August 15, 2020

The AVMA Virtual Convention 2020, happening Aug. 20-22, will feature two keynote speakers who are both prominent thought leaders: Patrice C. Washington and Karamo Brown.

Washington will kick off the virtual convention at 11 a.m. EDT on Thursday, Aug. 20, with her keynote speech, “You First: A Blueprint for Creating Success on Your Own Terms.”

Washington, also known as America’s money maven, got off to a big start even before graduating college. At 19, the University of Southern California student landed an internship with the comedian Steve Harvey.

She had also started a real estate business that grew rapidly through word of mouth. By age 25, Washington had built a million-dollar business.

But then she lost it all during the Great Recession. Washington had resorted to sleeping on her brother’s couch while she figured out a new plan for her livelihood. It was during this time that she discovered what she calls the six pillars of wealth. This aha! moment motivated her to rebuild her business.

Today, Washington is an author, speaker, and media personality. She is the founder and CEO of Seek Wisdom, Find Wealth, a finance training firm. She also hosts “Redefining Wealth,” a podcast aimed at chasing purpose rather than money.

Washington is committed to redefining the term “wealth” using its original meaning, “well-being,” and showing others just how she did it. During her session, she will encourage attendees to have “wealth” in all aspects of their lives by pursuing their purpose, being fulfilled, and earning more without ever chasing money.

Washington will also interview Brown during his keynote session, “Know Thyself: Using Your Uniqueness to Create Success,” at 11 a.m. EDT on Friday, Aug. 21.

Brown is a social worker, reality television host, and culture expert on the Netflix reboot of “Queer Eye.”

Brown is a gay Black man who has used his identity to build success. He plans to teach attendees how to tap into facets of their own identity to achieve success.

Brown was the recipient of the 2018 Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award. He also worked with President Barack Obama’s administration to create policy and legislation supporting LGBTQ youth and allies.

Brown began his television career in 2004 on the MTV reality show “The Real World: Philadelphia,” where he was the first openly gay Black man to be cast on a reality show.

Shortly after “The Real World,” Brown learned that he was the father of a 9-year-old boy, Jason. With the support of the child’s mother, he petitioned and gained full custody of his son. A year later, Brown adopted Jason’s half-brother, Christian. His upcoming children’s book, “I am Perfectly Designed,” is an empowering ode to modern families, co-authored with his son Jason.

Both keynotes are sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

More information about the virtual convention and registration can be found at the AVMA Virtual Convention 2020 website.