Speaker's Bureau

Saba Jana-Worku

Saba Jana-Worku

Saba Jana-Worku is a charismatic middle-schooler with a keen perspective for someone her age. She’s a musically gifted artist, entrepreneur, and creative thinker who plays 6 instruments!

Saba Jana-Worku
Richmond Preparatory Christian Academy
GPA: 3.5

“Count your rainbows, not your thunderstorms". - Unknown

Saba Jana-Worku is a charismatic middle-schooler with a keen perspective for someone her age. She’s a musically gifted artist, entrepreneur, and creative thinker who plays 6 instruments (double bass, piano, ukulele, bass guitar, xylophone, and harp), sings alto, and makes art that she sells online and in her community. While she is currently focused on her artistic and speaking career, she has performed in the Richmond Ballet’s Nutcracker multiple times and several theatrical productions with the Holton Players. She enjoys downhill skiing, hiking, camping, and traveling the world with her family. Saba’s worldly perspective comes from being half African American and half Ethiopian. She has visited places including Africa, Canada, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and 30 U.S. States.

Speaking Topics
  • Bias in Schools—Public and Private
  • #BlackGirlMagic
  • Things You Need to Know: A Black Girl’s Perspective
Organizations She’s Worked With
  • Richmond Ballet
  • Girls For A Change
  • Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra
  • Code VA
  • Girls Who Code
  • National Society of Black Engineers
  • TMI Consulting
  • Stop Hunger Now
Previous Speaking Engagements
  • VA Board of Education - Bias in Schools
Awards/Recognitions
  • Citizenship Award
  • Scholar Roll

Saba is looking forward to attending Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan again this summer and hopefully for high school. She wants to attend Harvard, like her sister.

Your Rates (see below)
$1250

Naomi Vickers

Naomi Vickers

Naomi is a sophomore at Harvard University studying economics and history. She enjoys exploring the intersection of economics and communities of color.

Naomi Vickers
naomivickers@college.harvard.edu
GPA: 3.76/4.00

All people deserve the knowledge and opportunities to thrive.”

Naomi is a sophomore at Harvard University studying economics and history. She enjoys exploring the intersection of economics and communities of color. She is the COO of BLK Capital Management, a Black-owned, student-run hedge fund with $100,000 under management. Naomi also volunteers at the Judge Connelly Youth Center, a juvenile detention center where she facilitates discussions about social issues and job skills. Next summer, Naomi will be working at Goldman Sachs as a 2019 Investment Banking Summer Analyst. She intends to gain a deep understanding of debt and use that knowledge to end economic oppression. Read more about Naomi here.

Social Media Handles Speaking Topics
  • The prison-industrial complex: I combine my work with black and brown communities with my readings, such as The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi, to craft an informed and empathetic opinion.
  • Modern racial injustices: because we live in such segregated communities, it can be difficult to both see and understand the root causes of oppression today. I have researched, both through volunteering and through academia, this topic to present the information in an understandable and relatable way.
  • Learning black history as a fuel for the movement: few children learn black history in school, so I would like to spread knowledge about black roots to understand what we’ve faced in the past and how we have overcome.
Organizations She’s Worked With
  • London School of Economics Centre for Economic Performance: Research assistant during the summer of 2018 where she studied migrants’ impact on UK wages.
  • Office of Community Wealth Building: As an intern, she made an inventory of social service organizations in Richmond and presented a final project on housing discrimination in Richmond.
  • HomeAgain Homeless Shelter and Southside Boys and Girls Club: Made a volunteering program to help black and brown children gain financial knowledge.
Previous Speaking Engagements
  • Richmond Black Girls’ Bill of Rights at the Office of Community Wealth Building
  • Ranked 13th Nationally in the National Catholic Forensic League Oral Interpretation Competition (2016), and was state champion in 2016
  • Beyond the Gates Rally against mass incarceration at Harvard
  • World Methodist Conference in Durban, South Africa
Awards/Recognitions
  • BLK Spring National Stock Pitch Competition in 2018 at Goldman Sachs
  • Second place at Point72
  • University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award for Social Justice (2016)
  • We the People National Constitutional Debate Competition (2017)

School Attending: Harvard University

Upcoming Plans: I will be an Investment Banking Analyst in the natural resources group at Goldman Sachs during the summer of 2019.

