Founded by Sylvie di Giusto to open the door to the speaking profession for the next generation, one scholarship recipient at a time.
Recipients, in their own words.
Danielle Cobo
Roderick Borisade
Mark Cosby
Wendy Carter
Maria Garaitonandia
Charles L. Bailey, Jr.
Caitlin GardnerDanielle CoboRoderick BorisadeMark CosbyWendy CarterMaria GaraitonandiaCharles L. Bailey, Jr.Caitlin GardnerDanielle CoboRoderick BorisadeMark CosbyWendy CarterMaria GaraitonandiaCharles L. Bailey, Jr.Caitlin GardnerEvery great speaker had someone who believed in them first.
This scholarship makes sure the next voices of our profession have that someone.
Throughout my career as a keynote speaker, the National Speakers Association and its members have shaped my success. I am grateful for the knowledge, insights, skills and business advice I have gained, but most of all for the friendships. Being part of this community, including my home chapter, NSA Central Florida, makes me feel immensely privileged and proud.
The scholarship is my way of giving back: a testament to the power of NSA to change lives for the better, and a chance to help a new group of speakers get started. Passing along what I have learned to future generations of speakers is a privilege and a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
Thank you to the NSA Central Florida leadership for supporting this endeavor, and to the scholarship committee, whose members draft the submission rules, ensure procedural fairness and select the most qualified candidates. And thank you to my speaker colleagues who join my annual speaker mastermind retreats: their contributions help fund this scholarship.
Professional speaking is both an art and a responsibility. For me, industry leadership means more than a great keynote: it means giving back to the community that shapes us. Here is where I have had the honor to serve.
Planned, executed and co-hosted “The Future of Speaking.”
Led the chapter’s growth: membership +41%, attendance +47%, university students +157%, revenue +340%.
Planned, executed and co-hosted the annual convention, and moved it online overnight.
Hosted 10+ retreats for experienced speakers whose contributions fund the scholarship.
Founded it to fund tuition, chapter membership and mentoring for aspiring speakers.
Developed strategies to increase registrations for NSA events.
Represented NSA on the board of GSF, which connects speakers associations around the world.
Created the award for NSA: concept, nominations, design, marketing and launch.
Co-emceed the annual convention, guiding the main stage from the opening to the closing session.
Developed strategies to increase NSA registrations, membership and engagement around the world.
The associations I have served chose to honor that work. Every one of these awards belongs as much to the volunteers I served alongside.
For my role in shaping and delivering Influence 2025.
For years of service on the board as NSA’s representative, and for elevating the Federation’s global presence.
For working behind the scenes on the foundational growth of GSF and its member associations.
For exceptional support of the Chair, the Board and the advancement of the association.
For going above and beyond for the chapter, and in acknowledgment of the scholarship.
For my contributions to the chapter and for pushing the boundaries of the speaking experience.
For the support, love and care a speaker shows behind the scenes for the speaking community.
For a speaker’s influence on the association and the speaking profession.
For setting the standard for members, the chapter and the profession.
For extraordinary efforts for the speaking community.
For planning and leading the Winter Conference that guided members into the future of the profession.
For a significant contribution to the chapter over a long period of time.
Presenting to chapters and associations has always been my favorite way to volunteer. Every one of these rooms is part of my story.
Ask anything about the scholarship, who can apply and how it works.
