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Donna Porter

Donna Porter

Teacher & Student Inspirational Speakers

Batiste was expelled from Head Start. His educational career was filled with const.

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Bio

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Passionate. Dynamic. Motivational. Donna Porter and DJ Batiste have a story that is sure to inspire all audiences. Porter has dedicated her life to the field of education, and has gained a breadth of wisdom and experience that she now pours into audiences across the nation. Early in his life, DJ Batiste was expelled from Head Start. His educational career was filled with constant discipline issues resulting in suspensions, expulsions, and enrollment in alternative education. In the fifth grade, he organized a gang and continued to effectively lead gangs throughout his high school years. In the community, he endured arrests and time spent in Juvenile Detention. DJ was traveling on a path of complete destruction until he stepped into Ms. Porter’s Oral Communications class his senior year. From their first novel encounter, both of their lives were forever changed through the power of a judgement free relationship.

A true renaissance educator, Ms. Porter has served in a variety of specialties: speech/language pathology, dyslexia support, theatre, public speaking teacher and speech and debate coach. DJ leads and teaches from a different point of view and inspires thousands of educators across the nation with his important message of Connection Before Correction.

Throughout Ms. Porter’s journey, the common thread is a passion for using innovative techniques to unlock the boundless potential of every student. Those unique techniques have made her one of the Southeast’s foremost experts in the development of a relationship-based classroom. Her skills transformed Batiste’s life, turning him away from gang life to a high school graduate and motivational speaker. She has been recognized with numerous awards: Mississippi Congressional District IV Teacher of the Year, Thad Cochran Arts Integration Teacher of the Year, STAR Teacher, Promethean Organization’s Thank-A-Teacher Competition Winner, and Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher.

Porter holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi. This teacher of teachers will change the way you view the classroom and DJ Batiste will inspire you as you impact the next generation.

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Topics

Topics

The Boundless Potential of Every Student

The Three R’s of Classroom Management: Relationships, Responsibility, and Respect

Project Wipeout Dropout: The New Wave of Dropout Prevention

Listen to the Students

Videos

Videos

First Day - Donna Porter and DJ Batiste
Connection in the Classroom - Donna Porter and DJ Batiste

Books

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TESTIMONIALS

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

The American Psychological Association was thrilled to have Dr. Antonia Novello as our speaker for the 2024 APA Convention. Dr. Novello was fantastic, and her presentation was a tremendous success. Thank you, Peter, for all your hard work in making this event such a resounding success.

American Psychological Association

For our annual Native American Heritage Month celebration, PDA Group arranged for John Echohawk to join us for a virtual moderated discussion. The program was thoughtful, engaging, and highly impactful for our audience of lawyers and professional staff. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to working with them again.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

We have partnered with PDA Group on multiple successful events, including our charity luncheon with Lisa Edelstein and our Women’s Philanthropy Kickoff Event featuring Allegra Goodman. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to excellence make them an outstanding partner. Thank you for your exceptional work and continued support.

UJA-Federation

We have received so much fantastic feedback following our virtual event. It was an absolute success, and Sylvia Fowles was excellent. Thank you again to Sylvia and the entire team for your partnership!”

U.S. Bank

Kurt Warner was spectacular—he completely wowed the audience and solidified major leadership points. He was an amazing partner, and we will be talking about this experience for years to come. We will definitely leverage the PDA team for all of our speaking needs!”

Sysco Corporation

The events over the past two years went very well — everyone had a great time with Dr. Mark Esper in 2025, and Sam Hinkie led a very engaging Q&A with our Principal, Jean Reynolds, in 2024. Thank you for working with us these last two years; your support has been instrumental to the success of our programs!

Investcorp Strategic Capital Group

It was an absolute privilege to have Dr. Sanjay Gupta as our keynote speaker for the 2026 GME Leadership Conference. He delivered an outstanding address that resonated deeply and left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. The entire planning process was seamless and collaborative. It was a pleasure working together, brainstorming suggestions, and ultimately selecting the perfect fit for our event. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

HCA Healthcare

We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

Salt Lake Community College

It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

Western Michigan University

On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can’t wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

Ferris State University

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