Biography

Call 1.800.966.1380 to contact Stedman Graham booking agent, publicist, manager, pr firm, representative and management company if you would like to hire Stedman Graham for a speaker appearance, autograph signing, endorsement deal or corporate event. Here you can find speaker fees, booking fees, costs, availability and schedule information. A commitment to education and lifelong learning is central to Stedman Graham's philosophy.

He co-authored "The Ultimate Guide to Sport Event Management & Marketing" (McGraw Hill). In March 1997, Simon & Schuster published a book detailing his Nine-Step empowerment philosophy, "You Can Make It Happen: A Nine-Step Plan for Success", which was a New York Times Bestseller. Other writings also include "You Can Make It Happen Every Day", a motivational pocketbook, "Teens Can Make It Happen" (also a New York Times Bestseller), and "Build Your Own Life Brand". Most recently, a workbook companion piece to "Teens Can Make It Happen" was published.

An inspiring speaker, Graham speaks to organizations around the country on issues surrounding success, self-empowerment, and diversity. A commitment to education and lifelong learning is central to Stedman Graham's philosophy. Graham is also a founder and former director of George Washington University's Forum for Sport and Event Management and Marketing - the first of its kind in the country. The Forum provides academic programming, career training, and business and employment research in sports and related industries, with a focus on minorities and women.

Equally crucial to Graham's philosophy is a commitment to youth and community. He is founder of The Leadership Institute of Chicago, a nonprofit education and research organization dedicated to promoting effective leadership throughout society. Activities include seminars, programs and lectures, philanthropic activities, publications and primary research. He is also founder and executive director of Athletes Against Drugs (AAD), a nonprofit organization of athletes and other civic leaders committed to developing leadership in youth. AAD provides in-class curriculum to Chicago Public Schools and conducts corporate leadership visits, parent workshops, role model presentations, community and volunteer projects, as well as sports clinics with professional athletes.

Stedman Graham is a sought-after speaker and lecturer. Based on the precepts of "You Can Make It Happen" and "Build Your Own Life Brand", he annually delivers his message to over 100 corporations, colleges, universities, high schools and not-for-profit organizations. Clients include the U.S. Department of Education, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Stedman Graham received a bachelor's degree in social work from Hardin-Simmons University and earned a master's degree in Education from Ball State University. He has been awarded an honorary doctorate in Humanities from Coker College, and recognized by the American Advertising Federation as an "Industry Influential" for his work in support of diversity.