James Divine

POVERTY - ABUSIVE FATHER - HOMELESSNESS - SEXUAL ABUSE - I’ve lived through all of these. I had to overcome them as I realized that I could have a better future than what my life had dictated. I love sharing my story of experiencing all these things, but more importantly, sharing the steps I took to overcome and leave these events in the PAST where they belong. I want people to know Your NOW doesn’t determine your FUTURE.

Funny stories about my widowed Italian mom, and the impact she made on my life. With only a first grade education on her side, she stressed the importance of education and encouraged us to focus on that. She suffered through abuse. Her resilience through that helped me overcome my own abuse at the hands of a friend of the family. She had a very funny, quirky personality - and that comes out in this presentation based on my book I Cannoli Imagine: My Italian Life. Mom passed in 2021, but her laughter and wisdom carry on.

Similar to my story above, but geared towards educators and how important they were in my life. They literally saved me! From prison. From failure. From a negative mindset. Teachers are important!