Old Skool Cafe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m3QN-z47bA

CNN Hero: Teresa Goines - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6FKmqi2P98

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/teresa-goines

Why Teresa Goines?

State and local government workers play a critical role in shaping policies and programs that impact underserved communities. Their choices today determine the future of public safety, youth development, and social justice—which aligns directly with the mission and work of Teresa Goines.

As the Founder and CEO of Old Skool Café, a youth-run supper club that provides at-risk youth with employment, mentorship, and a second chance, Teresa has dedicated her life to restorative justice and community transformation. Her personal journey, from working in the criminal justice system to creating real, lasting change for system-impacted youth, offers a compelling narrative of perseverance and vision.

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Speaking Topics - Relevance to State and Local Government Workers

• "Having Grit: Persevering Through Challenges" – Public administrators often work within bureaucratic systems that can feel slow-moving and resistant to change. Teresa’s journey demonstrates that persistence, creativity, and a deep commitment to service can drive real impact, even in challenging environments.
• "How to Take Small Steps Towards a Big Dream" – Government initiatives require long-term commitment and incremental progress. Teresa’s story of starting with a vision and turning it into a nationally recognized program provides inspiration and practical insights on how to turn ideas into actionable change.
• "Restorative Justice: A Path to Healing and Hope" – Many local and state agencies are seeking more effective, community-based solutions to crime, recidivism, and social justice reform. Teresa offers a proven model for rehabilitation, mentorship, and breaking cycles of incarceration—one that government employees can learn from and implement in their own communities.

Why Teresa at NFBPA FORUM 2025?

The theme “Today's Choices, Tomorrow’s Impact” speaks directly to Teresa’s life’s work. Her journey proves that even small, intentional decisions can transform lives and communities for generations to come.

By bringing Teresa Goines to NFBPA FORUM 2025, attendees will not only hear an inspiring story of resilience and impact but will also walk away with actionable insights on how they, too, can create meaningful change in public service—one decision at a time.

"Teresa’s story alongside Old Skool Café is inspiring... Our team left with a positive call to action to give back and contribute to the community."

- Mark Perez, Founding Partner, Virgo Investment Group

"Teresa Goines is a powerful and authentic speaker. She has a unique story to tell - of inspiration, innovation and impact - one that engenders feelings of connection, hope, and solidarity."

- Julia Novy, Professor of the Practice, Stanford University

Unbelievable Near-Death Stroke Survival: Roderick Jefferson's Shocking Recovery Story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av3wQKld7Uo

Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gNDvVoX3OM

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/roderick-jefferson

Why Roderick Jefferson?

Public service is demanding. State and local government employees often face high-pressure environments, tight budgets, and the weight of responsibility in serving their communities. Roderick Jefferson’s inspiring talk, "Stroke to Success: How My Rise to Success Almost Killed Me," delivers a powerful message on resilience, persistence, and overcoming setbacks—values that are critical for public sector professionals navigating the complexities of their roles.

A seasoned leader with decades of experience in executive leadership, Roderick’s personal story of surviving a life-threatening stroke and rebuilding his life serves as a profound lesson in perseverance. His journey resonates with public administrators, policy makers, and frontline workers who dedicate their careers to service, often pushing through personal and professional challenges.

Relevance to State and Local Government Workers

• Resilience in Public Service: Government employees are expected to adapt to constant change, policy shifts, and public demands. Roderick’s story underscores the importance of resilience—how setbacks can become stepping stones to greater success.
• Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout: Studies show that government workers experience burnout at higher rates than private-sector employees, with stress stemming from high workloads, public scrutiny, and limited resources. Roderick provides insights on self-care, balance, and mental fortitude to ensure longevity in one’s career.
• Turning Challenges into Opportunities: His talk empowers attendees to view obstacles as opportunities for growth, aligning with the conference’s theme, “Today's Choices, Tomorrow’s Impact.” The way public administrators handle adversity today shapes the effectiveness of government services in the future.

Bringing Roderick Jefferson to NFBPA FORUM 2025 means giving attendees a transformational experience—one that not only motivates them but equips them with actionable strategies to push through challenges, embrace change, and continue making a difference in their communities.

“RJ is a dynamic, engaging keynote speaker and a genuine joy to work with. He was the closing keynote of a conference for which I directed the speaker program. He perfectly tied together the major themes of the event and left everyone inspired and ready to tackle their sales enablement issues. Audiences rate him highly, and it’s easy to see why. I’d have him speak again in a heartbeat!”

