitol Hill was an experience that Adrian will always appreciate, but his heart has always been in his hometown of Flint, Michigan. In February of 2015 Adrian returned to Flint to work for Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. Adrian was the Sr. Manager of Government Affairs & Corporate Relations department for Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. Currently, Adrian serves as the Director of Government Affairs & Community Relations for the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce.

Linnell Jones-McKenney

*Had a Dream at age 8 to play professional basketball when there were no women’s sports.*First Female To play on boys basketball team in elementary and middle school *Age 14 Started Traveling All Stars Women’s Basketball Team to inspire youth to Dream Big *High School (Basketball) 3 time all city, all valley, all conference, 3 Time varsity letter *High School (Track) 3 time all city, district, regional, State champion in 200 yard, long jump and high jump. *Champion of Champions Award *College Ferris State/ All conference/Team Top scorer, rebounder, and assist *Saginaw Valley State/ All Conference/ Team Top scorer, Rebounder, and assist *Kentucky State University/ Two Time All American/ All Conference *Made final cut 1980 Olympics *Drafted WBL Professional Basketball league 1st round 4th pick *First Female to be drafted to play professional basketball from Flint *First of 15 Americans to be drafted in the European women’s professional basketball league *5 Time All Star in Italy *3 Time Most Valuable Player in European Cup Championship *Held scoring record of 84 points in one game*Won European National Championship Cup *Won Italian National Title*Played on The Italian National Team *Basketball Camps, Clinics, Personal Trainer 40 years *Director Youth Programs 40 years *Motivational Speaker 45 years *Greater Area Flint Hall of Fame inductee *Greater Flint African American Hall of Fame Inductee *Kentucky State University Hall of Fame inducted National Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame as Trailblazer of Women’s Basketball *Player Flint Monarchs Women’s Professional Basketball (first woman to play professional basketball at age 55)*5 Times National Champions as Assistant Coach Flint Monarchs women’s professional basketball Team *Book: Motivated to Dream Big *Songs: Forte Cosi (Italian) We’ll Cry Out (English)*Two daughters*Manager School of Champions Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village Afterschool Club

Steve Schmidt is a member of the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame, the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame. In 2016, CoachStat, a national basketball coaching publication, ranked him as one of the top five JUCO coaches in the nation. Coach Schmidt takes a great deal of pride in helping student athletes develop as players and people in order to attain their goals at Mott and beyond. During his tenure, at least 85 former players have had the opportunity to continue their careers at four-year colleges and universities. Four players have been named NJCAA National Player of the Year en route to the next level.

Schmidt’s tireless enthusiasm for coaching is manifest at Mott—on the court and in the classroom—where discipline, unselfishness and accountability are the “Bear” essentials

More Speakers TBA

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Sponsor Inquiry

Interested in becoming a Sponsor? We would love to hear from you!

Please fill out the form below and we will be in contact shortly.

Corporate: $10,000

Pays for 400 students and teachers to attend event
Prominent Logo location and displayed at event, in program, and identified as Presenter on all ad materials, and at cocktail reception
Receive verbal recognition in opening and closing remarks
Unlimited tickets to the Event

Platinum: $5,000

Pays for 200 students and teachers to attend event
Logo displayed at event and in program, identified as a Presenter on all ad materials, and at cocktail reception
Receive verbal recognition in opening and closing remarks
Unlimited tickets to Event

Gold: $2,500