INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 9, 2015) – Daymond John, well-known television personality and successful entrepreneur, will be a keynote speaker at Project Lead The Way’s PLTW Summit 2016, the group announced today. John will speak about entrepreneurship, including his own path from student to multi-million-dollar innovator and investor.
“The goal of the PLTW Summit is to give educators, business leaders and student advocates the tools they need to prepare students for in-demand jobs, and empower students to take ownership in their education and careers,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, PLTW president and CEO. “As a successful entrepreneur and investor, Daymond understands the tremendous value of an entrepreneurial spirit when it comes to achieving long-term success. This is a fantastic opportunity for our teachers, students and attendees to learn about taking innovation and leadership to the next level.”
Originally from Queens, N.Y., John is perhaps best known as the founder of the clothing line FUBU. John currently serves as a “shark” on the hit ABC show “Shark Tank,” where he and other investors consider business pitches from small businesses looking for investment capital. He is also the founder of the consulting firm Shark Branding, and is the best-selling author of “Display of Power” and “The Brand Within.” His third book, “The Power of Broke,” is being released in January 2016.
In May 2015, John was named a White House Global Ambassador of Entrepreneurship. In that role, he works with underserved entrepreneurs to help them build customer bases and brands. Additionally, President Obama has asked John to participate in the “My Brother's Keeper” program, which helps create access and opportunity for underserved men of color via mentorship and education.
John is the recipient of multiple awards, including Brandweek Marketer of the Year, Crain’s Business of New York Forty Under Forty Award, Ernst & Young’s New York Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Brandeis University International Business School’s Asper Award for Excellence in Global Entrepreneurship. He is also a two-time recipient of the Congressional Achievement Award for Entrepreneurship and the NAACP Entrepreneurs of the Year Award.
PLTW Summit 2016 is the premier gathering of passionate and committed individuals who work together every day to empower students to develop the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an evolving world. From March 20-23, 2016, more than 1,500 attendees — from students and to those in the education, government and business sectors — will convene to share strategies for making classroom learning relevant, engaging and hands-on. In addition to John, other nationally recognized speakers include Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman and mathematician John Urschel, and Jason Silva, futurist and host of National Geographic’s Brain Games.
To learn more about PLTW Summit 2016 or register, visit www.pltw.org/Summit.
About PLTW Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. More than 8,000 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.
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Media Contact:
Jennifer Cahill
PLTW Senior Director of Media and Public Relations
(317) 669-0871
jcahill@pltw.org