ABOUT
TO SUCCEED, STUDENTS MUST BECOME THINKERS, NOT JUST TEST-TAKERS
Attorney – Professor – Entrepreneur – Best-Selling Author – Succes Coach – Motivational Speaker
Richard Anthony Celestin is a graduate of The City University of New York School of Law. While at CUNY Law, he focused his studies on criminal defense and juvenile justice. Prior to entering law school, and since becoming an attorney, he has directed his work towards underrepresented and at-risk youth via the not-for-profit sector and with alternative-to-detention programs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. He offers his knowledge and insight into the juvenile and criminal justice areas by participating in panel discussions and conducting workshops throughout New York City addressing issues and concerns that affect communities of color, primarily the rising arrest and incarceration rates of youth of color. Richard also serves as a consultant for various organizations seeking to develop youth-based programs within the community, practices various areas of the law, and is an adjunct professor at two CUNY colleges, teaching public speaking, critical thinking, criminal justice and social justice.
In addition to working with youth involved in the juvenile and criminal justice systems, Mr. Celestin created a limited liability corporation, Richard Celestin Consulting Group, LLC, for the purposes of developing and providing legal skill development, self-awareness, youth empowerment, and consequential thinking programs to elementary, middle and high school students in NYC, Long Island and New Jersey, particularly with youth of color. Under the LLC, Richard operates the Young Debaters Program, which has been implemented in over 100 schools and focuses on teaching students the skills behind debate and oral advocacy.
As a motivational speaker, Richard has over 12 years experience providing relevant, passionate and empowering workshops and speeches to youth, young adults, and professionals. Ranging from small, intimate workshops or professional development sessions to large graduations, Richard brings a unique perspective and unmatched energy to his speaking engagements. The key to Richard’s success is that he speaks from personal experience, sharing stories of success and failure that he has lived as opposed to reading about from other sources, which develops trust and respect from the audience.
Mr. Celestin published his first book entitled “The Hard Facts About Soft Skills” in 2019. Targeting pre- and young professionals, the book focuses on the soft skills needed in order to successfully navigate the professional world. These skills include networking, resume development, personal branding and professional handshakes. He hopes to publish additional books in the future. Since publishing his first book he has self-published an e-book entitled “Embracing Adversity: Finding Power and Strength in Life’s Most Challenging Times” in 2020 and was a contributing author in an anthology called “Our Stories, Our Voices: Black Men Speak Their Truth”. His most recent self-published book is entitled “Evolving into Manhood- How to Think, Act and Grow into a Successful Man”, which focuses on replacing negative influences and thought processes with positive and empowering ones for young men.
To learn more about my self-published book, “The Hard Facts About Soft Skills”, which focuses on the critical soft skills necessary to be successful in the professional world, please visit: www.TheHardFactsAboutSoftSkills.com.
To learn about my passion and work as an inspirational speaker, or to learn more about booking me for a motivational session, please visit: www.TheInspirationalLawyer.com.
AWARDS / RECOGNITIONS
Queens Borough President Citation Recipient
Brooklyn Borough President Citation Recipient
Barack Obama Race to the Top Grant Award Recipient
CUNY School of Law Distinguished Public Interest Lawyer Award
CUNY School of Law Black Law Student Association At-Risk Youth Advocacy Award
CUNY School of Law Black Law Student Association Urban Youth Advocacy Award