Biography
Recognized as Legacy Magazine’s 40 under 40, The Miami Times’ New Generation of Dreamers, and Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders, Matthew A. Pigatt became the youngest elected official in South Florida in 2016 as Commissioner for the City of Opa-locka. In 2018, he defeated legacy politicians to become Mayor. Mayor Pigatt graduated magna cum laude from Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies and Psychology. As the first in his family to go away to college, Mayor Pigatt earned over $100,000 while in school and participated in international research training programs in Paris, France and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He conducted national award-winning research at UC-Berkeley, Emory, and Morehouse on high-achieving Black men. After returning home he organized the Juvenile Justice Committee of People Acting for Community Together which assisted in the elimination of out-of-school suspension in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Currently, Mayor Pigatt chairs the premier mentoring program for boys in South Florida, the 100 Black Men of South Florida Leadership Academy, the same program that saved his life as a child. He is the founder of the annual South Florida HBCU Picnic, founder of the Sankofa Cypher: An Africana History, Culture, and Thought Group, and author of The Academic HustleTM: The Ultimate Game Plan for Scholarships, Internships, and Job Offers.
Speaking Topics
The Academic Hustle: The Game Plan for Scholarships, Internships, & Job Offers for Life
Matthew A. Pigatt shares his journey of being a juvenile delinquent with a 2.1 high school GPA and entering college on academic probation with 100% loans. Then graduating magna cum laude with over $100,000 in scholarships, fellowships, and awards that took him all over the country and the world. Matthew details the obstacles, hilarious awakenings, and awe-inspiring triumphs encountered while sharing the insights from his national award-winning research on high-achievers. Through this engaging presentation, audience members will leave- Inspired to surmount any personal or professional challenges- With a game plan to secure scholarships for school- Ready to implement strategies to empower their career developmentType: Keynote, Workshop, Full-day trainingTopics covered: Resilience, Mentorship, Finding Passion, Strategic Planning, Leadership
5,000 Years of African History Before Slavery
Human beings have inhabited the planet for hundreds of thousands of years. Yet, our knowledge of their stories only goes back 5,000 years. In this presentation, Matthew guides the audience on a journey of the human experience throughout the ages. Inspiring examples of human potential and accomplishment many leaders have used for personal and community empowerment are dramatically illustrated. Matthew will take you on a journey that will help you:- Learn how Black History is Human history that spans across the globe- Identify African civilizations and people for further study on each continent- See your role in the human storyType: Keynote, Workshop, Full-day trainingTopics covered: Self-confidence, Community Service, Leadership, Black History
Matthew’s message
Each of us has something special to offer this world. Success depends on the ability to utilize our value for the benefit of the community.
Matthew’s strategies make sure you leverage your gifts by:
- Identifying your unique value to the world
- Capitalizing your value to secure funding for your career development.
- Cultivating leadership qualities through service.
- Transforming life experiences and ancestral wisdom into high-achievement.
- Becoming a gift to your community.
Chairman Emeritus
The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. has mentored thousands of youth to career achievement. Matthew is one of our best. Through The Academic Hustle, he distills the wisdom gained from his national award-winning research on our members and his personal transformation into a manual for excellence in education and beyond.
Albert Dotson, Esq. -100 Black Men of America, Inc.
Director of Equity and Academic Attainment
“If parents and students follow this game plan, they will not have to worry about money for school or what to do after graduation. The Academic Hustle truly is the ultimate game plan for academic achievement.”
David Watkins-Broward Public Schools
School Board Member
Matthew Pigatt in The Academic Hustle provides a clear pathway for urban youth toward higher education and a positive, productive life of prosperity. It should be used as a blueprint for urban youth who seek to overcome the financial hurdles of higher education.
Dr. Steve Gallon-Miami Dade Public Schools
Campus Director
Anybody looking to go into the career field, anybody who is looking to change their lives, getting out of unemployment…and getting into the career choice they want to get into…it goes with this!
Russ Battiata-College of Business & Technology
Chief Executive Officer
You really made us feel that we have the ability to do those things, those steps to be successful in seeking college scholarships.
Sanda Williams, PhD.-Q-Q Research Consultants
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“Once you understand the game,
all you have to do is hustle.”
