Chris Bashinelli
Testimonials
Chris Bashinelli is an inspiration to youth worldwide. He speaks with passion and his message is
one of hope, cultural tolerance, and call to action. He knows how to reach young and old alike.
Bridge the Gap shares exciting and inspirational stories of daily life from the developing world
and encourages us to realize that at the end of the day, we really are all the same and every
single one of us makes a difference. We need more people like Chris in the world.
-Jane Goodall, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace
It was a pleasure to meet you at the United Nations International Day of Peace. Your handling of
the student panel discussion and your own speech were excellent. Your motivational skills and
energy along with the positive message you send will truly inspire people to help make this a
better planet. Congratulations and best wishes for a very promising future.
-Michael Douglas, Academy Award-winning Actor, UN Messenger of Peace
I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Chris speak on numerous occasions and each time I’m
blown away. He is a perfect blend of passionate and compelling, while remaining down to
earth and relatable. He knows how to cater his message to different crowds and he never fails
to add humor. He is a true artisan with words and a natural leader. I’m excited to see the impact
that Bridge the Gap will have for this generation and all the ways that Chris Bashinelli will inspire
us all to look within, go beyond our comfort zones, and be a voice to those who were otherwise
silenced.
-Monique Coleman, Actress, United Nations Youth Champion
Chris’s charm and etiquette will go a long way. He is able to capture audiences when he speaks
and one gets a sense that it is truly from the heart. His appeal is not limited to any particular age
group or class. People are very comfortable around him and seem to respond to him
endearingly, no matter what walk of life. Chris is helping to change the world. We should all be
contributing whatever resources we can, so that Chris may continue “Building Bridges”…
-Shontelle Layne, Motown Singer & Songwriter
Chris opens peoples eyes up to the different worlds in which we live and makes people think
about things we in the developed world take for granted.
-Dr. Louise Leakey, Paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer in Residence
313 Washington Street, Suite 225 | Newton, MA 02458 | Phone: 617.614.1600 | Fax: 617.965.6610 | apbspeakers.com
Chris has a passionate, captivating personality, and is a truly inspirational speaker. He breaks
through cultural and generational boundaries and puts life into perspective. He ignites sincere
emotions, which tend to get lost in our full and busy lives. His message inspires individuals to
become more committed members of the society. Chris motivates with vivid stories from all over
the world and encourages people to use obstacles as building blocks and to see “failures” as
lessons. And, he reminds us that success in business and in life also comes from thinking outside
our own boundaries.
-Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at BMW Group
Chris Bashinelli brings creativity and talent to the cause of intercultural dialogue, which he
embraces with enthusiasm. In May 2010, at short notice, he staged for the United Nations
Alliance of Civilizations the awards ceremony of the Marketplace of Ideas, which recognizes the
most innovative civil society initiatives for intercultural dialogue and cooperation. In front of
several thousand participants of the Rio de Janeiro Global Forum of the Alliance, he wrapped
the award winners and the prize itself with warmth and a justified sense of big, though
unconventional, achievement. One year later, he did much of the same with the Alliance in
Baku (Azerbaijan). A social innovator himself, through the Bridge the Gap project, he is a
powerful advocate of living together in diversity.
-Director of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
What makes Chris different from other speakers is the genuine energy he brings to his audience.
Seeing someone pursue their passions at such a young age and with such vigor is inspiring to
fellow young people to go out in the world and do what they love. In today’s society, young
people are often told to follow the path that will produce the most money or that which will
supposedly lead you to “happiness.” Chris teaches that in following your true deepest passions
and sharing them with the world you can in turn discover an unparalleled sense of self worth and
truly make a meaningful difference.
-Student, Roots and Shoots Volunteer, Rollins College
While many other young adults only dream about making a difference, Chris Bashinelli is out
there making it happen. Highly observant and curious about the world around him, he has
turned his passion for multicultural education into a life of service, driven to teach and to learn.
He is focused and sharp, with the energy and initiative to turn ambition into action. He lives by
his own guiding principles of resiliency, resourcefulness, and relentlessness, ignoring the road
that’s filled with noise to stay on his path of purpose. A charismatic and engaging speaker, his
story is relatable to audiences of all ages. Chris is an inspirational example of a man on a mission,
and it’s a pleasure to support his journey.
-Brand Development Consultant, Start up Team for Planet Green
Chris presents with a smooth confidence that both sets the tone of the event and captures the
attention of the audience. He harnesses the ethos of social entrepreneurship and would be an
asset to any event requiring a quality speaker.
-Executive Director, World Faith
313 Washington Street, Suite 225 | Newton, MA 02458 | Phone: 617.614.1600 | Fax: 617.965.6610 | apbspeakers.com