Inspiring Change, Empowering Communities
Visionary Speaker and Social Entrepreneur
Event Types
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Past Topics and Descriptions
Having Grit: Persevering Through Challenges:
In this inspiring talk, Teresa Goines shares her journey of launching Old Skool Cafe, a unique 1940s-style supper club in San Francisco that provides at-risk youth with job, life skills and mentorship. Drawing from her experiences as a former corrections officer and the founder of a social enterprise, Teresa highlights the importance of grit—persistently pursuing a vision despite obstacles and doubts. She candidly discusses the challenges she faced, from skepticism and lack of support to the lengthy eight-year journey to realizing her dream.
Entrepreneurship - Risks and Rewards:
In this engaging talk, Teresa Goines delves into the realities of entrepreneurship, sharing her journey of founding Old Skool Cafe. She discusses the inherent risks involved in starting and running a business, particularly one with a social mission, and how to navigate these challenges. Teresa also highlights the immense rewards, both personal and societal, that come from pursuing a vision with passion and perseverance. Attendees will gain valuable insights into balancing risk with reward, making informed decisions, and not giving up on your dreams in the face of adversity.
How to Take Small Steps Towards a Big Dream:
Teresa Goines offers an inspiring and practical guide to turning dreams into reality. Drawing from her own experience of creating Old Skool Cafe, she emphasizes the importance of taking actionable steps, no matter how small, towards achieving big goals. Teresa provides a roadmap for setting realistic objectives, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining momentum. This talk is designed to empower individuals to start where they are, use the resources they have, and steadily progress towards their aspirations, proving that every significant journey begins with a single step.
Inspiration & Hope:
Teresa Goines delivers an uplifting talk on the power of inspiration and hope in transforming lives. Drawing from her journey with Old Skool Cafe, Teresa shares compelling stories of young people who have overcome significant challenges through the support and opportunities provided by the cafe. She highlights the importance of believing in one's potential, the impact of positive role models, and the enduring power of hope in creating meaningful change. This talk is designed to inspire audiences to see the potential for greatness in every individual and to foster a culture of encouragement and support.
Creating Safe Spaces for Youth: The Role of Community Support:
In this session, Teresa discusses the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for at-risk youth. She shares tangible and transferable examples from her experience at Old Skool Cafe, about ways to provide a safe haven for young people, providing them with the stability and encouragement they need to thrive and succeed.
From Corrections Officer to Social Innovator: A Personal Journey:
Teresa Goines shares her personal story, detailing the experiences and insights that led her to establish Old Skool Cafe. This inspirational talk covers her career transition, the obstacles she faced, and the unwavering belief in the potential of youth that fuels her work.
Innovative Solutions to Youth Violence: The Old Skool Cafe Model:
Teresa presents the innovative model of Old Skool Cafe as a solution to youth violence and incarceration. She outlines the program's structure, success stories, and the broader implications for communities seeking to reduce crime and provide positive opportunities for young people.
Youth Empowerment:
Teresa Goines delivers a powerful talk on the importance of empowering at-risk youth, drawing from her experiences at Old Skool Cafe. She discusses the critical role of providing young people with opportunities for employment, mentorship, and personal development. Teresa highlights success stories from the cafe, illustrating how empowerment leads to increased self-esteem, responsibility, and a brighter future. Attendees will learn effective strategies for inspiring and supporting youth to realize their potential and become positive contributors to society.
Restorative Justice: A Path to Healing and Hope
Teresa delves into the principles of restorative justice and its application within Old Skool Cafe. She shares compelling stories of youth transformation and highlights the importance of accountability, healing, and community support in the journey towards personal and societal restoration.
Together in Community, We Can Solve Big Problems:
Teresa Goines emphasizes the power of community collaboration in solving complex social issues. Using Old Skool Cafe as a model, she demonstrates how bringing together diverse stakeholders—from local businesses and nonprofits to government agencies and volunteers—can create innovative and sustainable solutions. Teresa discusses the importance of building strong partnerships, leveraging community resources, and fostering a shared vision for change. Attendees will be inspired to engage more deeply with their communities and collaborate towards creating a positive impact.
Overcoming Burnout: When you are ready to sweep it all out the door!
In this insightful talk, Teresa Goines uses humor to address the topic of burnout that is no laughing matter! Drawing from her personal experiences of founding and running Old Skool Cafe. Teresa shares the emotional and physical toll that relentless dedication and high-stakes work can take on individuals, especially those in social entrepreneurship and nonprofit sectors. She discusses the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional life. Teresa offers practical strategies for managing stress, nurturing resilience, and staying connected to one's passion and purpose. Through her stories and lessons learned, attendees will gain valuable insights into recognizing signs of burnout and implementing effective techniques to sustain their energy and commitment over the long term. This talk is designed to inspire and equip individuals to continue making a positive impact while taking care of their well-being.
Building a Business with a Mission: Lessons from Old Skool Cafe:
Teresa focuses on the practical aspects of creating and managing a mission-driven business. She offers insights into the challenges and rewards of running Old Skool Cafe, from fundraising and community partnerships to developing programs that truly make a difference in the lives of young people.
Breaking the Cycle: Empowering At-Risk Youth Through Employment and Mentorship:
Teresa Goines shares her journey from corrections officer to founder of Old Skool Cafe, detailing how providing employment and mentorship to at-risk youth can break the cycle of poverty and violence. She discusses the transformative impact of work and community support in fostering hope and resilience in young lives.
Preventing Burnout:
The Importance of
Supporting Leaders:
In this powerful talk, Teresa Goines explores the dual themes of burnout prevention and the critical need for supporting leaders, particularly in high-stakes environments like social entrepreneurship and nonprofits. Drawing from her own journey of founding Old Skool Cafe, Teresa delves into the personal and professional challenges that leaders face, and how these can lead to burnout without proper support systems in place. Teresa emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and collaboration in sustaining leaders' energy and vision. She shares practical strategies for self-care, building supportive networks, and fostering a culture of mutual encouragement. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the signs of burnout, the value of supporting those in leadership roles, and actionable steps to create environments where leaders can thrive. This talk aims to inspire a collective effort in nurturing the well-being of those at the forefront of transformative work.