Empowering YOUth™ and Educators to Believe Boldly and Thrive Together

Kevin inspires middle and high school students to build resilience, confidence, and purpose — while equipping educators with practical tools and mindset strategies to foster growth, belonging, and real-world success.

"Kevin's team-building workshop for our teachers was spot on. His blend of engagement, vulnerability, and actionable content gave us strategies we could immediately apply with our students."
Charles SkeeterDirector, Learning Together
"Kevin delivered an incredible keynote for our youth leadership conference and went above and beyond to present additional school assemblies while in Alaska. All audiences gave rave reviews!"
Ann LindseyDirector of Events, Alaska Educators Association
American Marketing Association
Anheuser-Busch
Bank of America
BlueCross BlueShield
Caterpillar
Duke Health
Fidelity Bank
Fonville Morisey
National Association of Home Builders
State Employees' Credit Union
SHRM
Jimmy V Foundation
National Apartment Association
National Association of Realtors
Orkin
Prudential
U.S. Air Force
Window World
Toshiba
American Marketing Association
Anheuser-Busch
Bank of America
BlueCross BlueShield
Caterpillar
Duke Health
Fidelity Bank
Fonville Morisey
National Association of Home Builders
State Employees' Credit Union
SHRM
Jimmy V Foundation
National Apartment Association
National Association of Realtors
Orkin
Prudential
U.S. Air Force
Window World
Toshiba
FBLA — Future Business Leaders of America
15+ School Districts
300+ Colleges & Universities Spoken
Association of Florida Colleges
Anchorage Public School
The Apprentice School
Association of School Business Officials International
Clemson University
Daytona State College
Duke University
FCCLA — Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
HOBY — Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership
Louisiana State University
Michigan State University
National Association of Secondary School Principals
NC State University
North Carolina ACTE
Purdue University
Stafford Municipal School District
University of Tennessee
The University of Texas at Austin
University of Virginia
Virginia's Community Colleges
Volusia County Schools
Texarkana College
FBLA — Future Business Leaders of America
15+ School Districts
300+ Colleges & Universities Spoken
Association of Florida Colleges
Anchorage Public School
The Apprentice School
Association of School Business Officials International
Clemson University
Daytona State College
Duke University
FCCLA — Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
HOBY — Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership
Louisiana State University
Michigan State University
National Association of Secondary School Principals
NC State University
North Carolina ACTE
Purdue University
Stafford Municipal School District
University of Tennessee
The University of Texas at Austin
University of Virginia
Virginia's Community Colleges
Volusia County Schools
Texarkana College
Kevin's Most Requested Topics
  • Growth Mindset, Self-Efficacy & Resilience
  • Belonging, Connection & Positive School Culture
  • Positive Leadership & Influence
  • Student Engagement, Retention & Success
  • Mental Health, Wellness & Emotional Well-Being
  • Sexual Assault Prevention, Title IX & Consent
Common Types of Events
  • School assemblies & student leadership programs
  • Back-to-school kickoffs & special events
  • Teacher in-service & professional development
  • Educator & association conferences
  • District initiatives & superintendent meetings
  • Parent engagement & community events
Dr. Kevin C. Snyder

A note from Kevin.

The truth is — I'm not a naturally motivated person. At 12, I was diagnosed with depression and an eating disorder that nearly took my life. I grew up in a loving family, was an athlete and one of the more popular kids at school — but I struggled mentally.

I'm grateful to be alive — and my journey to recovery shaped my lifelong mission to help others build resilience, belief and move forward feeling empowered.

I feel called to share my story because there are always students in the audience who feel the way I felt — and educators wondering how to reach them.

None of us are alone, and all of us deserve to believe we matter. Below are my most requested presentations for schools, districts, and educator/youth conferences. Each presentation is customized to your audience to ensure a powerful, uplifting, and practical experience for everyone involved.

More than a keynote — a full experience.

When you bring Kevin to your school, district, or conference, you receive far more than a keynote speaker — you gain a trusted partner committed to creating a meaningful, uplifting experience for students, educators, and your entire community.

Kevin's goal is simple: elevate your event, empower your students and educators, and ensure the experience resonates long after the day is over.

Pre-event discussions and research to customize the program for your audience and goals
High-energy, engaging presentation tailored for students, educators, or both
Opportunities for on-site connection beyond the keynote (meetings, Q&A, etc.)
Complimentary books (25) for your school or leadership team (additional copies available)
Book signing and student/educator meet-and-greet option
Custom promotional video to build excitement before the event
Branded presentation slides + resources to reinforce learning
Post-event recap video to sustain momentum and impact

Why schools and educators choose Kevin.

