Invite Dr. Rufus Akinrinlola to Speak

Practical tools for turning difficult beginnings into purposeful progress.

Request availability  |  Request speaker sheet (PDF)

Orphaned by age three and a late reader in childhood, Dr. Rufus Akinrinlola went on to earn a PhD. He draws on that journey, his work in science, and his experience as an author, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder to help audiences connect possibility with practical action.

Signature talk

From Setbacks to Success: Build Your Next Chapter

A practical, story-led session for college students, first-generation students, and young adults navigating challenges or transitions. Rufus explores how continued learning, supportive relationships, and intentional daily choices can help people move forward.

Participants will leave with tools to:

  • Choose a next achievable goal and identify one action they can take now.
  • Build consistent learning habits and seek the support needed to keep progressing.
  • Create a 30-day action plan with simple milestones and accountability.

Format: 45-minute talk plus 15-minute Q&A. An interactive workshop version can be discussed, including a participant action-plan worksheet.

Ideal for: student-success programs, first-generation student initiatives, youth organizations, and community learning events.

Additional talks and workshops

BUILD: Turn Intentions into Daily Action

For professional and community groups. Set clear priorities, build consistent habits, and turn meaningful goals into practical next steps.

Own Your Learning. Shape Your Future.

For school and college audiences. Develop effective learning habits, take responsibility for academic progress, and make thoughtful education and career choices.

Grow Your Career with Purpose

For early-career professionals and associations. Identify strengths, keep learning, communicate your value, and connect career decisions with contribution.

About your speaker

Dr. Rufus Akinrinlola is a scientist, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Feed an African Child and Wise Farmer. He earned his PhD in Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Through Better Impacts, he shares practical ideas on personal development, education, resilience, and purposeful success. Read his story.

Plan your event

Based in Wisconsin. In-person and virtual sessions are available by arrangement. Content and delivery can be tailored to your audience; fees and travel requirements are discussed with each organizer.

To request availability: email rakinrinlola@gmail.com with your event date, audience and approximate size, location or online format, preferred topic, session length, and budget if known.