Dr. Kevin P. McAllister
Real Talk for Real People
A transformational leader and change agent, Dr. Kevin McAllister brings critical thought and unique perspectives to organizations, societies, schools, and communities. With vast and lived experiences in STEM, STEAM, cultural and performing arts in underserved communities, disabilities rehabilitation and education, and empowerment, Dr. McAllister is at the forefront of driving sustainable change through advocacy, data driven results, influence, and thought leadership.
About Dr. McAllister
Unlocking Potential, Fueling Success
Dr. Kevin P. McAllister, a procurement leader and Director at W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., has achieved numerous remarkable accomplishments. Originally from Beaumont, Texas, he currently resides in the Delaware Valley region.
Educated in the Beaumont Independent School District, Kevin attended French Elementary, Bowie Middle, and Central High School. He excelled academically and musically, becoming the first African American commencement speaker in Central Senior High School's history and graduating as the salutatorian in 1994. Kevin was awarded over $250,000 in academic scholarships for college.
Choosing the University of Oklahoma, Kevin pursued a major in chemical engineering. He actively participated on campus and received various accolades, including being named Big Man on Campus and Mr. Black OU Homecoming King. Kevin was also honored as an academic scholar by the American Chemical Society and the National Member of the Year by the National Society of Black Engineers.
After graduation, Kevin embarked on his career with the DuPont Company at Sabine River Works in Orange, Texas. He later obtained a master's degree in engineering management from Lamar University, becoming the first African American to earn this degree from the institution. During his nearly 20-year tenure at DuPont's corporate headquarters in the Delaware Valley, Kevin was granted a United States patent and received the DuPont Global Sourcing Excellence Award twice.
In 2018, while working at W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Kevin pursued a Doctor of Business Administration from Goldey-Beacom College. His groundbreaking dissertation focused on the factors affecting African Americans' attendance at performing arts events in Delaware. He was recognized for his academic excellence and leadership.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. McAllister is a published author, motivational speaker, disabilities advocate, and entrepreneur. As a visually impaired individual, he advocates for the rights and opportunities of those with visual impairments and blindness. He serves as the president of the GTL Education Foundation, Inc., promoting educational activities and cultural experiences for graduating seniors. Dr. McAllister is also the founder of Vision Unobstructed, LLC, and co-founder of 7 Jewel Logistics LLC.
Dr. McAllister's life is guided by the principle of giving back, as inspired by Luke 12:48. He attributes his boldness and determination to his parents, who instilled in him the values of empowerment and using one's voice to effect change.
Speaker and Mentor
Topics
Motivation and Empowerment
Inspire, motivate, and empower to next level growth and fulfilment. Dr. McAllister brings energy, life lessons, organizational development and critical thought to your team or organization while identifying opportunities to enhance and change mindsets and behaviors. Seeking a shift in organizational paradigm? With decades of corporate and community impact, Dr. McAllister is adept in his engagement to understand needs and requirements to illuminate and unlock your untapped individual and collective potential.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Dr. McAllister brings passion and critical thought to his first love: S.T.E.M. As a engineer, holding a bachelors degree in chemical engineering and a masters degree in engineering management, Dr. McAllister provides insight and change to the landscape by discussing gaps in diversity for minority communities and inspiring the current and next generation of STEM leaders to affect sustained change.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
Fusing his professional insights with his love for the arts, Dr. McAllister unravels the complexities of how art and STEM highlight similar strengths in students and how a strategic school curriculum is essential to preparing students for a balanced and well-rounded education. Leveraging the findings from his dissertation Factors Affecting Performing Arts Attendance for African Americans in Delaware, Dr. McAllister assists schools and organizations in proving the base case for arts in schools and communities.
Cultural and Performing Arts in Underserved Communities
Dr. McAllister’s groundbreaking research that informed his study on Factors Affecting Performing Arts Attendance for African Americans in Delaware is the backdrop for his insights on how cultural and performing arts can greatly resonate in underserved communities an bring cultural awareness and excitement to a community to ignite inspiration, empowerment, and knowledge.
Disability Rehabilitation and Education
As a legally blind Delawarean, Dr. McAllister is highly focused on the importance of providing a clear and strong foundation for those persons who live with disabilities, especially those who live with visual impairments and blindness. Dr. McAllister possesses the drive and proven experience to advocate for vocational rehabilitation programs, successful employment outcomes, and educational accommodations and training for those educators who are tasked with teaching those with disabilities and the rights and requirements for those who are being educated.
Testimonials
"I witnessed Kevin McAllister step in at the last minute for an impromptu speech at a scholarship dinner. The presentation was relevant to the scholarship recipients and immediately grabbed their attention. I sat there in amazement that he was able to sustain the audience with humor as well as pertinent information."
K. Lane
Supply Chain Consultant and Business Owner
“I had the pleasure of hearing Dr McAllister speak at the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Convention in Kansas City MO on March 24, 2023. He did an outstanding job relating to the students in the audience and bringing in real world examples to make sure they understood his message. The audience gave him a standing ovation when he was done. I highly recommend Dr Mc Allister for any speaking engagement in the future. He is on the top of my list!”
Clayton B. Beale, Jr
IT Senior Director
"I met Dr. McAllister in 2018 as cohort members in the inaugural Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Goldey-Beacom College. Dr. McAllister is a smart, funny, caring, and creative person. He was a top student in the DBA program and was the first male to successfully defend a dissertation. One thing that stands out to me about Dr. McAllister is his keen ability to delivery messages and present material in a robust and captivating manner."
Danine Huff Romero
DBA