Michael Cuestas speaks to high schoolers who feel stuck, overlooked, or unsure of who they are. He’s here to make the hard conversations honest—and the everyday choices heroic—by reminding students that their story isn’t over, and they have the power to write the next chapter.
Remembered by Students.
I have worked with speakers and presenters each year during Red Ribbon Week and throughout the year and I have to honestly say that he trumps them all. I would recommend him to anyone who asked!
Kelli Templeton, Youth Services Coordinator, KY
You need to come back to Abbott again next year! I think the whole school could agree you were the best assembly yet!
Katie C., Student, IL
If you need an energetic, interactive keynote speaker that is easy to work with, responsive to requests, and able to forge a connection with teen audiences, then Michael Cuestas is the PERFECT guy! You definitely get your money’s worth (and more!).
Mark Mains, KY 4-H Extension Specialist
Everyone goes through hard things. But what happens next? That’s where the story is written.
Michael Cuestas doesn’t just talk at students—he opens up about his own journey through poverty, fatherlessness, and homelessness, showing them that their pain doesn’t define them. His message is clear: you are greater than your past, your mistakes, and even the labels others give you.
This keynote is real, raw, and filled with hope. It challenges students to face life’s setbacks—not with excuses, but with resilience. Every story can turn around. Every student has a next chapter.
Bonus? He closes with a hilarious, unforgettable song that brings it all home.
Perfect for school-wide assemblies, youth conferences, and events where students need more than just motivation—they need a breakthrough.
Take the Conversation Deeper
Michael’s keynote inspires the whole school—but the workshops take it further. These small-group sessions give students the space to dive deeper, ask questions, and apply what they’ve learned. Each workshop is practical, interactive, and built to equip students with real-life tools they can use immediately.
This isn’t just a talk. It’s his story. Michael knows what it’s like to feel lost, angry, addicted, or overlooked—and what it takes to come back from the edge.
Michael Cuestas is part of a new generation of youth speakers—relatable, relevant, and unforgettable. His presentations leave students laughing, reflecting, and sometimes even singing. With a story that’s both raw and redemptive, Michael connects with teens in a way few speakers can.
Raised in poverty and never knowing his father, Michael spent time in a homeless shelter, a domestic violence center, and even lived in a tent. But he didn’t let that define him. Instead, he shares how students can rise above their circumstances and reject “average” in pursuit of greatness.
Michael’s authentic storytelling, humor, and heart-centered message make him a favorite among students and educators alike. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration and has worked for top companies including State Farm, Target, Mayo Clinic, and Amazon.
Today, Michael lives in Illinois with his wife and their three daughters—who, according to him, are the real VIPs in his life.
