Seeking different ways to dazzle your audience?
I’m teaming up with the individuals provided below for collaborative and individual presentations.
Watch us in person!
“Dropping Knowledge
Like Hot Biscuits”™
Image courtesy of Metropolitan State University
WANDA JOELL
Dreams in Flight
An inspiring presentation designed to encourage school-age children, today’s youth, and young adults to pursue their dreams, no matter how big or challenging they may seem. As a young girl, Wanda dreamed of flying on Air Force One, and through this presentation, provides insight into her remarkable life story. Through determination, hard work, and an unwavering belief in her dreams, she achieved that goal and made history by becoming the first African American female to be permanently hired aboard Air Force One. This presentation not only highlights her journey but also empowers all generations to believe in their potential and chase their dreams with passion and persistence.
Biography
Wanda was the first African American flight attendant to serve as a permanent Presidential crew member on Air Force One. She served a total of 24 years working for President George Bush, President William Clinton, President George W. Bush, and President Barack Obama. She also served as Superintendent of First Lady Operations, having flown with Ms. Laura Bush, Ms. Hilary Clinton, and Ms. Michelle Obama. Wanda was aboard AF-1 when 9/11 occurred, and it remains her most notable memory, as she and President Bush embraced and prayed mid-flight.
Alan DeValerio
The Butler Did It!
In this presentation, former White House butler Alan DeValerio provides details about all preparations involved in White House entertaining. Not only will he relate his first-hand experiences with history, but he will pass on the stories from those he worked with, such as Eugene Allen, on whom the movie “The Butler” was based. Learn the stories of those who have taken care of our First Families since the Franklin Roosevelt administration!
Alan will also display many of the White House artifacts (menus, programs, personal photos, etc. ) that he has collected over the years. And after the program his book “A History of Entertainment in the Modern White House” will be available for purchase and signing. This is a presentation that you won’t want to miss!
LEILANI RAASHIDA HENRY
The Call of Antarctica: Unleashing Our Shared Humanity
Discover Antarctica’s rich history based on the notes of George W. Gibbs Jr., the speaker’s father, the first man of African descent to set foot on the continent. As a mess attendant in 1940, on the USS Bear, Gibbs used food to boost morale and promote unity. Learn how the dangers of exploration can inspire leadership and teamwork. Understand how vital the most southerly continent is to the conservation of the rest of the world, and imagine how we can help protect this harsh and hostile yet beautiful and fragile region on Earth while exploring our common humanity. (Suitable for: higher education, libraries, and climate conferences.)
A Way of Being and Living: Building Capacity for Trust Every Day
As we navigate extremes in ideology and dreams, discover the capacity to build trust day by day. As a team, learn to communicate effectively, maintain trust, resolve conflicts, and approach tough decisions. Discover how to apply the hard-earned lessons from protecting the Antarctic continent to your business. Cultivate the ability to choose and change while building a positive workplace atmosphere where your workforce truly wants to be. (Suitable for healthcare/corporate retreats, executive-level training, teamwork, and team development.)
Uncover The Inner Power Of Your Leadership Style
Develop your leadership capabilities through holistic self-awareness. Connect intuition, logic, and energy to uncover and nurture the inner and outer you while learning to be fully present, see, and be seen for who you truly are. Apply these positive techniques and feel the difference in all your interactions. Inject your leadership abilities with a healthy dose of vitality to increase engagement and communication for a more innovative, collaborative, and productive work environment. (Suitable for: Leaders, executives, professionals, facilitators, and Human Resources.)
Biography
Leilani is the author of The Call of Antarctica: Exploring and Protecting Earth’s Coldest
Continent, published in 2022. In her book, she utilizes the diaries of her late father, George W. Gibbs, Jr., who was the first person of African descent to set foot on the continent of Antarctica. She also authored the “Navigating Conflict” chapter, in Springer’s book on Management and Leadership Skills for Medical Faculty. Leilani received a B.A. from Spelman College in Atlanta and holds a master’s degree from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN. She calls the Rocky Mountains outside of Denver, Colorado home.
think your name could be here next?
You could be our next collaborative speaker!
Reach out to us at admin@soulfoodscholar.com
We look forward to hearing from you,
The Soul Food Scholar Team
