JEFF MAY JR.
Motivational Speaker, Philanthropist, Community Activist
Jeff May is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, consultant, and strategist who has dedicated his career to inspiring positive change in the lives of individuals and communities. His core belief is simple yet powerful and has inspired his message of hope and empowerment rooted in the idea that change begins within.
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"If you want different, do different. YOU are the change."
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A native of Detroit, Michigan, Jeff has traveled across the United States delivering impactful workshops, seminars, keynote addresses, and consultations to a wide array of audiences, including schools, churches, correctional facilities, and organizations. He brings a fresh, exciting, and inspiring twist on some of the most commonly talked about diverse issues, including but not limited to building student relationships, restorative practices, youth engagement, juvenile justice, social-emotional learning, and closing the achievement gap.
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Throughout his career, Jeff has crafted programs that create lasting impact. His approach is grounded in authenticity, allowing his message of encouragement to reach even the most challenging audiences. From mentoring young people to helping communities build stronger connections, Jeff’s work continues to uplift and empower individuals to make meaningful change in their lives.
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Jeff has held various leadership roles, including Student Mentor and Coach within the Roanoke City Public School System, as well as Director of the Westside 21st Century Community Learning Center. He also served as the advisor for the Westside Boys to Men Program, offering development training for at-risk young men aged 5 to 11.
Jeff also established and advised one of the only Elementary School Debate & Competitive Step Teams in Virginia. In 2013, Jeff's Westside Debate Team was honored with the National MAGNA Award, recognizing excellence in advancing student learning and community involvement. He has also been recognized with numerous awards from organizations such as the NAACP, SCLC, and Roanoke Urban Professionals League.
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As Director of the Young Adult Life Enhancement Program at Total Action for Progress (TAP), Jeff provided mentorship, life skills training, and job certifications to court-involved youth ages 14 to 24, earning recognition for his efforts in helping them break the cycle of disadvantage.
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Jeff has also served as the Youth Development Director for the Cumberland County School District in Fayetteville, NC, where he helped serve over 50,000 students. Most recently, he was the Managing Director of Impact at City Year San Antonio, an organization that partners with schools to provide academic support, campus-wide engagement, and social-emotional learning to students and families in the San Antonio Independent School District.
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As the Chief Administrative Officer of the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM), Jeff is leading efforts to build the third-largest museum of its kind in the United States. Under his leadership, the museum is expanding its collection and curating exhibits that honor and preserve the rich African American cultural heritage of the San Antonio region. By fostering community partnerships, securing funding, and driving strategic initiatives, Jeff is ensuring that this new landmark will serve as a powerful resource for education, cultural awareness, and historical preservation. He also currently serves as Board Chair for R.O.O.T.S Mentoring, Inc., a nonprofit focused on youth and family development, and is a member of the San Antonio Area African American Community Fund Board.
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As a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate fraternity for African American men, Jeff’s mission remains clear: to save, inspire, and transform one life at a time.