Hope Dealer and Award-Winning Motivational Speaker
“Frederick Shegog is a unique and powerful storyteller combining real-world experience and a solution-focused message that all people need to hear.”
—Greg Williams
Filmmaker of The Anonymous People
Frederick “Freddy” Shegog is a man who knows all too well about the struggles of this world. In his early twenties, he watched his future dreams fade away as substance use disorder and mental illness took over his life. The next decade of his life would be a rough journey that included dumpster diving, panhandling, and homelessness. He emerged as a successful college graduate and “hope dealer.” In 2018 Shegog founded his own motivational-speaking company, The Message LLC, to make a difference in the world and “sell hope for a living.” An inspiring public speaker dedicated to sharing his transformational journey to recovery, Shegog has graced the stages of educational conferences, colleges, and venues nationwide, delivering keynotes that resonate with audiences from all walks of life. His life story, documented in the Chronicle of Higher Education, “The Redemption of Frederick Shegog,” earned the Education Writers Award for a feature story, was featured on Fox-TV and ABC-TV., and he was awarded Philadelphia Region’s Black Men Icon of 2020.
Shegog’s “What is Your Legacy?” keynote, which is the foundation for all the talks he gives, has been sought nationwide and nationally recognized at some of the most prestigious conferences, colleges, and businesses. As Shegog says, “We only get one life so why not make it the best experience possible? Let’s lay the groundwork for leaving a legacy that will change the world.” He gives a guided tutorial filled with motivation, passion, and pain driven energy that inspires audiences to create their lasting legacy. “What is Your Legacy?” has been delivered all over the country at a plethora events and tailored to each event’s goals. His speaking portfolio displays depth, wisdom, and the ability to connect with every variety of audience. As one college President stated, “Frederick started a national conversation after his keynote and resonated deeply with our students when we were honored to have him.”
Shegog’s impact extends beyond the podium as he actively contributes to community outreach initiatives. As a member of multiple boards, including the Student’s Recovery Board and the Board of B.H.I., he supports initiatives focused on equity, justice, substance use disorders, and mental health conditions in teens. Shegog’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset is evident in his consulting role with the Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy in Aurora, Colorado. His influence reaches legislative corridors, as he played a vital role in the passage of the Pennsylvania Hunger Free Campus Bill through his participation in press conferences with Governor Tom Wolfe.
Shegog is a proud honors graduate of Delaware County Community College and a summa cum laude alumnus of West Chester University, where he also served as the commencement speaker. He earned his M.P.A. from West Chester, which he will use to influence policy for affecting change. Having toured the country speaking, Shegog remains deeply passionate about the future, particularly the impact on youth, stating, “College should not only change your bank account but your soul as well!”
Applause for Frederick Shegog’s Motivational Talks
“Our annual national conference focuses on professional development for those serving our children and youth experiencing homelessness in our public schools. While Frederick’s message and experiences directly related to our conference theme and purpose, Frederick’s story and message resonate with everyone seeking purpose and making a mark . . . on their legacy.”
—Tisha R. Tallman, Executive Director, National Association
for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
“Freddy is a gifted speaker with an essential message to share. . . Booking Freddy to speak should be a requirement nationwide; he truly is incredible.”
—Christine Morris, Administrative Director of Educational Partnerships,
Montgomery County Community College
“Freddy connected with our students, who share many of his experiences and life challenges. . . and helped motivate them to achieve their goals and realize their dreams. Freddy Shegog is a gifted speaker and an inspirational human being! I recommend him for college and other appearances with the most tremendous enthusiasm!”
—Christopher M. Reber, President, Hudson County Community College
“If you are looking for a keynote speaker to remind you of your blessings, how to treat people, uplift others, and speak to your heart….Freddy is your guy. . . In short, he will bless you with his presence!”
—Fred Hawkins, President South Florida State College
“Freddy Shegog is a charismatic and authentic speaker who blessed us twice last year with appearances. On our campus, he shares the trials and tribulations of his life journey, redemption, commitment to faith and family, and dedication to uplifting and energizing others.”
—Jonathan Peri, Ph.D., J.D, President Manor College
“Frederick shared his life story with the conference participants in a way that motivated them to want to make a difference in the lives of those they interact with on a daily basis. I highly recommend Frederick as a motivational speaker for any conference or team-building event. He is amazing!”
—Priscilla Childress, Director, New Student Orientation,
Family Programs and Student Affairs Special Events
“Freddy’s journey from homelessness and addiction to becoming an empowered advocate for education is nothing short of inspiring. His raw, authentic storytelling captivated our faculty, staff, and students, leaving an indelible impression on all who attended. Freddy not only engaged our audience but empowered us to continue making a difference in the lives of our students. His message is compelling, impactful, and absolutely necessary in today’s educational landscape.”
—Dr. Janet N. Spriggs, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Forsyth Tech Community College
“Frederick Shegog really caught our audience’s attention the entire time he spoke. It was fantastic to hear from a former student who was willing to speak about his trials and tribulations, what worked for him, and how he’s been able to make a successful career through persistence and perseverance. We need more speakers like Frederick!”
—Edward J. Leach, Executive Director,
National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development
“To say that Freddy is an inspirational speaker is a complete understatement. He came to speak to my school of ‘at-risk’ teens; those students hung on every word he said. He moved them with his story of troubles, hard work, and triumph. He connected with the students because they, too, have troubles, and they appreciated having someone they could relate to share his honest story. . . I highly recommend asking Frederick Shegog to speak to your group. He is real. He is honest. He is inspirational.”
—L. Newman, Acting Principal, SYA Media, PA
“Freddy Shegog delivers a real-life-based message of hope, inspiration, and recovery. His presentation pushes back powerfully against the hopelessness and despair that mark the disease of drug and alcohol addiction. Every word from his mouth is filled with passion, compassion, and commitment to protecting his fellow brothers and sisters from contracting this deadly disease.”
—Gary Tennis, President, National Alliance
for Model State Drug Laws (NAMSDL)
“Frederick used his past as an example and, as a result, could connect with our students. He was inspiring! Students left Mr. Shegog’s presentation motivated and encouraged.”
—Ann Jamison, Office of the President
Clarion University of Pennsylvania“Frederick is an incredible example of what it means to dig deep inside yourself and own your story, rewriting the narrative into something you can not only feel proud of but that you can harness into a positive light for others. His message needs to be heard far and wide so that when people see themselves in him, they will know that they, too, can unapologetically own their story and rewrite their ending. His formal accomplishments are impressive, and yet it is his humanity, humility, and authenticity that will win you over!”
—Laura Burke, M.Ed., Founding Principal at
Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy
