Hi, I'm Caliph.
I inspire educators to remember their power to impact lives and live their lives to the fullest.
I still remember my Kinder-3rd grade teacher, "Cat," and the profound impact she had on my life.
I also remember the teachers who missed the signs—the ones who didn’t see the struggle behind my silence, who didn’t know what was happening at home or in my head and heart.
My educational experience shaped me—for better and for worse. Some educators overlooked what I was going through, but those who saw my potential and invested in me helped change the course of my life. They helped me navigate adversity, pushed me toward college, and set me on the path that transformed everything.
I know how much school matters. I know the power of in loco parentis—the reality that schools don’t just educate; they shape character, cultivate resilience, and prepare students to become not just great learners, but great people.
Helping Schools Start Strong & Prevent Students from Slipping Through the CracksAs a keynote speaker, I help districts launch the school year with purpose and energy while ensuring that every staff member--from teachers to administrators to support staff—understands their power to change lives.
When students struggle, they don’t always ask for help. I was one of those students. I help educators recognize how small moments of connection and awareness can make the difference between a student slipping through the cracks or stepping into their potential.
Through my keynotes, I challenge, inspire, and equip educators with the mindset, motivation, and tools to start the year grounded, engaged, and committed to their mission.
I also remember the teachers who missed the signs—the ones who didn’t see the struggle behind my silence, who didn’t know what was happening at home or in my head and heart.
My educational experience shaped me—for better and for worse. Some educators overlooked what I was going through, but those who saw my potential and invested in me helped change the course of my life. They helped me navigate adversity, pushed me toward college, and set me on the path that transformed everything.
I know how much school matters. I know the power of in loco parentis—the reality that schools don’t just educate; they shape character, cultivate resilience, and prepare students to become not just great learners, but great people.
Helping Schools Start Strong & Prevent Students from Slipping Through the CracksAs a keynote speaker, I help districts launch the school year with purpose and energy while ensuring that every staff member--from teachers to administrators to support staff—understands their power to change lives.
When students struggle, they don’t always ask for help. I was one of those students. I help educators recognize how small moments of connection and awareness can make the difference between a student slipping through the cracks or stepping into their potential.
Through my keynotes, I challenge, inspire, and equip educators with the mindset, motivation, and tools to start the year grounded, engaged, and committed to their mission.
Watch Caliph In Action!
One of Caliph’s core messages is that everyone—no matter their role or background—must have a clear vision for the life they truly want and understand that achieving it requires meaningful service to others.
For educators and school leaders, this means knowing their "why"—the deeper purpose behind their work and achievements. This speech helps them uncover that purpose and shows them how to bring it to life.
For education-specific clips, check out the videos below.
Clip: Teach to transform. |
Clip: Staying on purpose. |
Drug Prevention Keynote |
Clip: I have a purpose! |
Introduction & Celebration |
Energy & My Background |
Focus On Reflection |
More On Purpose |
What People Are Saying!
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Some past clients include...
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Keynote Presentations
Caliph’s keynote presentations are designed to energize and equip educators for a successful school year. Whether for district kick-offs, in-service days, or continuing education conferences, his talks inspire teachers, administrators, and staff to reconnect with their purpose and understand their impact.
Drawing from his work as a bullying prevention, substance abuse, and mental health speaker, Caliph provides firsthand insight into the challenges students face today. He bridges the gap between student struggles and educator influence, showing how every school employee—from teachers to support staff—plays a crucial role in shaping student success.
Each keynote is fully customizable to align with your district’s vision, goals, and event outcomes, ensuring a powerful and relevant experience for every audience.
Drawing from his work as a bullying prevention, substance abuse, and mental health speaker, Caliph provides firsthand insight into the challenges students face today. He bridges the gap between student struggles and educator influence, showing how every school employee—from teachers to support staff—plays a crucial role in shaping student success.
Each keynote is fully customizable to align with your district’s vision, goals, and event outcomes, ensuring a powerful and relevant experience for every audience.
It Can't Happen Without You!
Inspiring district staff to start the year strong and bring their whole selves to the work
Schools are not just institutions—they are ecosystems where every person plays a crucial role in student success. In this empowering keynote, I help teachers, administrators, and support staff see that their role is essential to achieving the district’s mission.
I share my own triumphs and challenges as a student, navigating drug addiction, depression, emotional abuse, and bullying, to highlight the transformational power of educators. Every adult in a student’s life has the ability to change their trajectory—for better or worse.
This keynote provides:
✔ A vision-setting framework to help staff align with their purpose for the year
✔ Practical strategies to maintain motivation, avoid burnout, and stay engaged
✔ Mindset tools to strengthen resilience and overcome stress
✔ A renewed sense of significance—understanding that no role is too small to change a life
District staff will leave feeling energized, valued, and ready to make a meaningful impact on students from day one.
