DONNIE LANDON
"I Am The Message"
Son of an Incarcerated Father | First-Gen College Graduate
US Navy Veteran | Former Chief of Staff for the President’s Daily Brief
Speaker for TRIO Programs & First-Generation Students
THE TRIO SUCCESS STORY YOUR STUDENTS NEED TO SEE
From:
- Son of an incarcerated father
- Courtroom, felony charges at 19
- Following in his father’s footsteps
- First person in family to attend college
- Single father with no guidance
- Battling imposter syndrome at every level
To:
- Breaking generational cycles
- Bachelor’s in Business Management
- Master’s in Strategic Intelligence (National Intelligence University)
- Chief of Staff for the President’s Daily Brief (3 years, Top Secret/SCI)
- Director of Central Services, U.S. EEOC
Donnie IS the outcome TRIO programs are designed to create: breaking cycles and creating new legacies.
"I AM THE MESSAGE"
Every word is backed by lived experience:
- Son of an incarcerated father who broke the cycle
- First-gen student with no roadmap who finished with two degrees
- Felt imposter syndrome at every level and persisted anyway
- Navigated college as a single parent
- Reached the highest levels of government (President's Daily Brief)
He doesn’t just tell the message—he IS the message.
SIGNATURE KEYNOTES FOR TRIO PROGRAMS
"I Am The Message: From Courtroom to the President's Daily Brief"
Complete transformation story—proof that first-gen students can break cycles and reach elite levels
Length: 60-60 min
"The First-Gen Formula: Graduating Without a Roadmap"
Practical strategies for persistence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and navigating college systems
Length: 45-60 min
"No Ceiling: From First-Gen Student to Elite Professional"
For high-achieving students—showing there’s no limit to where first-gen students can go
Length: 45-60 min
"Feel It. Flip It. Flex It.™: Building Self-Agency for First-Gen Success"
Signature framework students can use immediately to turn struggle into strength
Length: 45-60 min
WORKSHOP OPTIONS
Half-Day: Keynote + breakout sessions on imposter syndrome, navigation strategies, building support systems (3-4 hours)
Full-Day: Multiple sessions + staff development + small group mentoring (customized)
Virtual: All formats available online (starting at $3,500)
IDEAL FOR
✔ TRIO Conferences (COE, State/Regional Events)
✔ Student Support Services Programs
✔ Upward Bound Programs
✔ McNair Scholars Programs
✔ TRIO Day Celebrations
✔ First-Gen Student Orientations
✔ TRIO Staff Development
WHAT STUDENTS GAIN
✅ Belief that finishing is possible (they see the proof standing in front of them)
✅ Tools to overcome imposter syndrome
✅ Strategies to navigate college without family guidance
✅ Sense of belonging and community
✅ 30-60-90 day action plans built in the session
WHY TRIO DIRECTORS BOOK DONNIE
He IS a TRIO Success Story — Students see the exact outcome your program creates
Authentic Credibility — First-gen grad, son of incarcerated father, Navy veteran, Chief of Staff for President’s Daily Brief
TRIO-Specific Expertise — Understands your mission, language, and desired outcomes
Measurable Impact — Content designed to improve persistence, retention, and graduation rates
Professional Excellence — Polished delivery, customized content, seamless coordination
SPEAKING INVESTMENT
Keynotes: Starting at $5,000 | Workshops: Custom Pricing | Virtual: Starting at $3,500
📧 transformation@donnielandon.com
🌐 donnielandon.com
📍 Washington, D.C. | Available Nationwide & Virtual
MISSION
Impact 100,000 first-generation students by the end of 2026
