Speaking

Public Speaking and Guest Lectures

"Jayla was absolutely and totally inspiring. Her topic was SO applicable to girls and women everywhere, especially during this time. As she was talking, all the girls in our GSG team group chat were going on about how bubbly she was, they loved her!"

Dr. Jayla Moody Marshall is a sought-after speaker whose work explores the intersections of equity, identity, and purpose in higher education and beyond. Drawing on her expertise as a scholar, storyteller, and practitioner, she creates thoughtful and engaging learning spaces rooted in care, criticality, and joy.

Below are some of her signature topics, informed by her guest lectures, keynote talks, panels, and workshops across campuses, conferences, and community organizations.

SPEAKING TOPICS

Higher Education & Student Success

  • From Margins to Meaning: Understanding Purpose and Identity Development among Black Undergraduate Women

  • Creating a Plan for Your Dissertation: Tools for Structure, Joy, and Sustained Progress

  • The Doctoral Journey: Navigating Graduate School with Intention, Grace, and Strategy

  • LinkedIn and Leverage: Building Your Brand in Higher Education and Student Affairs

  • Applying to Graduate School 101: Demystifying the Process and Centering Your Why

Leadership, Joy & Vocational Clarity

  • Finding Joy in Discomfort: Lessons in Growth, Leadership, and Becoming

  • Your Purpose is Peeking Out at You: Vocational Discernment for Emerging Leaders

  • Healthy Leadership: Leading with Boundaries, Wellness, and Authenticity

  • Bridging Generations: Honoring Legacy While Forging a Just Future

Equity and Changemaking

  • Civil Discourse on Campus: Dialogue, Difference, and Building Brave Spaces

  • Rooted Identities, Thriving Futures: Fostering Heritage and Innovation in Black Research

  • I’m a Changemaker. So What?: Moving from Awareness to Action in Equity Work

 

Watch Dr. Jayla Moody Marshall provide the Graduate Student Charge at the Spring 2025 NC State College of Education Commencement Ceremony. (23:00 - 29:00)

Jayla shared a virtual stage with comedian and actress Maya Rudolph at the Girls Supporting Girls Conference in 2021.

Jayla spoke to and providied tips and tools to the Georgia State University Goizueta Scholars about the graduate school applications. The Goizueta scholarship helps increase the number of students of Hispanic/Latinx heritage who enroll and complete their undergraduate degrees at Georgia State.

Jayla presented at the 2024 ASHE CEP Mentor-Protégé Program. The program is intended to provide members of racially/ethnically minoritized populations with mutually beneficial mentoring relationships. At the event, Jayla shares tips and tricks on creating a dissertation plan.

"Jayla Moody was an exceptional speaker for our Ultimate Girl’s Day In Women’s Empowerment Conference. Her speech was spiritual, intellectual, and inspiring. She shared a message about finding joy in discomfort. We definitely would love to work with Jayla in the future."