Schools are not just institutions—they are ecosystems where every person plays a crucial role in student success. In this empowering keynote, I help teachers, administrators, and support staff see that their role is essential to achieving the district’s mission.
I share my own triumphs and challenges as a student, navigating drug addiction, depression, emotional abuse, and bullying, to highlight the transformational power of educators. Every adult in a student’s life has the ability to change their trajectory—for better or worse.
This keynote provides:
✔ A vision-setting framework to help staff align with their purpose for the year
✔ Practical strategies to maintain motivation, avoid burnout, and stay engaged
✔ Mindset tools to strengthen resilience and overcome stress
✔ A renewed sense of significance—understanding that no role is too small to change a life
District staff will leave feeling energized, valued, and ready to make a meaningful impact on students from day one.
Don't Miss the Signs
Helping educators recognize and intervene before students fall through the cracks
Students don’t always say when they’re struggling—but they show it. The question is: are we paying attention?
In this deeply personal keynote, I share my journey of falling into drug addiction and depression as a student, revealing the warning signs I displayed and the many missed opportunities for intervention.
This session helps educators:
✔ Recognize the subtle signs of student distress, addiction, and emotional struggle
✔ Understand their power to intervene—whether in a big way or through small, everyday interactions
✔ Learn actionable steps to support students and connect them with the help they need
✔ Feel empowered to be a lifeline for students who may not have one anywhere else
Educators don’t have to have all the answers—but they do have the power to notice, engage, and act.
Students don’t always say when they’re struggling—but they show it. The question is: are we paying attention?
In this deeply personal keynote, I share my journey of falling into drug addiction and depression as a student, revealing the warning signs I displayed and the many missed opportunities for intervention.
This session helps educators:
✔ Recognize the subtle signs of student distress, addiction, and emotional struggle
✔ Understand their power to intervene—whether in a big way or through small, everyday interactions
✔ Learn actionable steps to support students and connect them with the help they need
✔ Feel empowered to be a lifeline for students who may not have one anywhere else
Educators don’t have to have all the answers—but they do have the power to notice, engage, and act.
Workshops
Leading On PurposeA workshop for school leaders on defining a clear vision, fostering a unified culture, and driving meaningful success.
How do you get everyone on campus aligned with a shared vision, speaking the same language, and fully engaged in their role? It starts with leadership.
In this workshop, we will: ✔ Clarify your vision for your campus and set bold, transformative goals. ✔ Develop the inner dialogue and mindset needed to inspire belief in yourself and your team. ✔ Define the deeper meaning of success—so you and your staff stay motivated, resilient, and prepared to overcome challenges. This session is designed for principals, administrators, and school leaders who want to lead with intention, create a culture of excellence, and ensure that every staff member sees their role as essential to student success. |
Restoring The Bully/iedA restorative practices workshop on addressing the root causes of bullying and supporting both the bullied and the bully.
Bullying doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s often the result of unmet needs, past trauma, and social dynamics that shape student behavior. True intervention goes beyond punishment; it requires understanding, restoration, and a commitment to helping all students heal.
In this workshop, Caliph shares key insights and data on the causes of bullying and how schools can effectively support both students who are being bullied and those engaging in bullying behavior. Participants will learn: ✔ The three essential questions to ask about every student to understand how to best support them. ✔ The three critical lessons every student must learn to develop emotional resilience, empathy, and personal responsibility. ✔ Actionable restorative practices to create a school culture where students feel seen, heard, and valued. This session equips educators with practical strategies to move beyond discipline and toward true restoration—helping students not just correct behavior, but build self-worth and stronger relationships. |
Live Free, Die OldA substance abuse prevention workshop for educators and administrators on effectively communicating the risks of drug use to teens.
Teen substance use often stems from short-term thinking, peer influence, and underlying emotional struggles—but too often, the way adults talk about drugs fails to resonate with young people. To truly make an impact, we must understand their mindset, address the real reasons behind their choices, and help them see a future worth fighting for.
In this workshop, Caliph shares effective strategies and real-world insights on how to talk to teens about substance abuse in a way that actually reaches them. Participants will learn: ✔ The most common reasons teens turn to drugs and how to address them at the root. ✔ The key questions to consider when discussing substance use with students. ✔ Practical strategies and language that break through resistance and encourage students to make healthier choices. This session equips educators and administrators with tools to create open, honest, and impactful conversations—so students aren’t just warned about the dangers of drugs, but feel empowered to make better decisions for their future. |
Request Caliph!
Fill out the form below to request Caliph for your event.
