Inspirational Speaker Brings Luncheon Audience To Their Feet

Motivational speaker Calvin Mackie drew a standing ovation from the luncheon audience as he described the obstacles he has overcome in his life and urged conference attendees to never give up hope as they work to help their clients.

Mackie, a New Orleans native, explained how hard work, determination and hope allowed him to overcome an impoverished background and low SAT scores to become a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and earn a PhD in mechanical engineering.

In acknowledging the problems that tight budgets cause for many social service programs, Mackie urged the audience to learn to do more with less. He reminded the audience of the people who depend on their programs. "As long as you have hope you can make a difference," Mackie said.