Mark Brown

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Mark Brown immigrated to the United States at 18 years old with only $40 in his pocket and a dream for a better life. Today, he has become one of the most popular inspirational speakers in the world.

In 1995, Brown defeated more than 20,000 contestants from 14 countries to win the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking. Since then, he has delivered more than 3,500 presentations to over 1.7 million people on four continents. He holds a B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University and an M.S. in Astronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He has served in significant roles in the aerospace industry and is an esteemed former NASA astronaut who participated in missions aboard the space shuttles "Columbia" in 1989 and "Discovery" in 1991.

Brown has been featured in the New York Times, Men’s Health, on CNN Headline News, and his own PBS Special, which was nominated for an Emmy Award. He shares his experiences and insights across a wide variety of industries and academic institutions. He also offers keynote programs titled "The History of Spaceflight," "The Earth from Space," and "Living in Space," which draw on his extensive experiences as an astronaut. He is a member of the Air Force Museum Foundation Board, the Purdue University Industrial Advisory Council, and the Association of Space Explorers.

Now retired from his role in the aerospace industry, Brown works as an independent aerospace consultant. He challenges and compels audiences with a unique blend of humor and honesty, encouraging them to elevate their performance. Brown lives in Beavercreek, OH, and spends winters in Naples.