On Saturday, November 9, 2024, a group of our students had the unique opportunity to attend the 1% Better Speakers Conference at the St. Regis Hotel in Detroit, hosted by the inspiring Keyon Clinton and headlined by Chris Okoye ‘14, Director of Diversity, Student Engagement, and Community Outreach.  

“I spoke on the secrets to happiness and the importance of maximizing and leveraging everything God has already given us before asking for more. I touched on how God gave us accountability and control over our destiny through free will, as mentioned in the Bible, and in Genesis, where He tells us we have power and dominion over the earth. I emphasized Christ-like leadership, the importance of focusing on personal growth, and maximizing opportunities. I reminded everyone that comparison is the thief of joy and to embrace their own journey, as the Bible teaches us not to judge a thing out of season. It’s all about focusing on growth and trusting your path,” stated Okoye.

Keyon, a world-renowned speaker, Forbes honoree, and Michigan State engineering graduate, is no stranger to our school, having previously spoken to our students and left a lasting impact. His conference exemplified his mission to inspire individuals to achieve greatness.

Billed as “the conference you’ve been looking for,” this event featured powerful stories and expertise from high-level professionals across multiple industries. From doctors and lawyers to business owners, celebrity performers, and millionaire entrepreneurs, the conference offered a wealth of knowledge and insight. It emphasized how to excel in various fields and provided students with invaluable networking opportunities to build relationships and foster new connections.

“Our students, aspiring to become faith leaders, social media influencers, CEOs, and business professionals, were exposed to diverse perspectives that showcased the incredible potential of hard work and dedication,” stated Okoye.

Beyond professional insights, the event highlighted the importance of personal growth, leadership, and a deeper connection to faith. It reinforced the idea that success is not just about professional achievements but also about serving one’s community and aligning with one’s purpose.

The conference served as a bridge for our students to explore potential mentorships, internships, and career paths while growing closer to God and expanding their worldviews. Attendees left feeling inspired and equipped to pursue their dreams with clarity and determination.

“We are grateful to have partnered with Keyon Clinton and his team to provide this transformative experience for our young men. Events like these align with our mission to cultivate leaders who are grounded in faith and prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world,” concluded Okoye.