Are you a part-time speaker with goals of being a full-time professional? Do you know that becoming a professional speaker will require you to overcome your inherent shyness? A powerhouse member of NSA Illinois, Shanita Baraka Akintonde, MBA, M.Ed., has words of advice.

Shanita stands as a true catalyst for inspiration and transformation. Seamlessly blending her roles as a Marketing Maven, devoted wife, and nurturing mother, she draws upon over 20 years of professorial wisdom and marketing prowess, a force that has elevated more than 20,000 students to success. A master of storytelling and leadership, Shanita is not only an accomplished author and esteemed newspaper columnist, but also a certified speaker through ShanitaSpeaks, LLC.

Her exceptional guidance empowers clients to predict marketing trends, connect with niche audiences, and skillfully communicate their triumphs. Her exceptional leadership skills are evident through her past role as an NSA-IL Board member and as the visionary Founder of Leading Ladies Toastmasters Club. She is also a graduate of the 2023 Harvard Business School Women of Color (WOC) Executive Leadership Cohort and is the WOC leader for Forbes Communication Council. These roles amplify her influence in fostering growth and empowerment.

Learn more about Shanita at ShanitaSpeaks.com.