Speaking

Did you know that one of the biggest complaints people have about motivational speakers is authenticity?  Or, more specifically, a lack of it? Too often, speakers prioritize profit over people. They offer advice that doesn’t address their listeners’ individual needs, and promise success without providing guidance.

That’s why I make an effort to bring my full, authentic self to every stage; to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and inspired to take realistic action. Likewise, my speaking focuses on empowerment, authenticity, and trust — because I believe that when we center our lives around these concepts, the world becomes a better place both for ourselves and those around us.

Authenticity isn’t just about honesty—it’s about courageously embracing our imperfections and vulnerabilities. By showing up as our genuine selves, we allow others to do the same, creating deeper connections and fostering communities rooted in empathy and understanding.

I want you to realize that, at the end of the day, there is only one you, and there will never be an exact replica. No matter what you’re struggling with, I believe that I’ll be able to speak to your individual struggles, and equip you with the strength necessary to transform yourself. Together, let’s harness the power of you, and make the most of it.

Authenticity
Being honest with yourself and others takes more courage than you think. It involves unabashedly facing your fears, your worries, your joys, your hopes, and truly coming to understand yourself. It means embracing all of these unique aspects of yourself and being willing to share that version of you with others. I believe that by showing others that I’m not afraid to live as the truest version of myself, they’ll come to recognize that they don’t have to put on a facade. Together, as more people continue to live authentically, we can inspire others to embrace the freedom that comes with accepting oneself for who they are.
Trust
Trust serves as the foundation for any real relationship, and without it, communication and cooperation fall apart. As such, to be an effective speaker, it should be a non-negotiable that you must be trustworthy. After all, how can someone rely on the advice of a motivational speaker if they don’t trust that the speaker has their best interests at heart? That’s why my speeches stem from a place of trust. Not only do I trust that what I say is the truth, but I also help my audience understand that they can trust me because I empathize, listen, and try to see my listeners for who they are. In doing so, I aim to offer tailored strategies that address your specific needs.
Empowerment
I am a strong believer in empowerment. When my husband passed away, empowerment was what kept me going. It gave me the strength to get out of bed each morning and keep moving forward, even when it felt like all the odds were stacked against me. Most importantly, it reminded me that, even in the darkest moments, we have the power to rise, rebuild, and shape our future. When I speak, my words carry a gravitas that compels action. You’ll walk away not just feeling good, but actually prepared to change your life for the better, and embody the willpower necessary to handle whatever comes your way.