Video of Her Speaking
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-xSB7Fiyf26Zjh5bnRsYWJzMUU/view?usp=sharing

Rates
I don’t know what usual rates are, but maybe $100 for events where I need to research and type out my presentation ahead of time for a 30 minute to an hour talk. For panels where I don’t have to prepare a speech ahead of time, a lower price such as $70 would be fine. As I am a full-time student, I will likely only do 3-5 events per year, 1-2 of which could be free. I would speak with children or adults, nonprofits or corporations, any group.

Nadia Fraiser

Nadia Fraser

I got into Girls For A Change (GFAC) because my mother had a really great experience with my older sister. My mom knew GFAC could help me learn how to serve my community, speak up for myself, and others.

Nadia Fraser
Beulah Elementary School - 4th Grade
GPA: 4.0
beautifulbeginningsofva@gmail.com
804-615-8527

Whatever you believe you can achieve.”

“I got into Girls For A Change (GFAC) because my mother had a really great experience with my older sister. My mom knew GFAC could help me learn how to serve my community, speak up for myself, and others. I enjoy GFAC because I get to encourage other girls to be involved in their schools. This organization makes me feel better because I know I have a voice and adults who support me. I have learned how to become an advocate at my school against bullying and discrimination. I am only nine, but I feel like I am ready to conquer the world thanks to my parents and GFAC.

I plan to attend one of the local Governors School’s for High School and then go on to college. I plan to become more of an advocate for other girls in my community to make sure everyone has a voice. I am not sure what I want to be. I do know I am going to continue to do my best in school, and make really good grades. This way I will be ready for whatever career I choose.”

Speaking Topics
  • Girls in STEAM.
  • Brown girls loving their Natural Hair
  • Healthy Eating
  • Don’t be a bystander to bullying
  • Great Grades = Great Opportunity
Volunteer Experience
  • Girls For A Change
  • Redeemed Assembly
Previous Speaking Engagements
  • New parent Orientation at GFAC
  • Virginia Board of Education
  • Redeemed Assembly Black History Month
  • GFAC Closing Ceremony
Awards
  • An Honor Roll
  • Citizenship Award
  • Perfect Attendance
  • Student of the Month
Rate
  • $75
  • Accommodations if more than 90 miles
  • Gas for my mom
Kayla Jones

Kayla Jones

Kayla Mone’t Jones is a Richmond, Virginia native. She has studied at City Dance Theatre, J’Adore Dance Studio, Richmond Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, Appomattox Regional Governor’s School of the Arts, and AMDA for her pre-professional training.

Kayla Jones
American Musical and Dramatic Academy
Enrollment Cum. GPA 3.71
kvy_monet@gmail.com
(804)-519-8303

“And the Lord answered me: ‘Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.’” - Habakkuk 2:2-3

Kayla Mone’t Jones is a Richmond, Virginia native. She has studied at City Dance Theatre, J’Adore Dance Studio, Richmond Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, Appomattox Regional Governor’s School of the Arts, and AMDA for her pre-professional training. Kayla is a well-known choreographer and dancer in the Richmond Metro Area who loves to perform and teach to her community. During Kayla’s junior year of high school, she was drafted by the Joffrey Ballet Company in New York City. In New York, she trained with worldwide and well-known choreographers from all over the country - an experience she describes as humbling. Kayla recently graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts studying dance/choreography, theatre, acting, and vocal techniques. She is currently auditioning for TV/film roles and numerous Broadway and cruise line productions. She continues to aspire and pursue her art in dance thanks to the support of her family and the Richmond community.

