Customized to meet the needs of your organization or event, workshops can be run in half-day, full-day, or multi-day format. Signature speaking topics include (Re)Defining the Strong Black Woman, Critical Self-Reflection and Restorative Healing, Race Relations and Racial Justice, and Ethics and Value-Driven Decision Making.
(Other topics available upon request.)
Workshops
(Re)Defining the Strong Black Woman
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Summary:
Originating during chattel slavery to dehumanize enslaved African women, the Black community has since reappropriated the phrase “Strong Black Woman” (SBW) to symbolize cultural pride, strength, independence, and resilience. However, internalizing the SBW schema can also lead to adverse mental and physical health conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, binge eating, and substance use. With mounting pressures to perform, produce, and compete, it is even more necessary for Black women to be intentional about their personal and professional roles and responsibilities, and how or if they choose to align with the SBW schema.
Learning Objectives:
Identify five characteristics of the Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema
Describe nuances of the Strong Black Woman paradox
Assess the role of the Strong Black Woman schema in participants’ personal and professional lives
Explore strategies to support healing and (re)defining the role of the Strong Black Woman schema in their life
Create a plan and build a community to support the healthy realignment of the SBW schema in participants’ lives
Target Audience:
Black women, especially high-achieving or professional Black women battling burnout and/or compassion fatigue.
Suggested Format:
In-person; full-day workshop
Notes:
This workshop can be modified to review the Superwoman Ideal, a schema similar to the Strong Black Woman but racially inclusive.
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“(Re)Defining the Role of the Strong Black Woman: Prioritizing Healing, Rest, and Self-Preservation,” full-day workshop, National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, May 2024
“I’m Not Your Superwoman: Reclaiming My Strength, Healing, and Resilience,” 90-minute webinar, Stanford University, April 2024
“Redefining the Role of the Strong Black Woman: Balancing Healing, Rest, and Resistance,” full-day workshop, National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, May 2023
Race Relations and Racial Justice
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Summary:
Racism is a form of discrimination that impacts all of us, whether we know it or not. Using a variety of texts, resources, and insights, Race Relations and Racial Justice workshops go beyond the Black-White binary to define racism, explore strategies to support anti-racism, and heal from racial trauma.
Learning Objectives:
Define key terms related to racial justice and the selected workshop topic (see below)
Identify the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical impacts of racial injustice in our lives and the lives of others
Acquire emotional regulation skills to manage intrapersonal responses to exploring sensitive topics
Explore realistic, safe, healthy, and empirically-based methods to navigate racially-charged experiences
Target Audience:
Educational institutions (middle school, high school, and higher education faculty, staff, and students), nonprofit organizations, corporations, and any team, organization, or company working to create more equitable environments for others
Suggested Format:
Virtual or in-person; half-day, full-day, or multi-day workshops
Notes:
Workshops are available at beginner and intermediate levels. Workshop topics might include “Racism 101,” microaggressions, implicit bias, navigating workplace dynamics, code switching, activism and advocacy, engaging in challenging conversations, and others
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“We Speakin’ the Same Language: Exploring African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in Higher Education Settings,” 60-minute workshop, Longwood University, November 2024
“Anti-Racism: What, Why, and How?” 60-minute workshop, Longwood University, March 2021
“I Am Not Racist… Am I?” film screening and discussion, Longwood University, October 2018
Critical Self-Reflection and Restorative Healing
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Summary:
In a society that values individualism, productivity, and competition, it is natural to develop a harsh inner voice that prioritizes external expectations over internal desires. As a result, we often feel unfulfilled, burnt out, or even resentful. That’s why, using my 4-part Critical Self-Reflection Framework, I support participants in their quest to challenge the labels and limitations assigned to them, and instead find meaningful and realistic ways to develop into the individuals they wish to become.
Learning Objectives:
Create space to explore the selected topic (see below)
Question unchallenged assumptions and challenge unquestioned constructs related to the selected topic
Use self-definition to honor the complexity of experience within the selected topic
Make a choice on how to move forward
Target Audience:
Higher education institutions (faculty, staff, and students), working professionals and any team, organization, or community seeking to improve their relationship with self.
