TOUR JOURNAL
Youth Motivational Speaker Eddie Cortés in CA
Enthusiastic, engaging… loved Eddie’s energy and audience interaction. His promo video sells him short.
A Youth Summit in Contra Costa, CA with Top Youth Speakers
What’s up, everyone! Eddie Cortés, here, and I’m still riding high on the energy from an absolutely incredible event. Forget your typical conference—we just wrapped a full-blown party of inspiration, and my heart is still jamming.
I was so honored to emcee the 2025 Youth Summit, presented by Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston in Contra Costa County, California. This wasn’t just another event; it was a powerful conference designed to inspire the next generation of leaders. It was a jam-packed day of workshops, keynotes, and a festival of innovation, and the students were absolutely electric from start to finish.
The moment I stepped on stage to emcee, I could feel the energy. Students were ready to explore, elevate, and lead as they prepare for what’s next. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it was a privilege to guide them through a day dedicated to their growth and future. The parents were just as impressed, and by the end of the day, I saw them leaving with their own renewed sense of empowerment. It was amazing to see the impact ripple through the entire community.
Top Youth Speakers Keynotes That Spark Change
The summit featured a lineup of dynamic top youth speakers who are living proof that obstacles can be turned into opportunities.
Dr. Julia Garcia took the stage with her keynote, “Hope is a Practice.” A Doctor of Psychology, she blended research with real-life stories to help students understand emotional health and a sense of belonging. The key takeaway? Hope isn’t passive—it’s something you practice every single day. She gave students tools to navigate their emotions and a renewed sense of purpose.
Nicki Joiner, a career readiness powerhouse, delivered a keynote on “Your Story. Your Power. Your Future.” A former corporate recruiter, Nicki has an incredible ability to make career planning feel not only engaging but actionable. She inspired students to embrace personal branding and build the confidence they need to take bold steps toward their goals.
EJ Carrion, a Forbes Top 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, proved that “From Possible to Powerful” is more than a title—it’s a journey. A former at-risk youth, he shared his incredible story of resilience and leadership, leaving students ready to dream bigger and see themselves as unstoppable.
As for me, I’m a former at-risk student myself, and my mission is to help students face self-doubt and feelings of not belonging. As the emcee, I was honored to bring my high-energy style to the stage, mixing humor and storytelling to connect with students and spark conversations that will last long after the event.
Beyond the Stage: A Launchpad for Success
The energy wasn’t limited to the main stage. The event was a launchpad for success, featuring a ton of interactive workshops and activities that gave students a chance to explore new ideas and build practical tools. They dove into everything from social activism and financial literacy to digital wellness and self-discovery.
The Youth Innovation Fest was the perfect way to energize the midday. It was a vibrant scene with food trucks, live entertainment, and hands-on activities. Students explored different career pathways and college resources, but the most exciting part was the raffle prizes! You could feel the anticipation in the air as we gave away amazing prizes like an electric bike, iPads, a GoPro action camera, and a mini-drone. The students’ excitement was contagious—it’s a powerful motivator!
Unlocking Potential
This event was a perfect example of what a high-impact youth conferences can do. It’s more than just a series of presentations; it’s a launchpad for success. The students left with practical tools to navigate their emotions, build confidence, and take bold steps toward their goals. They were challenged to move from just exploring their passions to embracing them and using them to lead.
The learning outcomes were everywhere! Students were exploring what comes next and seeing what happens when you align your passions with exciting opportunities. They left with practical tools and a renewed sense of purpose. It was a privilege to watch them embrace their unique stories and learn to see themselves as leaders.
A Heartfelt Thank You
This powerful event wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and dedication of some incredible people. My sincerest gratitude to Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston for her leadership and for sponsoring this vital event. I also want to honor the legacy of the late Federal D. Glover, the founder of the Youth Summit, whose vision continues to inspire. A massive thank you to Monica Couture, the event lead, for her tireless work, and to David Fraser, the Chief of Staff, for his support.
Thank you for creating a space where students can feel seen, heard, and inspired to grow.
Lastly, a big big big shoutout to the audio and visual teams present. You are the true rockstars!!!
Until next time, my friends, dream BIG!
Invite Top Youth Motivational Speaker Eddie Cortés
To invite Eddie to be a guest speaker at your next elementary or middle school assembly program call (800) 799-1460 between 8 AM-5 PM CT from Monday-Friday.
Look for Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés in CA
In his a fun, interactive school assembly program, top youth speaker Eddie Cortés empowers elementary and middle school students to build resilience, a positive self-worth, and chase their “I’m Possible” dreams.
