April experienced severe postpartum depression after her first pregnancy. After dealing with feelings of guilt and shame, her therapist suggested she begin operating in full transparency about the difficulties of motherhood. It changed her life forever.
Key Takeaways:
April’s parents secretly dealt with drug addiction when she was a child. It wasn’t until years later that this “family secret” would be revealed, and it would significantly impact April’s life. Feelings of doubt and anxiety would follow her for many years until she could finally accept the truth about her family.
Key Takeaways:
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1 in 10 high school students will experience some form of intimate partner violence. From 16 to 19, April endured physical, emotional, and verbal abuse from her partner. She has toured the nation, speaking about the effects of abuse amongst the youth. Abuse can affect anyone.
Key Takeaways:
Learning to embrace one’s past mistakes, failures, and traumas takes tremendous courage and bravery. What if you faced your fears, doubt, and pain head-on instead of running away? Learning to embrace yourself no matter what; is truly freeing. April transparently shares how anyone can fully embrace who they are.
Key Takeaways:
April Hernandez Castillo is an accomplished actress and motivational keynote speaker whose journey from the Bronx to the big screen has become a powerful catalyst for inspiring others. Her breakout performance as the memorable “Yo girl” in the iconic Visa Check Card commercial featuring Yao Ming and Yogi Berra launched a successful entertainment career, ultimately opening the door to her work as a sought-after public speaker.
Raised in a culturally vibrant Bronx community, April developed a strong sense of identity, creativity and determination that shaped both her acting career and her voice as a storyteller. She went on to secure numerous acting roles in film and television while cultivating a reputation for authenticity, emotional depth and relatability. These qualities now define her presence onstage, where she connects deeply with audiences through compelling narratives of struggle, perseverance and triumph.
As a keynote speaker, April specializes in themes of overcoming adversity, embracing personal identity and strengthening resilience. She leverages her own lived experiences, including the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry, to deliver presentations that resonate with corporate teams, educators and student audiences alike. Her ability to translate her story into actionable insights makes her sessions engaging, practical and deeply motivating.
April Hernandez Castillo delivered a captivating closing session at the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence conference in Denver. Reviewers praised her exceptional ability to read the audience's mood and present her personal story with a blend of engagement, humor, and information. Her presentation, which covers themes of trauma, recovery, and victory, left a strong impression, highlighting her power as a speaker. Rita Smith, an international expert on violence against women, highly recommends her for domestic violence awareness events. Overall, users strongly commend her storytelling and impactful delivery.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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