Duane West’s personal journey from poverty to success is inspirational.  D. West turned hardship and adversity into opportunities.  He never gave up.  He progressively moved from being a special needs, at-risk, homeless student in the 6th grade to a per diem school teacher, to a first generation college graduate, to entrepreneur, to motivational speaker, to national fitness guru, to health and wellness spokesperson for Footlocker, Fila USA and Nike, Inc., to author (17 books), to The Oprah Show, to professional football player, defensive back #42, to nationally acclaimed On-Air, Motivational Television Personality on NBC Universal Television - 10 years, to America's leading celebrity youth motivator.

​

As a child there were nights D. West went to sleep with hunger pangs and woke up to a bitterly cold home that didn’t have heat or hot water.  Now he dedicates quality time to feed the homeless and people in need.  ​He is a selfless man who walks with unconditional love and humility.  He is an American hero who rescued a trapped senior citizen from a burning car.  

​

D. West defied the odds and is achieving the unthinkable.  He had a challenging time reading and writing in school from grades 1 - 6.  Today, West mentors students and reads books to students in schools from books he has written.  From poverty and despair, the tough Inner-Cities of Newark and Irvington, New Jersey, to climbing his dream ladder of success inspiring millions globally on national television.

 

D. West is a legend in the community and an icon in daytime talk television.  He helped battered women on television and the community elevate their self-esteem which empowered them to leave abusive/toxic relationships.  West is recognized most on national television for his success (no-nonsense leadership approach) with unruly children in crisis who were out of control living wanton lifestyles.  From a special needs, homeless student in poverty to inspiring millions globally on NBC Universal Television.