Emani Speaks
Bring Connection into the Conversation
Talks + interactive workshops that help educators and leaders practice connection, navigate challenges, and bring useful tools back to their communities.
Emani Joy Morse, M.Ed. · Learning Experience Designer + Speaker
Based in Virginia · Available Nationally
A Few Places We’ve Connected
Selected speaking and facilitation engagements.
“Emani is an absolute joy to work with. Her professionalism and her ability to remain steadfast and consistent while communicating complex concepts is inspiring.”
Zakiya Powell, M.Ed. · Author · Human-Centered Leader · Professional Learning Facilitator
A Moment from the Stage
Rooted + Rising: Finding Strength in the Stretch
NAA 2025 Story Showcase · Nearly 2,000 Afterschool Professionals
A story about belonging, mindful leadership, and the assumptions we make about participation. The invitation: pause, get curious, and make room for connection to look different than you expected.
One student’s handwritten note changed how I understood the quietest person in the room.
Talks + Interactive Experiences
A few starting points for your event or team. We’ll shape the focus, format, and activities around your people and goals.
Story-Centered Talk
Rooted + Rising
A story about belonging, mindful leadership, and finding strength in the stretch.
Professional Learning Workshops
SEL in Action + Leading with Heart
Practice everyday SEL activities and facilitation skills that support connection, regulation, and participation.
Staff Training + Scenario Practice
What to Say When You Are Speechless
Practice responses to hurtful comments and difficult moments. Co-created with Kristi Van Sickle.
Facilitated Team Experiences
Team Reflection + Action Planning
Make space for guided dialogue, examine team practices, and choose practical next steps together.
Practice + Connect: Try a skill together, reflect on the experience, and choose one tool to bring into everyday life.
Looking for youth workshops, assemblies, or family experiences? Explore Youth + Family Experiences →
Meet Emani Joy
The Experience I Bring to Our Work Together
I’m Emani Joy Morse, M.Ed., a learning experience designer, speaker, founder of Zenjoy Studio, and a former co-CEO of a multi-site youth empowerment nonprofit. My work connects lived experience, professional practice, and research.
- Youth development + nonprofit leadership experience
- Learning through storytelling, creative activities, and reflection
- Practical tools for communication, regulation, and belonging
I teach people tools they can use to better regulate their emotions, connect with each other, and create systems to bring those practices to life in their communities.
In my graduate capstone, more than 94% of participants with matched pre- and post-surveys reported growth in at least one measured area. Interested in hearing more? Book some time on my calendar. I love talking about it.
Education
Master of Education | Woolf University
Focused coursework: Social-emotional learning (SEL), yoga and mindfulness practices, trauma-informed teaching, accessible instruction, and action research.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences | James Madison University
Public Health Education concentration · Family Studies minor
What People Experience
“Emani is a fierce advocate for students and is truly committed to supporting the complex social-emotional and academic needs of every student she serves.”
CL
Cristina Lotts
HCPS Behavior Specialist
Continue Reading Cristina’s Full Testimonial
“One of Emani’s most remarkable qualities is her ability to cultivate strong relationships with students, staff, and stakeholders alike. She possesses a rare blend of empathy, compassion, and insight that enables her to connect with people on a deeply personal level, creating a sense of trust and camaraderie within the community. Moreover, Emani is a fierce advocate for students and is truly committed to supporting the complex social-emotional and academic needs of every student she serves. Emani effectively demonstrates her unconditional positive regard for every individual – not just through her words, but also in every action and interaction, which is essential in inspiring students and educators alike to reach their full potential.”
“Emani is an absolute joy to work with. Her professionalism and her ability to remain steadfast and consistent while communicating complex concepts is inspiring. She is an expert at logistics and communication. Her communication is kind but precise, and her attention to detail makes her a leader in her field. I would highly recommend her every time!”
ZP
Zakiya Powell, M.Ed.
Author · Human-Centered Leader · Professional Learning Facilitator
We May Have Connected At
A look at the communities where I’ve shared, taught, and facilitated. Hover over a logo or name for a quick look, or select “View engagement” to read more.
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National Afterschool Association
Story Showcase + Convention Workshops · 2025–2026
Shared Rooted + Rising: Finding Strength in the Stretch at the 2025 Story Showcase. Returned in 2026 for the Young Professionals Meet Up with Lorenzo Harrison and What to Say When You Are Speechless with Kristi Van Sickle.
View engagement
Virginia Department of Education
Educator Workshops · 2026
Led SEL in Action and Leading with Heart for private-school educators, exploring everyday SEL practice and facilitation that supports connection and learning.
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Every Hour Counts
Peer Discussion Facilitation · 2026
Facilitated Telling the Story of OST: Communications Strategies for Intermediaries, a peer conversation about communicating the value of afterschool systems.
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Beyond School Hours
Career Exploration Workshop · 2022
Co-facilitated a workshop on sustainable, hands-on career exploration activities that connect young people with possible futures.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Leadership Conversation · 2025
Shared experiences and lessons as a BIPOC woman in nonprofit leadership.
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James Madison University
Health Sciences Alumni Panel · 2024
Shared the path from public health education to nonprofit co-leadership, youth empowerment, and education.
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Eastern Mennonite University
Business + Entrepreneur Panel · 2023
Discussed mission-driven leadership and workplace culture.
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Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Program Panel · 2023
Joined local nonprofit and business executives to share lessons on overcoming leadership challenges and motivating teams.
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Sentara RMH
Healthcare Equity Panel · 2017
Joined the mayor and fellow community leaders to discuss racial disparities in healthcare.
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On the Road Collaborative
Staff Learning + SEL Facilitation · 2017–2026
Led staff training, SEL facilitation, and a guided equity audit of team practices and norms.
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Blue Ridge CASA for Children
Team Equity Audit · 2023
Guided a team equity audit to identify changes in practices and norms.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
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Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Youth Programming
Led youth programming focused on physical, social, and emotional well-being.
CADCA
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CADCA
Mid-Year Training Institute · 2021
Co-facilitated a national training on using hip-hop in youth substance use prevention.
Southeast Collegiate Group Fitness Expo
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Southeast Collegiate Group Fitness Expo
Mindfulness + Movement Workshop · 2017
Co-presented on boxing as a mindfulness practice for mental and physical well-being.
Let’s Shape an Experience Together
Learn more about pricing and planning, and explore how we can co-design an experience to fit your community and goals.
