Lucille O'Neal

Lucille O'Neal is widely recognized beyond her identity as "Shaquille O’Neal’s mom." Her life, filled with various adversities such as poverty, rejection, abuse, addiction, and the illness of a child, has deeply influenced her perspective and fortified her resolve. From the early age of 12, O'Neal felt a calling to become a motivational speaker, despite struggling with low self-esteem and personal challenges, including becoming a mother at the tender age of 17 and enduring a 28-year marriage.

O'Neal's academic achievements include graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the Bethune-Cookman University and earning a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. Her commitment to education and empowerment is evident, having been awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters in May 2016 from Bethune-Cookman University. She is not only an active parent and grandparent but also deeply involved in various community and youth-oriented projects. O'Neal has served in significant roles such as the Southeast Director of The Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund, past president of the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players Association Inc., and has been involved in organizations like the Orlando Chapter of the United Negro College Fund and the National Education Association.

In her book "Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go" and through her public speaking, O'Neal shares her life story with humor and candor, touching on her years of spiritual unrest and mental welfare. Her presentations connect deeply with audiences, as she discusses topics such as motherhood, body image, and life experiences, often interacting personally with attendees to enhance connection. These presentations showcase her style, effectively blending humor with educational insights. Her involvement extends to organizing special charitable events and modeling for fundraising causes, reflecting her dedication to community service and volunteerism.

Through her professional engagements and personal experiences, Lucille O'Neal exemplifies how challenges can be transformed into opportunities for personal growth and community service. Her journey from a challenging past to a place of influence and inspiration demonstrates that new beginnings are always possible, no matter the stage of life.