As the event host for the Umoja Awakening, I had the privilege of facilitating a dynamic and engaging experience for participants while supporting the Dream Defenders’ mission of social justice and community empowerment. The event, designed to foster connections, raise awareness, and promote solidarity within the community, brought together a diverse group of public figures, leaders, and citizens to discuss critical issues such as social barriers and community empowerment.
In my role, I was responsible for overseeing event logistics, managing the schedule, and ensuring seamless coordination between speakers, performers, and volunteers. I guided attendees through a series of impactful activities, discussions, and performances that highlighted the importance of collective action and community resilience. By facilitating meaningful dialogues and introducing speakers from various backgrounds, I created a space that encouraged open communication and community-building.
My public speaking skills were crucial in this role, as I delivered key announcements, introduced speakers and performers, and engaged the audience throughout the event. I worked to foster belonging and participation while making sure that the event ran on schedule, facilitating smooth transitions between segments. Additionally, I worked closely with the Dream Defenders team to ensure that the event’s goals were met and that the programming aligned with their core values of justice, equity, and youth empowerment.
This experience demonstrated my ability to lead in a public speaking and event facilitation capacity, balancing logistical coordination with the responsibility of creating an engaging, social atmosphere. By combining my organizational and communication skills, I contributed to an event that was not only informative and empowering but also one that left a lasting impact on participants and the community as a whole.
Dream Defenders: Umoja Ascending Event