2025-2026 SCHOOL ASSEMBLY TOUR DATES
- Aug 1 – Stockton, CA
- Aug 15 – Fort Defiance, AZ
- Aug 15 – Fort Defiance, AZ
- Aug 18 – Saint Cloud, FL
- Aug 25 – Sylvania, OH
- Aug 27 – Lake Crystal, MN
- Sept. 2 – Le Roy, NY
- Sept. 4 – Luray, VA
- Sept. 4 – Luray, VA
- Sept. 4 – Rileyville, VA
- Sept. 5 – Shenandoah, VA
- Sept. 5 – Stanley, VA
- Sept. 20 – Pittsburg, CA
- Sept. 30 – Las Vegas, NV
- Oct. 6 – Hardwick, MA
- Oct. 8 – Stanhope, NJ
- Oct. 8 – Stanhope, NJ
- Oct. 9 – Eastchester, NY
- Oct. 9 – Flushing, NY
- Oct. 9 – Brooklyn, NY
- Oct. 9 – Brooklyn, NY
- Oct. 9 – Brooklyn, NY
- Oct. 14 – Clovis, NM
- Oct. 21 – Newark, DE
- Oct. 22 – Florence, KY
- Oct. 27 – Poughkeepsie, NY
- Oct. 28 – Queens, NY
- Oct. 29 – Las Cruces, NM
- Dec. 5 – Adelanto, CA
- Jan. 26 – Waterford, CA
- Feb. 18 – Denair, CA
2024-2025 TOUR DATES
- Aug 29 – Mansfield, CT
- Aug 29 – Willington, CT
- Sept 9 – Grand Prairie, TX
- Sept 12 – Fresno, CA
- Sept 16 – Danbury, CT
- Sept 17 – Waterbury, CT
- Sept 17 – Waterbury, CT
- Sept 18 – Phillipsburg, NJ
- Sept 19 – Waterbury, CT
- Sept 20 – Woonsocket, RI
- Sept 23 – Elk Grove, CA
- Sept 24 – Elk Grove, CA
- Sept 26 – Somerville, NJ
- Oct 2 – Rancho Cordova, CA
- Oct 4 – Rochester, NY
- Oct 8 – Rancho Cordova, CA
- Oct 9 – Idyllwild, CA
- Oct. 29 – Norfolk, VA
- Oct 30 – Medford, MA
- Oct 31 – Hoover, AL
- Nov 4 – Lewistown, IL
- Nov 4 – Cuba, IL
- Nov 15 – Kissimmee, FL
- Nov. 25 – Rutherford, NJ
- Jan 6 – Tinley Park, IL
- Jan 7 – Houston, TX
- Jan 9 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 10 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 11 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 12 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 14 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 15 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 16 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 24 – Escondido, CA
- Jan 28 – Racine, WI
- Jan 29 – Cypress, TX
- Feb 20 – Bedford, NH
- Feb 24 – Berlin, MD
- Feb 25 – Mount Laurel, NJ
- Feb 28 – Parkville, MO
- Mar 5 – Hilton Head Island, SC
- Mar 6 – Burns, OR
- Mar 10 – Lovelock, NV
- Mar 13 – Falls Church, VA
- Mar 18 – Tabor, IA
- Mar 20 – Panorama City, CA
- Mar 24 – El Monte, CA
- Mar 27 – Elsa, TX
- Mar 31 – San Antonio, TX
- Apr 2 – Newark, NJ
- Apr 2 – Newark, NJ
- Apr 7 – Georgetown, TX
- Apr 14 – Washington, NJ
- Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 24 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 24 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 25 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 25 – Centreville, MD
- May 9 – Clarksburg, MD
- May 15 – Hamilton Square, NJ
- May 19 – Barbourville, KY
- May 21 – Maynard, MA
- May 22 – New York City, NY
- May 23 – Briarcliff Manor, NY
- Jun 2 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 2 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 3 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 3 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 5 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 5 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 6 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 6 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 11 – New Port Richey, FL
- Jun 17 – Kingsburg, CA
- Jul 14 – Charleston, IL
- Jul 15 – Charleston, IL
- Jul 16 – Middlesboro, KY
- Jul 17 – Middlesboro, KY
Invite Eddie Cortés to be a guest speaker at your elementary or middle school in California. Click here or email info@eddiecortes.com to schedule a conversation to learn more about his school assembly program.
ABOUT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
In his fun and interactive presentation titled “I’M POSSIBLE,” youth motivational speaker Eddie Cortés will help students realize that they are not defined by their limitations but by their potential. He uses humor, thought-provoking stories, and object lessons to teach elementary and middle school students to build resilience. Eddie empowers them to do hard things and chase their dreams.
Click here or call Top Youth Speakers at (800) 799-1460 between 8 AM-5 PM CT from Monday-Friday to invite Eddie Cortés to be a guest speaker at your next school assembly.
EDDIE CORTÉS
Top Youth Motivational Speaker in CA
ABOUT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER EDDIE CORTÉS
With over 20 years of experience, Eddie Cortés is regarded as one of the most engaging elementary and middle school speakers in the youth market. His mission is to empower students to build resilience and a positive self-worth.
This mission is personal. As a middle schooler, Eddie stopped believing in himself. In fact, his negative self-view impacted his grades, relationships, choices, and ultimately his dreams.
This experience is what fuels Eddie’s mission. He wants every elementary and middle school student to know that they are worthy of their dreams and have the tools to chase them.
To learn more about Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés click here.
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