Branding and Communications Strategist, Motivational Speaker, Volunteerism Catalyst, Author
Christopher D. Cathcart is a recognized branding/public relations expert and media trainer; but equally at the top of his focus is the passion to spark America’s giving gene, wherever dormant. Armed with his book The Lost Art of Giving Back, he travels throughout the United States inspiring volunteerism on all levels.
As an inspirational speaker, Cathcart has more than 25 years of experience in a variety of areas. His diverse client list includes such entities such as Verizon, the U.S. Dept. of Health/Human Services, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Viacom and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, among others. He’s also a sought after expert on the college circuit, frequently speaking at well respected institutions such as USC, UCLA Howard University and the City College of New York. Additionally, Cathcart is on the faculty of Columbia College Hollywood, a leading film/TV school in the Los Angeles area where he teaches marketing/public relations; he also serves as an adjunct/part-time communications instructor for both Syracuse University and California State University/Northridge
Cathcart has excelled as a key PR executive at companies such as CNN/Turner Broadcasting, Motown Records and Warner Bros. TV. In 1995, the New Jersey native launched OneDiaspora Group, a media/PR agency. His clients have included icons of industry such as Jaguar Cars, Hidden Beach Recordings, Virgin Records, Interscope Records, Muse Communications, Heart and Soul magazine and many more.
A strong advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, Cathcart helps educate groups on the disease’s continuing impact. In particular, he takes pride in encouraging heterosexual men to join the fight against HIV/AIDS and reject homophobia. He served10 years as a board member for the Black AIDS Institute (BAI), a group committed to ending AIDS in the Black community. Through his work with BAI, he founded Ledge magazine, the first and only HIV/AIDS awareness magazine written by/for Black college students.
Cathcart tirelessly promotes mentoring. He regularly visits schools and colleges, including his alma mater, Howard University, to speak on a variety of issues including leadership, volunteerism, branding and excellence in the field of public relations. In addition, Cathcart has been a Big Brother/Mentor for Big Brothers of Los Angeles for more than 15 years.
And advocate for Black colleges, he recently co-authored the book HBCU Experience – The Book, which highlights Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their unique contributions to education. Work on Vol. 2 is underway.
Christopher’s topics include: