Nathaniel Gadsden "If it is to be, it's up to me." Comapny: Life Esteem, Inc. Location: Harrisburg, PA Website: www.nathanielgadsden.com

Biography:
Nathaniel Gadsden, born October 3, 1950 and raised in Harrisburg, PA, is a perfect example of someone who has overcome poverty, a poor self-image, and learning problems, to successfully complete college, enjoy a profitable and rewarding career, and raise a solid family. He credits Jesus Christ, who is the head of his life, his grandmother, and countless "heros" whom he has had the pleasure to work and create with over the years.

He has been an outstanding track & field athlete, and basketball player in his youth. He is an awarding Poet, who was named Poet Laureate of Harrisburg, PA, by Mayor Stephen R. Reed, 1998-2002. He is the creator of "Nathaniel Gadsden's Writers Wordshop" (1997 - Present), which provides a platforum for Poets and Writers to present their works on a weekly-basis, after-school programs, writing workshops, and a youth leadership program. Nathaniel and his wife, Patricia, host an award winning weekly television program called "Life Esteem" which airs on CBS affiliate WHP-TV 21 in Harrisburg,PA, and WHBG-TV 20 in Harrisburg. Nathaniel is also host of "Profiles" an award winning weekly radio program on 95.3 FM The Touch.

Nathaniel is Founder and Senior Pastor of Imani African Christian Church, in Harrisburg. He is also Founder and Director of the Life Esteem Chaplains and Spiritual Directors Training Institute. Nathaniel currently works as Community Impact Manager for the United Way of the Capital Region. He is retired from the Pennsylvania Deptarment of Education, where he served as State Director of the Higher Education Equal Opportunity Program (Act 101). He has been a counselor for Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, and Pennacle Health Hospice. He has traveled around the world to such places as Cuba, Lebanon, Africa, France, as a working Journalist. For the past 22 years he has served as a faculty member of the Robert Lynch Student Leadership Conference, which is an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education. He is an adjunct Instructor for Harrisburg Area Community college. Nathaniel has presented widely to various groups as a motivational speaker, commencent Keynote Speaker, panelist, and guest Preacher. He writes a column for Women Connect Magazine, which his wife, Patricia, is the founder and Editor-in-Chief. They are the parents of six children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Nathaniel is currently on the Board of Directors for the Perry County Housing Partnership, and Leadership Harrisburg. He is also a member of Rotary International, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He has been the commencent speaker for a branch campus of Penn State University. He has managed a ten million dollar budget, as the State Director of the Higher Education Equal Opportuinty Program (Act 101), with the PA Department of Education. In this capacity he managed the Act 101 Association which represented 80 colleges and universities through-out Pennsylvania.

Nathaiel has developed a very successful Christian Counseling agency. He receives referrals from county Judges and Human Service agencies, to work with families and individuals. He has extensive experience working with difficult teenagers. He has developed an effective writing workshop that uses poetry and creative writing to help participants find their voice, and establish goals for themselves.

Nathaniel is available for speaking engagements, especially motivational, spiritual, and African American related topics are of interest to him. He is also very interested in youth and criminal justice related issues.

Availability:
Available as a motivational speaker to students 3rd grade through grad-school, churches, and community organizations.