About the Author

Carl S. McNair is the Founder of the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Foundation, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. The Foundation is named in honor of his brother who died along with six of his astronaut colleagues aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on January 28, 1986. The Foundation is dedicated to developing and implementing educational programs that motivate and encourage students to pursue careers in Science, Mathematics and Technology. Under Carl’s leadership, the Foundation created the Challengers Club Space Camps, the Challengers Club Science Mentoring Educational Program, and the In-Service Teachers Training Program. He also conducts leadership and Space Science workshops for Talent Search and Upward Bound programs across the country. The Foundation’s programs have been featured on CNN, ABC, NBC and CBS television networks and in a variety of news publications.

He is also the Founder and CEO of McNair Achievement Programs whose mission is to help empower aspiring leaders, organizations and individuals to unleash their human potential to achieve their goals and enjoy a life they love. Whether speaking to university audiences, Fortune 500 companies or civic organizations, Carl’s has a passion for helping people succeed and live “a purpose driven life”.

Annually, Carl is asked t o give keynote addresses, workshops and/or conduct seminars for numerous organizations and Trio Programs; this includes over 100 colleges/universities with Ronald E. McNair Scholars Programs, Upward Bound, Talent Search and other educational programs. He has made speaking appearances in over 35 states including Hawaii as well as Puerto Rico. After his brother’s tragic death, Carl began speaking to groups, sharing his brother’s story so that others would find hope, inspiration and the courage to follow their dreams. Carl is known for his inspirational keynote speeches, powerful seminars and exemplary leadership.

He earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial Technology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Carl and his wife, Mary Alice, resides in Atlanta, Georgia and has one daughter, Desiree’.