
Leland Melvin Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Speaking Fee:
$20,000 to $30,000
Travels From:
BWI - Baltimore, MD
Travels From:
BWI - Baltimore, MD
Primary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles
Primary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles
Secondary Topic Category:
African American & Black
Secondary Topic Category:
African American & Black
Leland Melvin Speaker Profile: At A Glance
Leland Melvin is a space thought leader, astronaut, engineer, educator, and former NFL wide receiver for the Detroit Lions. Leland is the first person drafted into the National Football League to have also flown in space. He was featured on National Geographic's One Strange Rock, hosted by Will Smith, where he explained how his brain repaired itself after an injury that left him deaf and almost stopped him from ever going to space. Even after being medically disqualified to fly in space by NASA flight surgeons, Leland completed two Space Shuttle missions to help build the International Space Station.
Leland Melvin's journey is a remarkable tapestry of perseverance, passion, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, Leland's early affinity for science and sport laid the foundation for an extraordinary career. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Richmond, where he not only excelled in the classroom, earning a degree in Chemistry, but also distinguished himself on the football field, culminating in his selection by the Detroit Lions in the 1986 NFL Draft.
However, Leland's athletic career was abruptly curtailed by a hamstring injury. Rather than see this as a setback, he pivoted towards his other passion—science. Transitioning from the NFL, Leland joined NASA as an aerospace engineer, where his technical acumen and commitment quickly stood out. Yet his path to becoming an astronaut was fraught with challenges; a debilitating ear injury during a training exercise left him temporarily deaf, posing a serious threat to his spacefaring dreams.
Despite this, Leland displayed remarkable courage and resilience. He worked tirelessly on his rehabilitation and refused to accept the initial NASA verdict that he would never fly. His determination paid off when he made a full recovery, leading to his eventual participation in two Space Shuttle Atlantis missions, STS-122 in 2008 and STS-129 in 2009. During these missions, Leland contributed significantly to the assembly of the International Space Station, demonstrating exceptional skill and teamwork.
Beyond his technical achievements, Leland is deeply committed to education and inspiring future generations. He has embraced roles as an advocate and educator, keen to share his profound experiences and knowledge with young people and aspiring scientists. Leland has served as NASA's Associate Administrator for Education and has appeared as a guest on various educational platforms, including the series One Strange Rock, hosted by Will Smith.
Today, Leland Melvin stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and education. His story is a source of inspiration to anyone facing adversity, illustrating that with determination and passion, challenges can be overcome. Whether through inspiring speeches, engaging educational pursuits, or impactful advocacy, Leland continues to motivate countless individuals worldwide.