Authentic Stories. Practical Tools. Real Change.

As a higher education leader, coach, and storyteller, I bring both humor and honesty to every keynote. I don’t just speak at people — I invite them into a conversation that sparks reflection and leads to action. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of presenting at regional and national conferences, campus leadership events, and professional development gatherings across the country.

I am the Former President of the Texas Academic Advising Network (TEXAAN) and currently serve as President of the Austin Community College Chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (ACC-AAWCC). These leadership roles, combined with my work as a certified CliftonStrengths coach and Student Affairs Training Lead, shape the lens through which I inspire audiences to lead, grow, and thrive.

Presentation Topics Delivered Include:

  • Wielding the Power of Culture Change: Leading from the Middle

  • Fighting the Imposter: Committee Work and Volunteerism – A Guide for New and Aspiring Leaders

  • Starving the Imposter: A Guide for Mentoring New and Aspiring Leaders

  • Embracing Your Inner Higher Ed Nerd: Why We Do What We Do

  • A Workshop in Passion: Mindful Practices to Define, Relocate, and Grow from the Light in Your Life

  • Professionalism with Personality: Netiquette and Student Communication in the Virtual World

  • Do-Over! How I Challenged Imposter Syndrome and Found My Way

  • Leading from Within: Recognizing Your Strengths to Identify Your Leadership Style

  • More than Learning Styles – Knowing Your Students, Knowing Your Leaders, Knowing Yourself

  • Recognizing and Applying Bloom's Taxonomy in an Interactive Way

What You Can Expect from Me on Stage

  • Connection: I use humor, storytelling, and real experiences to create a space where audiences feel seen and understood.

  • Clarity: My talks break down complex ideas — leadership, culture change, imposter syndrome — into practical steps participants can take with them.

  • Authenticity: I share my own journey openly, modeling vulnerability while showing the strength that comes from it.

  • Energy: Whether it’s a ballroom full of professionals or a student leadership retreat, I bring enthusiasm that motivates people to take action.

I believe that keynotes should do more than inspire — they should equip. My goal is always for people to walk away not just moved, but ready to make a change in their own work, leadership, and lives.

Interested in bringing me to your event? Let’s talk about what your audience needs.

Email: EssentialJourneysCoaching@gmail.com or Contact Me through the site

For a full list of my speaking engagements and professional experience, visit me on LinkedIn.

Speaking/Keynote Experience