Manny Scott
Has energized almost two million leaders, educators, volunteers, and students worldwide with his authentic, inspiring messages of hope
An original Freedom Writer whose story is told in part in the 2007 hit movie, Freedom Writers, Manny Scott has energized over a million leaders, educators, volunteers, and students worldwide with his authentic, inspiring messages of hope. Speaking to over 125 groups a year for the past decade, he is the speaker of choice for…
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Full Bio
An original Freedom Writer whose story is told in part in the 2007 hit movie, Freedom Writers, Manny Scott has energized over a million leaders, educators, volunteers, and students worldwide with his authentic, inspiring messages of hope. Speaking to over 125 groups a year for the past decade, he is the speaker of choice for conferences, conventions, schools, fundraisers, and banquets.
Manny has a gift: the ability to connect with, hold the attention of, and energize all kinds of audiences. From inner-city youth to business executives, Manny has learned to speak, and command, the language of his audiences with relevant, riveting, and compelling messages, moving them from cheers, to laughter, to tears, and go-forward determination.
By age 16, Manny’s story was almost over:
His father was incarcerated, he missed 60-90 days of school annually from 4th to 9th grade, he dropped out of school at age 14, he lived in 26 places by age 16, and his best friend was brutally murdered. Sensing that the end of his life was near, Manny sat down on a park bench, and considered how he would make others feel the depth of despair and anger roiling in his soul. He says, “When I look back, I now see that I was heading down a path that would have destroyed me.”
Then, a man—a complete stranger—took a risk, and sat down beside Manny. That man connected with him, encouraged him, and inspired him to write a different story—to create a new life.
That day, on a park bench, Manny Scott turned the page. He returned to school with a new attitude and purpose, and ended up in the back of Erin Gruwell’s English class—a group now known worldwide as the Freedom Writers, portrayed in the 2007 hit MTV movie.
In his journal, Manny began writing—and dreaming about—new, more fulfilling chapters in his life- chapters filled with healing, hope, perseverance, and possibility.
Through very hard work, and with the help of others, Manny has achieved many of those journaled dreams.
In 2007, he founded Ink International, Inc, an educational consulting firm that has empowered nearly two million people to improve the quality of not only their own lives, but also the lives of those around them; Ink has helped hundreds of organizations raise student achievement and leader effectiveness in 48 states and four continents; and, Ink has helped prevent thousands of dropouts and suicides.
He is the author of three books: Your Next Chapter, a book that shows people, step-by-step, how to create the life of their dreams; and, How to R.E.A.C.H. Youth Today, a book that shares his unique approach to helping others; and, Turning the Page, his not-yet-released memoir that he only makes available to people who hear him in person.
He is now happily married, a doting father of three, a pilot, a Ph.D. student, and one of the nation’s most sought after speakers.
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
Manny has the unique ability to connect with students. Since 2009, Manny’s programs for students have prevented thousands of teen suicides, reduced bullying, and raised student achievement. Make the safe, easy choice that hundreds of other districts have made, and invite Matt or Manny to speak to your students. Our assemblies are the most powerful ones you will see in the nation. Check out this video below to catch a glimpse for yourself.
A life-changing 60-90 minute experience for your entire school, in which we work closely with your school to prepare for the day, and provide resources to help you sustain the impact of the day.
“How to Turn the Page” Student Workshops
Manny leads workshops that empower students to turn the page- to take proactive steps to improve the quality of their lives.
Give your students a chance to have an online video chat with Manny Scott.
From Fs and Ds to As and Bs
A program to help you go from Fs and Ds to As and Bs.
“How to Begin Your New Chapter” for Freshman Orientations
Districts and colleges bring Manuel in to teach incoming freshman how to begin writing a new chapter in their academic lives.
Graduations
Give your graduates, and their families, a graduation they will never forget.
Long Term Partnerships
Manuel visits your school once or twice a year over a 3 to 4 year period, coaching students to adopt certain values, and implement habits that are conducive for their well-being and their academic success.
Customized Keynote Address
Manuel’s customizable keynotes touch the heart, enlighten the mind, and spark creative change. He works closely with you to make sure your goals are met and lives are changed.
Many districts bring Manny in for several days or weeks to work with several populations of their districts. During tours, Manny is on-site for an entire day or more. To prepare for tours, we work closely with you to make sure Manny addresses your specific needs.
Videos
Ink's "Turn the Page!" Assemblies
Promo #1 for Manny Scott Story
News
Testimonials
You honestly touched my heart in a special way. Today was my first day back in school after being in jail for robbery. I dropped out of school last year, and was smoking a lot of weed. Eventually I got locked up for robbing a restaurant. Today was my first day back in school, and I can’t thank you enough for what you said. You honestly touched my heart in a special way, and have given me hope for a better tomorrow.
Stephen, Cincinnati, OH
I came to school today thinking about how much I hate it. I did not see how it related to my life and my problems. You have made a big change in my life. You helped me make up my mind to connect school to my life and future.
Student
That assembly was the best I’ve ever seen, because even though you don’t know me, you were telling my story too. Tears kept pouring down my face because I finally felt understood. Thank you for giving me a voice and giving me hope.
Student
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