Victor Rios

Victor Rios

Keynote Speaker: Educator; Author; Creator of Project GRIT; Professor of Sociology; Advocate for Marginalized Minority Youth

Victor Rios Biography

Dr. Victor Rios, a distinguished academic with a pronounced focus on inequality and its impact on marginalized populations, currently holds a position as MacArthur Foundation Professor of Sociology and Associate Dean of Social Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

With an extensive body of work that includes theories such as the youth control complex, cultural misframing, and legitimacy policing, Rios has made significant contributions to the field of Sociology. Among his publications are noteworthy titles such as "Punished: Policing the Lives of Black and Latino Boys" and "Human Targets: Schools, Police, and the Criminalization of Latino Youth."

Outside academia, Rios has used his expertise to create Project GRIT (Generating Resilience to Inspire Transformation), a program designed to empower at-promise youth through education. His impact on education policy has been transformative, with his advocacy playing a role in the shift from labeling young people as "at-risk" to "at-promise" in California's education code and practices. In recognition of his significant contributions, Rios was invited to the White House in 2015 to discuss issues related to gun violence, policing, and mass incarceration.

Rios' influence extends beyond the realm of academia and policy. He has shared his insights and experiences in a broad range of public platforms. His book, "Street Life: Poverty, Gangs, and a Ph.D.", provides a personal account of his journey, while his involvement in the documentary "The Pushouts" illustrates his commitment to public education. Featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education and recipient of awards such as the 2013 Oliver Cromwell Cox Award and the Public Understanding of Sociology Award from The American Sociological Association, Rios' work has garnered both critical acclaim and public recognition.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Victor Rios and other top speakers and celebrities.

Victor Rios Speaking Topics

Webinars: Interactive and motivational presentations for educators, students, and organizational leaders.

The Anti-Racist Educator: Engaging with Students through an Equity and Justice Framework

In recent months, young people all over the world have erupted in protest over the killing of unarmed Black civilians by police. Should educators ignore these protests and calls for anti-racism? How can educators have genuine conversations with their students about these important issues and other issues related to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion? Dr. Rios provides educators practical strategies for being reflexive about anti-racism and for having courageous conversations with their students and their colleagues.

Reaching At-Promise Students through Emotional Support During the Remote Learning Revolution

Webinar for educators that provides strategies for continuing to support our most vulnerable students during these difficult times. Dr. Rios provides a facilitated conversation with educators and staff and then hosts virtual office hours after to discuss their individual questions in a one-on-one setting.

“My School Believes in Me”: Culturally Responsive Approaches for Reaching Students Through Remote Teaching and Remote Counseling

In this Webinar Dr. Rios will discuss culturally responsive strategies for providing guidance, counseling, and support for students. Dr. Rios will share his research findings from a research project with 1879 high school students. He will discuss student perceptions of counselors and teachers who are successful at inspiring and motivating them.

#teachersupport Through Social Media: Meeting At-Promise Students Where They Are During these difficult times we have to meet student where they are at. This means having to make the leap into social media as institutions and as individuals. This webinar will discuss best practice for educators on how to connect with student via social media. Emotional support through social media is possible. Dr. Rios will provide specific strategies for making these connections. Questions regarding boundaries, safety, accountability, and professionalism will be addressed.

The Power of Teachers in Transforming Lives, Cultural Responsiveness, Masbloom, and Asset-Based Leadership

Victor Rios Videos

Stanford Medicine
Leading with Justice | Dr. Victor Rios - YouTube
TED TALKS | Education Revolution | Victor Rios on a Teacher That ...

How do I book Victor Rios to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Victor Rios for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Victor Rios, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Victor Rios or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Victor Rios for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Victor Rios, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Victor Rios, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Victor Rios speak about?

Victor Rios is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as TED, Social Sciences, Government, Education, Education Reform, Authors, Professors, Relationships, Motivational and Youth.

Where does Victor Rios travel from?

Victor Rios generally travels from California, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Victor Rios?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Victor Rios for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Victor Rios for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Victor Rios or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Victor Rios is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including TED, Social Sciences and Government. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. Victor Rios generally travels from California, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Shawn Achor, Liz Dozier and Dorothy Roberts. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Victor Rios for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 03/12/2024.

Victor Rios Speaking Topics

  • Webinars: Interactive and motivational presentations for educators, students, and organizational leaders.

    The Anti-Racist Educator: Engaging with Students through an Equity and Justice Framework

    In recent months, young people all over the world have erupted in protest over the killing of unarmed Black civilians by police. Should educators ignore these protests and calls for anti-racism? How can educators have genuine conversations with their students about these important issues and other issues related to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion? Dr. Rios provides educators practical strategies for being reflexive about anti-racism and for having courageous conversations with their students and their colleagues.

    Reaching At-Promise Students through Emotional Support During the Remote Learning Revolution

    Webinar for educators that provides strategies for continuing to support our most vulnerable students during these difficult times. Dr. Rios provides a facilitated conversation with educators and staff and then hosts virtual office hours after to discuss their individual questions in a one-on-one setting.

    “My School Believes in Me”: Culturally Responsive Approaches for Reaching Students Through Remote Teaching and Remote Counseling

    In this Webinar Dr. Rios will discuss culturally responsive strategies for providing guidance, counseling, and support for students. Dr. Rios will share his research findings from a research project with 1879 high school students. He will discuss student perceptions of counselors and teachers who are successful at inspiring and motivating them.

    #teachersupport Through Social Media: Meeting At-Promise Students Where They Are During these difficult times we have to meet student where they are at. This means having to make the leap into social media as institutions and as individuals. This webinar will discuss best practice for educators on how to connect with student via social media. Emotional support through social media is possible. Dr. Rios will provide specific strategies for making these connections. Questions regarding boundaries, safety, accountability, and professionalism will be addressed.

  • The Power of Teachers in Transforming Lives, Cultural Responsiveness, Masbloom, and Asset-Based Leadership

Victor Rios Videos

Stanford Medicine
Leading with Justice | Dr. Victor Rios - YouTube
TED TALKS | Education Revolution | Victor Rios on a Teacher That ...
Dr. Victor Rios Featured on Oprah Winfrey Network - YouTube

Victor Rios News

  • How do I book Victor Rios to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Victor Rios for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Victor Rios, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Victor Rios or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Victor Rios for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Victor Rios, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Victor Rios, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Victor Rios speak about?

    Victor Rios is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as TED, Social Sciences, Government, Education, Education Reform, Authors, Professors, Relationships, Motivational and Youth.
  • Where does Victor Rios travel from?

    Victor Rios generally travels from California, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Victor Rios?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Victor Rios for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Victor Rios for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Victor Rios or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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