Speaking Topics

The Transformation of Me
Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, with the greatest reward being growth and self-discovery. This session tackles topics such as defining personal experiences, letting go of limiting beliefs, and embracing one's authentic self. Listeners will have the opportunity to explore the moments that have shaped them, and discover what inspires personal transformation within them. Equipped with a new outlook on life, they’ll feel empowered to break free from self-imposed limitations. Through thoughtful reflection and practical insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of themselves and feel empowered to tap into who they are meant to be.
Potential to Influential
Everyone is born with innate potential, but turning it into performance requires action. This session helps to bridge the gap between recognizing one’s skills and using those skills to inspire, lead, and make a difference. With authentic allegories and actionable insight as the basis of this presentation, listeners will discover how to harness their strengths to create a lasting impact on those around them. Through cultivating confidence and embracing authenticity, they’ll learn how to not only grow personally, but inspire change within others. By the end of the session, listeners will know how to empower themselves and transform from someone with potential, into someone influential.
The Insecurity of Me
Self-doubt is a natural part of life, but it doesn't have to define us. This session focuses on shifting the mindset from “Why Me?” to “Why Not Me?” and unlocking the confidence necessary to reach one's full potential. By identifying the fears and insecurities that hold them back, listeners can reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. After hearing personal stories of conquering self-doubt, participants will learn how to silence their inner critic and replace self-doubt with self-assurance. Participants will learn how to go from being one's worst critic to one's greatest ally through self-discovery and embracing what makes them unique.
Flawed to Perfection
There is perfection in embracing imperfection. Setbacks, mistakes, and disappointments are an inevitable part of life, but they don’t necessarily have to be roadblocks. Instead, these challenges can serve as stepping stones toward growth and transformation. This talk aims to help participants learn how to find strength in their struggles and use adversity as a catalyst for self-improvement. As topics like self-compassion are discussed, they’ll discover that true perfection is a process, not absent of flaws. This session explores how to reframe life’s obstacles as opportunities for reinvention and empower individuals to redefine what perfection truly means.
The Authenticity Toolkit
The word “authentic” is often used nowadays. But what does authenticity truly mean beyond being a popular buzzword? This session explores the essence of authenticity in one’s personal and professional life, offering practical tools and strategies to help individuals unapologetically express their true identity. Having an understanding of the impact of authenticity on relationships, participants can navigate leadership roles, work environments and personal fulfillment. From building confidence and setting boundaries to developing a strong professional presence, this discussion empowers those who listen to fearlessly embrace their most authentic selves.
Developing tomorrow's workforce in today's society
The workplace is evolving, and staying ahead of the curve requires a forward-thinking mindset. As such, to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce, individuals must focus on refining their current skills, as well as developing the talents needed for the future. This session explores how workers at all levels can prepare for change by embracing continuous learning and an adaptable attitude. Whether an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, participants will gain insights into navigating the ever-shifting workforce with confidence.
Cynthia's Thirty seconds of Power
Sometimes, a single moment can spark a powerful transformation. Sometimes, one word can alter our existence. Sometimes, it only takes 30 seconds to shift a mindset for the better. This talk is designed to equip participants with the tools necessary to reclaim their confidence and redefine their future. With thought-provoking insights, listeners will learn how to claim their three unique powers: their power to be, power to see, and power to decree. By learning to harness 30 seconds of power, a life once filled with uncertainty can shift toward clarity, purpose, and unshakable confidence. Moreover, by embracing these powers, participants will discover how to empower themselves for tomorrow.

Speaking Topics

The Transformation of Me
Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, with the greatest reward being growth and self-discovery. This session tackles topics such as defining personal experiences, letting go of limiting beliefs, and embracing one's authentic self. Listeners will have the opportunity to explore the moments that have shaped them, and discover what inspires personal transformation within them. Equipped with a new outlook on life, they’ll feel empowered to break free from self-imposed limitations. Through thoughtful reflection and practical insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of themselves and feel empowered to tap into who they are meant to be.
Potential to Influential
Everyone is born with innate potential, but turning it into performance requires action. This session helps to bridge the gap between recognizing one’s skills and using those skills to inspire, lead, and make a difference. With authentic allegories and actionable insight as the basis of this presentation, listeners will discover how to harness their strengths to create a lasting impact on those around them. Through cultivating confidence and embracing authenticity, they’ll learn how to not only grow personally, but inspire change within others. By the end of the session, listeners will know how to empower themselves and transform from someone with potential, into someone influential.
The Insecurity of Me
Self-doubt is a natural part of life, but it doesn't have to define us. This session focuses on shifting the mindset from “Why Me?” to “Why Not Me?” and unlocking the confidence necessary to reach one's full potential. By identifying the fears and insecurities that hold them back, listeners can reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. After hearing personal stories of conquering self-doubt, participants will learn how to silence their inner critic and replace self-doubt with self-assurance. Participants will learn how to go from being one's worst critic to one's greatest ally through self-discovery and embracing what makes them unique.
Flawed to Perfection
There is perfection in embracing imperfection. Setbacks, mistakes, and disappointments are an inevitable part of life, but they don’t necessarily have to be roadblocks. Instead, these challenges can serve as stepping stones toward growth and transformation. This talk aims to help participants learn how to find strength in their struggles and use adversity as a catalyst for self-improvement. As topics like self-compassion are discussed, they’ll discover that true perfection is a process, not absent of flaws. This session explores how to reframe life’s obstacles as opportunities for reinvention and empower individuals to redefine what perfection truly means.
The Authenticity Toolkit
The word “authentic” is often used nowadays. But what does authenticity truly mean beyond being a popular buzzword? This session explores the essence of authenticity in one’s personal and professional life, offering practical tools and strategies to help individuals unapologetically express their true identity. Having an understanding of the impact of authenticity on relationships, participants can navigate leadership roles, work environments and personal fulfillment. From building confidence and setting boundaries to developing a strong professional presence, this discussion empowers those who listen to fearlessly embrace their most authentic selves.
Developing tomorrow's workforce in today's society
The workplace is evolving, and staying ahead of the curve requires a forward-thinking mindset. As such, to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce, individuals must focus on refining their current skills, as well as developing the talents needed for the future. This session explores how workers at all levels can prepare for change by embracing continuous learning and an adaptable attitude. Whether an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, participants will gain insights into navigating the ever-shifting workforce with confidence.
Cynthia's Thirty seconds of Power
Sometimes, a single moment can spark a powerful transformation. Sometimes, one word can alter our existence. Sometimes, it only takes 30 seconds to shift a mindset for the better. This talk is designed to equip participants with the tools necessary to reclaim their confidence and redefine their future. With thought-provoking insights, listeners will learn how to claim their three unique powers: their power to be, power to see, and power to decree. By learning to harness 30 seconds of power, a life once filled with uncertainty can shift toward clarity, purpose, and unshakable confidence. Moreover, by embracing these powers, participants will discover how to empower themselves for tomorrow.

