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Carlina Shotwell    

Child Welfare Advocate & Creator of "Empower Yourself" the #1 Life Skills Curriculum for Foster Youth

Carlina Shotwell, M.Ed., a former foster youth and dedicated child welfare advocate, is the visionary creator of the highly acclaimed life skills curriculum, "Empower Yourself".

Drawing from her personal experiences navigating the foster care system, Shotwell developed the "Empower Yourself" program to address the gaps in life skills education. Her PATHS framework—Perspective, Adaptation, Transformation, Harnessing Skills, and Support—serves as a cornerstone of her keynote speeches, guiding individuals in building crucial skills and overcoming challenges. Shotwell's commitment to mentoring and empowering foster youth, combined with her professional expertise, makes her an inspiring speaker and advocate.

Shotwell's academic achievements include becoming the first in her biological family to earn a high school diploma, followed by two associate degrees from Pitt Community College and a bachelor's degree from North Carolina Central University, where she graduated Cum Laude. Her journey is a testament to resilience and determination, culminating in her earning a master's degree in education.

Speech Topics


Equipping for Success: Essential Life Skills for Foster Youth

Transitioning to adulthood can be daunting for foster youth. Join Carlina Shotwell as she shares practical techniques for equipping foster youth with the essential life skills they need for a successful transition. From financial literacy to emotional intelligence, this keynote provides actionable insights and proven methods to prepare foster youth for the real world.

Strength Through Struggle: Nurturing Resilience in Foster Youth

Resilience is key to overcoming adversity. In this inspiring keynote, Carlina Shotwell explores effective strategies for fostering resilience in foster youth. Drawing from her personal journey and professional expertise, Carlina provides practical tools and techniques to empower these young individuals, helping them navigate challenges and build a brighter future.

Behind the Scenes: Insights into the Foster Youth Experience

Dive deep into the unique journey of foster youth as Carlina Shotwell, a former foster youth herself, shares compelling stories and invaluable insights. This keynote offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs faced by foster youth, highlighting their resilience and the support needed to help them thrive. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the foster care system and learn how to make a meaningful impact in the lives of these young individuals.

Healing Hearts: Trauma-Informed Care for Supporting Foster Youth with Compassion

Foster youth often carry the weight of past traumas. Carlina Shotwell presents a compassionate approach to trauma-informed care, offering effective strategies for providing the support these young individuals need. Learn how to create a safe and nurturing environment that promotes healing and growth, ensuring foster youth receive the care they deserve.

Sustaining the Caregivers: Self-Care Strategies for Social Workers

Social work is a demanding field, and self-care is crucial to preventing burnout. Carlina Shotwell addresses the unique challenges faced by social workers and provides techniques to promote well-being. This keynote offers practical self-care strategies, helping social workers maintain their health and resilience while continuing to provide exceptional care to those in need.

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