Mike Veny is fiercely committed to empowering employees to discover the gift of emotional wellness so they can accelerate personal and professional growth.

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As a child, Mike was expelled from several schools, attempted suicide, and spent time in psychiatric hospitals for extended periods of time. His path to eventually becoming a motivational speaker became evident at an early age when he learned how to convince the staff to discharge him.

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In the fifth grade, Mike was put in a special education class. Aside from getting more individualized attention from the teacher, he learned that pencil erasers make great sounds when tapped on a desk. He had no idea that drumming would become his path to mental wellness.

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As an adult, Mike spent many years facilitating drum workshops for children with disabilities. The project was such a hit that he continued to expand his drumming program, first to adults in recovery and eventually to team building in organizations.

Diagnosed with a Learning Disability in the third grade, LeDerick Horne defies any and all labels. He’s a dynamic spoken-word poet. A tireless advocate for all People with Disabilities. An inspiring motivational speaker. A bridge-builder between learners and leaders across the U.S. and around the world who serves as a role model for all races, genders, and generations.

The grandson of one of New Jersey’s most prominent civil rights leaders, LeDerick uses his gift for spoken-word poetry as the gateway to larger discussions on equal opportunity, pride, self-determination and hope for People with Disabilities. His work addresses the challenges of all disabilities, uniting the efforts of diverse groups in order to achieve substantive, systemic change.

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“LeDerick isn’t just a popular speaker on disabilities in the country today—his experiences have been transformed into a very touching message of how labels and low expectations can hurt children, but also about how the care and concern of one adult can make all the difference." - Melody Musgrove Former Director, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), U.S. Department of Education