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Dwight Thompson | Speaker on Elevating Your Life

Top Performer

Orlando, FL

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Travels nationwide

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Youth Leadership Speaker Highlight

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One message can change a life

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Creating opportunities for youth

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Expert on overcoming adversity, RISE UP

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Helping people see what's possible

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Empowering the next generation

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Turning pain into purpose

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Overview

Hi, I’m Dwight Thompson, a speaker, nonprofit leader, and Executive Director/Founder of Rise League, Inc with 12+ years of leadership experience and 7 years leading a youth development organization.

I specialize in leadership, discipline, personal growth, and overcoming adversity through authentic storytelling and real-world experiences that inspire action.

Through my work, I have personally mentored and worked alongside more than 2,000 students, athletes, and emerging leaders.

Whether it’s a conference, corporate event, athletic program, graduation, or school assembly, I deliver a meaningful message that connects with audiences and creates lasting impact.


Reviews

9 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Sonya O.

Sonya O.

June 2, 2026

An Inspiring and Transformational Speaker

Dwight Thompson delivered an exceptional presentation that left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance. His message was powerful, authentic, and inspiring, and he had a remarkable ability to connect with both students and adults.

Our students were fully engaged throughout the presentation and left feeling motivated to pursue their goals, overcome challenges, and believe in their potential. What impressed me most was that his message resonated just as strongly with parents and staff. People from all backgrounds found value in his words and walked away encouraged and empowered.

Dwight’s energy, passion, and ability to engage an audience make him an outstanding speaker. He creates an atmosphere of hope, purpose, and motivation that continues long after the presentation ends. I highly recommend him to any school, organization, or community seeking a speaker who can inspire meaningful change and leave a lasting impression.

Hired as: Leadership/Success Speaker, Motivational Speaker

Small thumbnail image for Dwight Thompson | Speaker on Elevating Your Life

Dwight Thompson | Speaker on Elevating Your Life

Wow Wow Mrs. Ollie!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a thoughtful and encouraging review!

It was a privilege to be with your students, parents, and staff. I believe every young person has incredible potential, and my goal is to help them recognize that their future is shaped not by their circumstances, but by the choices they make and the character they build along the way.

Hearing that the message resonated with adults just as much as it did with the students means so much to me. When an entire community is encouraged to grow together, the impact reaches far beyond a single presentation.

Thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to speak into the lives of your community. I never take that responsibility lightly, and I hope the conversations and inspiration from that day continue to create positive change for years to come!! Thank you for sharing your experience!!


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Rayniel A.

Rayniel A.

June 29, 2026

More Than a Speech—A Lasting Lesson

I’ve had the opportunity to attend several of Dwight Thompson’s leadership sessions through Rise league’s nonprofit business program, and each one has been incredibly impactful. Dwight has a unique ability to connect with people through authenticity, real-life experiences, and practical advice rather than just motivational words.

His messages on discipline, resilience, leadership, and stepping outside of your comfort zone have challenged me to think differently about my goals and personal growth. You can genuinely tell that he cares about helping others succeed and is passionate about investing in the next generation.

If you’re looking for a speaker who can inspire, challenge, and leave a lasting impression on an audience, I highly recommend Dwight Thompson. His presentations are engaging, meaningful, and full of valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the event itself.

Hired as: Athlete/Sports Speaker, Business Motivational Speaker, Leadership/Success Speaker, Motivational Speaker


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Kylan S.

Kylan S.

June 29, 2026

Best Mentor

I’m incredibly grateful to Dwight Thompson for believing in me and welcoming me into the Rise League Pathways Program. He also took the time to help me with my tailgate event, and his guidance has made a real impact on me.

The biggest lesson I took away from him is the importance of discipline. He taught me that if you do what you need to do now, you’ll earn the opportunity to do what you want to do later. That mindset has changed the way I look at basketball, school, work, and life.

Thank you for investing in me and pushing me to become a better man. I’m excited to keep applying these lessons and continue growing through Rise League.

Hired as: Athlete/Sports Speaker, Business Motivational Speaker, Leadership/Success Speaker, Motivational Speaker


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Ismael M.

Ismael M.

June 29, 2026

Neutral to Action

I was sitting in the crowd with a mind full of distractions. I was being trained for a new job, navigating life as a parent raising our third child, celebrating the excitement of my oldest son graduating from middle school, and trying to keep up with the endless family to-do lists my wife was managing for all of us.
Then the principal spoke, and I began paying attention. When Dwight took the stage, something changed. His choice of words and the ideas he shared helped me set all my worries aside. I found myself fully focused on every sentence. His message produced a sense of clarity, gratitude, and a deep desire to contribute more and be better.
As he spoke, I became excited and full of ideas. I felt proud of this graduating class, proud of the parents around me, and grateful to be part of that moment. I became engaged, motivated, and inspired. I even started looking around to see if others were feeling what I was feeling.
Later, when one of the coaches came up to present an award, he mentioned that Dwight’s speech had given him goosebumps on both arms. I immediately looked at my wife and said, “I thought the exact same thing.”
There was something powerful about his words. His speech carried weight and conviction. It moved people. I honestly don’t know how else to describe it except to say that this man has tremendous power behind his words and is an exceptional speaker.
After the ceremony, I made sure to stay and shake his hand. I thanked him personally and told him how much his speech had impacted me.
Thank you, Dwight, for all that you do. Keep going. Keep aiming higher. Your words inspire people to become better versions of themselves, and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to hear you speak.

