
Dr. Bertice Berry
Sociologist, Author and Educator
No one defies stereotypes, generalizations, or clichés more than Dr. Bertice Berry. Growing up poor in Wilmington, Delaware, the sixth of seven children, Berry was told by a high school teacher that she was “not college material.” Fortunately, there was another teacher who believed that she was destined for more. Berry applied to several schools…
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Full Bio
No one defies stereotypes, generalizations, or clichés more than Dr. Bertice Berry. Growing up poor in Wilmington, Delaware, the sixth of seven children, Berry was told by a high school teacher that she was “not college material.”
Fortunately, there was another teacher who believed that she was destined for more. Berry applied to several schools without any idea how she would pay the tuition if she were accepted. The day her application arrived at Jacksonville University in Florida, a wealthy benefactor called the admissions department looking for a potential student “who could swim if they had the right backing,” and might sink without it.
Berry not only graduated magna cum laude from Jacksonville where she was awarded the President’s Cup for leadership; she subsequently earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from Kent State University at the age of 26.
Dr. Berry taught sociology and statistics at Kent, and demonstrated that she knew a few things about humor, as well. She became one of the most popular teachers at the university—so popular, in fact, larger lecture halls had to be found to accommodate her ever-increasing number of students. “A colleague said to me, ‘You’re funny’, and I said, ‘No I’m not, I’m a scholar,” recounts Dr. Berry. It was then that she realized that, by using humor in her lectures to address such difficult subjects as racism and sexism, she was making a more profound impact.
Shortly thereafter, Berry left Kent to become an award-winning entertainer, lecturer, and comedienne. From 1991 through 1994 she won the coveted national Comedian of the Year Award, and was also named Campus Lecturer of the Year and Campus Entertainer of the Year. She had created a niche as both a gifted speaker with a comic edge and a comic with a serious message. Her busy schedule included over 200 appearances a year.
Berry was the host and co-executive producer of her own nationally syndicated talk show The Bertice Berry Show, and hosted USA Live, a four-hour live interview and entertainment show on the USA Cable Network. She’s been featured on numerous other television programs, including appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, ABC’s 20/20, and more recently on NPR’s “Tell Me More” with Michel Martin.
Dr. Bertice Berry is also the best-selling author of an inspirational memoir, I’m On My Way, But Your Foot Is on My Head, and the hilarious bestsellers Sckraight from the Ghetto, You Might Be Ghetto If, and the sequel, You STILL Ghetto. Her first work of fiction, Redemption Song, published by Double Day in 2000, is also a bestseller and has been praised by critics for its ability to entertain, inspire, and educate. Berry followed Redemption Song with another bestseller, The Haunting of Hip Hop, and took her readers on a journey to the other side. In August 2002, she released her most passionate work ever with Jim & Louella’s Homemade Heart-fix Remedy, a tantalizing yet spiritual tale that has won several awards. Berry’s wit and wisdom shine through in her novel about looking for love in all the wrong places—and with all the wrong people—in When Love Calls, You Better Answer, which was released the summer of 2005. Her book The Ties That Bind bridges the past with the future and is more personal—tracing the history of her family—and was released in January 2009. Her latest book, A Year to Wellness and Other Weight Loss Secrets, is a personal journey of healing and wellness that resulted in a weight loss of 150 pounds.
Berry is also a member of the Board of Directors for Capella University, an online university of 26,000 exceptional learners.
Dr. Berry believes that community involvement is not limited to just “writing a check” and has taken a very active role in supporting organizations that benefit those in need. She has graciously donated all of the royalties from the sales of her books to organizations that help families in transition, raise funds for scholarships, and provide resource information to low-income families.
Despite all of her honors and achievements, Dr. Berry is most proud of becoming the “instant mother” to her five adopted children. She lives in Savannah, Georgia, where she is active in the community. “When you walk with purpose,” Berry says, “you collide with destiny!”
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!

MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
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
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA 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
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
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Dr. Bertice Berry helps people find their true purpose in life. “People who walk in purpose collide with destiny,” she says. She illustrates her points with examples from her life experiences and through her amazing and unending sense of humor. She believes that people learn better when they can laugh.
In her keynote presentation, she discusses the importance of finding your purpose in life and leading others into purpose. She also discusses different learning styles and points out how crucial it is to learn the style that works best for yourself and the people you are leading. She talks about diversity from a different perspective and points out that equality is everyone getting what they need to move into purpose, especially in education.
In her keynote presentation, award-winning speaker Dr. Bertice Berry presents practical solutions to address the problems facing our village. Drawing on her personal experience as well as her professional expertise, Dr. Berry helps us to create and sustain a healthier village. Deftly using humor in her keynote speech, she motivates, enlightens and entertains audiences.
With more than 25 years of lecturing experience, Dr. Bertice Berry has touched the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life.
Based on the theme of the event that your team provides, a call with your team, and additional research conducted on the topic chosen, Dr. Berry’s presentation will address the specific needs of your organization, your region and your audience.
While Bertice Berry specialized in multiple areas of study including research, statistical analysis, stratification, gender, race, theory and age, her life experience as a talk-show host, author, comedian and mother have enriched her academic background tremendously.
Living and Giving Your Best: Doing Better With Less
Becoming The Highest Version of Yourself
Finding Your Purpose: At Home, Work and In the Community
The Art of Transformation
Peace in The Midst of the Storm
Living and Working in Purpose
Redefining Diversity
ReNew, ReEnergize, ReEngage!
Changing The Patient’s Perspective
The Space Between life and Laughter (TEDx)
Healing the Village
Women in the Workplace
The World According to Me: How to Beat the Odds and Succeed
The Ties That Bind
In this keynote presentation, Dr. Berry discusses the evolution of race relations from slavery to Reconstruction, from the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power 1970s, and on to the present day, stressing the need to forgive and be forgiven.
Diversity on College Campuses
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Bertice Berry at TEDxCentennnialParkWomen
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