Delivering Programs with Immediate and Lasting Impact
"I'm more confident."
"I have always been shy. Standing up and practicing helped with my confidence. I am not afraid to speak up in class anymore. The safe circle challenges made learning fun."
-Sophie K., Student Participant
"I saw growth in her."
"Sheila was one of the few people able to truly connect with my daughter. Her program created a safe and supportive space where my daughter felt comfortable expressing herself. That connection made all the difference. Because of their relationship, I have seen tremendous growth in my daughter. I am forever grateful for Sheila and the pat
"Sheila was one of the few people able to truly connect with my daughter. Her program created a safe and supportive space where my daughter felt comfortable expressing herself. That connection made all the difference. Because of their relationship, I have seen tremendous growth in my daughter. I am forever grateful for Sheila and the patience, and dedication she showed my baby girl."
-Donna Gooden-Johnson, Parent
"We saw her shine ."
"She felt seen and heard."
“Before Stand and Speak Academy, my daughter struggled with confidence and speaking up. Watching her find her voice, build friendships, and walk into rooms with more self-assurance has been incredible. This program is about so much more than public speaking.It helps kids truly believe in themselves.”
-Maria Salazar, Parent
"She felt seen and heard."
"She felt seen and heard."
" I can say with full confidence that Sheila Robinson-Kiss is someone I trust deeply. Sheila’s engagement with my daughter has been meaningful, empowering, and left a lasting impact. Her confidence has grown and she has felt heard and understood. What sets Sheila apart is her ability to connect with both parents and youth in a way that is
" I can say with full confidence that Sheila Robinson-Kiss is someone I trust deeply. Sheila’s engagement with my daughter has been meaningful, empowering, and left a lasting impact. Her confidence has grown and she has felt heard and understood. What sets Sheila apart is her ability to connect with both parents and youth in a way that is authentic, empowering, and grounded in trust. "
-Shaye Brown, Parent
Why SASA—The Problem
Brilliant Voices are Living Suppressed
Too many young people have something powerful to say—but lack the confidence, platform, or guidance to say it. In a world that rewards visibility, presence, and communication:
- Talent without voice gets missed
- Intelligence without confidence gets ignored
- Potential without opportunity stays hidden
SASA exists to change that.
The skills gained in SASA help youth successfully deal with the pressures they face today: bullying, comparison culture, social media, identity challenges, confidence, emotional well-being, and mental health.
What We Do: We Turn Potential Into Presence
Peer conflict, and the roller-coaster emotions that come with growing up can erode confidence and silence voices that deserve to be heard. Stand and Speak Academy creates space for students to:
• Develop confidence in their voice and prepare for real-world visibility
• Express ideas and emotions with clarity
• Build resilience and self-worth
• Practice leadership and public speaking
• Learn to stand strong in the face of social pressure and connect with others to reduce social isolation
When young people learn to speak with confidence, they begin to see themselves differently and the world begins to see them differently.
How it Works: From Voice to Impact
Stand and Speak Academy was founded by internationally recognized speaker, therapist, author, and leadership consultant Sheila Robinson-Kiss. For more than 30 years, Sheila has helped individuals and organizations build emotional intelligence, resilience, and purposeful leadership. Stand and Speak Academy brings these proven tools directly to the next generation.
Students participate in guided activities that combine:
• Storytelling
• Spoken word
• Reflection and self-discovery
• Confidence building
• Leadership development
• Collaborative discussion
Each program culminates in a Stand and Speak Showcase, where students share their voices and perspectives with courage and pride.
Don't Watch the Next Generation, Help Build It!
Whether you’re a parent, educator, sponsor, or organization—this is your opportunity to be part of something that is shaping the future in real time. Schools and community organizations can bring SASA directly to their students through engaging workshops, assemblies, and skill-building programs that cultivate confidence, vision, and personal value. Parents can enroll their children directly into an SASA Leadership Club event throughout the year, as events are posted.
The Future is Being Built Now: Partner With Us
Stand and Speak Academy is creating a new generation of confident, articulate, and empowered young leaders. We partner with organizations ready to invest in that future.
Organizations that sponsor Stand and Speak Academy (SASA) Leadership Club play a direct role in empowering young people to discover their voice, build confidence, and step into leadership. Your partnership helps bring transformative speaking, confidence-building, and leadership experiences to youth who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities.
Together, we can cultivate the next generation of confident communicators who are ready to stand, speak, and lead in their communities and beyond.