Ms. Shawna R. Smith

Shawna Smith is a dynamic speaker, author, teacher coach and community activist. She specializes in women's empowerment, women's leadership and early childhood education. Her motivational talks are riveting, and inspirational. She holds a bachelor's degree in in management and organizational development from Spring Arbor University and a master's degree in business administration from Cornerstone University. She also has several certifications in Early Childhood Education.

Her background in education and women's issues has given her a unique take on the real-world situations that women and children encounter daily. Ms. Smith is the founder and CEO of Outreach Matters (OM). Outreach Matters is an organization that offers prayer and support to police and citizens for the purpose of peace and understanding in the community. Shawna is also the CEO of Shawna Speaks Truth, which is her personal speaking brand.

HERE SIGNATURE TALKS ARE LISTED BELOW

OWN THE ROOM

Own the room is designed to empower educators and teachers. It is especially focused on early childhood professionals. By highlighting her tried and tested methods such as "mastering your teacher voice" and "you're the expert", Ms. Smith empowers educators to lead with confidence and grace.

DON’T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER

Don’t take no for an answer is a talk about perseverance, over adversity. Ms. Smith focuses on stories of personal triumph in acquiring higher education in a system that is not always friendly to women in general, especially to women of color. This talk also, highlights her fight as a mother and advocate for her African American, special needs daughter, in the public school system. She provides real life solutions and empowerment to mothers, especially to those raising Black or Brown children. Her strategies include effective communication with school staff, like when and how to go to war, and collecting wins for your child.

SURVIVING AMERICAN MEDICINE AS A BLACK WOMAN

Surviving American Medicine as a Black woman is a story about how Ms. Smith navigated a life-threatening decease while simultaneously navigating the medical system. This story highlights women’s health, racial disparities in the American healthcare system, and finally the bias shown to Black women by doctors.