About
the founder
Cordelia Cranshaw
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Congratulations to our Founder on being crowned Miss District of Columbia USA 2019!
Speech Topics
Overcoming the Odds through Forgiveness
Cordelia is often asked how she was able to become successful despite the life challenges she faced as a child. After years of self reflection and research, Cordelia would like to share with others the art of forgiveness.
Foster Care
After growing up and aging out of the foster care system, Cordelia would like to instill hope and motivate youth who are facing similar life challenges.
Advocacy
At a young age Cordelia became an advocate for herself and her peers. Cordelia now uses her professional skills and lived experiences to advocate for various social justice reforms, specifically related to the child welfare system.
Cordelia Cranshaw was interviewed on USA Today Inspiration Nation.
Previous Speaking Engagements:
Graduation - Children's Aid Society of Alabama
Commencement Speaker
May 2020 – Montgomery, AL
Super Saturday - The Retail Orphan Initiative
Key Note Speaker
January 2020 – New York City, NY
Adoption Ceremony
Key Note Speaker
November 2019 – Fairfax, VA
Washington Adventist University
Key Note Speaker
November 2019 – Washington, DC
Smothers Elementary School - District-wide School Tour
Key Note Speaker
October 2019 – Washington, DC
Mann Elementary School - District-wide School Tour
Key Note Speaker
October 2019 – Washington, DC
Digi Girlz - Microsoft
Event Opening Speaker
October 2019 – Washington, DC
Fostering Hope Breakfast - Embrace Washington
Key Note Speaker
September 2019 – Spokane, WA
7th Annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards
Awards Presenter
September 2019 – Louisville, KY
Fostering Hope Breakfast - Embrace Washington
Key Note Speaker
September 2019 – Spokane, WA
Young Women's Possibilities Conference
Key Note Speaker
August 2019 – Hampton, VA
Johnson Middle School
Commencement Speaker
June 2019 – Washington, DC
3rd Annual Men in Your Life - Father Daughter Dinner
Key Note Speaker
June 2019 – Bowie, MD
Cora Kelly Elementary School
Key Note Speaker
June 2019 – Alexandria, VA
Tyler Elementary School
Commencement Speaker
June 2019 – Washington, DC
Beyond the Classroom
Guest Speaker
June 2019 – Waldorf, MD
Center City Public Charter School
Commencement Speaker
June 2019 – Washington, DC
National Foster Youth Institute - Shadow Day 2019
Opening Speaker
June 2019 – Washington, DC
Armstrong Elementary School - District-wide School Tour
Key Note Speaker
May 2019 – Washington, DC
Leckie Education Campus - District-wide School Tour
Key Note Speaker
May 2019 – Washington, DC
APHSA - National Health and Human Services Summit 2019
Key Note Speaker/ Panel Speaker
May 2019 – Arlington, VA
Prince Williams County Foster Parent Appreciate Dinner
Key Note Speaker
May 2019 – Woodbridge, VA
CASA Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Key Note Speaker
April 2019 – Prince George's County, MD
Cherry Blossom Women's Empowerment Panel
Panel Speaker
April 2019 – Fairfax, VA
West Potomac HS - Power Pink Club
Key Note Speaker
March 2019 – Fairfax, VA
George Mason University Celebration of Scholarships Dinner
Key Note Speaker
March 2019 – Fairfax, VA
School of Social Work - Social Work Month Panel
Panel Speaker
March 2019 – Fairfax, VA
Sunshine Early Learning Center - Leaders Are Readers
District-wide School Tour
Guest Reader
March 2019 – Washington, DC
Riverside Elementary School
Key Note Speaker
March 2019 – Alexandria, VA
KIPP DC Web Campus - District-wide School Tour
Key Note Speaker
March 2019 – Washington, DC
Anacostia High School - District-wide School Tour
Key Note Speaker
March 2019 – Washington, DC
Whetstone Elementary School
Key Note Speaker
February 2019 – Washington, DC
HD Woodson - Sister Circle
Key Note Speaker
February 2019 – Washington, DC
River Terrace Advisory Aware Ceremony - District-wide School Tour
Key Note Speaker
January 2019 – Washington, DC
United Way and Deloitte - Mentoring Matters Coalition
Key Note Speaker
January 2019 – Washington, DC
CASA Volunteer Appreciation Event
Key Note Speaker
January 2019 – Washington, DC
Francis L Cardozo - District-wide School Tour
Key Note Speaker
January 2019 - Washington, DC
First Star Institute
Panel Speaker
May 2018 – Capitol Hill
Interview with Director Donald of DC Child and Family Services Agency
Interview Guest
May 2018 – Washington, DC
See Video below
Foster Parent Appreciation Luncheon
Key Note Speaker
May 2018 – Fairfax County
See Video below
Chamber of Commerce
Panel speaker
April 2018 – Washington, DC
District of Columbia Annual Youth Recognition Ceremony
Host/MC
July 2017 – Washington, DC
Fairfax County Annual Youth Recognition Ceremony
Key Note Speaker
June 2017 – Springfield, VA
See Video below
2nd Annual Youth Gymnastics Scholarship Luncheon - The Hustle Humble Company, Inc.
Key Note Speaker
July 2017 – Roanoke, VA
See Video below
Arlington County and City of Alexandria Annual Youth Recognition Ceremony
Host/MC
June 2017 – Alexandria, VA
Advocacy panel
Panel speaker
2017 – Washington, DC
See Video below
Metz Middle School
Key Note Speaker
April 2017 – Manassas, VA
See Video below
DTLR Radio w/ King Flexxa
Interview
May 2017 – Washington, Dc
See Video below
City of Alexandria Foster Care Gala
Guest Speaker
April 2016 – Alexandria, VA
See Video below