Edson O’Neale – Greek University

Edson O'Neale

Higher education professional and speaker helping students use vulnerability, purpose, and cross-council collaboration to lead with impact.

As a higher ed professional for close to 15 years, Edson O’Neale was asked by one of his students, “Have you ever thought about going into speaking and speaking at other colleges and universities?” That student believed that the information that Edson was providing for students on campus was very valuable, and other students at different campuses across the country needed to hear it. So with his extensive experience supporting areas such as Admissions, Advising, Student Success, Student Government, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Activities, and now Career Services; he is here to support you and your endeavors of creating a strong and inclusive community.

Edson has spoken at numerous conferences and universities, motivating and bringing the best out of students and advisors through his interactive talks and passion for being a servant leader. Edson has several diverse workshops which range from supporting Divine Nine and Multicultural groups, developing strong cross council collaborations, and cultural competencies. He also shares his story of resiliency and gets raw about his issues with depression and how being vulnerable allowed him to be free to become the champion that he is meant to be.

Edson gains his strength and his passion to serve people from his family deriving from his Caribbean heritage and background. As well the mission and values his dear fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. bestowed to him. As a huge Spider Man fan, one of his favorite quotes is “With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility.” Edson’s great power is to serve, give back, support, and to motivate others to be great. Edson feels that it is his responsibility to share his experiences and resources to others. So, let’s stop getting in our own way and let’s get to business. Hire Ed!

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4 Presentations
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Contact Info

Email: edson@greekuniversity.org

Phone: 407-963-0363

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To book Edson for your campus or conference: bookings@greekuniversity.org

Watch Edson’s Introduction!

Presentations

PRESENTATION: Champions in the Making – Unleashing your True Super Power through Vulnerability

Have you ever felt that showing your true self might weaken your leadership? Have you ever felt that you are not being heard? Have you ever felt like the smallest person in the room? In a world that often rewards toughness, we are told that you should not express any form of Vulnerability as it is perceived as showing weakness, lack of self worth, and not allowing you to grow as an individual. On the other hand, according to well renowned speaker, author and professor, Brene Brown, “Vulnerability is uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure but vulnerability is not weakness; it is the most accurate measure of courage.”

“Champions in the Making – Unleashing your True Super Power through Vulnerability” will challenge you to rethink what it means to lead authentically as we will explore vulnerability as an undervalued yet powerful leadership trait. Edson will courageously share his personal journey through depression and suicidal ideation, offering a raw and honest reflection on overcoming adversity. By examining his own leadership traits through the lens of superhero qualities, he’ll reveal how vulnerability can amplify qualities like courage, resilience, and empathy, empowering each of us to be our own champion. So if you would like to be a part of a real, raw, eye opening presentation, touch on the importance of mental health, and to add some talk about super heroes this presentation is for you. You might not think that would be a good mix, but trust me when I say it all comes together.

Let’s discover how embracing vulnerability can transform you into a stronger leader by unlocking your full potential to unleash your true super power. In order to unleash your super power you must embrace the power of vulnerability to be your outlet and through this belief, Edson will share his story and express how being vulnerable has allowed him to find his true superpower to become the champion that he is today.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation; participants will be able to:

1. See the value and importance of Vulnerability in leadership

2. To define their own Story

3. Relate leadership traits to superhero archetypes.

4. Recognize vulnerability as tool for empowering others.

5. Navigate finding your voice within your chapter/organization

6. Create a culture for growth, dialogue, and support

7. Overcoming challenges to become your own champion

PRESENTATION: United in Rhythm: The Legacy of Stepping and Strolling and Cross-Organizational Collaboration

When was the last time you held a discussion about the history of Stepping and Strolling and what does it mean to you? These are conversation we are not having anymore therefore losing the essence of the history of our Divine Nine and Multicultural Organizations, Why aren’t these conversations happening? Where is the education and collaborations amongst councils on your campuses? By having these conversations, you would understand that Stepping and strolling are more than just performances—they are cultural traditions rooted in history, unity, and resilience.

As members of fraternity and sorority life, it is essential to understand the origins of these art forms, their significance within our organizations, and how they foster a sense of identity and pride. Beyond the moves and rhythms, stepping and strolling serve as powerful tools for connection and collaboration across councils. This session will explore the historical foundations of these traditions, highlight the importance of inter-council education and respect, and provide strategies for fostering meaningful partnerships among culturally based and historically rooted Greek-letter organizations. Join us as we celebrate tradition, promote collaboration, and strengthen our collective impact in fraternity and sorority life.

Learning objectives: After this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the historical origins of stepping and strolling

2. Recognize the cultural impact of stepping and strolling

3. Understand the importance of cross-council collaboration

4. Create an action plan for implementing cross-council initiatives

PRESENTATION: From Letters to Legacy: Reclaiming Your Why and Defining Your Path

Joining a fraternity or sorority is a transformative experience, but over time, many members lose sight of their initial “why”—the passion and purpose that led them to their organization in the first place. When this happens, members may disengage, contribute less, or even walk away entirely.

This session will challenge you to reflect on your Greek life journey, explore the reasons members lose their sense of purpose, and discuss actionable strategies to reclaim it. Through open dialogue and self-reflection, we’ll create a space for honest conversations about how to reignite your commitment, redefine your impact, and leave a lasting legacy within your chapter. Whether you’re a new member or a seasoned leader, this presentation will equip you with the mindset and tools to thrive in your organization and beyond.

1. Identify the personal motivations and values that led them to join their fraternity or sorority.

2. Analyze common reasons why members lose their sense of purpose and engagement within their organization.

3. Reflect on their current level of commitment and contribution to their chapter.

4. Develop strategies to reconnect with their “why” and reignite their passion for their organization.

5. Create a personal action plan to enhance their Greek life experience and build a meaningful legacy.

6. Engage in open and honest conversations about challenges within their chapter and ways to foster a stronger sense of community.

7. Commit to being intentional about personal growth and leadership within their organization.

PRESENTATION: Healing and Thriving: Your Scars Tell a Story, But Don’t Write Your Future

Ever been in a situation where you feel everything is going in an amazing direction and you are as happiest you can be? You are so happy you feel you are on top of the world and then all of a sudden you get hit with a ton of bricks, or something happens unexpectedly and everything changes, or even you get seriously hurt or injured. Nothing can really prepare you for these types of situation and it can be very daunting to handle, but those situations do have to defy to you for who you are. So instead of thinking of how bad your life is right now, get up, dust yourself off, and embrace the scars.

Learning Objectives: After this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Navigate avenues to overcome adversity

2. Be resilient in those tough situations

3. To not run from challenges but to embrace it

4. Accepting the losses, but celebrating the wins

Photos

Testimonials

“I attended the American Student Government Association conference in 2021. I attended a couple seminars but the one that stood out to me was Edson O’Neale. He did a seminar on vulnerability which intrigued me because sometimes men have a hard time expressing themselves and being vulnerable. I loved his approach and his back story. He kept his audience interested by asking engaging questions and allowing the audience to answer freely. He made his space comfortable to be in. All too often these young men are pulled out of their element into unfamiliar territory without the proper guidance. I believe Mr. O’Neale will be a great influence on these men.”

“Edson creates a good space for reflection and conversation, promotes self awareness, goal setting, and beneficial conversation!”

“Edson’s program is insightful, and allows you to extrapolate identity traits and apply it towards your approach to relationships and conflict resolution”

“Edson was very engaging and helpful. The content was useful and yielded actionable work for implementation in my own program.”