Speaking

Missy has been telling her remarkable story at schools, businesses, state and national conferences, churches and youth camps for the past 18 years. During her presentation, Missy candidly shares her memories of the shooting, how she faced her fears and how she overcame countless physical and emotional obstacles to achieve her goals. She also addresses the issue of bullying and how it contributed to the shooting. She would be honored to talk with you about arranging a date for her to speak to your group.

The suggested age group for her message is fifth grade and up, and the length of the presentation can be tailored to fit your time frame. Her talk generally lasts 30-45 minutes, with a question-and-answer session following that can last as long as you would like (she will answer any and all questions). Missy is also happy to meet with members of the audience for pictures or to sign her book. If time permits, she would also be willing to put her 10 years of experience as a day treatment counselor to work on an individual basis if you have specific students with whom you’d like her to meet.

Her fee will include all travel expenses, which will vary with each presentation depending on the distance and number of days required. She will not need a deposit. She can accept a check the day of the speaking engagement or invoice your organization following the event.

Missy can do more than one talk a day depending on the timing and locations of the other talks. So, for example, if you represent a school and there are one or two other nearby schools that would also like her to speak the same day, all schools involved can share the cost to make it less expensive for each of you. This makes Missy very affordable compared to other speakers.

Her award-winning book, I Choose to be Happy, is not included in her fee, though quantity and preorder discounts are available. When it comes to schools, Missy always finds after her talks that many students are interested in purchasing her book and having her sign it. We can give a discount to those who preorder it, which also helps Missy know how many books she needs to bring so that she can be sure everybody who wants one will get one.

To inquire about Missy speaking at your event, or if you have any other questions, please contact us here.

To see when and where Missy will be speaking, click on the “Event Calendar” tab above.

 

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Endorsements

“Missy is a dynamic speaker with a unique ability to touch the heart with her message of hope. She captures the essence of overcoming adversity while refusing to succumb to sadness. Her message is an inspirational one that needs to be heard by all.”

 

C. Ed Massey
Past President of the National School Boards Association

“Listening to Missy’s story and her journey of recovery and determination is something everyone should experience. She demonstrates a will to live her life with purpose and gives hope to all who witness her presentation. She is an amazing woman with incredible courage and strength.”

 

Tim Hanner
President/CEO of NaviGo Prep
Former Kenton County Schools Superintendent
2010 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year

“It can be challenging to captivate a middle school audience, but that’s not the case with Missy Jenkins Smith. Our students were engaged with each word she spoke to them, and it was clearly evident how much she touched their hearts as they continued to talk about her weeks after her visit. My staff and I enthusiastically recommend Missy.”

 

Bryant Gillis
Principal, Tichenor Middle School, Erlanger, Ky.

“Holmes Middle School had the distinct pleasure of having Missy Jenkins Smith as a guest speaker. For our students, it was the experience of a lifetime as they were captivated by her story and their lives were changed. Missy’s speech was not only that of being a survivor of a school shooting, but also of the consequences of bullying. Everyone was moved. You must have her speak at your school. She truly has a story to tell.”

 

Sean Bohannon
Principal
Holmes Middle School
Covington, Ky.

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A Sampling of Missy’s Prior Speaking Engagements