Public Speaking Engagements
Public Speaking Suggested Topics:
Personal Story & Advocacy
From Victim to Victor: Finding Your Voice After Trauma
A powerful and deeply personal talk about the aftermath of trauma, the importance of victim rights advocacy, and the critical role of the legal system in providing a path to justice. This presentation draws directly from my experience, including the impact of reading my Victim Impact Statement, and is suitable for legal conferences, victim advocacy groups, and general public audiences.
BlazeitForward: Turning Grief into a Movement
This talk explores the genesis of the BlazeitForward Movement, detailing how a personal tragedy sparked a broader mission to promote kindness, community, and support. It's a powerful story of resilience, ideal for motivational conferences, non-profit events, and educational institutions looking to inspire social change.
Legal & Forensic Focus
The Power of the Victim Impact Statement: A Legal and Human Perspective
In this talk, I provide a detailed analysis of the role and effectiveness of Victim Impact Statements. I discuss their legal weight, their psychological importance for survivors, and share insights from my own experience in court, including the statements my family and I read on November 15th, 2024. This is a perfect fit for law schools, legal professionals, and criminal justice conferences.
Navigating the Criminal Justice System as a Victim's Advocate
Drawing on my legal background and personal experience, this presentation offers a practical guide for victims and their families. It covers the complexities of the legal process, the importance of understanding your rights, and how to work effectively with the media, law enforcement and prosecutors. This is highly relevant for victim support organizations, law enforcement training, and community education programs.
Social & Educational Topics
Hate Crimes in America: Understanding the Threat and Promoting Tolerance
This speech explores the rise of hate crimes, the motivations behind them, and the importance of promoting tolerance and acceptance. Using my son's case as a specific example, I highlight the devastating consequences of hatred and advocate for stronger community initiatives and educational programs. This is highly suitable for high schools, universities, and social justice conferences.
The Power of a PeppTalk: Fostering Resilience and Hope Through Storytelling
This talk focuses on the importance of sharing personal stories to build community, foster resilience, and find hope in the face of adversity. I discuss the philosophy behind my podcast, "PeppTalks with Jeanne," and how candid conversations can be a catalyst for healing and positive change. This is ideal for wellness events, corporate team-building, and women's conferences.
Additional Public Speaking Topics
Fighting Hate from the Heart: A Parent's Call to Action Against Extremism
This topic addresses the underlying cause of the tragedy I faced. It speaks to the personal and emotional fight against hate, making it very powerful. It's a call to action for parents, educators, and community members to recognize and combat the dangers of online extremism and radicalization. This would be impactful for school assemblies, parent-teacher associations, and community forums focused on social issues.
The Modern-Day Renaissance Man: Celebrating Life and Legacy in the Face of Tragedy
This topic focuses on my son, Blaze, as a person. It honors his life and legacy by highlighting his unique blend of scholarly achievement, artistic creativity, and intellectual curiosity. This is a powerful, hopeful, and inspiring talk that could be presented at educational institutions, arts organizations, and community events to celebrate the importance of kindness, diversity, and intellectual pursuits.
In the Shadow of the Courthouse: The Long Road to Justice
This topic speaks to my experience as an attorney navigating the criminal justice system from a deeply personal perspective. It explores the emotional and practical challenges of a prolonged legal process, the concept of "slow justice," and the importance of resilience. It's an ideal topic for legal seminars, law school lectures, and conferences on victim advocacy.
Kindness is a Movement, Not Just a Moment: Lessons from #BlazeitForward
This title captures the essence of my movement. It focuses on the practical application of kindness as a force for social change. I discuss how the movement started, share stories of intentional acts of kindness, and provide concrete steps for individuals and groups to create a more compassionate world. This is perfect for corporate events, non-profit organizations, and community groups seeking to inspire positive change.
Beyond the Headlines: The Media's Role in Humanizing Victims of Hate
This topic leverages my extensive experience with media interviews to discuss the ethical and emotional complexities of telling a victim's story. I talk about the importance of shifting the narrative away from glorifying perpetrators and toward celebrating the lives of victims. This would be a highly relevant and insightful topic for journalism schools, media conferences, and public relations professionals.
Start your inquiry here by making contact with the Pepptalks Team. We will respond within 48 hours.