Keynote Speaker

Author, Speaker, Scholar, and Advocate for Marginalized and Underserved Youth

Dr. Tommie Mabry is an international speaker, nationally recognized educator, and best-selling author whose story of resilience and transformation has inspired audience worldwide. As the author of his memoir, A Dark Journey to a Light Future, and three other impactful books, Dr. Mabry shares a powerful message of hope and perseverance. His achievements have been celebrated on platforms like USA Today, PBS Network, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and FOX Soul, among others. ​

​Growing up in one of Jackson, Mississippi's toughest neighborhoods, Tommie faced significant challenges early on. By fifth grade, he was arrested for breaking into the state fairgrounds and spent much of his school years suspended or expelled. A judge once predicted he would end up dead or in prison within five years - a statement that ultimately became a turning point. Through basketball, Tommie found a new path, traveling with an AAU team and becoming the first in his family to graduate high school in 2007. Despite being shot during his senior year, he persevered and earned a full basketball scholarship to Missouri State University, West Plains.

Tommie graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Education from Tougaloo College and went on to earn an M.A. in Child Development. In 2020, he completed an Executive Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education at Jackson State University. His journey came full circle when he was hired as a teacher by the same Jackson Public School District that once expelled him.

Today, as the founder of the Tommie Mabry Company, Dr. Mabry travels the globe, inspiring students, educators, and leaders through his compelling story and actionable insights. His latest book, Perspective! The Secret to Student Motivation and Success, earned him the prestigious Corwin New Voices Award in 2022. In 2025, he was recognized as one of Mississippi’s Top 50 Men in Business.

Dr. Mabry lives by the motto, “I cannot walk in my future with my foot in my past,” embodying his belief in the power of transformation.

GENERAL SESSION KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Baratunde Thurston will present their Keynote Address at the General Session on TBD in the Palm Springs Convention Center. 

Keynote Meet & Greet and Book Signing

Dr. Tommie Mabry will also be participating in our Keynote Meet & Greet and Book Signing event on TBD, at the BOOST Collaborative Booth in the Exhibit Hall. You can pre-purchase their book in your online account. If you have pre-purchased a book, you can pick it up at the BOOST Booth. There will also be a limited supply of books to purchase. We cannot guarantee the availability of books on-site and we recommend that you pre-order this book in your registration account.

COMING SOON

Click here to add this book to your registration. 

EDUCATE YOUR TEAM ON Dr. Tommie Mabry

BOOST is proud to bring prominent experts, researchers, and leaders to our General Sessions. We have created a useful guide to support your learning prior to attending the BOOST Conference. Download our guide on How to Educate Your Team About Dr. Tommie Mabry and share it with your team so you know what to expect from our 2027 BOOST Conference Keynote Speaker.

Click the image to download.

COMING SOON

Please note: Name badges are required to attend all BOOST Conference events, including all meals and all workshops.