<p>RJ Mitte engages, educates and inspires with candid discussion of transforming obstacles into assets and preventing bullying.</p><p>RJ is best known for playing Walt Jr. on the Emmy-winning AMC drama <i>Breaking Bad</i>, – like his character on the show, he also battles with cerebral palsy. In addition to that star-making role, RJ has appeared on the big and small screen, captivating audiences on Showtime’s <i>Weeds</i>, NBC’s <i>Vegas,</i> Freeform’s <i>Switched at Birth</i> and CW’s <i>Everybody Hates Chris</i>. Throughout his rise to fame, his cerebral palsy has never deterred his drive to succeed or stopped him from doing what he loves.</p><p>With the mission of removing the stigma associated with disability, RJ has become a passionate activist, serving as celebrity youth ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and several other causes. On stage, RJ draws from his experiences on and off camera to engage students in important discussion about diversity and acceptance. As he talks about his strategies for overcoming adversity, including being bullied, he demonstrates how through hard work and determination you can boldly and triumphantly set and achieve any goal.</p>
Co-Star of AMC's <em>Breaking Bad</em> & Equality and Diversity Activist
<ul><li><strong>Overcoming Adversity: Turning a Disadvantage to an Advantage</strong></li><li>RJ Mitte has worked his entire life to not only overcome but triumph over his disability. Born with mild cerebral palsy, the health struggles Mitte experienced early in life were compounded when he became a victim of school bullying. Upon hearing that bullying was at the root of several teen suicides in 2010, Mitte began speaking out on the topic via YouTube and in the media. He is now a role model for anyone who has faced difficulty and gone on to accomplish greatness in their lives. From bullying victim to Hollywood actor in a hit show, Mitte has turned his disability into an asset, and delivers an inspirational message to campus audiences to never let anything hold you back -- you can make of your life whatever you want.</li><li><strong>On and Off-Screen Inclusivity of People of All Abilities</strong></li><li>Exploring the importance of ensuring that on-screen and off-screen environments accurately represent how our world looks, inclusive of those of all abilities. As the conversations around diversity becomes more prevalent in the way casting is handled, RJ discusses how the media industry can grow to be more inclusive, and what the areas of opportunity are. The significance of people of all abilities seeing themselves represented on screen and in behind-the-scenes entertainment industry careers is so important, so sharing his ideas on what it will take for more authentic on-screen portrayals of cognitive, speech, developmental, and mobility disabilities has become even more necessary today. </li><li>Also, he moved to Texas! He is doing a lot of work for his family legacy project, The Mitte Cultural District on behalf of the Mitte Foundation, while flying back and forth to LA for acting work.</li><li><strong>Creating Your Own Authentic Brand</strong></li><li>If there’s anyone who embodies the importance of individuality and being your true authentic self, it’s RJ Mitte. As an actor, model, and producer, RJ has demonstrated the value of embracing individuality and owning your own brand. RJ encourages audiences to be entrepreneurial and to realize their own personal strengths and uniqueness, all while inspiring and positively representing millions around the world who live with disabilities. In his talk, RJ leaves audiences inspired to create their own personal brand by sharing his unique insights including how to build a career from the ground up, how to embrace individual advantages, and what pitfalls to avoid.</li></ul>