April Hernandez Castillo
Actress; Author; Survivor and Advocate for Intimate Partner Violence; Tedx Speaker
Biography
April Hernandez Castillo's dream became a reality when she booked her first commercial as the “Yo girl” in the Visa Check Card spot starring Yao Ming and Yogi Berra. The commercial would air for the Super Bowl and become a sports classic. April then starred in television shows such as; Law & Order: SVU, The Following, Person of Interest, and Elementary. April garnered a recurring role on Showtime’s Dexter which she was nominated for a SAG nomination for Best Ensemble cast. April is most noted for her powerful portrayal as “Eva Benitez” in the hit movie Freedom Writers starring Oscar winner Hilary Swank. She also has worked on NBC’s popular shows- New Amsterdam, Prodigal Son, and Gossip Girl. April has also graced a different stage as a public speaker. Her message of resilience, overcoming adversity, and the ability to move beyond trauma has taken April on a journey across the United States and internationally. She is reaching an array of audiences ranging from high schools, universities, conferences, and corporate events. April has spoken on some of the most prestigious stages starting from Harvard University, Q Conference to her most significant stage to date, TEDx. April released her second book, a memoir titled “ Embracing Me”, a heartfelt, transparent, and witty memoir that explores April’s story of being a survivor of intimate partner violence with the understanding that; we all possess the power to rewrite our story. She takes the audience behind the scenes to some of the most intimate parts of her life. April uses her voice to ignite, empower, and educate her audiences with a dash of humor! She currently lives in NYC with her husband and two beautiful daughters. They own a production company called LionChaser Media, Inc.
Speech Topics
The Power of Embracing Yourself
Learning to embrace one's past mistakes, failures, and traumas takes tremendous courage and bravery. What if you faced your fears, doubt, and pain head-on instead of running away? Learning to embrace yourself no matter what; is truly freeing. April transparently shares how anyone can fully embrace who they are. Key Takeaways: • Discover the Process of Embracing Your Story • How to Make your Mess into a Powerful Message • Self Acceptance is the First Step
Love Does Not Abuse
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1 in 10 high school students will experience some form of intimate partner violence. From 16 to 19, April endured physical, emotional, and verbal abuse from her partner. She has toured the nation, speaking about the effects of abuse amongst the youth. Abuse can affect anyone. Key Takeaways: • Real Love Doesn’t Abuse • Recognizing the Signs of Abuse • You have the Power to Speak Up
Their Crisis, My Recovery
April's parents secretly dealt with drug addiction when she was a child. It wasn't until years later that this "family secret" would be revealed, and it would significantly impact April's life. Feelings of doubt and anxiety would follow her for many years until she could finally accept the truth about her family. Key Takeaways: • The Trauma of Silence • How children go Unseen and Unheard in Families with Addiction • Recovery is Possible
The Gift of Transparency
April experienced severe postpartum depression after her first pregnancy. After dealing with feelings of guilt and shame, her therapist suggested she begin operating in full transparency about the difficulties of motherhood. It changed her life forever. Key Takeaways: • Transparency is about Ownership • Stop Guilt and Shame from Owning Your Daily Decisions • How to Embrace Your Truth
Videos
Books
Testimonials
"”We’re going on 22 years…and my wife never ceases to amaze me. Her gift for storytelling and connecting with the human soul are the reasons why I fell in love with her.”"
"“April was a featured speaker at Texas State University, and not only did she offer a unique perspective on the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset in the entertainment industry, but she made a long-lasting impression on students. In fact, she related so well that many students were overcome with emotion when talking with her later at the book signing. I hope we can have her back again soon so future students can learn from her experiences!”"
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check April Hernandez Castillo's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about April Hernandez Castillo's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is April Hernandez Castillo's speaking fee?
The typical range for April Hernandez Castillo's speaking fee is $7,000–$50,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for April Hernandez Castillo to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book April Hernandez Castillo for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm April Hernandez Castillo's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book April Hernandez Castillo through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
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