Testimonial

Being apart of Girls for a Change as a girl ambassador has been one of - and still is - the best experience of a lifetime. Pursuing a dance/choreographer career is very competitive and challenging. Girls For A Change gave me so much performance opportunity as well as teaching opportunities to grow as an artist. It gave me a chance to express my creativity with not only my movement but with words. I’ve taught so many amazing dance classes with so many amazing, talented, and intelligent girls. Connecting with them, sitting and talking, answering questions, discussing our wildest dreams... Our sister circles have been the most memorable moments for me. It taught me that I am not just a dancer. I can motivate, mentor, educate, and empower our young women.

Social Media
Instagram: @_kvke
Facebook: Kayla Dancin Diva Jones

Speaking Topics

  • Being a dancer/actor/singer of color in such a commanding industry
  • Setting goals and making them happen (turning dreams into reality)
  • How to Audition/Interview (what to do, what not to do)

Organizations Worked With

  • Girls For A Change
  • Redeemed Assembly of Jesus Christ
  • National Association of Black Social Workers
  • Key Club of ARGS
  • Spanish Club of ARGS
  • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

Previous Speaking Engagements

  • GFAC’s Black Girl Rally
  • Brazil Study Abroad

Awards

  • 2nd place Regional essay contest winner for the Martin Luther King Jr Black History tribute
  • Scholarship to Train with the Joffrey Ballet
  • Scholarship to train at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy
  • Date With Dad Essay Winner for the “Year’s Best Dad”

Kayla will be graduating from college on February 2, 2019 and is currently auditioning on Broadway, TV, film, and National Tours with plans to travel/tour for the 2019 year.

Journi

Journi Marlow

Journi Marie Marlow is a young, daring, creative spirit who uses poetry and visual artistic expression to advocate for girl empowerment and radical self-love.

Journi Marie Marlow
Orchard House Middle School
GPA: 3.9
journi.marlow@gmail.com
804-304-2802

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”

Journi Marie Marlow is a young, daring, creative spirit who uses poetry and visual artistic expression to advocate for girl empowerment and radical self-love. As a budding entrepreneur, she is the creator of “Marked”, a small business dedicated to inspiring young people to “Do their part, to leave their mark.” Marked utilizes upcycled materials to create reimaged artistic pieces from her unique perspective. With her insightful poetry and drive to challenge injustice, Journi Marie is helping to change the narrative of what it means to be a black girl in America with no apologies. Through her own journey of self-exploration, she hopes to be a light of unwavering girl power.

Testimonial
“Exciting to see the new generation that will be the leaders of the future and their potential. Gives hope that the future will be in good hands.”

Social Media
Instagram: @journi_marie

Speaking Topics
  • Girl Empowerment Us girls aren’t just pink bows and glitter. We are grit, fierce, fearless, fortitude, fighters, and fire. I want to help girls define themselves by their own truths while destroying stereotypes and crushing barriers.
  • Self-Love The truth is nothing and no one is perfect. Self-love acknowledges and accepts. We must have the courage to show the world our struggle. It is our journey that reveals to us who we really are and what we are capable of. It is the appreciation of all our parts that leads to radical self-love.
  • Encouragement/Self-Determination Sometimes you fail. In fact, most times you fail. The only thing wrong with failing is believing that you shouldn’t. How do you find the determination to get back up, to try again, to practice until you make progress? This life does not require perfection it only requires fortitude. The highs and lows are all part of your beautiful journey to becoming whatever it is you want to be.
Organizations She’s Worked With
  • Girls for a Change
  • Legacy Chess Club
  • OHS Field Hockey
  • OHS Basketball
Previous speaking engagements
  • Opening poet for the Girl for Change closing ceremony
  • The role of Puck in a production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummers Night Dream

Journi plans to expand her entrepreneurial endeavors for her company Marked by launching her own online store. She is looking forward to getting exposure to as many artistic platforms and mediums as possible to develop her artistic voice.

Genisus Holland

Genisus Holland

I am a junior at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School. I have volunteered and worked with many different organizations specializing in aiding students and young children, including Girls for a Change.

