I am deeply honored to announce that I received the 2025 NSA Chair Leadership Award from the National Speakers Association. This recognition celebrates leadership that goes above and beyond to strengthen the NSA community, acknowledging a commitment to serve, support, and empower the speakers who inspire audiences across the nation.

This award, which recognizes my work as Chair of the Chapter Leadership Committee, has further fueled my passion for guiding chapter leaders, building connections, and creating growth opportunities. Each chapter is the heartbeat of the NSA, and strong chapters create strong speakers. My goal is to continue fostering collaboration, sharing strategies, and helping leaders elevate their local chapters.

The NSA Chair Leadership Award is one of the most significant honors. It recognizes leaders who demonstrate consistent dedication to the mission and its members. For me, this recognition also represents the outstanding teamwork, creativity, and resilience that I witness from chapter leaders.

I am grateful for this recognition, but even more so for the relationships, conversations, and ideas that make this work so meaningful. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the NSA for this honor, and an even bigger thank you to all the amazing NSA chapters across the country. It’s been my absolute privilege to serve and support each of you. 

This honor fuels my passion to continue helping leaders grow. Together, we will build stronger chapters, elevate voices, and create a lasting impact. To my colleagues in education and speaking, let’s keep moving forward, committed to growth, purpose, and service.

Within Our Ranks: Developing the Next Generation of Speakers, Trainers, and Consultants

Within Our Ranks exists because I believe that experienced educators hold stories, skills, and insights that schools need to hear. Over my career, I have seen so many educators with the passion and expertise to speak on stages, lead trainings, or provide consulting. What they often need is guidance, structure, and a community that shows them how to make that transition. That is the reason for Within Our Ranks.

With more than 25 years in education and as a Certified Professional Speaker with the National Speakers Association, I have gained experience on hundreds of stages. I have spoken to schools, districts, associations, and organizations all over the world. Speaking has given me opportunities to make a real impact on school climate, culture, and leadership, and I feel a deep responsibility to share what I know with others who want to follow this same path. Within Our Ranks is my way of opening that door.

This retreat is for educators with ten or more years of experience who feel called to expand their influence beyond their classroom or school. We help participants refine their message, build strong presentation skills, learn how to create value for schools and organizations, and understand the business side of speaking and training. Our structured coaching involves one-on-one sessions with experienced speakers and trainers, while our monthly community sessions provide a platform for networking, sharing insights, and learning from each other's experiences. Through these components, Within Our Ranks creates the roadmap you need to begin and succeed.

The next Within Our Ranks retreat takes place in San Antonio, Texas, on November 14-16, 2025. This retreat gives you an immersive three days of coaching, planning, and practice with a team of experienced professionals. Simply book a discovery call with one of our coaches, who will guide you through the process and explore how this retreat can move you forward. Space is limited, so if you are interested, don't hesitate. https://calendly.com/withinourranks/30min?month=2025-07 

Our next Within Our Ranks Community Zoom event is held on August 28. This free event is an open session for educators who want to learn more about speaking, ask questions, and gain insights about this exciting profession. You can register for that event at the link on our website. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvde-qrT8vG9AdyqOOHhQLT1fyQf7cOBtx#/registration 

I firmly believe that educators possess voices that have the power to transform schools, communities, and lives. Within Our Ranks is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to share your expertise as a speaker, trainer, or consultant. Join us, and let's embark on this transformative journey together.