"Thank you for such an inspirational speech, thank you for sharing your story so bravely and thank you for raising girls in a world where we just need to love and understand each other more. We are all very lucky that you shared such an important message and lesson."
-Robyn S.,
Cincinnati, Ohio
"I know that those of us - who strive every day to listen, to be open, to seek to learn and understand, to welcome those who are both like us and especially those who are different from us, to enable and promote inclusion of everyone into a world (both within our work life and beyond our work life) of opportunity - left your keynote address feeling more inspired, more strong, more courageous and more motivated to continue the journey and not settle until all people with whom we work and with whom we live get the access they so deserve to the same rights and privileges so many others have. Thank you for being who you are, and for being strong for all of us."
-Diane J.,
Cincinnati, Ohio
"I can’t imagine the courage it takes to get up there and give a talk like that (and share such personal and intimate moments) and I can’t imagine the courage that you will give to others to be who they are with no apologies in life."
-Monya F.,
Boston, Massachusetts
"WOW! I can’t think of a better word. I start crying as soon as you start talking…and I learned a long time ago that God speaks to me in my emotions. You are a gift from God to share your story. I’ve heard you speak before, but I could listen to you all day. Some painful to hear but at the end of the day…so much joy! But that’s what life is about…we all have some pain and some joy. But we all want and deserve to be happy. Your message is clear…it’s about love...period."
-Toni Z.,
Alexandria, Kentucky
"Your talk was so full of authenticity and human generosity. I am truly thankful that you put yourself out there with your very personal stories and show that we all can choose to show up as our genuine self, and be successful."
-Bettina R.,
Frankfurt, Germany
"You are setting a real example of authentic leadership with your wealth of very personal but important and illustrative examples. It is a message that I really needed to hear personally, one that reminds me of my own power to lead and make others feel valued, no matter what my role or title."
-Anne O.,
Cincinnati, Ohio
"Your story is an inspiration on what’s possible in life. It’s an example on what self- confident leadership can accomplish over time – making a difference for yourself and people around you. It’s setting an example of moral leadership in today’s world, inspiring with the power of words, actions and facts speaking to one’s hearts and minds."
-Dirk H.,
Geneva, Switzerland
"Shelly’s talk has touched my life in a personal and profound way. She openly shares her feelings, learnings, disappointments and ultimately, her triumphs. Shelly’s story makes a powerful case for Inclusion in society and the workplace. She exemplifies integrity and personal courage. I heard Shelly speak in Geneva, Switzerland to a very diverse audience. Her message travels across geographic and cultural boundaries -- and there is seldom a dry eye in the house!"
-Doreen C.,
Geneva, Switzerland
"Shelly has such a unique voice in the diversity and inclusion space. She speaks as a person, and as a professional. She speaks from the head and the heart. She brings her audience along on the journey through stories and personal writings, sometimes with a laugh and often with a tear, but always with deep insight. I left Shelly’s talk feeling inspired, enlightened and energized."
-Kevin B.,
Seattle, Washington
"Shelly, I had the opportunity to listen to you speak from the heart and it was quite insightful. I remember feeling lifted, vulnerable, and touched simultaneously. I remember seeing a room filled with people as they processed the story you conveyed; several of them moved to tears. I thought to myself: this is something beautiful. In a few minutes your story, which was genuine and honest, helped create a safe place for all of us. It made me remember a drive that I had felt before, but perhaps had lost sight of. You helped me rediscover my drive to connect, to create, and to inspire. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
-Diego F.,
Costa Rica
"Shelly - I love your storytelling. When you share a story in your vivid and empathetic style, in poetic form or prose, I imagine I am in that moment with you, and my heart fills up with the emotions you are feeling. I feel vulnerable, hurt, sad, courageous, joyful, grateful, powerful, compassionate, fulfilled, confident, and wise. Your stories become mine. And I go on to live my life more purposefully."
-Vinitaa J.,
Singapore
"Just wanted to personally thank you for sharing your story yesterday. Courageous leaders like you give me great hope that our world will change. You provide a great role model for others to help lead."
-Jenny O.,
Cincinnati, Ohio
