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Ed.D. · TEDx Speaker · G.R.I.T. Movement Founder

Meet Dr. India White

From homelessness at 16 to three University of Florida degrees, a viral TEDx talk, and a framework now used by 100,000+ people across 38 states.

Dr. India White at TEDxOcala

Dr. India White, Ed.D., was kicked out of her home on Christmas Eve at just 16 years old. What followed was a period of homelessness — and a determination that would carry her through not one, not two, but three degrees from the University of Florida: a B.A., an M.Ed., and an Ed.D.

That journey became the foundation of the G.R.I.T. Framework — Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management — which she introduced to the world in her TEDxOcala talk, “The Power of Grit,” now watched more than 295,000 times.

Today she is a national educational consultant, published author, and sought-after keynote speaker who has trained over 100,000 people across 38 states, helping teachers, leaders, and executives turn hardship into momentum.

Recognition

Accolades & Press

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UF Gators 40 Under 40

Honored by the University of Florida Alumni Association as one of the university's Outstanding Young Alumni, recognized in the UF Alumni Magazine for achievements that positively impact the Gator Nation.

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Featured in The Wall Street Times

Profiled in a feature titled “Dr. India White: Transforming Grit into Glory,” covering her journey from homelessness to national educator and entrepreneur.

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Published Textbook Co-Author

Co-authored K–12 math textbooks for Big Ideas Learning / National Geographic Learning — becoming the first African American to do so.

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TEDxOcala Speaker

Delivered “The Power of Grit” at TEDxOcala, now watched more than 295,000 times and cited across 38 states.

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FCTM Equity & Access Chair

Serves as the Equity and Access Chair for the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

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Founder, Rising Glory Productions

Leads Rising Glory Productions LLC, the company behind the G.R.I.T. Movement, workbooks, courses, and Masterclass training.

Why This Work Matters

Grit & Public Speaking, By the Numbers

75%

of people experience some fear of public speaking

85%

agree that improving public speaking skills boosts self-confidence

90%

of professionals say public speaking skills are essential to career success

10%

lower wages on average tied to public speaking anxiety, compounding over a career

What the Research on Grit Shows

In Dr. Angela Duckworth's landmark West Point study, grit predicted which cadets completed the grueling “Beast Barracks” training better than SAT scores, class rank, or physical fitness.
At the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the grittiest competitors advanced furthest — not because they were more talented, but because they studied longer.
Duckworth's research on Chicago Public Schools juniors found grit predicted graduation the following year, even after accounting for test scores and demographics.

Sources: Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology; public speaking anxiety research aggregated from multiple 2025–26 published studies.

Bring This Story to Your Stage

Book Dr. India → Watch the TEDx Talk