Biographical notes for
Elizer E. Darris
After being sentenced to natural life in prison as a juvenile and violently struggling for years in adult facilities, Elizer Eugene Darris fought to turn his life around. Self-education became his vehicle of self-discovery and through it, his life was redeemed. He became a business owner, consultant, educator, IT specialist and motivational speaker. He strives to be impactful and effect change in the world around him. Elizer is the Lead Consultant with the Darris Consulting Group, which aims to inspire hope and spark dialogue centered around the power of individuals to effect change in their world.
While in prison, Elizer earned his Associate’s degree from Inver Hills Community College, thereby becoming the first in his family to complete a college education. Additionally, he became the first person in the history of the Minnesota Department of Corrections to obtain CompTIA A+ certification from within a facility, and is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science from Metropolitan State University. For years, he served as a Student-Teacher in the Power of People Leadership Institute under the direction of Shane and Dr. Verna Price, where he developed as a servant, speaker and activist. Elizer is a 2017 AALF Josie R. Johnson Leadership Fellow. He also sits on the Board of Directors for Appetite for Change, a food justice advocacy nonprofit.
Elizer speaks to businesses, colleges, high schools, law enforcement agencies and social justice organizations offering a message of resiliency even in the face of enormous adversity. He also conducts workshop trainings centered around organizational and personal leadership. His message is: We are the captains of our ships and the masters of our fate despite whatever circumstance we may face.
To schedule speaking engagements, contact Scheduling Manager, Shaundelle Darris, at 612-743-7059
