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Ronnie Sidney II            

Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Disability Advocate & Author of "Nelson Beats the Odds"

Ronnie Sidney II, LCSW, is a 2014 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Social Work master's program. In 2017, Sidney became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and was recognized as one of 15 Black Male Therapists You Should Know by HuffPost. Sidney spent nearly two decades working in mental health with youth & adults.

Sidney is both a best-selling and award-winning author. He released Amazon bestseller Nelson Beats the Odds in 2015, a semiautobiographical comic book about a young man who struggles with the shame of being placed in special education. Sidney's books created a platform for him to enter the professional speaking realm. Sidney currently travels all across the United States, presenting at conferences, conventions, colleges, schools, and more.

Old Dominion University honored Sidney with the prestigious Darden Award in 2017. The award is given to Darden College of Education alumnus who have made outstanding achievements. In 2020, Virginia Commonwealth University featured Sidney in the Shafer Court Connections magazine. He was one of 200 VCU Alumni featured in The Power Issue, which honored inspiring alumni.

In addition to his professional and academic life, Sidney is a loving husband and father. He enjoys exercising, attending broadways plays, and listening to music. Sidney is a member of several boards, including the advisory board for VCU's Center on Transition Innovations (VCU-CTI). The Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) at Virginia Commonwealth University provides evidence-based resources and information along with emerging practices in the field. Sidney is also an active member of the Essex County Economic Development Authority and Essex Youth Football Association.

Speech Topics

The Power of Connecting with One Caring Adult

The interactive presentation seeks to inspire participants to use supportive relationships with their students as a vehicle for empowerment. Despite age, race and gender differences, Sidney and his special education teacher were able to connect in a unique way. Sidney will share their inspirational story and provide strategies for participants seeking to forge caring relationships with their most challenging students. The presentation will equip participants with tools they can use to minimize burnout and empower their students.

Nelson Beats the Odds Comic Creator Workshop

The writing and illustrative workshop is designed to help participants become confident and creative writers. During the workshop we will discuss the “5 Ws” and explore what it takes to make a comic book. Participants will have time to design their comic book from cover to cover. They will engage in the writing process by selecting topics, drafting, illustrating, and sharing their work with their peers.

The Journey from a Child with Learning and Attention Issues to a Best-Selling Author

While enrolled in Essex County Public Schools, Ronnie Sidney, II spent seven years in special education. He was diagnosed as learning disabled and learning and attention issues were ADHD and Dysgraphia. The presentation will guide you through Sidney’s early academic experiences, exploring how resilience, along with some very special people, helped him break barriers.

Tardigrade Mentality: Overcoming Uncertainty, Adversity, and Unexpected Events

This workshop will introduce participants to tardigrades, the most resilient species on earth. You will learn the advantages of resilience and how it develops effective leadership. We will discuss mental health and the guiding principles for social and emotional wellness. The workshop is interactive and will include several team-building activities.

Perceptions of the Black Father

As a Black father, I often ponder how I am viewed through society's lens. This presentation seeks to dispel the absent black father myth and explore the current and historical perceptions black fathers in America. The presentation will also examine the risk, protective and resilience factors of non-residential, single and incarcerated Black fathers and their children."

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