Portfolio Overview
Below is a correlation of projects I have worked on, interviews I have done, jobs I have completed. This portfolio is a showcase of the work I have been so blessed to do and it will grow with more and more work to showcase what methods, what matters, and what approaches are taken. Look, read, and I hope that you will even ask me some questions about something you see or like below.
Men of Color Conference- University of West Florida (2014)
Every year the University of West Florida hold what is now called the UWF MENs conference, which was previously known as the Men of Color Conference. At this conference we talk about how to best work with, love, and teach men of color. For my presentation we talked about fatherhood and its impact on us. We touched on how as men we feel it impacted us who did not have fathers and those who did, we talked about if you are currently a father and you are in school or if your child is in school. Lastly, we also talked about what the image of fatherhood looks like, why does it look that way, and as men how can we change that.
This session was above capacity as we had over 70+ people in attendance even sitting outside the assigned room to join in on this engaging topic.
Panel on Millennial Issues- The Juice Episode 3 (2015)
The panel on millennial issues was held on the youtube talkshow "The Juice" hosted by That Guy B.Rob and Kait Lott. This was a panel of 5 young professionals showcases their views and overall knowledge of millennial issues, such as current events, student life, and social issues.
John Sunday House Protest (2016)
I attended a protest at the John Sunday House. The protest on two matters: police brutality and the preservation of a John Sunday's Memory. John Sunday was one of the richest African American Males in the south in the late 1800's. John Sunday after the war of his time took his construction expertise and used it as a cornerstone to his success and his legacy. The city had plans to destroy the monument of Sunday's family and I was asked to speak to the community about the house’s historic significance. I charged the community to take action to preserve the culture. I emphasized the importance of consistency and reflection; while protesting, organizing and sharing our voices effectively. The community cannot build a day without action. The community cannot progress if the people do not acknowledge and appreciate its historical roots.
Race & Reconciliation Panel-The Effects of Racism on Millennials As They Come of Age. (2017)
This panel was put on to discuss the issues the millennials face when it come to racism in this day and age. We discussed how it effects minority millennials as well what this population can do to overcome these issues and be successful in this day and time if they have to deal with these kind of issues. I focused on telling my story from Island boy to college graduate and how learning the way to success in a college setting can be passed on to the generation behind me to be even more successful. We are all a combination of the people before us and with what I learned I hoped to share with the next generation of college students to make their dreams come true.
National Male Success Conference at the University of Central Florida(2017)
This was an afternoon of meaningful dialogue with both college and high school students on the success of collegiate males. Using perspective and purpose as the major definers, we covered ways to be an active student leader, how to leave a legacy, and how to manage the time pressures of school and other ambitions. There was great feedback from the students during and after the presentation. One student, coming from the illustrious Florida A&M University, noted that the knowledge he gained from this workshop would help him fulfill his roles as a student, an athlete, and also a leader.
Alpha South- College Brother Empowerment Retreat (2018)
Got the opportunity to go the Alpha South College Brother Retreat in Jacksonville, Fl, and was able to share my thoughts on how to "Walk like a King" and to not lose the common touch. I was able to work with over 200+ Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated where we focused on reflection, image, presence, influence, and we practiced some strategies and action items for take always for each brother to take back to their respective chapters for further improvement of operations. Thank you to all brothers that participated and enjoyed my sessions.
Florida Gulf Coast University (2018)
I had the opportunity to speak with the Fraternity and Sorority Life community at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). I have to say it was a magnetic experience. I presented to over 200+ student leaders on how we can "Empower Our Letters" and we discussed what it means to be a Greek leader not only on our campus but also in our communities. We laughed, we talked, and we remembered that WE ARE... GREEK LIFE!
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh- Men of Color Initiative/ Men of Distinction (2018)
Blessed to visit Wisconsin for the first time, I was able to work with the Men of Distinction and the Men of Color Initiative. While there, I was given the chance to help these talented young men find the golden median between leadership and academics as collegiate males and how to reach their goals. Despite the very cold weather, it was warm with kinship from the experience and question we exchanged. I had a great experience and I am excited to see them again in the future.
