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About 

the founder

Cordelia Cranshaw

Cordelia Cranshaw, Founder, MSW, LGSW 

 

ccranshaw@ark-dc.org

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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