Learning Objectives: 

1) Inclusion

• Define inclusion and distinguish it from diversity and belonging in practical, real-world terms.
• Identify behaviors and systems that unintentionally exclude individuals or groups.
• Apply inclusive practices that foster participation, respect, and psychological safety in their environments.

2) Difficult Conversations

• Recognize emotional and situational triggers that make conversations difficult.
• Use structured communication techniques to navigate conflict with clarity and empathy.
• Engage in challenging discussions while maintaining respect, boundaries, and productive outcomes.

3) Equity

• Explain the difference between equity and equality using real-life examples.
• Assess barriers and disparities that impact access, opportunity, and outcomes.
• Implement equitable approaches that account for individual needs and systemic challenges.

4) Building Confidence

• Identify personal confidence blockers such as self-doubt or fear of failure.
• Practice strategies that strengthen self-belief and presence in professional and personal settings.
• Demonstrate confident communication through body language, voice, and mindset.

5) Adapting to a New Environment

• Understand the emotional and cognitive stages of adapting to change or unfamiliar settings.
• Apply resilience and flexibility strategies when facing uncertainty or transition.
• Build connections and cultural awareness to successfully integrate into new environments.

Leadership Development

• Four Steps to Becoming a Great Leader
• Empathy Building
• Understanding Unconscious Bias
• Cultural Competence

Mental Health

• Education and Awareness
• Promoting Black Men and Mental Health Awareness
• Work-life Balance 
• Prevention and Early Intervention

Welcoming Workshops

• Program options:
• First Year Seminar
• Orientation
• Week of Welcome
• Early and Often: How to ask for help in college

Diversity

• Cultural Competence
• Difficult Conversations
• Inclusivity 
• Microaggressions 
• Sense of Belonging

Malissa was absolutely wonderful. We were able to connect prior to her arrival, and she arrived well on time. She was also understanding and accommodating to a technical issue we were experiencing and able to complete her presentation despite it, which we greatly appreciated.  The students had great conversations with Malissa and all of the feedback I have heard has been overwhelmingly positive. There were no problems or concerns at all on our end, Malissa was a pleasure to have on our campus and hosted an engaging and empowering conversation for our students. - Venn Peters, Intercultural Center Coordinator - Division of Institutional Access and Belonging,  Lawrence University Appleton, WI

We were able to contact Malissa before the show and she arrived right on time and was easy to work with.  The students enjoyed the show! We had 80 students in attendance and 56 filled out the survey giving Malissa 4.5 stars out of 5.  There were no problems or concerns with her presentation. - Tabitha Sherrell, Manager of Student Engagement, Volunteer State Community College, Gallatin, TN