Our Speakers

Chris Draft is a former NFL linebacker whose 12-year professional career was defined by his reputation as a dependable, high-IQ defender and respected locker room leader for teams including the Atlanta Falcons. Off the field, Draft’s influence is equally profound; following the passing of his wife, he founded the Team Draft Foundation to advocate for lung cancer awareness. Today, his transition from NFL veteran to humanitarian leader continues to create lasting change through his commitment to making a difference long after the game.

Micaiah Bell is a Harrison Hoya, Harvard Football alum and University of Oxford Football alum whose football journey has brought great success and taught many lessons. A global public speaker having spoken in 5 countries to date, he brings a rare mix of both local and global leadership. He has taken on leadership roles as Captain, Vice President, Unit Leader, and many more, realizing that leadership traits are transferable and can be developed by anyone. Football has been the main driver of his success in life, and he values the experience of being a student-athlete.

Matthew Hudson is a former Harvard Crimson linebacker, Harvard Economics honors graduate, and University of Memphis master’s graduate. At Memphis, he served as a captain for the nationally ranked Tigers in 2024. At Harvard, he earned multiple leadership and performance honors, including the 2023 Frederick Greeley Crocker Award (Team MVP), the 2023 Buz Crain ’90 Award, the 2023 Summer Leadership Award, the Justin Morgan ’09 Commitment Award, and recognition as a John Harvard Scholar.

Malakai Taft is a Harrison Hoya '20 and 15-0 state champion whose leadership extends well beyond the field. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of West Georgia, he holds two bachelor's degrees in Finance and Accounting, an MBA, and a Master's in Professional Accountancy, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics. Inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma and serving as president of NABA at UWG, Malakai is also the founder of TaftTalkss, an initiative spreading positivity in local communities.

Mack Brown is a former NFL running back with the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings, motivational speaker, and leadership expert. An MBA graduate and PhD candidate in Organizational Leadership, he combines real-world experience with academic insight to help individuals unlock their potential. Mack serves on the board of the JM Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA, is an Ambassador for the American Cancer Society, and is the author of the children's book A Pup Named Bunch, which encourages young readers to build resilience, character, and hope.