Suggested Format:
In-person; half-day workshop
Notes:
Critical Self-Reflection and Restorative Healing workshops can be adapted to center a variety of topics including but not limited to rest, achievement, joy, perfectionism, self-worth, imposter syndrome, boundary setting, forgiveness, etc.
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“From Productivity to Reciprocity, Taking Up Space in Performance-Driven, Competition-Based Work Environments,” 60-minute webinar, Stanford University, November 2025
“Rest in the Name of Achievement,” 90-minute webinar, Enterprising Ventures of Color, October 2024
“Let Your Light Shine: Resilience that Leads to Activism,” 90-minute webinar, Saybrook University, August 2024
“Redefining Strength: Finding the Balance between Healing, Rest, and Achievement for Women of Color in the Academy,” 60-minute workshop, Faculty Women of Color in the Academy, April 2023
Value-Driven Decision Making
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Summary:
Most of us believe we are good people but how do we know for sure? We all have bias. None of us are perfect and everyone makes mistakes. But how are we deciding right from wrong, moral versus unethical? In times as divisive as these, it is even more important that we create space to critically assess the choices we make and the behaviors we perform.
Learning Objectives:
Define key terms including values, ethics, and morals
Explore how moral standpoints and value-driven decisions are impacted by the situation, perspective, and placement of the individual
Review various value-based and ethical decision-making models
Unpack personal limitations and boundaries within value-based decision making
Acquire emotional regulation and self-compassion skills for managing guilt and shame when making difficult decisions
Target Audience:
Educational institutions (middle school, high school, and higher education faculty, staff, and students), nonprofit organizations, corporations, and any team, organization, or company working to create more equitable environments for others
Suggested Format:
Virtual or in-person; half-day or full-day workshop
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“Are You as Ethical as You Think You Are (and Are Expected to be): Examining Bias in Ethical-Decision Making,” 60-minute workshop, Longwood University, August 2025
“How Nonviolent is Your Social Action?” 90-minute workshop, Requity Labs Repair and Renew, June 2021
*Please note that topic descriptions are generalized to provide an overview/example of each session. Every presentation is customized and curated to meet the specific needs of your audience. Duplicated sessions are only offered upon request.
Identify your strengths, recognize your potential, set appropriate boundaries, and maximize your self-actualization. With an energetic blend of purpose, passion, inspiration, and practicality, Shayla invigorates audiences to honor their authentic selves and pursue their most desired dreams.
Keynotes
Examples include:
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MLK Day: "Measuring the Content of Our Character: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Kingian Nonviolence," South Middlesex Opportunity Council, January 2025, Watch online here
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“The Donning of the Kente” Graduation Celebration, Longwood University, April 2021
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“Be Kind to Your Mind (Body and Spirit)” Rally in the Valley Undergraduate Social Work Conference, November 2023
First Inaugural “Inclusive Excellence Symposium on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging,” Longwood University, April 2022
Engaging, insightful, and refreshingly candid, Shayla brings depth and authenticity to every podcast conversation. Whether unpacking complex social issues, exploring mental health and identity, or offering practical strategies for personal and professional growth, she meets audiences where they are while challenging them to think differently. Listen to her most recent podcasts below.
Podcasts
Recovering from Burnout
National Public Radio
Rest As REsistance: Reimagining strength for Black Women Today
Dr. P on the Pod Podcast
The Poetry Podcast, Episode 2
The Poetry Podcast
Surviving Trauma and Miscarriage with Dr. Shayla Élise Walker
Sisters in Loss Podcast
Enhance your multidisciplinary panel with a perspective that brings depth, clarity, personality and meaningful engagement to complex conversations. Grounded in a clinical social work lens and a strong commitment to social justice, Shayla’s contributions help move dialogue beyond surface-level talking points while bridging diverse viewpoints. Audiences get a deeper understanding, practical insights, and a more honest look at the issues that matter most, so your panel is engaging, impactful, and memorable.
PANELS
