Speaking

Themes: Culture & Representation

A powerful keynote that challenges audiences to rethink what they know about Indigenous representation in media and popular culture — and why those narratives matter more than ever.

Drawing on her work across journalism, storytelling, and media, Alyssa examines the gap between stereotypes and the lived reality of Native communities.

Through compelling stories and media insight, Alyssa reveals how narratives shape public understanding — and invites audiences to recognize the continued presence, influence, and relevance of Indigenous cultures in the modern world.

Audiences leave with a renewed perspective on representation, identity, and the power of storytelling to reshape how we understand one another and the world around us.

Audience Takeaways

• A clearer understanding of how Indigenous representation shapes public perception
• Insight into how media narratives influence identity and cultural understanding
• A deeper appreciation for the relevance of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives today
• Practical ways individuals and institutions can support more accurate and inclusive storytelling

Ideal For

• Universities
• Corporate conferences
• Media and communications events
• Cultural and leadership summits

Themes: Leadership & Identity

A powerful keynote about identity, belonging, and the leadership potential that emerges when we embrace the full complexity of who we are.

Drawing from her experience navigating mixed heritage, public visibility, and leadership in cultural spaces, Alyssa shares how identity can become a source of strength rather than something to hide or reconcile.

Through personal stories and cultural insight, Alyssa invites audiences to reconsider the narratives they carry about who they are and where they belong.

She shows how embracing complexity — cultural, professional, and personal — can unlock confidence, creativity, and authentic leadership.

Audiences leave with a new understanding of how identity shapes perspective, how belonging can be cultivated rather than assumed, and how perceived differences can become powerful sources of leadership and innovation.

Audience Takeaways

• A new perspective on identity as a source of strength rather than limitation
• Insights into navigating mixed identity and belonging in personal and professional spaces
• Tools for reframing perceived differences into leadership advantages
• Encouragement to bring one’s full identity into creative and professional work

Ideal For

• Universities
• Leadership development programs
• Diversity and inclusion conferences
• Cultural and community organizations

Themes: Media & Storytelling

A compelling keynote on the unexpected journey from public pageantry to national media — and what it reveals about storytelling, visibility, and cultural representation.

As the first Tlingit Miss Alaska USA and a top-10 finalist at Miss USA, Alyssa experienced firsthand how public platforms shape perception.

That experience ultimately led her into a career in journalism and media, where she became the first Native/Indigenous contributor for NBC and MSNBC.

In this keynote, Alyssa explores how visibility and storytelling intersect — and how individuals can use public platforms to challenge narratives, expand representation, and shape cultural conversations.

Through humor, reflection, and insight, she reveals how seemingly different chapters of a career can connect in powerful ways to influence broader cultural narratives.

Audiences leave with a deeper understanding of how storytelling influences culture, how public platforms can be used with intention, and how unconventional paths often lead to the most meaningful impact.

Audience Takeaways

• Insights into how storytelling shapes cultural perception and public narratives
• Lessons on navigating public visibility with purpose and authenticity
• Perspective on turning unexpected career paths into meaningful impact
• Encouragement to use platforms — large or small — to expand representation and dialogue

Ideal For

• Women’s conferences
• Leadership events
• Media and communications conferences
• Universities

Themes: Leadership Narratives + Storytelling

In a world shaped by media, messaging, and public perception, the stories we tell — about ourselves, our organizations, and our communities — shape how people understand reality.

Drawing from her experience in journalism, storytelling, and executive communications, Alyssa reveals how narratives shape culture, leadership, and opportunity.

From national media to Indigenous storytelling traditions, she shows how narratives can reinforce stereotypes — or challenge them and create new possibilities.

Through personal experiences navigating public platforms, media visibility, and cultural representation, Alyssa shows how leaders and organizations can become more intentional about the stories they tell — and the impact those stories have.

Audience Takeaways

• Insight into how narratives shape public perception, leadership, and opportunity
• Tools for communicating ideas and values more clearly and effectively
• Understanding the responsibility and power of storytelling in modern media
• A renewed awareness of how stories influence culture, identity, and leadership

Ideal For

• Corporate leadership conferences
• Communications summits
• Journalism events
• Universities
• Cultural organizations
• Leadership development programs

Themes: Motivational & Career path

In this inspiring keynote, Alyssa shares the journey that took her from growing up in Bothell, Washington, to Stanford University, to making history as the first Tlingit Miss Alaska USA and a top-10 finalist at Miss USA — and ultimately into a career spanning media, authorship, entrepreneurship, and cultural storytelling.

Through moments of risk, reinvention, and unexpected opportunity, Alyssa shares lessons on resilience, identity, leadership, and trusting an unconventional path.

This keynote resonates especially with audiences navigating change, building careers across multiple disciplines, or redefining success on their own terms.

Audience Takeaways

• How to navigate unconventional career paths and transitions
• Lessons on resilience, identity, and building confidence in public spaces
• Insights into using storytelling to shape personal and professional narratives
• Encouragement to pursue opportunities beyond traditional expectations

Ideal For

• Universities
• Leadership conferences
• Entrepreneurship and innovation events
• Women’s leadership programs

Some of the most engaging conference moments happen through authentic conversation.

In this format, Alyssa joins a host or moderator from your organization for a guided discussion exploring themes relevant to your audience — from media and cultural storytelling to leadership, identity, and entrepreneurship.

This format creates a dynamic, engaging exchange while still delivering meaningful insights aligned with the goals of your event.

Audience Takeaways

• A dynamic and engaging exploration of themes relevant to your organization
• Authentic dialogue that brings complex topics to life
• Opportunities for audience engagement and real-time discussion
• A format that feels conversational while still delivering meaningful insights

Ideal For

• Conferences seeking an engaging keynote alternative
• Media and journalism events
• Cultural and policy forums
• Corporate and leadership summits