ARE YOU READY TO BECOME FIT TO LEAD?
THURSDAY
April 10, 2025
Neumann University
Bruder Life Center
2 Neumann Drive
Aston, PA 19014
Learn from dynamic and engaging leaders as they share their experiences in and out of the arena.
Fit to Lead is a one-day, in-person leadership conference for high school and college student-athletes. The conference will address contemporary issues that impact a student-athlete being a leader and role model on and off the playing field. Sessions will be presented in large and small-group settings led by outstanding motivational speakers, professional athletes, college facilitators, and Snider alumni. Special guest speakers will share inspirational messages, stories of overcoming adversity, and utilizing the power of positive influence.
There is no fee to register for the Fit to Lead conference.
CHRIS PRONGER
Chris Pronger is considered one of the greatest defensemen to ever play in the
NHL. Over his 18-year Hall of Fame career, Pronger established himself as a
dominant force known for his physical play, elite defensive skills, and scoring
prowess from the blue line. He is the winner of the James Norris Trophy and the
Hart Trophy as league MVP both in 2000. In 2007, he led the Anaheim Ducks to
their first-ever Stanley Cup championship. In addition to his Stanley Cup ring,
Pronger's trophy case includes two Olympic Gold medals won as a member of
Team Canada in 2002 and 2010, making him one of only 29 members of the
exclusive "Triple Gold Club." It’s no wonder Chris was also named one of the
100 Greatest NHL Players in history, cementing his legacy as one of the premier
defensemen to ever play the game.
Chris’ storied career has been chronicled by the likes of ESPN, Sports Illustrated,
The Athletic and many more. Even since retiring from the NHL, his insights have
been featured in outlets like Forbes, CNN and MSNBC. Pronger now directs his
attention and competitive edge to being an in-demand resource for
organizations around the world. He is a highly successful founder, entrepreneur
and speaker, where he inspires audiences with lessons from his Hall of Fame
career and insights on achieving excellence through teamwork, unrelenting
preparation, and perseverance.
The same intensity, passion and experience that millions came to expect in NHL
arenas is the hallmark of every speech by Chris Pronger. Through memorable
stories from his decorated playing days and lessons learned in building his own
enterprises, Pronger proves that championship cultures are built when driven
individuals consistently rise to overcome obstacles. Chris is on a mission to help
driven leaders become the difference makers in their team and organizations.
BRANDON GRAHAM
Brandon Graham is a 2x Super Bowl Champion and All-Pro defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles. Currently in his 15th year, he is the longest tenured active player on the Eagles' roster. He hopes to remain deeply involved in the Greater Philadelphia community when he retires with a special interest in helping youth make healthy and wise choices in life. Brandon joined Snider's Board of Directors in 2022.
Brandon’s foundation, Team Graham, offers its time and resources to various organizations and causes – including mentoring for boys and girls, providing clothing for and feeding the homeless and needy families. He has supported the Police Athletic League through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign. He played youth football in the Detroit PAL league while growing up.
2025 FIT TO LEAD KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
CONFERENCE MODERATORS
EVERETT HOLLYWOOD JACKSON
In 2019, Everett Jackson, Mr. Hollywood DJ, joined the Philadelphia Flyers as the in-arena hype host. His role with the team is to pump the energy in the stadium up to maximum levels. You can catch Hollywood starting with the pregame show all the way through the entire game; getting the crowd pumped, delivering messages from sponsors, and emceeing activities for big prizes.
With a background in television, Mr. Hollywood DJ appeared in several movies and TV shows as well as appearances on MTV and BET. Upon his return to Philadelphia, he spent two years as a resident DJ on Fox 20 Philadelphia's "Good Day Philadelphia" before going to CBS and CW Philly as an on-air personality.
DAVE SPADARO
For nearly 30 years, Dave Spadaro has been the ultimate connection between the Philadelphia Eagles and their fans. As the Eagles Insider, he provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access, interviews top talent, and delivers unmatched insights into one of the NFL’s most passionate franchises. Dave has evolved with the ever-changing media landscape, leading the Eagles’ digital content strategy and emceeing two Super Bowl Championship parades.
Beyond the Eagles, Dave is a keynote speaker, emcee, and moderator, sharing powerful lessons on adaptability, leadership, team culture, and communication—all shaped by his decades in professional sports media. His energy, storytelling, and insider knowledge make him a sought-after speaker for corporate events, leadership summits, and sports-centric keynotes. Dave is exclusively represented by The Mollie Plotkin Group.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
STAY TUNED FOR MORE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS!
KATHERINE WAKEFIELD
Katherine (Kat) Wakefield joined Snider in 2022 and currently serves as Coordinator, Life Skills, where she creates curriculum and oversees life skills delivery across all age-based programs.
Prior to arriving at Snider, Kat worked with youth and families as both an outpatient and school based clinical therapist in Wilmington, DE. Additionally, Kat was a Division 1 lacrosse captain at Winthrop University, where she graduated with a social work degree. Kat moved to Philadelphia and received her Master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Pennsylvania.
JEREMY RAHN
Jeremy Rahn is a mental health counselor and performance coach specialized in working with athletes and high performers.
Jeremy is the current mental performance coach for the Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL, the Baltimore Orioles in the MLB, and the Washington Wizards in the NBA.
TYRIK JACKSON
As a licensed barber, manager, and instructor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tyrik Jackson is known as the “Educators Educator.” His live feeds on Instagram, #TyrikTalksTuesday, started at the Premier Barber Institute Right outside of Philadelphia, where he is owner and partner. This is where he progresses his passion for cosmetology and barbering. He is also the owner of Sharper ImageBarber Shops I & II in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he resides with his wife Nicole and three children, Ajanai, Zuri, and Ari.
Tyrik was the winner of the renowned 2006 Bronner Brothers Barber Battle in Atlanta, Georgia, where an audience of more than 22,000 spectators watched as Tyrik was given the name “X-Factor.” He won eight additional competitions from 2006–2007, including three Glynn Jackson Golden Scissor Awards. From 2007–2008, Tyrik traveled the country as a Platform Artist working various Trade Shows teaching barbers and stylists the 'tricks of the trade’ and creating a conduit between Cosmetology and Barbering.
His community service has included involvement in the 2005 “Achievement Matters, Don't Waste Your Mind” Awards event, hosted by the Urban League of Lancaster County and he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the James Street Improvement District. Tyrik has been a strong advocate of community outreach programs for young people and continues to influence local youth through his motivational speeches.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
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8:00am | Doors Open & Check-in
(boxed breakfast available) -
9:00am | Welcome Address
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9:30am | Morning Keynote: Chris Pronger
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10:20am | Morning Breakout 1: Jeremy Rahn
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11:10am | Morning Breakout 2: Katherine Wakefield
MORNING
AFTERNOON
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12:00pm | Lunch (boxed lunch available)
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1:00pm | Team Building Activity: Tyrik Jackson
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2:00pm | Afternoon Keynote: Brandon Graham
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2:45pm | Closing Remarks
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2:50pm | Departure
CONFERENCE VENUE
Neumann University | Bruder Life Center
2 Neumann Drive
Aston, PA 19014