Virginia Commonwealth University - Imagine Social Good Conference (2018)
It took 6 years to make it back to Richmond, Virginia where I got the chance to talk with students, faculty, staff and community partners about the "New College Success". This dynamic workshop focused on ways to be a better all around student, by charging the audience to push students into leadership spaces, to learn, and practice leadership skills. We had some good questions from students on how to apply some of the tips and strategies shared on how to be a college success outside the classroom along with great reflections and feedback from other presenters at the conference. If nothing else we know now that for the new success to take place we must first diversify our skill set.
Fearless and Flawless Youth Empowerment Retreat (2018)
Fort Myers, Fl it was so good to go back to this city and not only get to help out the youth by showing them how we can all help each other be successful by working together with a dynamic workshop. I also got the opportunity to meet and talk to the Mayor of Fort Myers and meet local radio personality and successful individuals who were born and raised in the city. This was from a FGCU student athlete to multi-million dollar business owner. Can't wait to work with this kids again in the future and see how far they have grown together as a team.
Lutheran Services Florida Executive Leadership Training (2018)
With the opportunity to go to West Palm Beach, Florida to not only work with Lutheran Services Florida and their executives for the state, but also to join them in meaningful community service in Belle Glade, Florida. With this opportunity to work with the executives of this company we reviewed our why, worked on team building, and opened up lines of communication all in hopes to increase efficiency within the leadership team. By the end we shared stories, and worked on some strategies to not only increase each executives departments and teams but also to increase the growth of themselves as leaders for this company and their team members.
Lutheran Services Florida AMEN annual Male Conference (2018)
On a weekend with perfect weather in High Springs, Fl working with HeadStart and Lutheran Services Florida was the annual AMEN conference. This conference focused on the “MoMENtum and A Man Everyone Needs”. With this opportunity I was blessed to learn and got to work with fathers from all over Florida. This was yet another blessing and 2018 is not over yet so there may still be more to come.
Alpha South-College Brother Empowerment Retreat (2019)
2019 is off to a Big Bang as I was invited back out to help Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc with their regional all college male empowerment retreat to talk about advocacy, problem solving, and leadership development. With ever new session of college men we had a variety of questions and deep conversations that I was proud to hear that the young men yet again loved the session I was in the most. Young men I’ll see you again soon and remember “Its a marathon and not a sprint.”
Men’s Health Challenge (2019)
Summer 2019 Started out with Men’s Health Month in June and being invited to sit on a Panel for Men’s Health and Mentoring at Seminole County’s Department of Health annual Men’s Health Challenge.
From being mentored to being a mentor the change happens so seamlessly it appeared in this discussion. Sharing that in growth there to has is often conflict and chaos and how we cope with those things often play a bigger role in how men respond to those around him.
Boys to Kings Pit stop (2019)
The Boys to Kings Inc. mentoring group came to Orlando, Fl and I was given the opportunity to talk with students from 2nd grade to high school juniors. Sharing life experiences, talking about college, goal setting, and above else emphasizing too “Don’t Quit”. Answered some of their questions about college and let them know as the men they will grow up to be depends on the things they do today. Had to leave the boys with the keys to success that all secrets are hidden in books.
ihope Mentoring (2019)
Thanks to the help and support from our sponsors (On My Way Podcast and Sports Hungry) this A.T.L.A.S. Workshop was a great success. This was a blessing to be able to help young men in the Orlando Area on working with them on their planning skills to get better grades this school year. The Goal was all B’s but one young man wants to go for the 4.0 GPA! Had a great time working with these young men, hanging out, and getting to know them. Support your local programs we are glad we were able too.
No Excuses Mentoring Program (2019)
Thanks to the support of the community and the people and organizations in the state of Fl we here at Kali Speaks were able to put on a planning development workshop for the N.E.M.P. Mentoring program in Orlando, Fl. There were 50+ young men that participated in the workshop and from their feedback over 88% were able to make sense of the workshop,84% understood why leadership and planning was important, and 84% wanted the speaker to come back for another workshop. Let’s call that a win!!!
