Real Experience. Real Results!
I’ve lived the extremes!
Foster care. Juvenile detention. Homelessness. Losing my only parent at twelve.
I went from that environment to serving 24 years in the United States Air Force, leading Airmen around the world. I built martial arts schools. I rebuilt my life after cancer. Nothing about my journey was theoretical. The resilience I speak about was developed under pressure. It was built in chaos. It was tested repeatedly.
That is what I teach.
Not hype. Not clichés. Not temporary motivation.
I teach people how to stay steady when things fall apart.
How to take ownership when excuses are easy.
How to build discipline when no one is watching.
Every audience is different, so every keynote is built specifically for the people in the room and the outcomes you want to create.
Click to hear me speak
Sensei Dave brings powerful energy rooted in lived experience, personal transformation, and professional leadership. From surviving homelessness and the foster care system to leading teams during his 24-year career in the U.S. Air Force, he knows what it takes to overcome, adapt, and thrive. With a background in psychology, human behavior, and neurobiology, Sensei Dave combines lived experience with deep academic insight, offering practical strategies that drive mindset shifts, personal breakthroughs, and lasting growth.
As a published author (Why Me – My Fight For Life and From Gangs to Greece), sought-after speaker, and at-risk youth advocate, Sensei Dave’s work has been featured in The Imprint and other platforms focused on leadership, resilience, and the experiences of young people. Whether coaching one-on-one, leading group programs, or speaking on stage, his message of resilience, personal power, and unapologetic leadership reaches across generations and borders.
He’s not just changing lives, he’s challenging people to step fully into their potential.
Sensei Dave
has been featured in
(click)
Fostering Changes
.png)
.png)
SENSEI DAVE HAS BEEN MOTIVATING ACTION IN PEOPLE FOR 20+ YEARS.
Author of "Why Me" My Fight For Life.
Author of "From Gangs to Greece."
VP, Board of Directors 1M+ nonprofit.
24-year U.S. Air Force Vet.
Certified Les Brown "Power Voice" Public Speaker.
Certified Youth Speaker University (YSU) Speaker.
Creator of the UPNA Mentoring and Parenting Quarterly Summit.
2022 Toastmasters Champion of Public Speaking in Greece.
First place winner of the Toastmasters District 109 Public Speaking Championship, competing against more than 200 speakers representing 14 countries.
Speaking for Organizations That Serve Young People
CASA programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, juvenile detention centers, foster parents, and other youth-serving organizations.
Inspiring greater donor and community support.
Inspiring caring adults and volunteers.
Training Teachers and Caring Adults who work with young people facing adversity.
Combining lived experience in foster care and juvenile detention with education, leadership experience, and passion.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Abbi, Life Coach For Teens
"I was blown away...I got to experience his charisma and how commanding Dave is on stage. But, after reading his book...OMG, you'll want to get up off of your butt and get to work! Talk about motivating!
Daliesha, Bahamas
If you’re looking for a supportive environment reach out to Dave. The tools he’s giving you to use are so beneficial and life-changing. If you’re looking for something big in your life, reach out to Dave today
.png){kind=small}
Ola, Nigeria
Even when things got tough, Dave always reminded me of my worth. His positive energy and unwavering support have had a profound impact on me, shaping me into a stronger, more resilient individual.
.png){kind=small}
Charmaine, USA
After seeing Dave’s speech, I have to say that I’m speechless. I went into foster care when I was 7 years old and now I’m 31. I could relate to everything about Dave’s story. He means so much to us foster care alumni and so much to the world! This man is special.
.png){kind=small}
Teuta, Entrepreneur and Mother
I was struggling with how to achieve my goals, as an entrepreneur mother it was hard to stay focused and motivated. Here I was confused and not going in the direction I wanted to be going and then comes Dave and wow, I’ve never felt so motivated and prepared to do it.
Carolyn, Entrepreneur & Speaker
"Dave is such a phenomenal individual with a great heart. His advice, encouragement and support is just invaluable!"
Let's work together to make a bigger impact
I CAN HELP YOU
-
Connect with your supporters in a more profound way.
-
Create a greater impact in your community and among the people you serve.
-
Reconnect your leaders and teams with the purpose behind their work.
-
Develop leaders with intrinsic motivation to create lasting results.
Other Programs
