Chris Gardner - Author, Activist and Chief Executive Officer of Christopher Gardner International Holdings. Mr. Gardner's rise from poverty was chronicled in the film The Pursuit of Happyness

As owner and CEO of Christopher Gardner International Holdings, Chris Gardner is a motivational speaker and passionate philanthropist. His inspirational life-story and rise from homeless father to self-made millionaire is immortalized in his bestselling autobiography and award-winning feature film, The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). His amazing story of perseverance, unyielding strength and entrepreneurialism has been featured on the "Evening News with Dan Rather," "20/20," "Oprah," "Today Show," CNN, CNBC, Fox News Channel, and he has been the subject of profiles in many newspapers and magazines including USA Today, Associated Press, New York Times, Fortune, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle and more.

Mr. Gardener is a board member of the National Fatherhood Initiative, an organization seeking to improve the well-being of children by increasing the number of children growing up with involved, responsible fathers. He received the group's Father of the Year Award in 2002. As a committed educational advocate, he serves on the National Education Foundation and sponsors two annual awards: the National Education Association's National Educational Support Personnel Award and the American Federation of Teachers' Paraprofessionals and School-Related Personnel (PSRP) Award. He is also involved with the Chicago Teachers' Union and supports activities for Chicago public school students. He has two children and lives in Chicago and New York.