Topic: Speakers

January 28, 2016

Diversity activist and co-star of “Breaking Bad” RJ Mitte and entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheila C. Johnson are included in the spring lineup of speakers at Ball State University.

RJ Mitte

Mitte, an inspirational speaker, will discuss how he overcame obstacles such as bullying to achieve his goals. His presentation is at 7:30 p.m. March 21 in Pruis Hall.

Like the character Walt Jr. on “Breaking Bad,” Mitte has cerebral palsy. He is the youth spokesperson for the National Disability Institute's Real Economic Impact Tour, which works to improve the financial situation of low-income people with disabilities. Mitte also is involved in several organizations that raise awareness of equality and diversity.

Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts and co-founder of the BET network, will discuss her career as an entrepreneur and business leader at 7:30 p.m. March 28 in Emens Auditorium.

Sheila C. Johnson

Johnson is also vice chairwoman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment and has ownership in three professional sports teams. She is president, managing partner and governor of the WNBA's Washington Mystics, a position she assumed before the 2005 season.

From 2006 to 2009, Johnson served as global ambassador for CARE, a leading humanitarian organization that fights global poverty by empowering women.

Presentations by Mitte and Johnson are part of Ball State’s Excellence in Leadership (EIL) Speaker Series.

Other speakers

Also visiting campus this spring will be:

  • Shubham Banerjee, a 14-year-old, will discuss life as Silicon Valley’s youngest entrepreneur at 7:30 p.m. March 30 in Pruis Hall. His startup, Braigo Labs, has received an investment from Intel Capital, and the teen is considered the youngest entrepreneur to receive venture capital.
  • Amy Webb, American futurist and author, will discuss the future of journalism at 7:30 p.m. April 14 in Pruis Hall. She is the founder of Webbmedia Group Digital Strategy. Forbes named her one of the Women Changing the World. In 2012, she was named one of Columbia Journalism Review's "20 Women to Watch.”

All presentations are free and open to the public.