Our inaugural conference provides young adult attendees with life enhancement coaching from experts in personal growth, leadership, financial literacy, and business.
We created Hustle Academy because today's young adults—whether graduates or not—lack experience in critical life skills such as financial literacy, emotional intelligence, confidence, community involvement and entrepreneurship.
At Breaking Down Walls, we are committed to empowering youth and young adults to lead fulfilling lives by embracing the principles of health, wealth, and wisdom.
Our organization believes in the transformative power of education and hard work, and we are excited to offer this scholarship opportunity to support the academic pursuits of aspiring students.
Lenny is determined to succeed in all that he does. The fuel to his drive began to overflow after he lost his father at the tender age of 5. He watched his mom struggle both working and selling drugs to provide for the family. With all odds against him Lenny made it to the NFL and played professional football for over 10 years. His longest tenure with the Denver Broncos. He also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Rams!
Lenny is a serial entrepreneur, investor, certified coach and speaker with the John Maxwell Leadership Team. He develops, motivates and coaches individuals, teams and businesses to reach pinnacle heights.
So many teachers show up to teach all the pitfalls to avoid in hopes of you curating maybe 10% more success in your life. This is after you make it to the top 1% of people that they tell you barely make it into the sacred rings of achievement. It’s called motivational speaking but it sounds tragic AF, right?
Well, after screwing up her life for over 20 years with multiple careers, failed business ideas, sad singleness, unhappy family, broken relationships, no money, living in a tiny apartment and weighing in at 345lbs, Allyson discovered motivational speaking and how unmotivated she was when she heard it.
She then read the Gandhi quote, “Be the change you wish to see in this world.” and she decided to change the game.
When Allyson speaks, she answers the question, “WHAT IF IT ALL GOES RIGHT?”
Through her own story, she shares how she made life way harder than it had to ever be.
For decades she trash-talked and shamed herself letting perfectionism, anxiety, people-pleasing, and other self-sabotaging habits take over until she hardly recognized herself. She says that if you saw her during those times, you’d say she was positive and cheerful, but inside she was relentlessly beating herself up and frustrated that life never went her way.
Now she is known all over the world as the “profit accelerator” for helping entrepreneurs turn their business into cash machines, Allyson Byrd does not shy away from telling the raw truth about her journey to entrepreneurship.
She has coached her clients to win contracts with Fortune 100 companies including Walmart, Ford, Mercedes, Bank of America, Delta and Best Buy.
Her work has supported emerging entrepreneurs to generate more than $16.9 million dollars in the past 18-months. She is a sales and conversion expert who teaches high-performance leaders how to get their message out and enjoy massive results with strategic sales planning and implementation.
Greg Reed is currently the Senior Vice President, Operations for Security Service Federal Credit Union. In this role, he is responsible for the retail sales and operations of SSFCU’s 69 branch locations as well as Payment Operations and Enterprise Training.
Greg has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration. He is married to Cara Reed and they are the proud parents of five energetic children.
Greg enjoys skiing, cycling, spending time with family and is a six time Ironman. He has a passion for financial literacy that he loves to share with others.
Former NFL return specialist and wide receiver Dante Hall, known as "The X-Factor" and "The Human Joystick," played nine seasons and is celebrated as one of the greatest in history. A fifth-round pick from Texas A&M by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2000, he excelled as a running back and return specialist, later being inducted into the Texas
Former NFL return specialist and wide receiver Dante Hall, known as "The X-Factor" and "The Human Joystick," played nine seasons and is celebrated as one of the greatest in history. A fifth-round pick from Texas A&M by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2000, he excelled as a running back and return specialist, later being inducted into the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021.
Hall's achievements include leading the Scottish Claymores in NFL Europe in 2001 and earning his first Pro Bowl selection in the exceptional 2002 season, where he tied records with three return touchdowns. Setting an NFL record with touchdowns in four consecutive games in 2003, Hall secured a second Pro Bowl nod in 2004. A Chiefs franchise record-holder, Hall is now an Ambassador for the Kansas City Chiefs, actively engaged in charity work and honored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City in 2022.
John is a prominent social philanthropist from El Paso, Texas, leverages his rich background in nonprofit, business, and community leadership. Recognized as an exemplary servant leader, John received the prestigious Hidalgo Award of Bexar County, Texas, in 2015.
Co-founding the social enterprise Icon Talks, he empowers society through div
John is a prominent social philanthropist from El Paso, Texas, leverages his rich background in nonprofit, business, and community leadership. Recognized as an exemplary servant leader, John received the prestigious Hidalgo Award of Bexar County, Texas, in 2015.
Co-founding the social enterprise Icon Talks, he empowers society through diverse leadership stories, featuring celebrities like Chaka Khan and Tip “TI” Harris.
Serving as the Executive Director at Icon to Ican, a nonprofit fostering equity, John has initiated successful community programs in San Antonio, connecting celebrities and local leaders with at-risk students. His commitment to youth development extends to roles on boards of local charitable nonprofits, emphasizing his dedication to community contribution and leadership alongside his wife, Melissa Hartsfield, as they raise their son, Preston Hartsfield.
Vanessa is a native of vibrant Mexico City, charted her entrepreneurial journey from an early age when she delved into the world of business. In the dynamic environment of entrepreneurship, she honed her skills in accounting, bookkeeping, and management, fostering a keen sense of business acumen.
Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Vaness
Vanessa is a native of vibrant Mexico City, charted her entrepreneurial journey from an early age when she delved into the world of business. In the dynamic environment of entrepreneurship, she honed her skills in accounting, bookkeeping, and management, fostering a keen sense of business acumen.
Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Vanessa embarked on a quest to find her ideal venture in 2019. Undeterred by the challenges presented by the global pandemic, she persevered, and in July 2022 she opened Chill N Nitrogen Ice Cream store in San Antonio.
Vanessa Richaud stands out not only for her business achievements but also for the remarkable milestone of becoming a franchise owner at the age of 21. A trailblazing Latina, she defied expectations and demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. Her story exemplifies the embodiment of youth, determination, and success, marking her as a rising star in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Mr. Herrera a licensed attorney, began his career at Thomas J. Henry in 2009 as Marketing Manager, handling advertising and brand development. In subsequent roles, he advanced to Marketing Director, introducing the firm's distinctive ad campaign style, and later became Director of Marketing, Public Relations, and Employee Relations, overs
Mr. Herrera a licensed attorney, began his career at Thomas J. Henry in 2009 as Marketing Manager, handling advertising and brand development. In subsequent roles, he advanced to Marketing Director, introducing the firm's distinctive ad campaign style, and later became Director of Marketing, Public Relations, and Employee Relations, overseeing business development projects.
Currently, as Executive Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, Mr. Herrera leads initiatives to support Thomas J. Henry's strategic growth, focusing on brand promotion, client experience enhancement, and staff productivity.
Dr. A, founder of the Advanced Pain Relief Institute and Better Living Wellness Institute in San Antonio, is a leading figure in pain management. With a medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center, he specializes in advanced interventional pain management techniques, including traditional and ultrasound-guided appro
Dr. A, founder of the Advanced Pain Relief Institute and Better Living Wellness Institute in San Antonio, is a leading figure in pain management. With a medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center, he specializes in advanced interventional pain management techniques, including traditional and ultrasound-guided approaches, stimulator placement, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Alvarado ensures clear communication with his patients, helping them understand and navigate their treatment plans.
Rosie Gonzalez was born in Brownsville, Texas and lives in San Antonio, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government from St. Mary's University in 1987 and a J.D. degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in 2001. She graduated from the Women's Campaign School at Yale University.
Gonzalez's career experie
Rosie Gonzalez was born in Brownsville, Texas and lives in San Antonio, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government from St. Mary's University in 1987 and a J.D. degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in 2001. She graduated from the Women's Campaign School at Yale University.
Gonzalez's career experience includes working as a child abuse investigator, gang counselor, juvenile probation officer, and as an attorney at her private practice, the Law Office of Rosa Maria Gonzalez.
Houston native Roderick Batson, a 2005 Mayde Creek High School graduate, excelled in football and track at Texas Lutheran University. After earning a sociology degree with a pre-law minor in 2009, he pursued a Master's in mental health psychology at the University of Houston in 2012. Transitioning from roles at Enterprise Car Rental and
Houston native Roderick Batson, a 2005 Mayde Creek High School graduate, excelled in football and track at Texas Lutheran University. After earning a sociology degree with a pre-law minor in 2009, he pursued a Master's in mental health psychology at the University of Houston in 2012. Transitioning from roles at Enterprise Car Rental and Child Protective Services, Rod entered medical sales in 2013, marking the start of his impactful journey. In 2016, he founded a distribution company and, in July 2021, opened Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, prioritizing employment for individuals with special needs. Devoted to family and community, Rod actively contributes to non-profits and owns Essential Speech ABA and Noir Trucking.
EVENT MC
Azariah Anderson is a dedicated student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English at Trinity University, anticipating graduation in May 2025. Originating from Houston and St. Louis, Azariah shines in leadership as the President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, an Admissions Ambassador, and a key advisor for Breaking Down Wal
EVENT MC
Azariah Anderson is a dedicated student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English at Trinity University, anticipating graduation in May 2025. Originating from Houston and St. Louis, Azariah shines in leadership as the President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, an Admissions Ambassador, and a key advisor for Breaking Down Walls. His dedication to inclusivity is prominent through his active involvement in the Black Student Union. In the realm of creativity, Azariah is not only a writer working for the Trinity Review but also an accomplished author of "AZRH VOL 1," a compelling collection of poetry. His musical talents flourish as a passionate music producer and student DJ, alongside his athletic prowess as a track team member.
PANEL HOST
Vanessa Turney, start-up small business strategist and entrepreneur, is Founder of award winning Crane the Agency. Her experience in business and brand development helped pave the way for recent venture Blü Prime Steakhouse, where she is a Founding and Managing Partner. Open in November of 2023, Blü Prime was recently named Expr
PANEL HOST
Vanessa Turney, start-up small business strategist and entrepreneur, is Founder of award winning Crane the Agency. Her experience in business and brand development helped pave the way for recent venture Blü Prime Steakhouse, where she is a Founding and Managing Partner. Open in November of 2023, Blü Prime was recently named Express News #1 Steakhouse in San Antonio. In addition, her own creative industry awards include two prestigious national A.R.T. Awards for design/brand development and innovation.
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