When Dr. Vondale E. Singleton speaks, it’s more than words—it’s a calling. Every syllable is laced with purpose, shaped by pain, and delivered with a conviction that stirs hearts and shifts mindsets. From the Southside of Chicago to the White House and beyond, Dr. Singleton’s voice has become a powerful instrument for change, transforming the lives of young men who, like him, have faced adversity but refuse to be defined by it.
Dr. Singleton’s journey to becoming a nationally respected speaker began not with a platform, but with a promise—to pay forward the impact of a mentor who believed in him when few others did. “I wouldn’t be who I am today without Steven Robertson,” Dr. Singleton shares. “He showed me the power of presence, the difference one person can make with intentional words.” That example became the foundation of his life’s mission: to speak life into others.
His story is one of profound transformation. Orphaned by addiction, raised in the shadow of incarceration, and shaped by the Ida B. Wells housing projects, Dr. Singleton defied the odds to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s in Marital and Family Therapy. These milestones were not merely academic—they were declarations that his past would not predict his future. Today, as the founder of CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program, he uses his voice to echo that same truth to others: “Your circumstances don’t define your destiny.”
Dr. Singleton’s speaking career has been marked by extraordinary moments—meeting President Obama through the White House Film Festival, receiving Emmy nominations for documentaries that spotlight his work, and standing before countless audiences to share his vision for justice, education, and mentorship. His speeches, both intimate and commanding, weave together personal testimony with a call to action. “Salvation plus education is an unbeatable combination,” he often says, a mantra that resonates deeply with his listeners.
What sets Dr. Singleton apart is his ability to connect—whether speaking to a packed auditorium or a single student. His authenticity breaks barriers. His faith grounds him. His storytelling stirs both tears and transformation. One young man, after hearing Dr. Singleton speak, said, “For the first time, I believed I could be more than what the streets expected of me.” That belief is what Dr. Singleton aims to spark in every audience.
Despite his growing influence, Dr. Singleton remains rooted in humility and family. He draws strength from his wife, Dr. Patrina Singleton, and their children, Promise and Vondale Jr. “Balancing speaking and family life isn’t easy,” he admits, “but I’ve learned that being present at home sharpens my purpose on stage.” His self-care includes prayer, quality time with loved ones, and staying connected to his own mentors.
To aspiring speakers, Dr. Singleton offers this wisdom: “Speak from your scars, not your wounds. Your story, shared with sincerity and healing, can unlock doors for someone else.” He encourages speakers to build trust, lead with vulnerability, and always remember the weight their words carry.
For readers of The Impactful Words, Dr. Singleton leaves a resounding call to action: “Your voice is your superpower. Use it to elevate, empower, and equip others—especially when the world tells them they can’t.”
About Dr. Vondale Singleton
Dr. Vondale E. Singleton is a nationally recognized speaker, educator, and the founder and CEO of CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program. A survivor of adversity, he has dedicated over two decades to mentoring, education, and community leadership. Dr. Singleton earned degrees in Elementary Education and Marital and Family Therapy and has received numerous honors, including Father of the Year in Illinois, the MLK Community Champion Award, and two Emmy nominations. His work has reached audiences at the White House and across the country, transforming countless lives through mentorship and powerful storytelling. He resides in Chicago with his wife, Dr. Patrina Singleton, and their two children.
