Book Donnie for Your TRIO Program
Bring a TRIO Success Story to Your Campus
When you book me, you’re not getting theory—you’re getting lived experience. I Am The Message your students need to hear.
SPEAKING INVESTMENT
Keynote Address
Investment: Starting at $5,000
Duration: 45-90 minutes
- TRIO conferences (COE, state/regional events)
- TRIO Day celebrations
- College orientations for first-gen students
- Student Support Services programs
- Upward Bound programs
- McNair Scholars events
- Graduation ceremonies
What’s Included:
✓ Customized keynote tailored to your TRIO program
✓ Pre-event consultation call (30 minutes)
✓ Professional handouts and resources for attendees
✓ Post-event follow-up resources
✓ Social media promotion of your event
✓ The authentic experience of hearing from a TRIO success story
Half-Day Workshop
Investment: Custom Pricing
Duration: 3-4 hours
Perfect For:
- Student Support Services intensive programs
- TRIO leadership development
- First-gen student retreats
- Academic success course sessions
What’s Included:
✓ Morning keynote (60-90 minutes)
✓ Interactive breakout sessions using Feel It. Flip It. Flex It.™ framework
✓ Small group facilitation
✓ Q&A and mentorship time
✓ Comprehensive workbooks and resources for participants
✓ Pre-event consultation and customization
Full-Day Experience
Investment: Custom Pricing
Perfect For:
- Multi-session TRIO conferences
- First-gen student summits
- Comprehensive campus-wide first-gen initiatives
- Combined student programming + staff development
What’s Included:
✓ Multiple keynotes/sessions throughout the day
✓ Interactive workshops for students
✓ Staff development session (optional)
✓ Small group mentoring sessions
✓ One-on-one student time (limited availability)
✓ Fully customized content for each session
✓ Maximum impact: students experience the message multiple times
Virtual Speaking
Investment: Starting at $3,500
Perfect For:
- Remote TRIO programs
- Hybrid conferences
- Multi-campus simultaneous presentations
- Budget-conscious programs
- Regional TRIO collaborations
What’s Included:
✓ Professional virtual presentation via Zoom or your preferred platform
✓ Pre-event tech check and rehearsal
✓ Interactive engagement (polls, Q&A, breakout rooms, chat interaction)
✓ Digital resources and handouts for all attendees
✓ Recording available (if requested)
✓ The same powerful, authentic message—delivered virtually
Why TRIO Programs Choose
Donnie Landon
He IS a TRIO Success Story
- Son of an incarcerated father
- First person in his family to attend college
- Single father with no family guidance
- Used GI Bill and navigated financial aid alone
- Overcame imposter syndrome at every level
- Finished with Bachelor’s AND Master’s degrees
- Chief of Staff for the President’s Daily Brief
Unmatched Credibility
- First-generation college graduate (Bachelor’s + Master’s from National Intelligence University)
- US Navy veteran (7 years, 3 deployments)
- Former Chief of Staff for the President’s Daily Brief (Top Secret/SCI clearance, 3 years)
- Current federal leader (Director of Central Services, U.S. EEOC)
- Broke generational cycles from incarceration to Oval Office
TRIO-Specific Expertise
- Understands TRIO’s mission, language, and desired outcomes
- Content aligned with TRIO objectives: persistence, retention, degree completion
- Addresses specific challenges TRIO programs measure
- Available for Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) events
Authentic Connection
Students see themselves in his story:
- From streets to success
- From doubt to determination
- From imposter syndrome to elite achievement
- From “I don’t belong” to “There’s no ceiling”
Measurable Impact
Sessions designed to improve:
- Student persistence & graduation rates
- Retention rates
- Student engagement & sense of belonging
- Academic confidence & self-agency
- Reduced imposter syndrome
Students leave with tools and action plans, not just motivation.
Professional Excellence
- Polished, high-energy delivery
- Customized content for each TRIO program
- Professional handouts and resources
- Seamless event coordination
- Available for pre-event staff briefings
- Social media promotion
- Post-event follow-up resources
"When you book Donnie, you're bringing in someone who embodies 'I Am The Message'—a first-gen graduate who proves TRIO students can not only finish, but excel at the highest levels."
BOOKING PROCESS
How to Book Donnie
Step 1Submit Inquiry
Fill out the booking form below with your TRIO program details, event date, audience size, and goals.
Step 2Discovery Call (15 minutes)
We'll discuss your program's specific needs, student demographics, and desired outcomes. You'll hear firsthand why I Am The Message your students need.
Step 3Custom Proposal
You'll receive a tailored proposal with pricing, session descriptions, timeline, and logistics—all customized for your TRIO program.
Step 4Contract & Deposit
Once approved, we'll send a speaking agreement and invoice. A 50% deposit secures your date.
Step 5Pre-Event Planning Call
2-3 weeks before your event, we'll have a planning call to:
- Finalize content and customize examples
- Discuss your students' specific challenges
- Coordinate logistics and tech needs
- Plan any staff briefing (if requested)
Step 6Event Day
Donnie arrives ready to deliver a transformational experience your students will remember.
Step 7Post-Event Follow-Up
Optional: Follow-up resources, student feedback collection, and discussion of ongoing mentorship opportunities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes! All keynotes and workshops are available virtually starting at $3,500.
Absolutely. Every presentation is customized based on a pre-event consultation call.
From small groups (10-30 students) to large conferences (500+). Delivery style adjusts based on audience size.
Yes. Limited mentorship opportunities are available for ongoing student support.
"I Am The Message: From Courtroom to the President's Daily Brief" is ideal—inspirational and celebrates TRIO's mission.
Yes! Full-day experiences can include both student programming and staff development.
We recommend 3-6 months in advance for major TRIO conferences. Shorter notice sometimes available.
Yes, for Upward Bound programs and college-bound first-gen high school students.
