
Darnell Caldwell, Youth and Student Empowerment Speaker and Author
Darnell grew up just south of Houston, Texas. Some would say that Darnell's neighborhood was located on the wrong side of the tracks. However, he credits his neighborhood for sparking his passion for serving youth in the urban context and beyond. He began working with youth nearly 20 years ago. His experience working with youth includes small group instruction, mentoring, non profit, ministry, and more.
Darnell possesses the uncanny ability to quickly build rapport and earn the respect of youth from diverse backgrounds. He believes that all youth can be successful regardless of situation and circumstance.
Darnell is a proud graduate of Texas Southern University aka Harvard in the Hood. He is a first generation college graduate and a first generation serial entrepreneur. He is passionate about empowering students to overcome the obstacle of self limiting belief, develop their mindset, and take ownership of their success. aspiring first generation college students.
Darnell and his beautiful wife reside in Dallas, TX and have three beautiful children.



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TESTIMONIALS
Mrs. Thomas - Program Director
Darnell's message was right in line with our mission and the purpose of our event. He was energetic, engaging and inspiring. We were pleased with the message of the day and glad he left such a positive impression on our audience.
Ms. Johnson - Non-Profit Director
Darnell makes engaging with youth look so easy. He has a magnetic personality that draws young people in effortlessly. His passion for youth to become the best version of themselves is evident.
Mr. Mobley - Teacher
The students loved it they told me beginning of the presentation really got them engaged in it and that they were shocked by it. My expectations were exceeded.
Student
This session was very inspirational and helped me understand the process of being successful and what it takes to get there.
Student
The message you gave was very inspiring and now I know that I can work towards being what I want to be right now instead of waiting.
TEDx Organizers
...your presentation was extraordinary. It has inspired our team and audience more than you know.
Ms. Pendergraph - Asst. Program Director
Myself, my team as well as our students thoroughly enjoyed the presentation. It gave them a lot of take aways, and definitely inspired many of them in areas they weren't necessarily inspired before. We thank you for SPEAKing to our scholars!
Ms. Rodriguez - Administrator
Darnell's desire to equip the next generation of leaders with the tools necessary to lead. Darnell's energy and passion burst through in his message, leaving a young audience inspired.
Student
Your presentation today reminded me about the importance of setting a vision, making a plan, and executing that plan despite what may be going around me. Thank you
Mr. Middleton - Educator
Darnell is a phenomenal speaker that seeks to stir his audience towards action. Darnell has a rare mixture of competency and conviction that leaves a memorable experience with his listeners. He is a skilled communicator that can reach groups of any size and background. I would highly recommend booking Darnell for your next engagement.
Student
...it’s individuals like yourself who dedicate their life journey in helping students like me not give up or loose hope. Thank you again for speaking with us at TrioUB.
HOW DARNELL HELPS SCHOOLS/ORGANIZATIONS EMPOWER STUDENTS:
FEATURED PRESENTATION TOPICS:
- STUDENT SUCCESS
- MINDSET DEVELOPMENT
- OVERCOMING DOUBT / SELF LIMITING BELIEFS
- SELF VALUE / CONFIDENCE
- ANTI-BULLYING
- BEATING ADVERSITY
Presentations are high energy, engaging, and interactive. Presentations are designed to to be motivational, empowering, thought provoking, and call students to take action. Presentations are typically 30 to 60 minutes in length. Custom topics are available upon request.
IDEAL FOR: School Assemblies, Pep Rallies, Ceremonies, Celebrations, Large Groups of 100+
STUDENT EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOPS
Student Empowerment Workshops are based on the book, Gonna Be Successful: The Interactive Student Success Guide. Each workshop is an in depth focus on a critical need area for students. Every workshop is engaging, motivational, empowering, and student participation is encouraged throughout. Workshops are delivered in a relevant way that empowers students to take ownership of their success.
MINDSET MATTERS!(Mindset Development)
Objective: To highlight the importance of mindset development and how to overcome self limiting beliefs and self confidence struggles. Students will be challenged to identify obstacles to their mindset development and how to make a practice of developing their mindset.
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT(Goal Setting)
Objective: This workshop exposes students to short range, mid range, and long range goal setting. During the workshop students will learn the significance of setting goals that clear and specific, realistic, and actionable.
THE CHEAT CODE(Creating a Success Plan/Planning)
Objective: To guide students through the steps of creating a practical plan to achieve their goals and maximize their potential. Students will be tasked with initiating the creation of a personalized plan for success that devises a detailed process to achieve their goals.
DISCOVER YOUR SUPERPOWER(Gift Discovery/Development)
Objective: To equip students with strategies to help discover and maximize their gifts(super powers). Every student is immeasurably gifted and able to impact the world with their gift(s) but before their gift(s) can be unleashed it/they must be discovered. Students will leave this workshops with actionable steps to begin discovering their gift(s) and practical ways to develop them.
IDEAL FOR: TRIO Programs, Youth Organizations, Groups of 100 or less
*Workshops can be delivered virtually or in person. Each workshop is approximately 60 to 90 minutes in length. Combine multiple workshops for maximum impact and discounted pricing.
TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR SUCCESS (IN-SCHOOL PROGRAM)
Take Ownership of Your Success is an in-school program that ranges from 4 - 16 weeks. Student Empowerment Sessions are designed to serve small groups of students and help them think critically, develop their leadership skills, and ultimately take ownership of their success.
Sessions are great for targeted groups such as:
- At-Risk Students
- Students Needing Additional Motivation
- "Bubble Students"
- AND MORE
Sessions have an SEL emphasis and focuses on:
- Mindset Development
- Gift Discovery
- Goal Setting
- Success Planning
Groups can meet during lunch, advisory periods, special periods, or at a time most convenient for the school.
Can be delivered in-person or virtually.
IDEAL FOR: Schools, Groups of 50 0r less
As a first generation college graduate Darnell understands many of the challenges and hardships that aspiring first generation college students face. The “GONNA BE” mindset says that I’m going to be successful in spite of challenges that I may face and/or my shortcomings. The book challenges students to:
- Apply Social Emotional Learning principles
- Take ownership of their thinking and embrace a growth mindset
- Begin planning their success NOW
- Take inventory of their unique giftedness
- Set goals, long and short term
- Create a plan to achieve their goals
- And more...
Book Features:
119 Pages
Exciting 30 Day Challenge
Notes Sections
Workbook
Reflection Questions
Success Plan Template
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GONNA BE SUCCESSFUL:
THE INTERACTIVE STUDENT
SUCCESS GUIDE
EMPOWERED APPAREL


