BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Hester Young - BS,MA,EdD

E-mail: DrHesterSpeaks.com

Phone: 1+843-345-9512

SEE MASTERCLASS LECTURE TOPICS BELOW

Biography

Dr. Hester Young | Global Thought Leader in Spirit-Led Personal Development

Dr. Hester Young is a purpose-driven speaker, author of seven books, life coach, and global thought leader in Spirit-Led Personal Development. With more than 35 years of experience in higher education and leadership, she has dedicated her career to helping others discover purpose through identity, transition, and calling.

Her signature Called to More™ Framework challenges people to see unfinished dreams not as failures, but as blueprints for legacy-building. She teaches that unrealized dreams don’t always die—they echo across generations, shaping identity, ambition, and contribution in ways often mistaken for rebellion.

Dr. Young’s own journey reflects this truth. Born to a mother with an unfulfilled dream, she spent years wrestling with labels of defiance, only to discover that what others called rebellion was actually redirection—a generational legacy trying to break through.

Her work blends lived experience with research, showing how unresolved generational narratives—often passed down through silence, grief, or rejection—can profoundly shape behavior, self-worth, and life choices. Through speaking, coaching, and writing, she helps others transform hidden pain into platforms for purpose and bridges to a greater future.

She has served in leadership roles including Assistant Dean, Career Center Director, Student Employment Director, Faculty Adviser, and Founding Professor of Applied Learning. Her career highlights include keynote lectures across the U.S. and West Africa, three consecutive invitations to Oxford University Roundtables, and service on a career development delegation to China.

Dr. Young also developed the APPLE Experiential Learning Model, which earned national recognition for its impact on student career outcomes.

Today, through her books, YouTube channel, and speaking engagements worldwide, Dr. Young empowers audiences to reframe disruption, embrace their divine calling, and unlock untapped potential in families, workplaces, and communities.

Education

EdD - Education: Higher Education Leadership, College of Education

Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Dissertation Title: An Evaluation of a Centralized Applied

Learning Experience at a Private Liberal Arts University

Dissertation Committee Chair: Stephen Konowalow, PhD

MA - Human Resource Development, College of Business and Technology

Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri

BS - Workforce Education and Development, College of Education

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois

Books

A Passion Driven Job Search: Finding a Career in Any Economy

ISBN-9798283026855

Your Work Is Worship: Purpose, Passion, Path

ISBN: 9798285041900

"Rebellion Saved Me": The Absence of Her Dream the Birth of Mine

9798282490473

Developing a Centralized Internship Program at a Liberal Arts University

ISBN-10:1505674107

Women of Integrity: A Classy Spirit after God’s Own Heart

ISBN-10:1469998084

Living Beyond the Soul: Freedom to Forgive

ISBN: 9781536877731

Publications and Presentations

Young, H.: Applied Learning Experience (APPLE), Visiting Speaker, University of Ghana, Ghana, West Africa, April 21, 2019.

Young, H.: Branding and Marketing Your Business, Charleston Chamber of Commerce Annual Conference 2016, College of Charleston – North Campus, July 22, 2016.

Young, H.: Applied Learning Experience (APPLE), Southeastern Regional Cooperative Education Conference, Sponsored by Virginia Tech. University, Richmond, Virginia, May 25-27, 2016.

Young, H.: Legacy of Hope, Women of Faith Magazine, South Carolina, October 2016.

Young, H.: Introduction to Supervision, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Annual Human Resource Conference, Hilton Head, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Young, H.: Evaluation Starting an Effective Internship Program on a Shoestring Budget: Squeezing the Most out of Limited or no Finances, Online Career Services Conference, Intern Bridge, Inc., Acton, MA 01720. National Webinar Presentation, August 14-17, 2012.

Young, H.: Evaluation of a Centralized Applied Learning Internship Program, Online Career Services Conference, Intern Bridge, Inc., Acton, MA 01720. National Webinar Presentation, August 16, 2010.

Young, H.: An Evaluation of a Centralized Applied Learning Internship Program at a Small Liberal Arts University, Ed.D. Dissertation, Fischler School of Education, Nova Southeastern University, United States –Massachusetts, December, 2009.

Young, H.: Applied Learning Experience (APPLE), 11th Annual Conference on Students in Transition,

Sponsored by The University of South Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, November 7-9, 2004.