Amy Thurman

As a catalyst for educators and community leaders, I combined the lessons I learned while living the past decade with a broken neck, lessons of hope, resilience, and overcoming adversity, to help schools and communities work together to prepare our students for a resilient life beyond the classroom. When we mentor a child, we create belonging. When we nurture belonging, we empower a classroom. When we unite a classroom, we rethink education. And when we reimagine education, we transform our communities. This is the essence of polishing the mirror and inspiring a vision that advocates for our next generation of leaders. Programs and Services: Keynote Speaking Collaboration with Educational Institutions Building Partnerships with Community Organizations Research and Development for Future Initiatives

Heart-Centered Keynote Speaker National Association for Campus Activities (NACA)- and Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA)-approved speaker. Over the past decade, I’ve navigated a life-changing challenge; a broken neck that went undetected for six months, which led me on a journey of resilience, hope, and deep self-discovery. Through that experience, I learned the difference between self-love and soul-love, and it changed everything. While self-love is important, it teaches us to care for ourselves in the here and now. Soul-love is about connecting with the part of ourselves that holds our true potential, wisdom, and strength. This shift from self-love to soul-love hasn’t just transformed my life, it’s something I’m passionate about sharing with others, because it can change lives and businesses alike. I’ve made it my mission to help people “Polish the Mirror” of their own lives, looking beyond what’s on the surface to connect with their soul’s purpose. For businesses and teams, this shift is powerful. When leaders and employees operate from soul-love, they’re more authentic, more engaged, and more connected to what really matters. The result? A workplace filled with creativity, purpose, and drive. I’ve seen firsthand how embracing this soul-centered approach builds stronger teams and communities, fosters authentic connections, and drives real success. My goal is simple: to help individuals and organizations tap into their resilience, live with purpose, and create lasting change. Best-Selling Author In my latest book, "Finding My Hero Within," I offer a guiding light for those facing adversity. This book isn't just a story, it's a roadmap to embracing authenticity and reclaiming your personal power. With a focus on hope, resilience, authentic leadership, and the difference in self-love and soul-love, my talks and writings have served as catalysts for personal and professional growth for many.

I was an education and community renewal advocate responsible for planning, organizing and coordinating student trips, parent events, mentoring opportunities, teacher collaborations, technology integration and communications among students, teachers, parents, community members, administrators, and program directors. I ensured management and accountability of site budget and approved Action Plan. Helped increase students’ and families’ knowledge of postsecondary preparation and options.

In addition to being an active member of the Leadership Team, I taught 10th-12th grade students how to use various types of technology including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro X, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Google Docs, Edmodo, presentation programs, digital photography, video production, desktop publishing, portfolio development, etc. My duties also included sponsoring the Business Professionals of America student organization, designing, developing, and presenting the senior slide show, and editing and updating the district website. In addition, life skills applications and career awareness and exploration were also incorporated into the curriculum.

My duties as Educational Consultant included helping social workers learn specific skills and techniques, in compliance with agency policies, regulations, and procedures, needed to assist families in creating a physically and emotionally safe and healthy environment for their children while incorporating a motivational interviewing style of communication. I was also responsible for developing structured intervention and ongoing treatment plans as well as encouraging social workers to improve skills and build confidence by mentoring, observing and coaching them.

This degree focuses on teaching students to communicate effectively, think critically, solve problems, and collaborate through authentic learning and community involvement. It emphasizes innovative learning strategies, professional learning communities, and connecting curriculum with real-world experiences, empowering students to take an active role in their education. I was part of the first cohort in the U.S. to complete this pioneering program.

This degree is designed to equip students with essential skills in communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, all within a business context. It emphasizes real-world applications, integrating business principles with hands-on learning experiences, and fostering a deep understanding of the modern business environment. Through innovative teaching methods and active student participation, graduates are prepared to excel in various business roles.