David Flink is a social movement leader on the front lines of the learning rights movement. He imagines a world where one day all learners will be seen, heard and valued. Being diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD at a young age, David later committed his life to students with learning differences. In 1998 as a student at Brown University, David founded Eye to Eye alongside a group of dedicated volunteers. Six years later, David left his job as a college admissions officer and re-committed himself to propelling the movement he had begun at Brown. Eye to Eye has since become known as the only national organization run for and by people with learning and attention issues, like Dyslexia and ADHD.

In addition to being Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Eye to Eye, David regularly speaks to audiences ranging from students and educators to social entrepreneurs, policymakers, and corporate leaders. As a Senior Eye to Eye Diplomat, he has provided keynote addresses at conferences including the International Dyslexia Association’s Annual Conference, the Education Revolution Conference held in San Francisco’s AT&T Park, and the Arts and Special Education Conference at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.

David has served on national nonprofit boards including, Swanee Hunt Alternatives Foundation, Generation Citizen, CAST, and the New Profit Reimagine Learning Advisory Board.  David was awarded a Prime Movers Fellowship and was elected to the prestigious Ashoka Fellowship. In addition, he is a Hearts on Fire Visionary, a Pahara-Aspen Institute Fellow, and an Advisor for The A2A Alliance, Empower Work, and Story Shares. David is also an ambassador for the UCSF Dyslexia Center. David is a recipient of the Teachers College, Columbia University Alumni Early Career Award. And while David is proud to receive each honor and award, one of David’s most unique moments was in 2015 when he found himself celebrated in GQ alongside fellow dyslexic, Mark Ruffalo, as GQ Man of the Year, honoring those who go above and beyond to raise awareness for social issues. Most recently, David was named a Top 10 2021 CNN Hero for his work to support students with learning disabilities.

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