MIND ALTERING STRATEGIES, LLC
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

Growing up in the tough streets of South Florida, I never embraced and refused to internalize the possibility of becoming a product of my environment. The only glimmer of success seemed to be in the hands of the local drug dealer. That lifestyle never appealed to me, since I was not interested in selling or using drugs, nor the killing that seemed to be a job requirement. The only role models available to me were on television and in movies. That is when I decided, at the tender age of nine, that I was not going to be like those I saw. I wanted to be different; I knew that I could do better. “Better” meant setting a goal to get out of the ghetto and make a better life for myself, retiring by age 30. I wanted to be successful so I could get my mama out of the ghetto and give her what my father did not, stability. "Lofty expectations for a little black boy" I was once told by an older person who I shared my dream with. "Whatcha gonna do? Sell dope?" they replied. I am a prime example of how underestimating a person’s abilities and determination to succeed can be a mistake in judgment. TELL me that I CAN’T, and I will SHOW you that I CAN. With great determination, I became an honor student and one of only four black males in my class to make the honor roll list as a senior. I graduated high school with a 3.5 GPA and later enrolled in Florida A&M University. In 1997, I launched an ongoing crusade to get the message out about HIV/AIDS prevention. Since then, I have worked countless hours with faith and community leaders, have been a part of and hosted dozens of Town Hall meetings, workshops, panel discussions and many other community events to get the message out. I am extremely passionate about working with youth and adults alike to pass on the message of personal responsibility, healthy choices and abstinence-only education. Presently, I work with youth and adults at detention centers, correctional facilities, churches, health fairs and community events, informing of the importance of making healthy choices and encouraging them to develop their inner being. My passion is educating others on the importance of making informed and healthy choices with their lives. My drive is fueled by the need for a stronger awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention & abstinence-only education, assisting others in developing sustainable and achievable goals. My purpose is to deliver a message to others that is filled with hope, teaching the important principles of what it means to dig D.E.E.P. Our Company Mind Altering Strategies, LLC is a company whose mission is to provide comprehensive programs and ideas geared toward self-esteem building, personal and professional motivation, community mobilization, capacity building and life skills development. MAS provides group and individual trainings, keynote speakers, motivational and personal development coaching and program and event facilitation services. Brian J. Henderson, CEO of Mind Altering Strategies, LLC. is a dynamic Speaker, Teacher and Motivator whose innovative ideas and solutions will truly be beneficial to any individual, group or organization.  With years of experience in the service industry, Brian understands and can help you Discover, Explore, Educate and Plan for your success.