Social Change: Voice to the Voiceless

Event Details:

In this invited presentation, speaker Vanessa McNeal discusses how she has given a voice to the voiceless by leveraging filmmaking, social media, and her personal voice to elevate social issues.  She also emphasizes how to use the obstacles of our world as opportunities for self-improvement. She will discuss the value and power of social entrepreneurship, service, and personal stories. Vanessa shows examples on how she's elevated social issues like male sexual violence, sex trafficking, and the maternal health crisis. She will encourage students to use their voice while inspiring them to become leaders in their community. Students will walk away feeling empowered to respond to social issues in a way that is not only better for the world, but also for them. This one-hour presentation allows ample time for discussion and is open to the campus community and general public (with generous support from the Slay Fund for Social Justice).

Speaker Details:

Vanessa McNeal is an award winning documentary filmmaker and national speaker. Most recently she is a highly sought after life coach who leads her clients out of trauma and into a state of transformation. Vanessa has been featured in multiple publications for her work in social justice, personal development, and her own personal story as a survivor of violence. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Child/Adult/Family Services at Iowa State University and Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Trauma Informed Care at the University of Northern Iowa.