Selecting a speaker is a high-stakes decision. Schools need someone who can connect authentically, respect the realities educators face, and deliver a message that is both uplifting and meaningful. Kevin brings the experience, credibility, and heart that schools and districts trust — creating programs students remember and educators value long after the event ends.

01

Authentic Messages That Truly Connect

Kevin speaks openly and vulnerably, sharing lived experience, research, and years working with young people and educators. Every program is tailored to your audience's age, needs, and goals — delivering practical strategies that resonate.

02

Engaging, Age-Appropriate Delivery

Through storytelling, interactive moments, humor, and real-world examples, Kevin's presentations become memorable experiences. Students stay engaged, educators feel included, and the message remains uplifting even when addressing serious topics.

03

A Professional Partner You Can Count On

Having spoken to more than 1,500 audiences and numerous schools and educator associations nationwide, Kevin is a proven, low-risk speaker choice. Easy to work with, responsive, and fully prepared, he collaborates closely with your team to ensure a smooth event and meaningful impact.

Choose the message your audience needs to hear.

Think Differently to Achieve New Success™ (Student Version)

Empowering YOUth to Believe, Rise, and Thrive

"My thinking was the problem until I discovered how to make it the solution."
Kevin Snyder speaking to a youth audience with hands raised

Kevin Snyder was just 12 years old when he was diagnosed with depression and an eating disorder that nearly took his life. On the outside, he looked like a great student — successful athlete, surrounded by friends, and supported by a loving family — yet inside he was struggling in ways no one could see. Through the unconditional love of his parents, caring educators, and professional counseling, Kevin survived, but continued to battle anxiety, self-doubt, and the pressure to fit in. When he finally opened up, he discovered something life-changing: he wasn't alone — and neither were the people around him.

In this powerful youth keynote, Kevin shares how authenticity, connection, and mindset transformed his life and inspired his work with young people. Blending personal storytelling with practical strategies from his research on motivation and self-efficacy, he equips students with tools to manage stress, overcome negative self-talk, build confidence, and support one another. At a time when many students struggle in silence, Kevin emphasizes that asking for help is a sign of strength and that change begins when we start talking.

Key Audience Takeaways
  • Feel energized, hopeful, and empowered to think differently about themselves and their future
  • Recognize their value and build resilience to navigate challenges and setbacks
  • Understand that success isn't about being perfect — it's about continuing to move forward and believing they matter

Think Differently to Achieve New Success™ (Educator Version)

Empowering Educators to Lead with Resilience, Purpose, and Impact

"We cannot solve new problems with old ways of thinking."
Kevin Snyder speaking to student-athletes in an arena

Kevin Snyder was just 12 years old when he struggled with depression and an eating disorder that nearly took his life. While the unconditional love of his parents helped him survive, he credits caring educators and professional support with helping him rediscover hope and direction. Those adults may never have realized the impact they had — but their presence changed the trajectory of his life. Today, Kevin shares his story as a reminder that educators often influence students far more deeply than they will ever know.

In this uplifting and energizing keynote, Kevin addresses the realities educators face today — rising student needs, competing demands, emotional fatigue, and constant change. Blending personal storytelling with research on motivation and self-efficacy, he provides practical mindset strategies to strengthen resilience, sustain purpose, and reconnect with the "why" behind the work. Rather than adding one more task, this program offers tools that help educators support students effectively while also caring for their own wellbeing.

Participants leave renewed, encouraged, and reminded that their work matters. This keynote helps educators and administrators see how everyday interactions create lasting ripple effects on students, school culture, and communities. Most importantly, it affirms that meaningful impact does not come from perfection, but from showing up with consistency, compassion, and belief in the young people they serve.

Key Audience Takeaways
  • Strengthen resilience and wellbeing while navigating the demands of education
  • Apply practical strategies to support student growth, engagement, and connection
  • Recognize the powerful ripple effect of their influence on students' lives
A portion of every booking goes back.
Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)Foundation of HopeRonald McDonald HouseAmerican Cancer SocietyNSA Foundation

The Story That Changed Everything

Watch Kevin's TEDx talk to hear his recovery of teenage depression which inspires him to empower YOUth!

TEDx Cape May
Kevin C. Snyder — TEDx
15:00

Ready to give your audience a moment they won't forget?

Tell us about your event. Our team responds within one business day — every time.