National Speakers Association – Arizona!

Chris Kyselka has worked in higher education for more than 20 years. Before that she worked in radio, television and newspapers for a decade. Her educational background includes earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arizona State University.

For many years, Chris was a frequent speaker at national and regional academic conferences. More recently, she has personalized her experiences and connected with new audiences in the areas of cultural diversity, American Indian culture [Chris is full-blood Diné (Navajo)], multicultural communication, accessibility for the physically challenged but has new topics under development. She has emceed events and enjoys facilitating professional, successful and timely results.

Chris is always developing new speaking topics, but here are her most recent titles:

• Remembering the Navajo Code Talkers

The story of the Navajo Code Talkers presents a unique kind of heroism during WWII. As Navajo Indians, they were called upon to use their native language as a key part of the strategy in the Pacific Theater. Their service came at a time when the U.S. government also demonstrated intent to subdue the language, culture and tradition of American Indian tribes. This multimedia presentation describes how their efforts were integral to the war’s outcome.

• Native American Realities

An intro to American Indian culture generally for non-Indian audiences, describing who American Indians are today including challenges that face many native peoples.

• For Real Accessibility

Even with today’s policy re: disability accommodations, Chris’ personal stories demonstrate that implementation of policy illustrate that businesses can be more disabled-friendly

• Standing Tall: Native American Leadership

Designed for youth audiences (but adaptable to others), Chris inspires native young people to consider leadership opportunities and to make a difference in their communities

Academic audiences have heard Chris speak on community partnerships, distance education with indigenous peoples, workforce development, web course development and cultural diversity.

Some comments on Chris’s presentations:

• Your message was thoughtful, well-crafted and definitely made an impact on me. It was obvious you held the audience’s attention all the way through. (Linda T.)

• Your presentation was very insightful, thought provoking and inspiring. It afforded our community a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the topic of cultural diversity and more importantly, created positive exchange among diverse groups. (Reginal R.)

• Your presentation was superb. There was no area in which you were not knowledgeable and all of this without notes. I commend you, young lady, on your style and presence. What a lovely role model you are. (Susan S.)

• I found your lecture to be very informative and very very inspirational. (Patrick T.)

• Your presentation was outstanding in every respect. You were without a doubt the most organized and professional speaker that we have had – and we have had a large number of speakers. Your talk was very logically ordered and easy to understand. You handled the questions in a very professional and knowledgeable manner. It just couldn’t have been any better. We have received numerous comments of praise. (Dennis D.)

• Your presentation was excellent!! You must have spent a considerable amount of time on the preparation – super graphics, flawless delivery. As one who does a fair amount of public speaking and teaching, I appreciate how much effort goes into creating such a good speech … everyone in Arizona and everyone visiting the state for the first time should see it! (Betty T.)

• I do not speak Navajo, nor do I know a whole lot about it, just bits and pieces when I was growing up. I can definitely relate to your story. Thanks for sharing. You’ve given me more motivation to learn more of who I am. (Kim S.)

Chris is committed to excellent events and learning opportunities. She has worked with more than 500 speakers as part of her professional experience in community outreach and knows what it takes to create a first-rate event.

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Areas of Expertise:
Business-General
Communication Skills
Computers
Diversity
Education
Leadership
Motivation
Multi-Cultural Issues
Presentation Skills
Technology

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ckyselka - Updated: August 25, 2011