Hope Dealer: A Student’s Journey From Homelessness And Addiction To College And Advocacy

Frederick Shegog is a man who knows all too well about the struggles of this world. In his early twenties, he watched his future dreams fade away as substance use disorder and mental illness took over his life. The next decade of his life would be a rough one, but not only would he come out better from it- he would devote his life to helping others overcome as well.

In 2018 Frederick founded his own motivational-speaking company, The Message LLC. He started this company to make a difference in the world and "sell hope for a living." Frederick's "What is your legacy?" keynote has been sought nationwide and nationally recognized at some of the most prestigious conferences, colleges, and businesses. His speaking portfolio displays depth, wisdom, and ability to connect with various audiences.  As one college President stated, “Frederick started a national conversation after his keynote and resonated deeply with our students when we were honored to have him.” Frederick took these blessings and expanded the company by offering consulting services. He now sits in rooms of policy consulting with educators, philanthropists, and legislators. Education changed Frederick's life, and he states, “College did not only change my bank account, it changed my soul as well!”
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Here are just a few universities, conferences, and corporate institutions where Freddy has been the keynote speaker, both virtual and in-person:

• Achieving the Dream
• Clarion University
• Saint Joseph's University
  
• The Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education
• Delaware County Community College
• Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society 

• Alliance For Addiction Payment Reform
• Mississippi State University
  
• University of California Riverside School of Medicine
• National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
• Mastery Charter School

• Montogomery County Community College
• San Fransico County Behavioral Health Services
  
• Everett Community College
  
• Monomoy Regional High School
  
• Penn State Harrisburg
  
• Behavioral Health Innovators, Inc
  
• Louisiana State University in Shreveport
  
• Rochester Community and Technical College
  
• National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development
  
• Emporia State University
  
• Lehigh Carbon Community College
  
• Ivy Tech Community College
  
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College
  
• Penncrest High School
  
• Bridgeton Public Schools
  
• West Chester University
  
• Recovery Centers of America 
  
• The Pennsylvania Association of County Drug and Alcohol Administrators 
  
• Camden County Technical High School
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Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication Studies
Associates Degree in the Communications Arts/High Honors
All-State Pennsylvania Academic Team
Omicron Delta Kappa
Voted as a Philadelphia Region's Black Men Icon