The Florida Federation of Alpha Chapters- Alpha Phi Alpha (2019)
Keynote for College Brother Luncheon
There is nothing better than the opportunity to spend an afternoon talking to collegiate men and sharing my experiences to help them become stronger, more effective, and resilient leaders on their campuses and their communities. For this I was asked to focus in on the importance and the differences between what brotherhood and leadership is and what it is not. Giving examples and dynamic and unfiltered stories that connected with these men was not the only highlight but comments like:
“ I am thankful for you speaking to the collegiate brothers at the luncheon giving a great, encouraging and unfiltered word that they needed.” -Assistant District Director
Comments like these feed my fire and my excitement when working with the generation behind me. I wish I could share the all the comments from the 120+ young men who spoke to me afterwords.
Georgia Southern University (2019)
The Cost of Excellence …… for us
The conversation on the cost of leadership and of excellence in the greek form of Arte is one of the critical pieces to the Project ATLAS philosophy and thanks to the Men of Vision and Excellence seated at GSU in Statesboro, Ga this was highlighted. Looking into the responsibility of young male leaders not only on their campus but also in their communities is of upmost importance. When looking at the world our young people want to create for tomorrow often takes sacrifice, awareness, and preparation to be prepared to lead when called upon. The cost of excellence and leadership will always be a high one. Will you pay it?
Jumpstart 2020 Conference (2020)
Student Leadership and our Personal Brand
This was a great opportunity for Kali Speaks to work with University of North Carolina: Chapel Hill, Morehouse College, and University of Central Florida male students to expand on the lessons they were already learning in this conference. This conversation highlighted how the young men can use the leadership opportunities on their campus to not only practice skills that can be transition over tangible skills in the work force, but also how to use social media and their day to day interactions to work on their personal brand. As the leaders of tomorrow seizing the opportunities they have in college will be the last opportunity to get concentrated practice to refine their skills for the workforce and life post-college.
Latinos in Action Conference (2020)
Student Leadership and our Personal Brand
This was a great opportunity for Kali Speaks to work with University of Central Florida and their multicultural and diversity office. We discussed planning basics, leadership development, college survival tips and tricks, and as well as cultural identity and the issues it faces. As our Founder Kali Richardson is half Puerto Rican; he related to the issues these Latino and Latina students could face in their college years ahead.
With a full classroom in both sessions Kali was able to make connections with students and share in a relatable way how to be excited and to excite in college with some panning development to make the best out of each day.
Emerging Leaders in Emergency Management Panel (2020)
Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA)
This is the first time having our CEO Kesley (Kali) Richardson on an Emergency Management panel. This panel was highlighted with rising stars in the professional realm to reflect and give feedback to students in the field. Speaking as one of the panelist on a panel of 5 to undergraduate, graduate students, and seasoned professionals Kali spoke on breaking into the field, diversity, internships, education, interviewing, and what he looks for as an interviewer. We here at Kali Speaks continue to look into and expand into several fields to work on soft skills, leadership, and paying forward a positive message for the masses.
Parliamentary Workshop
Virginia Park Community Investment Associates (2021)
To start of 2021 Kali Speaks was able to work with a local investment group in the state of Virginia on their meeting processes and methods as they go about investing in their community. This was done by teaching and hosting a workshops focused on the basics of Roberts Rules and answering questions throughout from the members of the organization. If this is something you need help with or your organization book Kali Speaks today to learn more about how we can assist you with meeting protocol and etiquette.
Emerging Leaders Leadership Summit
Jackson State University (2021)
As the world starts to reopen and begin to come to a normal we all recognize how we have adapted to change since the pandemic. One of those things is going virtual and Kali Speaks was able to do that with Jackson State University this year during their Emerging Leadership Conference sponsored by SGA. We focused on the forms of leadership, accountability, culture, and responsibility of being a student leader on campus. Through conversation and dialogue, we were able to answer questions and assist the students with developments that can immediately alter how they program and run organizations on their campus. By sharing our book and manual we gave them some reference material to take it a step further and so far so good we are still here.
