Judge Mathis is a national figure known for his advocacy for urban youth and equal justice. His journey from street youth and incarceration to becoming a judge has inspired millions who watch his Emmy®-nominated court show Judge Mathis.

Judge Mathis’s public service career began in college, where he led Free South Africa and voter registration campaigns while working nights at McDonald's. After graduating in 1983, he joined the staff of Detroit City Councilman Clyde Cleveland and worked with Reverend Jesse Jackson’s PUSH Excel, where he currently serves as Chairman. He has also served on the national boards of the NAACP and Morehouse School of Medicine. Dedicated to empowering youth and ex-offenders, Judge Mathis opened the Mathis Community Center in Detroit and founded Young Adults Asserting Themselves (Y.A.A.T.), a nonprofit offering career training, business opportunities, and college enrollment assistance.

In 2009, the city of Detroit honored him by naming Mathis Avenue in a housing development that replaced the projects where he grew up. He has received numerous awards, keys to the city, and honorary doctorates from Florida A&M University and Eastern Michigan University. Recognized by national media, Judge Mathis has appeared on The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Larry King Live, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He is married, the proud father of four children, and a grandfather.

Reginald Beaty and Tony Owens stand as the visionary founders of the Foundation for Educational Success, bringing together an impressive cumulative experience of over 50 years in educational and military leadership. Revered for their expertise, they are affectionately recognized as "2 Men and a Stool," symbolizing their collaborative approach to educational excellence.

At the heart of their foundation lies a three-pronged strategy, aptly represented by the legs of a stool. Firstly, they prioritize Student Asset Development Mindset, recognizing the inherent strengths and potential within each individual student. Secondly, they emphasize deliberate Parent Engagement at-home, understanding the pivotal role parents play in supporting their children's educational journey. Lastly, they focus on Creating A High-Performing Culture And Climate at School, fostering an environment conducive to academic and personal success. With their collective dedication and strategic approach, Beaty, Owens, and their team are committed to driving positive change and nurturing a culture of excellence in education.

Their consulting firm offers a comprehensive three-legged systematic approach to school and college improvement, leveraging the expertise of a diverse team of educators, counselors, administrators, and professors across elementary, middle, high school, and college levels. 

Steve Pemberton is a visionary leader, bestselling author, and Founder & CEO of The Lighthouse Academy, a consultancy transforming workplace cultures and leadership practices. As a former HR executive at Monster.com, Walgreens, and Workhuman, Steve has built award-winning organizational environments, emphasizing talent recognition, human connection, and workplace purpose.

Steve's extraordinary life journey from foster care to becoming a nationally recognized leader inspired his first book, A Chance in the World, later adapted into a film and educational curriculum. His second book, The Lighthouse Effect, empowers readers to find purpose in personal struggles and impact others positively, leading to the creation of The Lighthouse Academy. A sought-after speaker, Steve engages audiences across corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, and education sectors, sharing practical strategies for leadership and human capital development. He frequently speaks at global HR conferences and appears in media discussing workplace trends.

Steve’s contributions have earned him the Horizon Award from the U.S. Congress and the Lifetime Achiever Award from the New England Opportunity Association. He holds honorary doctorates from Boston College, Providence College, and Winston-Salem State University. Committed to community wellbeing, Steve serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including Disability: IN and Boys Hope Girls Hope. Through his work and advocacy, Steve continues to fulfill his mission for all to have "A Chance in the World," embodying the transformative principles of The Lighthouse Effect.