Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch

Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch is a renowned speaker, celebrated for her engaging and powerful delivery, known to move audiences to standing ovations. With a deep-seated mission to empower the next generation of leaders, she has imparted her expertise on effective leadership in today’s global marketplace to numerous schools, colleges, universities, corporations, and government institutions both in the U.S. and internationally. Born and raised in a small barrio in Laredo, Texas, Castillo Kickbusch understands the obstacles of poverty, discrimination, and illiteracy. Despite these challenges, her immigrant parents instilled in her a wealth of culture, tradition, values, and faith.

Throughout her service in the United States military, Castillo Kickbusch's childhood values were reinforced. After graduating from Hardin Simmons University, she joined the U.S. Army, serving as an officer for twenty years and becoming the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field. Opting against further military advancement to fulfill her mother’s dying wish, she retired to focus on community leadership. In 1996, she established Educational Achievement Services, Inc. (EAS, Inc.), aiming to cultivate leadership skills among the youth through grassroots initiatives.

Castillo Kickbusch’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including an honorary Doctorate from the Iberoamerican Institute of Higher Studies for her comprehensive contributions to education and community service. Her accolades include the 2012 CHCI Medallion of Excellence for Leadership and Community Service, the 2017 National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) Crystal Star Award of Excellence in Dropout Recovery, Intervention, and Prevention, the 2021 Outstanding Friend of Public Education award from the Horace Mann League, and the 2022 Dr. Héctor P. García Legacy Award awarded by the National Diversity Council. She also received an award from the President at the White House, recognizing her significant contributions to leadership and public service.

Having authored "Journey to the Future: A Roadmap for Success for Youth," Castillo Kickbusch has also produced educational materials, including videos like "¿Por Que No -- Why Not?" and "Journey to the Future," aimed at fostering self-esteem and leadership among youth. She has been featured on multiple media platforms including HBO’s "The Latino List," CNN’s "Latino in America," and Univision’s "Don Francisco Presenta," as well as in publications such as Hispanic Business magazine’s 100 Most Influential Hispanics in America, O Magazine, and Glamour magazine.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Castillo Kickbusch values her role as a mother and enjoys quality time with her husband, daughters, and grandchildren, cherishing the family legacy she continues to build and strengthen.