Darrick Rizzo
First you must find COURAGE, then you must accept CHANGE, now you are ready to NETWORK, but always know OBSTACLES will come along during your JOURNEY TO SUCCESS. These aren’t just pretty words, but the mantra that Darrick Rizzo has learned to live by. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Darrick overcame obstacles at a young age: the sudden, senseless death of his sister and his heart-wrenching decision as a freshman in college to give his son up for Open Adoption. Now a successful businessman, father, mentor and community leader, Darrick pays it forward by speaking out and motivating others in such topics as Peer Pressure, Drugs, Alcohol and Gambling, Adoption, Networking, Anger Management and more. As the CEO of Rizzo Production Recruiting, Darrick has helped thousands of high school athletes get recruited. He is known across the country as a defensive specialist, a basketball trainer who teaches players the correct way to shut down opponents. SLAM Magazine calls him the "Koby Bryant stopper” for his #1 selling DVD with Nike Championship Productions. Darrick is also the CEO of PA Sports Live and the founder of D'EM UP Basketball. He is active in his church and a leader in his community, volunteering his time to coach and mentor youth. He also works as a Community Specialist for Drug, Alcohol and Gambling prevention services. In his dramatic new book, The Open Adoption: A Birth Father’s Story, Darrick tells a tale of hope, loss and faith when, at age eighteen, he gave up his son in an Open Adoption that turned out to be anything but open. Since then, Darrick has found inspiration in his son, along with perseverance and faith in God. The Open Adoption: A Birth Father’s Story, will be available soon with a forward by Michael Oher, NFL Super Bowl Champion with the Baltimore Ravens and featured in the film,The Blind Side. To book Darrick Rizzo for keynote speeches, lectures or workshops contact Elsa S. Jimenez at 570 322-3298.
