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Clifton Coates
Hi...I'm Clifton Coates..."Your Premiere Voice of Choice for Motivation and Inspiration."
"Only when you learn how to control your destiny will you realize your full potential." Clifton Coates has taken his passion for empowering at-risk populations and turned it into an art form. An extraordinary motivational speaker and singer, he is transforming leadership in school systems, colleges, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Coates offers a unique combination of dynamic speaking and inspirational singing, and his charismatic style engages audience members the moment he takes the stage. His presentations are blunt, fiery, and honest—and they are changing lives. "For many the light inside has been hidden by skin and soul. Now is the time to rediscover it." Though most of Clifton Coates’ topics are geared toward at-risk groups and those who teach, plan lessons or serve as administrators in school systems, they are applicable to everyone no matter their background. Coates’ most requested keynotes include: From 1.8 To Great How to Re-Invent Yourself The Teachable Moment Past Imperfect What You Hear Is What You Get Early in his professional speaking career, Clifton Coates utilized his own experience with academic struggles to teach individuals, students, and staff about self-esteem, self-respect, and creating the attitude for success. Over time, Coates gained extensive and invaluable experience while working as a journalist, volunteer chaplain, juvenile corrections counselor, public school teacher, coach, and school administrator. In every career, Coates was quickly recognized for his natural ability to lead, inspire, and change lives: As a volunteer hospital chaplain, his discourses comforted patients struggling with illnesses and visitors dealing with the potential loss of a loved one. Coates inspired juvenile center detainees to adopt the lifestyle and discipline they would need once released. As a teacher, his students learned about social responsibility. As a mentor for the school’s at-risk male youth, suspension and absenteeism dropped and GPAs rose. Athletes learned to improve their skills and their character under his coaching. Coates taught them to put academics first and helped them understand the concept of life after athletics. As vice-principal and principal, Coates became one of the most requested motivational speakers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Clifton Coates will release his motivational and inspirational book, How to Reinvent the Will, in the fall this year. He is also the composer, producer, and featured vocal artist on I Wish We All Could Be Together, a CD of motivational and inspirational songs released in 2008 and scheduled for re-released also in Fall, 2012. His musical background makes him the perfect choice for music concerts at conferences and conventions. Coates Keynote Speaking clients have included: Grant Thornton, The Esperanza Education Fund, The National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP), ATI Career Training Center, FreeState Academy, Maryland State Education Association, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services,Platinum Music Group, LLC, The National Urban League, The N.A.A.C.P., National Organization of Concerned Black Men, Community Kinship Coalition, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., D.C. STRIVE, D.C. Department of Employment Services, D.C. Department of the Environment, D.C. Area Health Education Center (AHEC), A.R.C.H. Jobs, D.C Public Schools, D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, Prince George's County Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools, Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools, Workforce One of Broward County, Florida, Broward County Chamber of Commerce, Broward County Public Schools, The Urban League and the NAACP of Broward County, etc. In January 2007, Clifton Coates was chosen to join the staff at the University of the District of Columbia as Director of Career Services. He was selected in August 2010 to create a career services start-up program in the University System of the District of Columbia's, Community College of the District of Columbia, where he served as the Director of the Career and Professional Development Center until October 2011. He currently serves as a Communications Specialist for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Learning University (VALU) and as the Director of Professional Development for the Motivational Speaker Academy. Publications How to Reinvent the Will Music I Wish We All Could Be Together Memberships & Associations National Speaker's Association (NSA) Global Speaker's Federation Global Keynote Speaker's Association Toastmasters International Inspiring Speaker's Bureau National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)