A Story to Share

A memorable presentation doesn't end when the lights come up. Instead, it is only the beginning of a conversation.

Whether speaking to audiences from the stage, in workshop settings, or on podcasts or radio shows, I encourage listeners to think deeply and ask questions. They walk away thinking about the experience and eager to continue the conversation — ready to take action long after my words have faded away.

An award-winning public speaker, I love to share my areas of professional experience and personal passion with other people. I've led conference sessions, participated in panel discussions, held workshops in professional and academic settings, and offered expertise as a guest on several podcasts and radio shows.

Themes and Topics

  • Sustainable travel (trade or consumer focus)
  • Responsible storytelling for destinations / DMOs
  • Responsible travel writing
  • Celebrating women / local communities through storytelling
  • Tourism as a tool to elevate and amplify women
  • Amplifying community-based solutions in a global-focused world
  • Trail tourism
  • Asking "why not?" (a entrepreneurial session)
  • Applying Peace Corps experience to the "real world"
  • Pitching media / selling your story to writers

Highlights from prior speaking engagements include:

 

"JoAnna hosted an inspiring workshop on storytelling at Green Destinations’ conference on sustainable tourism practices. In a time of virtual conferences overload, JoAnna managed to captivate the audience and keep their attention to the end. Moreover, JoAnna elegantly pointed everyone’s attention to those questions tourism professionals often avoid by showing the hidden potential and direction when talking, showing, and promoting the world we share. I am truly grateful for the cooperation."

Dikte Gronvold
Events Team, Green Destinations

"JoAnna brought professionalism and personality to our panel which addressed undergraduate students on sustainable tourism practices as they relate to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Her specific and relevant case studies made the concepts concrete, and I really valued her passion that ignited college students in our challenging online environment. I am grateful to have had her expertise!"

Amy Brown
Graduate Assistant, Challenge 2050 Project, University of Florida

Your Turn

Are you a podcast producer, event organizer, or workshop facilitator? I'd love to speak to your audience! Let's talk about how to make that a reality.