Genisus Holland
hollandgenisus@gmail.com
genisus@girlsforachange.org
(804) 300-4193

Hello! My name is Genisus Holland and I am a junior at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School. I have volunteered and worked with many different organizations specializing in aiding students and young children, including Girls for a Change. I am told that I am a natural born talker and I would have to agree. I enjoy talking and listening especially when it comes to things of my interest. I love that through talking you are able to broaden your mind and others as well.

Testimonial
I am hard working, eloquent, and innovative. I have a determination to not only satisfy those who hire me but to also make sure that their experience with me is one of professionalism and trust.

Quote
“Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country”- Thurgood Marshall

Speaking Topics:
My range of speaking topics includes racial, gender, social inequality, and social change.

Organizations
In the past, I have mainly worked with Girls for a Change.

Speaking Engagements:
I have spoken at the Girls for a Change closing ceremony. I have also led and spoke at many workshops including one with the public after the premiere of “The Hate U Give”, a Colorism workshop at VCU, and a social change workshop at the Worldwide Women’s Conference in Santa Clara.

Awards and Recognition:
I attend Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School with a 3.8 GPA

Future Plans:
I wish to go to a multitude of colleges including the University of Richmond, VCU, William and Mary, University of Southern California, Cambridge, etc. I want to be an International Investigative Journalist, I would love to travel everywhere when I grow up because I believe seeing the world helps you form educated opinions and views that you can then spread to your peers.

Rates
My rates range anywhere from $500 to $5K

Danielle-Kim Johnson

Danielle Freeman Jefferson

Danielle Freeman Jefferson is a freshman studying Landscape Architecture in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Design at North Carolina A&T State University.

Danielle Freeman Jefferson
North Carolina A&T State University

Danielle Freeman Jefferson is a freshman studying Landscape Architecture in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Design at North Carolina A&T State University. Her goal is to redesign and build communities to mediate housing insecurities in areas that are under-resourced. She is invested in the social issues in our society and is committed to decreasing the effect of these social issues for as many people as she can. Danielle is working to do just that through education, as well as direct service to communities affected most by issues such as mass incarceration, food and housing insecurities, and social injustice.

Breeana Gant

Breeana Gant

As a senior in high school, and a student of a primarily white institution (PWI), I know the importance of inclusivity and representation for black girls, especially within spaces that offer learning opportunities and growth, and how they can care for themselves within these spaces.

Breeana Gant
Matoaca High School
GPA: 4.48/5.0
(804) 920-4727
breeanatbgant@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/2QnC48W

As a senior in high school, and a student of a primarily white institution (PWI), I know the importance of inclusivity and representation for black girls, especially within spaces that offer learning opportunities and growth, and how they can care for themselves within these spaces. I am so excited for what’s to come of college and my future, and it’s essential that I am working towards and communicating about the issues I will potentially face. I plan to utilize my experiences, research, and other perspectives to combat these issues.

Speaking Topics
  • Why Representation is so Important
  • “Adultification”
  • Necessary Self-Care
Organizations She’s Worked With
  • Girls For A Change
  • Habitat for Humanity Youth Council
  • Wells Athletic Association Volunteer Cheer Coach
  • CCPS Ettrick Elementary Information Technology Instructor
Previous Speaking Engagements
  • CCPD Cybersecurity Awareness Program
  • Girls For a Change - Sisterfund Pitch
  • Girls For A Change Closing Ceremony
Awards/Recognitions
  • Outstanding Youth Award - Chesterfield County
  • District Omega Psi Phi International Essay Contest Recipient
  • Presidential Leadership Program Scholarship Recipient

Breeana plans to attend Christopher Newport University to study Information Science. With her degree, she aspires to lead programs in relation to technology within the classroom.

What can I bring to the table?
  • Media coverage
    • Promotional posts
    • Capturing of events through video recaps or photos
  • Speech organization
    • Proofread and edit for younger speakers
  • Outreach
  • Creation of rosters/time tables
  • Creation of presentation materials
  • Collect feedback
  • Collect research

Girls Speak: Speaker Request Form

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