Young Professionals Panel
Florida Governor’s Hurricane Conference (2021)
Alongside other young professionals out of the state of Florida Dr. Richardson participated with a private Emergency Management Coordinator, City Emergency Manager, and Moderated by a Higher Education Emergency Manager to share tips and strategies with the 2021 Student Program of this conference. This virtual experience is but one of many Dr. Richardson participates in to support student learners and rising stars in all professions.
Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County
Teen Leadership Retreat (2021)
Working alongside a local community-based organization that is dedicated to the success and wellbeing of teens equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their physical, mental, and emotional growth. Dr. Richardson facilitated a workshop on student leadership to assist in providing skills that can be utilized in all matters of organizational approaches to effective leadership strategies for student organizational success. From this event, Dr. Richardson followed up with various students to support them in their local student leadership at their various Universities and institutions of higher learning.
Media Interview on Points of Disbursement
Hillsborough County, FL - Office of Emergency Management (2021)
Dr. Richardson in his previous capacity as Healthcare Coordinator of the Office of Emergency Management In Hillsborough County, Fl serving more than 1.6 million people was the lead for Points of Disbursement or PODs in the local jurisdiction. During this time Dr. Richardson was interviewed numerous times representing the county as a subject matter expert and collaborating between private and public partnerships to support community resilience in several locations serving multiple Public Health, Emergency Management, and Project Management on multiple local government COVID-19 Missions. Dr. Richardson has been trained in various forms of media training by FEMA, local government jurisdictions, and university communication methods.
Youth Mentoring Leadership Development
Manasota NPHC (2022)
Dr. Richardson has always been and continues to connect, collaborate, and work with local community-based organizations in various forms. Here we see Dr. Richardson after being invited to speak to the National Pan Hellenic Council or NPHC mentoring program’s mentoring meeting. Here he shares lived experiences in his lessons as a college student as these students prepare to head off to their first fall semester as college freshmen.
After School Retreat
Men of Royalty Mentoring Program (2022)
Dr. Richardson spent time in an afterschool mentoring program talking with an all-male mentoring program designed to support advancement to college and additional education after high school. With this opportunity, Dr. Richardson resonates with students not only with workshopping goal setting but also connecting as a previous college athlete and national team athlete. See more in this snippet of the conversation.
Speaker Spotlight
Black Speaker Network (2022)
Dr. Richardson was identified to speak about his professional journey becoming an orator all over the United States mainly on the higher education and college levels. He got to share tips, tricks, and methods for opening up partnerships as an up-and-coming speaker focusing on areas such as organizational processes, leadership, fraternity and sorority life, student organizations, campus partnerships, and more topics for the traditional aged student-involved leaders ranging from 16-30.
Virtual Lunch and Learn
Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (2022)
Dr. Richardson in connection with another emergency management professional was identified to speak about his professional journey to current college students in emergency management programs at colleges and universities. He got to share tips, tricks, and methods for opening up and pursuing not only his career but identified themes in the pursuit of a career in emergency management. This event was coordinated by the Higher Education working group within the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA).
The New Generation of Emergency Management
The Multi-Hazards Podcast (2022)
Dr. Richardson was interviewed by Vin Nelson on the Multi-Hazards Podcast as the recipient of the 2022 Rising Star award from the Governor’s Hurricane Conference. As an up-and-coming and emerging star by his peers, Dr. Richardson was able to share some ideas as a new generation coming into the field of emergency management. As both practitioner and academic Dr. Richardson expressed the areas of improvement and gaps he hops to support in his career serving the community.
Lighting Talks
National Hazards Workshop (2023)
Dr. Richardson was selected amongst a group of applications to conduct a short presentation on emerging research in the space of emergency management at the 2023 NAtiona Hazards Workshop in Colorado. In this, Dr. Ricahrdson shared a narrative approach to Richardson’s Quality Scale (RQS) which was adopted from the Emergency Management Accreditation Process standards he had been researching. This presentation garnered the attention of researchers and practitioners alike leading to follow-up discussions post-workshop about potential collaborations.