Mitch Shapiro

Founder, President and CEO Foundation for Sight & Sound

  • Smithtown NY

It's not only through determination that I have overcome challenges, but a vision of who I can become and how I can help others achieve!

Contact

Social

Biography

Mitchel Shapiro is a public speaker and the founder of The Foundation for Sight & Sound, a Not for Profit organization started with a consortium of personal and professional acquaintances.

Afflicted by Usher Syndrome, the leading cause of deaf-blindness, Mitch's disability has only served to sharpen his "vision." His singular focus on turning his personal adversity into opportunity for growth is truly an inspiration. As a motivational speaker to groups of all types and sizes, Mitch moves audiences with thought-provoking insights that challenge listeners to "see" past obstacles and take positive action in their own personal and professional lives.

During a difficult juncture in his life Mitch was forced to face his double disability for the first time head-on. Following 25 years in the food service industry, the sale of his family's catering business left Mitch unemployed. At the same time a marital divorce separated him from his children. For many, this would have been the end of the story, but Mitch found the strength to turn these adversities into a new beginning.

With determination and tenacity Mitch started a new chapter in his life. He raised more than a million dollars for a major national charity and has become a public spokesman for issues pertaining to blindness and disability.

He is a strong supporter of volunteerism. Mitch believes in the value of helping without the expectation of personal gain. His personal philosophy is to always lead with example, kindness, and integrity. Aside from his many professional accomplishments, Mitchel Shapiro is also notably recognized for his corny sense of humor.

Mitch has addressed all types of individuals, including school children and members of civic and business groups. For many years he has been involved in countless business organizations and has provided other charities with creative fundraising ideas. Mitch also founded his own charitable organization, the Foundation for Sight & Sound.

Importantly, he also launched a career as a professional speaker to inspire others. In this role, his powerful words encourage and motivate listeners to follow his example to make life-altering decisions.

Industry Expertise

Corporate Leadership
Professional Training and Coaching
Public Relations and Communications
Non-Profit/Charitable
Philanthropy
Fund-Raising

Areas of Expertise

Disability Means Ability
Volunteerism
Non-Profits and Community Development
Entrepreneurship

Accomplishments

Long Island Volunteer Center Inductee

In 2009, Mitch was honored by being a Long Island Volunteer Center Inductee (Health Advocacy). The Long Island Volunteer Hall of Fame celebrates the humanitarian spirit by inducting volunteer founders of nonprofit organizations whose vision, dedication and drive addressed a community need and began a legacy of service to improve the quality of life for Long Islanders.

Recipient - Marketing Executive of the Year (Pro-Bono)

Mitch received the Marketing Executive of the Year (Pro-Bono) award from the Long Island Business News/Long Island Ad Club. Long Island Business News is Long Island’s only publication devoted to local commerce and has been the premier source of news and data on business, economic trends and the region’s robust entrepreneurial sector for more than 50 years.

Advocacy Award - Suffolk Independent Living Organization

Mitch received the Advocacy Award from the Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO), which is a grassroots, consumer driven, civil rights agency. The goal of SILO is to partner with the community at providing access to all Suffolk residents so that people with disabilities can determine where they live, work and play in the County.

Show All +

Education

Miami Dade College

Hotel, Motel Restaurant Management

Testimonials

CEO and Owner

RSI Fundraising Auctions, Bohemia, NY

When I listen to Mitch Shapiro, I am captured by the unique combination of wisdom and hope contained in his messages. Mitch guides his audience through a process which eliminates the impossible and redefines the path toward a goal. "Turning a disadvantage into an advantage" takes on new meaning when Mitch tells his story

Esq., Managing Partner Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C. and host of Labor-Lines, WGBB AM 1240

Mitch Shapiro is simply an awesome speaker who can capture the attention of any group. I heard him speak about ten years ago, and knew that this was an especially talented individual. Over the years Mitch has not only spoken to hundreds of community and business organizations, but also hosted a radio show with me. This is a man who combines, passion, compassion, intelligence, fun, good humor and imagination in everything he does and whenever he speak,. I always enjoy hearing Mitch. His wisdom surely puts things in their proper perspective for all.

Partner

Fuocco and Company, Lake Success, NY

It would have been easy for Mitch to fold up his playing cards and say he'd been dealt a bad hand; instead, he spends all of his time helping others improve their lives. He fosters a sense of appreciation and satisfaction in others while making them feel good about themselves.

Show All +

Event Appearances

Seeing Past the Obstacles

The Believe Symposium  Long Island, New York

2010-11-15

Visually/Hearing Challenged Entrepreneurs and Business Success

New Jersey Institute of Technology Entrepreneurship Speaker Series  New Jersey

Sample Talks

Overcoming Obstacles from Someone who Knows

Mitch shares personal experiences and thoughts as well as ways in which he himself has overcome his own challenges. You will NEVER hear the word can’t in Mitch’s presentations - he will tell you “you can do anything you put your mind to.

Style

Availability

  • Keynote
  • Panelist
  • Workshop Leader

Fees

$500 to $1000*Will consider certain engagements for no fee