Hired as: Athlete/Sports Speaker, Business Motivational Speaker, Leadership/Success Speaker, Motivational Speaker


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Claudia M.

Claudia M.

June 15, 2026

Speaking Life

I have had the pleasure to work at events where Mr. Dwight Thompson has spoken to our community's youth. I have also been at events whose audience include parents, young entrepreneurs, and leaders of different organizations.
His message is authentic and remains relatable no matter the audience. He is truly invested in his ability to bring a message of what resiliency truly is. Derived from his personal and professional experiences, he is able to share messages of resilience, provide hope, and demonstrates his ability to motivate others. As a speaker, Mr. Thompson is able help his audience move into their next steps of their personal journey or professional growth.

Hired as: Business Motivational Speaker, Emcee, Industry Expert, Leadership/Success Speaker, Motivational Speaker

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Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

Languages: English

Gig length: 15 - 120 minutes

What to expect

When you book Dwight, you can expect an authentic and meaningful experience that connects with audiences on a personal level.

Through powerful storytelling, real-life experiences, and heartfelt lessons learned through leadership, adversity, family, and service, Dwight creates an environment where people feel inspired to reflect, grow, and take action.

Audiences can expect:

• Authentic stories that are relatable, impactful, and thought-provoking

• A genuine and engaging presentation style that creates meaningful connection

• Powerful lessons on discipline, leadership, personal growth, and overcoming adversity

• Practical takeaways that can be applied in everyday life

• A message that encourages self-reflection, resilience, and purpose

• A customized presentation tailored to the audience and goals of the event

Many attendees leave not only inspired, but deeply moved. They often continue the conversation after the event, sharing their own experiences, asking questions, and exploring ways to create positive change in their lives.

The goal is not simply to motivate for a moment. The goal is to create an experience that leaves a lasting impact.

About

Dwight Thompson is a motivational speaker, nonprofit leader, and community advocate whose mission is to inspire people to lead with purpose, develop discipline, and overcome adversity.

As the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Rise League Inc, he has dedicated his life to creating opportunities for young people through leadership development, mentorship, sports, and career readiness programs.

Rise League has partnered with organizations such as the Orlando Magic, Dick's Sporting Goods, Florida Blue, Boys & Girls Club and Osceola Magic to create impactful opportunities for youth throughout Central Florida.

His work is rooted in service, personal growth, and the belief that every individual has the ability to rise above their circumstances.

What makes his message unique is that it comes from lived experience. While building a nonprofit organization, raising a family, and serving his community, he has faced challenges that tested his resilience and strengthened his purpose. Following the loss of his brother and co-founder, he made the decision to continue the mission they started together, transforming pain into purpose and adversity into fuel for impact.

Known for his authentic, relatable, and inspiring speaking style, Dwight creates meaningful connections with audiences of all ages. His presentations go beyond motivation—they challenge people to reflect, grow, and take action. Audience members often stay after events to share their stories, ask questions, and discuss the changes they want to make in their own lives. His ability to connect on a personal level leaves people feeling seen, encouraged, and empowered.

Whether speaking to students, athletes, educators, professionals, or community leaders, his goal is simple: help people recognize their potential, take ownership of their future, and become the leaders they were created to be.

His message is built on four pillars: discipline, leadership, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. Through powerful storytelling and real-world experience, he reminds audiences that their circumstances may shape their journey, but they do not have to determine their destination.

Additional booking notes

Postponement or Cancellation

Once an event date is confirmed, time and resources are dedicated to preparation, scheduling, and customization for the event. If an event is postponed or canceled, the following cancellation schedule may apply:

• Less than 30 days before the event: 100% of the agreed fee
• Between 30–60 days before the event: 50% of the agreed fee
• More than 60 days before the event: No cancellation fee

Rescheduling requests may be accommodated based on availability.

Audio & Video Recording

Event organizers may record all or part of the presentation. A copy of any professional recordings is appreciated for promotional and archival purposes. Recordings may be shared internally within the organization; however, recordings may not be sold, reproduced for commercial purposes, or distributed publicly without prior written approval.

Upcoming booked events

August 2026

18

Tuesday

Nonprofit Event

8:00am - 8:45am

Kissimmee, FL

Past booked events

June 2026

13

Saturday

Personal Occasion

2:00pm - 2:30pm

Orlando, FL

Setup requirements

Wireless handheld microphone preferred

Access to projector and screen if presentation materials are used

Speaker arrival 30 minutes prior to presentation