Invite Us To Speak

SPEAKER: Ashley Maria

Topic 1: Flipping the Script: How To Channel Anxiety Into Your Greatest Strength. In the film, Whitney’s intense emotions manifest physically, forcing her to learn how to control this overwhelming energy. Ashley will discuss how acknowledging and understanding mental health allows youth to shift from self-criticism to self-care and channel their nervous energy (like high sensitivity or deep empathy) into productivity and focus.

Topic 2: Breaking the Elevator: The Power Of Dropping The Mask. In the film, Whitney works in overdrive to hide her powers and mask her anxiety, a common reality for many young adults. Ashley will speak about the psychological exhaustion of bottling up emotions, the importance of “Owning Your Origin Story,” and why it is crucial to ask for help before a breaking point occurs.

Topic 3: More Than ‘Calm Down’: How Adults Can Truly Support Anxious Teens. A pivotal turning point in the film happens in the broken elevator when a teacher steps in to calm Whitney down and keep her safe. Ashley will discuss the importance of validation and share actionable strategies on how adults can respond to emotional outbursts or anxiety by avoiding dismissive phrases and instead building resilience and trust.

Topic 4: Steering Through the Noise: Practical Tools for Overwhelming Emotions. In the story, Whitney’s anxiety physically damages objects around her, illustrating how uncontrolled emotional “super-strength” can be destructive. Ashley will speak about the importance of identifying early physical symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety, and share practical de-escalation techniques (like breathwork, grounding, or tactile distraction) as referenced in the Give an Hour Tools.

SPEAKERS: Ashley Maria, Lea-Ann W. Berst

Topic 1: Owning Your Ambition: Overcome doubt, push past societal limitations, and claim your seat at the table.

Topic 2: Nurturing Ambition Early: Explore how perceptions and behaviors established during childhood can inadvertently “chip away” at a girl’s confidence.

Topic 3: The Role of Fathers and Allies: The importance of male advocacy—as highlighted in the documentary—and how educators, parents, and male colleagues can support young women’s career aspirations.

Topic 4: Tackling Imposter Syndrome: How deep-seated insecurities develop when women fight to prove themselves, and how to stop casting blame on yourself when you don’t get a “seat at the table.”

Topic 5: Navigating Career Setbacks: Actionable lessons from the film on how to bounce back from slights, biases, and professional obstacles without rethinking your dreams.

SPEAKER OPTIONS:

• Ashley Maria & Lea-Ann W. Berst 

An interactive career development program

Facilitated by the director and producer of Pioneers in Skirts, the program is intended for students aged 12-14 and 15-18. It begins with a viewing of the film, followed by a structured session focused on ambition.

“Finding Your Inner Pioneer” can be used as a standalone session or within broader career units. Younger students leave inspired, while older students gain focus and a realistic view of establishing and growing a career.

Through visual slides, open dialogue, and the Pioneering Path worksheet, Ashley and Lea-Ann provide strategies for addressing biased perceptions and confronting detractors, while emphasizing essential elements necessary for individuals to proactively navigate their own professional journeys.

Online training sessions range from 1 hour to 2.5 hours w/breaks!

Ultimately, participants learn that meaningful goals are those that reflect personal values and priorities. By individualizing these objectives, individuals are motivated to persist in the pursuit of their ambitions.

Supplies Needed:

• A computer with a camera, mic, and Internet connection
• Printer (for printing the worksheet)
• Pen or marker, any color