Derek Clark’s story is one of resilience and redemption. Derek spent 13 years in the San Francisco bay area foster care system. Before entering foster care, Derek suffered unthinkable child abuse, abandonment and emotional distress, Derek knows first hand on how to cope with adversity and overcoming hardship. His past reflects a life of humiliation, aggression, emotional distress and overwhelming anxiety. He has experienced the life of fear and rejection and much more.
At five years old Derek’s mother and stepfather turned him over to the county social services but kept his brother and sister. Derek felt as if he had been deleted from his family. His father was in prison for the criminally insane. Psychiatric reports stated that at the age of five years old, Derek had severe behavioral problems and fascinations of extreme violence and death. Neurological reports stated that at six years old, he had the IQ of a two and a half year old and diagnosed him with erratic psychosis. Having also been misdiagnosed as mentally handicapped and having numerous emotional and language difficulties, Derek never gave up. With the help of his foster parents and mentors, he has defied the artificial limitations imposed upon him. This has never held Derek back from accomplishing what he set his heart and mind to. From owning a very successful corporation to having a family, his maxim is to make no excuses.
Derek Clark is the Ambassador for the Foster Care Alumni of America, an inspiring speaker/trainer, singer/songwriter and the author of six books including Never Limit Your Life and the I Will Never Give Up book series. He is a featured expert on CNN Headline News and The Ricki Lake Show. Derek has over 100 audio and music tracks on iTunes, Amazon, Napster, CD Universe, etc. His true-life trials and personal triumphs have inspired organizations from Australian to Canada and throughout the United States with his powerful message of hope and unwavering perseverance. He recently delivered the keynotes for the International Foster Care Organization conference (child welfare delegates from over 20 countries), the National Foster Parent Association conference, Federal Dept. of Labor National Bureau of Prisons conference, State Circuit Court Summits and many child welfare conferences.
Derek has been featured in numerous radio shows in many major U.S. cities and television. He has performed his music for some very famous people including the President of the United States. He has been featured with Michael Phelps, Johnny Depp, Tyler Perry, Lebron James, Brad Pitt, Tyra Banks and U2 as “People Who Roar” by Roar Clothing. He unleashes his creative energy in a never-ending effort to ignite passion in others and instill the courage to never give up. His maxim is to make no excuses and become what you want to become. He has turned his situation from a victim to a victor, equipping him with the Wisdom and the Will to Never Give Up.