Meet Our Past Mentors and Speakers

Charismatic television and film actor, philanthropist and author Terrence "J" Jenkins is co-anchor of the international news program E! News. Jenkins is no stranger to the hosting world after 7 years on BET's 106 & Park—the longest-running music countdown show in history.

Many of the successful moments in Jenkins life, both personally and professionally, have been credited to the lessons that his mother taught him, and he's proud to share her words of wisdom to inspire others via his first literary work, The Wealth of My Mother's Wisdom.

In addition to his work with Disney Dreamers Academy, Jenkins is also a spokesperson for Ronald McDonald's House Charities' Future Achievers Scholarship Campaign and an avid supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Newark, New Jersey.

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.

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.

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.

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.