Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Davis.
Anthony, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am the second of four children to two teenage parents, and endured and overcame a lot throughout my life. I was born and raised in the city of Boynton Beach, Florida, where my grandmothers and aunts played a considerable role in my upbringing. Feeling left out most times, and not getting the attention that he desired, I was compelled to turn my pain into my passion.
In 2004, I received his high school diploma from Boynton Beach High School, while being a two-sport All-American athlete in football and track. I was the first in my family to graduate high school. With hard work, dedication, and perseverance pushing me, in 2006 I graduated from Palm Beach State College where I received an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. I then soon followed that accomplishment by earning my bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, FL. in 2008.
I played on the university’s football team during my time at UCF. It was also there where I discovered my love for not just football, but for helping and inspiring others. I realized that I became living proof to my family; that they too could achieve their dreams. During hard times, I listened to recordings of motivational speakers. One of my favorites, Les Brown, “No matter how bad it is or how bad it gets, with the help of God, I’m going to make it!” That same quote still resonates with me today, as I fulfill my purpose of helping others give birth to the greatness that is within them.
Since 2008, my life’s mission has driven by being an advocate for youth in America. I’ve worked and volunteered with companies and organizations such as Florida Department of Children and Families, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YMCA, Orange County Public Schools, Heart of Florida United Way, local churches, University of Central Florida, Valencia College, just to name a few. I’ve been able to impact the lives of countless youth and young adults for the better. With a growing passion for helping bring forth the true greatness in people, I’ve realized that it was time to build something more substantial than himself, yet small enough for anyone to part of.
Absolutely- with no qualification, restriction, or limitation. Determined- having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it. For the last ten years, I’ve delivered hundreds of presentations to over 60,000 students and their families in 7 different states. After facing and conquering so many challenges both personally and professionally, I vowed to use all of the knowledge I had gained and pour it into the lives of youth and young adults all over the world. In March of 2014, Absolutely Determined, LLC was born. I desire to pass on the understanding that failure is not just an act of doing things incorrectly, but an opportunity to gain knowledge while figuring out how to master your craft. Regardless of the situation or circumstance, we must be determined; absolute about defeating or overcoming it.
There’s no doubt in my mind that people do have what it takes to be a champion not just in life, but in their own lives. No matter where they are at: living on the streets, facing a personal struggle, or have fallen on hard times, etc. they must start to declare themselves as Mr./Ms. Absolutely Determined! Because it is their faith and belief that will take them to their ultimate destiny… that place they know deep in their heart they want to be!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No. There has not been a smooth road. My life’story by itself will tell you that.
I only use the things I’ve been through growing up as my motivation. Regardless of how hard has been, I know at the end of the day, that God has me covered. For he knows my heart, desire, and thoughts. I trust Him with my life, and honestly believe that all things work together.
My teachers and coaches were the ones who helped shaped me to be the man that I am today. As a kid, I had a speech problem. I stuttered a lot, which lowered my confidence to speak. I was shy and did not want to be around other people. Not to mention being a homeless child. These were the factors that kept me from excelling early as an adolescent.
With hard work, dedication, and perseverance, I was able to overall all of that. Fear had a part in my overall development, which haunted and hindered my family for years. In my mind, I knew I needed to create the change my family needed. That was all the motivation I needed. My upbringing pushed me to excel in the classroom and the community. I became the first in my family to graduate high school. Then became the first to go to and graduate college. All of the challenges I had faced as a child motivated me to become something productive and different.
My achievements opened up the doors for generations after me to have something positive to strive for. It even encouraged those who came before me. As a result of that, my mom who abanded me at the age of 3 came back into my life and decided to get her GED, after dropping out of school at the age of 17 (after having me). She saw how hard I worked despite my living conditions; which inspired and empowered her to want to go back and accomplish her dreams too. Upon my college graduation, I was able to help my mom pass her GED. Then help graduate with her Bachelor’s degree; and on May 5, 2018, she will receive her Master’s degree.
I knew if I could be a beacon of hope for my family, then I knew I could help others in the world; which is why I dedicate my life to impacting the lives of youth and young adults in the world. Helping them to understand their gifts, worth, and life’s mission. Proving them with the tools to achieve their dreams; all while motivating them to fulfill their highest calling in life.
Absolutely Determined – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As a purpose-driven, inspiring, and dedicated professional speaker, I have changed the lives of thousands of individuals (students, professionals, and entrepreneurs). My distinction is that I am not only passionate about my gift of empowerment, but I recognize that in order to reach the world – I must always lead by example, by believing in my own abilities.
While based in Orlando, FL, I have established a strong clientele and led a broad array of professional development and training sessions with major corporations such as: the Florida Department of Children and Families, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, United Parcel Service (U. P. S.),, various school throughout the Southeast Region, as well as workshop facilitation and coaching with YMCA and United Way, respectively.
As a luminary, I continue to utilize my gift of speaking and empowerment by partnering with major educational institutions for speaking engagements.
Some of my prominent engagements include the University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, Florida State University, Orange County Correctional Institute and other local county public school systems in the state of Florida: Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Osceola, Leon, Duval, Sarasota, and Hillsborough counties as well as other schools and colleges across the United States.
I live and work in that gap between problems and potential; from average and great. Whatever it takes to help, save and change lives. That’s who I am and what I do!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by being complete. Complete in your life, your love, and yourself. Success is measured in happiness. Being able to move from a standstill position to a position where you are being productive (positivitly). Making it your mission to help Pass It Forward in the process of succeeding in life. There’s nothing like having dreams to attain. To have the opportunity to wake up with a smile and sense of desire and go to bed with a smile and a sense of accomplishment is a blessing all by itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamadto.com
- Phone: 561-70-24050
- Email: absolutelydetermined2@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/absolutely_determined/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/absolutelydetermined/?ref=hl
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Iam_AD2
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Nesha Mosley
May 17, 2018 at 2:27 pm
Wonderful article
So Proud of You