What People Say

Success stories are often the best proof of genuine transformation. Hear from those who have experienced firsthand how Cynthia’s insights, empathy, and strategic guidance unlock hidden potential, reframe challenges, and spark meaningful change. Each testimonial speaks to the power of authenticity, trust, and empowerment in shaping a more fulfilling life. Explore these heartfelt experiences to discover how Cynthia’s unique approach may resonate with your own journey toward growth.

Cynthia’s speech during South Carolina State University Small Farm Conference challenged me to be the director of my thoughts. Now, instead of thinking more about things I can’t control and how it will negatively impact me daily. I am spending more time thinking about things I can control and how it can be a positive factor in my walk with God, my family, and career.

Travis Johnson
Farmer

Your presentation at our MANRRS Region IV/V Cluster was truly powerful and left a lasting impression on everyone in the room, especially our students. You have a rare gift for speaking with both authenticity and purpose, and it was evident that your words deeply resonated with the young people in attendance. You didn’t just speak to them—you spoke into their lives, inspiring them to see their own potential, embrace their identity, and lead with confidence. Many of our students walked away feeling seen, empowered, and motivated to make a difference in their own communities—something we strive for in every event, program, and session we host. Your message helped make that possible.

Dwane Matthews
Program Manager, MANRRS

Cynthia is a fantastic speaker and really has a unique ability to connect with the audience. She is engaging, authentic, and real. She will move you to tears, encourage you to dream bigger, and challenge you to do more!

Ebony Webber, MBA
Chief Executive Officer, MANRRS

Cynthia has the unique ability when she speaks, to make every single individual in an audience feel seen and heard. She’s captivating, inspirational, and transformational.

Stephon D. Fitzpatrick Ph.D
Executive Director, Together We Grow

POWERFUL speaker in a lineup or as the keynote, relatable, engaging, calls a thing a thing, versatile, passionate and leaves you feeling compelled to accept the challenge and settle only for VICTORY!!!

Allison C. Johnson
USDA National Outreach Director

Thanks for a very inspiring and touching message. The session was thought provoking and encouraging. Several interesting topics were discussed during the timeframe. One in particular was about letting go of things and the weight of burdens. It affects your physical and mental well-being. People have to learn to take care of themselves. Self-preservation is a key to life!

Sharon Wade-Byrd
Director of Accountability and Plan of Work, South Carolina State University, 1890 Research and Extension