Public Speaking Portfolio
Redefining Influence Through Encouragement (April 2025)
In my TEDx talk, I share the heart behind my message: that encouragement is not just a personality trait — it’s a leadership strategy, a catalyst for change, and a powerful force for community transformation. I open up about my own journey of finding my voice, overcoming fear, and embracing the calling God placed on my life. Through storytelling and real-world reflections, I show how choosing encouragement can shift cultures, empower people, and redefine what influence truly means.
Click below to watch the full talk and step into the Encouragement Movement with me!
La Sierra University – Global Health & Mental Health Presentation (April 2025)
I had the opportunity to speak at La Sierra University on global health and mental health, sharing real-world insights on how communities across the world are navigating rising mental health needs and innovative solutions that center equity and cultural context.
Here are a few snippets of me speaking during the session.
Suicide Awareness & Prevention Panel – Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church (September 2025)
I was invited to serve as a panelist at Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church for their Suicide Awareness & Prevention event focused on the mental health needs of Black American communities. I spoke about how churches can reduce stigma, support those quietly struggling, and create emotionally safe spaces for youth, parents, and caregivers. We also discussed balancing structure with compassion at home, recognizing signs of isolation in teens, and showing up for one another with grace, faith, and understanding.
Here’s a brief look at that conversation.
Hidden in Plain Sight: The Truth About Stress and Our Health (October 2025)
I served as a featured virtual speaker for the University of California Office of the President’s Black Staff & Faculty Organization, where I spoke on the hidden impact of stress and how it shapes our mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. I shared practical tools for building resilience, preventing burnout, and navigating change with faith and intentionality.
Here’s a quick look at that session.
Keynote Speaker – RUHS Behavioral Health PEI Summit (August 2024)
In August 2024, I delivered my first keynote presentation at the RUHS Behavioral Health Prevention & Early Intervention Summit in Palm Springs. Speaking to mental health providers across the county, I focused on reimagining outreach and engagement strategies, addressing health disparities, and confronting the racism that continues to shape community mental health. I encouraged providers to lead with “why,” think creatively, and build strategic partnerships to truly meet people where they are.
This keynote was especially meaningful because it marked my first major presentation as Tomi The Encourager.
In August 2024, I was featured in VoyageLA Magazine’s Community Highlights series, where I shared my journey as Tomi The Encourager and my passion for uplifting communities through faith, storytelling, and mental wellness advocacy. The feature highlights my work, my mission, and the heart behind the Encouragement Movement.
Click to read the full feature
VoyageLA Magazine – Community Highlights Feature (August 2024)
NACCHO 360 Conference – Community COVID-19 Impact Hub Presentation
(July 2024)
I presented at the NACCHO 360 Conference in Detroit, sharing the year-long Community COVID-19 Impact Hub project developed by my colleagues and me. Our session highlighted real community stories, health equity data, and the pandemic’s impact on vulnerable populations across Riverside County. It was an honor to represent our team’s work on equitable and community-centered COVID-19 response strategies.
Click to see a few snippets and check the photo on the right to check out the Impact Hub!
Naija Gal Network – Mental Health Video Series (May 2024)
In May 2024, I partnered with Naijagal Network to record two videos for their community mental health series, joining other Nigerian professionals in breaking the silence around emotional well-being. In both videos, I shared practical guidance on recognizing early signs that someone may need extra mental health care and encouraged viewers to lean on trusted support systems when they need support.
Click to see a few snippets.
Breathe Through Stress” – BetterWise Learning App (April 2023)
In 2023, I created a guided stress-management video for the BetterWise Learning app, a platform designed to support teenagers and young adults navigating school, pressure, and real-life challenges. The video teaches practical breathing techniques and simple mindset shifts to help students calm their minds, reset, and build healthier coping habits.
Here’s a snippet from that feature.
NAMI San Bernardino – “Taking Ownership of Your Mental Health” Presentation ( August 2021)
I delivered a community-focused mental health presentation for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Bernardino, where I taught practical ways individuals can take ownership of their mental health with confidence and intention. The session offered simple strategies for recognizing personal needs, seeking support, and building healthy habits that strengthen emotional resilience.
Click below to watch the presentation.
Compassion Fatigue & Self-Care Workshop (December 2021)
In December 2021, I led a compassion fatigue and self-care presentation for the staff at Pediatric Therapy Associates — including therapists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and support teams. I shared practical strategies for recognizing emotional exhaustion, protecting your well-being, and practicing intentional self-care while working in high-impact, people-centered roles.
Here are a few snippets from that workshop. Click the pictures below to view more.
American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting – Research Presentation (October 2020)
My Master of Public Health graduate research was accepted for presentation at the Virtual APHA Annual Meeting, one of the largest public health conferences in the world. I presented my study, “Acculturation of Foreign-Born African Parents in the U.S. and Their Attitude Toward the Utilization of Mental Health Services for Children.” This work explored cultural influences on mental health help-seeking and highlighted opportunities to strengthen access and support for African immigrant families and children.
Here’s a look at the original conference listing
