Patrick Walker-Reese

Patrick Walker-Reese, MPA, is an internationally sought-after keynote speaker, educator, leadership strategist, published author, spoken word artist, and the Founder & Chief Dream BLDR of Aspire, an award-winning human development company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations turn vision into action. A proud graduate of Metro Nashville Public Schools, Patrick earned his diploma from Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School before going on to earn both a Bachelor of Science in History and a Master of Public Administration from Tennessee State University. In 2012, he founded Aspire, an educational consulting and leadership development firm where he designs and leads highly interactive keynote presentations, workshops, curricula, and learning experiences that empower students, educators, professionals, and organizations to reach their fullest potential.

Through Aspire’s nationally recognized Dream BLDRS™ framework, Patrick has inspired thousands of students, educators, executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders while helping schools, universities, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, and professional sports organizations strengthen leadership, culture, and college and career readiness. His work has included partnerships with organizations such as the National Urban League, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Tennessee Titans, Caterpillar Financial, YMCA, New York City Department of Youth & Community Development, Clemson University, the University of the District of Columbia, Jack and Jill of America, Boys & Girls Clubs, Oasis Center, 100 Black Men, and numerous educational, workforce, and community organizations. Patrick is the published author of PATFACTS: Daily Inspiration From One Dreamer to Another and PATFACTS 2: More Than a Dream, and the founder of Aspire Publishing, where his forthcoming book, The Truth About College, will help students and families confidently navigate the college journey.

As the spoken word artist PatPoems, he has released the poetry albums Inspired by Love and Away with words, captivating audiences through powerful storytelling and sold-out performances at venues including City Winery Nashville and the National Museum of African American Music. A recognized community leader, Patrick has developed and scaled youth leadership and development summits in partnership with local, corporate, and national organizations, creating transformational experiences that inspire the next generation of leaders. Whether speaking to a classroom of students or an arena of professionals, Patrick challenges every audience to dream boldly, lead intentionally, and build lives of purpose because he believes, “Your dream isn’t just what you want to do—it’s who you’re willing to become.”