Lori Bush Shepard, Principal (Lori Bush Shepard Marketing)‍

TED Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfKFbh8LPvU

Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arY7LQKLOg0&t=17s

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/simone-stolzoff

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Simone Stolzoff is an author, designer, and workplace expert based in San Francisco. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic. His debut book, "The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work," examines the modern relationship between work and personal identity.

The National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) will host FORUM 2025 from April 9-13, 2025, in San Francisco, under the theme "Today's Choices, Tomorrow's Impact." This theme emphasizes the profound effect that decisions made by public administrators have on the future of communities and the nation.

Stolzoff's insights are particularly relevant to public sector employees, including those in local and state governments. His work addresses the challenges of maintaining work-life balance in roles that often demand a high level of dedication and service. By advocating for a healthier relationship with work, Stolzoff provides strategies that can help public administrators make mindful choices that positively impact both their personal well-being and their professional effectiveness.

Incorporating Simone Stolzoff as a speaker at FORUM 2025 would offer attendees valuable perspectives on fostering sustainable work practices. His expertise aligns with the conference's theme by highlighting how intentional decisions regarding work-life balance can lead to more resilient and effective public service.

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How to Keep Your Work from Taking Over Your Life

From the moment we ask children what they want to “be” when they grow up, we entangle who we are with what we do. But what if separating our identities from our careers was the key to developing a healthier relationship with work? Join author Simone Stolzoff for an engaging session about navigating the new world of work, inspiring the next generation of employees, and developing a sustainable approach to productivity.

Other Topics include:

• How To Prevent Burnout And Create A Culture Of Sustainable Productivity
• How To Keep Work From Taking Over Your Life
• From Quiet Quitting To Sustainable Productivity: Motivating And Engaging The Modern Workforce
• How Work Became A Religion And What To Do About It
• The Future Of Work-Life Balance

"A timely, compelling case for designing work around our lives instead of squeezing our lives into the space around work. It’s a wakeup call for people who feel overworked and leaders who have lost sight of their humanity."

- Adam Grant, Wharton

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Nisbet Lecture - Davidson College - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLljB6_jCXw

Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/aniyia-williams

Why Aniyia Williams?

In times of rapid change, uncertainty, and increasing demands, public administrators must lead with resilience, clarity, and purpose. Aniyia Williams is a visionary entrepreneur, activist, and motivational speaker who helps individuals and organizations navigate challenges, reclaim balance, and redefine success.

Her keynote talk, "Finding Your Purpose When the World is on Fire," resonates deeply with professionals in state and local government, where leaders must make tough decisions, balance competing priorities, and serve communities in times of crisis. Aniyia has delivered this talk to public sector audiences, including her recent engagement at the League of California Cities’ City Clerks New Law and Elections Seminar—a direct parallel to the challenges faced by attendees at NFBPA FORUM 2025.

Relevance to State and Local Government Workers

• Navigating Burnout & Staying Motivated: Public sector employees are often stretched thin, balancing high-stakes decision-making with limited resources. Aniyia helps audiences reconnect with their purpose and drive in the face of overwhelming challenges.
• Making an Impact in Changing Times: With increasing policy shifts, community needs, and public scrutiny, government workers must adapt and lead with vision. Aniyia’s talk inspires attendees to embrace change, make empowered decisions, and create lasting impact.
• Work-Life Balance & Holistic Success: Her talk "Health, Wealth, and Love for Busy People" aligns with the well-being and sustainability of government leaders and administrators. She shares practical strategies for maintaining personal health, financial stability, and fulfilling relationships—without sacrificing professional success.

Why Aniyia at NFBPA FORUM 2025?

The theme “Today's Choices, Tomorrow’s Impact” is at the core of Aniyia’s message. She empowers leaders to recognize that even in challenging times, their work and decisions shape the future.

By bringing Aniyia Williams to NFBPA FORUM 2025, attendees will receive practical tools, renewed motivation, and a fresh perspective—helping them continue their vital work in public service while maintaining their personal well-being and sense of purpose.

“Aniyia was great! She was professional, fun, relatable to the audience and had good ways of engaging with them throughout the presentation.”

Christina George, League of CA Cities, Education and Events Manager