Testimonials
Wow! Mark’s Dining in the Dark program was so unique, inspiring and fun! He got us out of our comfort zone and seeing the world from a different perspective. We learned, we laughed, and enjoyed a truly great experience. This is a YPO must!
— Kim Jeremic | Superblinds & Draperies | Owner YPO Winnipeg
Mark came to speak to our chapter, and it was the best event that we had all year! He was so entertaining, and his presentation was very powerful and uplifting. You will learn to appreciate what you have and to be more self-aware to the visually impaired.
I would highly recommend Mark and he was such a pleasure to work with! Thanks again for coming and teaching us!
— Courtney Mummert, VP of Programs for ILEA St. Louis Chapter
Mark did a diversity/inclusion workshop for about 200 of our employees. The feedback was incredible! Several people remarked that this was one of our best programs ever! His authentic style and moving message touches people’s hearts. During his talk, people were so attentive and engaged that they were physically “leaning in.” Several days later people were still talking about what they took away from the event; now that’s real impact! I would highly recommend Mark Valenziano as a speaker/facilitator!
— Loretta Menke | Associate Director | Organization Development & Learning UCare
Mark’s dining in the dark received great feedback! A long-time member said ‘the event was in my top five experiences in YPO’. We recommend bringing Mark in as a resource!
— Evan Berney | Chief Executive Officer | Carbiz, Ltd. | YPO Washington D.C. / Baltimore, MD
Mark’s Dining in the Dark experience had one of the greatest turnouts in our chapter’s history. His story is inspiring and his spirit is contagious! The event was highly rated and I strongly recommend Mark to other Chapters!
— Jose Jarquin, YPO Honduras
We were so fortunate to have Mark Valenziano speak at our corporate event. Over the past 10 years, we have had various inspirational speakers. None comes close to Mark. He is passionate, eloquent, and gets his message across to the entire audience. After Mark’s talk, many attendees told me how much they enjoyed the talk, both professionally and personally. I would highly recommend Mark to speak at any organizational or corporate event. Give your people this gift!
— Karen Holzberg | President & CEO | KH International, Atlanta
Mark created an impactful experiential night for our YPO regional leadership team that we will all remember for a lifetime. It was so good and so relevant to our industry that we have hired him to speak at our company’s upcoming annual meeting. I look forward to sharing Mark’s gifts with our employees and industry colleagues.
— Joel Wright | President & CEO | MoboTrex
Thanks for sharing your Dining in the Dark event with EO Winnipeg! Everyone had an experience they will not soon forget!
I strongly recommend this program for EO!
— James Buhler, EO Winnipeg
Thank you for delivering a unique and inspiring session at our all staff celebration. Your keynote was enlightening, motivating and most fitting with our current changing work environment! Our staff heard your message — to become their own visionary — and improve their day-to-day operations through a lens that most had not even considered. I hope we can work together again in the near future.
— Omar Guevara-Soto, Operations Manager | Minneapolis Public Schools | Culinary & Wellness Services
It was such a pleasure to work with Mark! He was so helpful and made sure we did not miss a single detail. Mark’s “Open Your Eyes to Blindness” program is fun, memorable, and inspiring! In the hospitality industry, we serve people every day and Mark educated us on how to truly be more inclusive and welcoming. I can’t tell you how many messages I received from attendees expressing gratitude for this program. I highly recommend Mark Valenziano to everyone!
— Sarah Cash-Darvell, CSEP | VP of Programs and Education | International Live Events Association | MSP
Mark’s presentation was simply amazing and meaningful, with an impact that will be life-long! It was especially powerful for our teenagers. His words gave us a renewed sense of gratitude, optimism, and compassion. I strongly recommend this program!
— Bruno Mercenari | YPO Americas Gateway | Miami, Florida
What fun Saturday evening was! Many thanks for providing the chapter with a unique and very memorable experience. Many people commented to me on how impactful your talk and stories were, and how it was such an incredible experience. It was a real pleasure meeting you in person and having a chance to work with you in planning the event.
— Emily MacEntee | YPO | Windy City
Mark did an excellent job presenting to our group. His energy and sincere style engaged my company’s employees. As opposed to a “rah rah” motivational speaker, Mark’s message is one that people will relate to and can resonate for a lifetime. I highly recommend Mark!
— R. Andy Fazendin, Owner | Fazendin Realtors | Wayzata, MN
Mark Valenziano’s event is very impacting and insightful. Participants will gain insight into deeper gratitude and hone into what is most important. This program is very beneficial for teens/youth as well as leaders of organizations. Patrons will gain a deeper understanding of the world and gratitude.
— Dirk Bak, President | SDQ Janitorial | YPO Member
I’ve known Mark for years and have seen him in action. His message will inspire and entertain. Prepare to be amazed and energized.
— Frank Vascellaro | CBS News / WCCO-TV
Loved the “forced” mingling, the presenter and the way we all got to truly experience impairment and understand the real world and workplace impact.
— YPO Member | Springfield, MO
We had the pleasure of hearing Mark speak at our virtual Women’s conference. As a matter of fact, he was the only male speaker! He was engaging and inspirational. He paints a picture of communication in a different manner, creating a positive outlook on life, and holding yourself accountable for your own happiness. Mark’s presentation would be a great one for any group, especially company leaders!
— Michele Pipitone | VP of Human Resources | Satelite Shelters & Satelite Industries
I am writing on behalf of ILEA Detroit and we recently had the pleasure of having Mark host and lead his amazing Dining in the Dark event. It was an unforgettable experience that we all enjoyed and learned so much from! He was awesome to work with throughout the planning process and helped us create an event that was very impactful to our members and guests. We highly recommend booking Mark for speaking engagements for your next event program. His personality, warmth, and openness captured the audience and made it easy to ask questions and have a great conversation. Thank you for doing such an awesome job Mark!
— LeTrice Penn | Founder and Creative Director | Lepenn Designs
Mark’s Dining in the Dark experience was inspiring, uplifting, informative, challenging, and fun...We ended the evening encouraged and armed with a new perspective, thanks to his endless optimism and message of hope.
— Amy Spangler | Chapter Director | YPO Pennsylvania
Mark Valenziano is hands down, the most engaged presenter/resource I have ever worked with. Mark truly cares about the overall experience and every detail of the event itself. His infectious upbeat attitude was a day brightener every step of the planning process. Mark doesn’t start and stop with the presentation. He arrives early to review the venue and meet with the team, and stays until the last question is answered. His upbeat approach to life as a blind person, put the staff at ease and ready to create a valuable experience for all. Often, people are afraid to ask “just anyone” what it’s like to have a disability. Mark opens up so quickly, and so easily to everyone… That asking those awkward (yet we want to know) questions, becomes comfortable…like talking with a longtime friend. He is completely approachable!
— Jayna Larrea | Executive Director | YPO Florida