Keynote Speaking Engagements with Deborah Collinsworth

Grief Coach • Public Safety Advocate • President, Lewis County DUI Victims Impact Panel 30- or 60-minute presentations available

Finding Light Through Loss - My Journey from Grief to Purpose

A deeply personal and moving presentation exploring how grief reshapes us—and how healing leads to purpose.

What You’ll Experience

  • The raw reality of grief and its impact on everyday life
  • Transformation and growth after profound loss
  • Support strategies for self and loved ones
  • A compassionate call to build systems of care

 Who It’s For

Anyone who’s experienced loss, supports someone grieving, or works in education, caregiving, emotional wellness, or leadership. You’ll leave changed, affirmed, and inspired.

“Grief changes us, but it can also lead us to a deeper purpose.” — Deborah Collinsworth

The Gift of Grief - How Loss Awakened My Purpose

On May 18, 2017, Deborah’s daughter, Cheyllyn, was killed by an impaired driver. What began as heartbreak became a mission for advocacy, healing, and transformative public service.

In This Presentation, You’ll Explore:

  • Turning pain into purpose
  • How grief can shape leadership and legacy
  • Emotional safety in schools, workplaces, and families
  • Creative tools for healing and remembrance
  • The urgent need for grief literacy in our culture

This Talk Is For You If You...

  • Have felt the ache of loss
  • Work with grieving individuals or families
  • Want to respond to grief with compassion—not silence
  • Believe healing begins with honest conversation

“Grief gave me a compass—not one that avoids pain, but one that points toward meaning.” – Deborah Collinsworth

Compassionate Leadership in Times of Loss: Leading with Heart When It Matters Most

About the Presentation

Loss touches every workplace — yet most leaders feel unprepared when grief impacts their teams. This presentation equips organizations with the tools, language, and confidence to lead with compassion during life’s hardest moments.

Ideal for: • Leadership teams • HR professionals • Supervisors & managers • First responders & helping professions • Corporate wellness programs • Conferences, retreats, and staff development days

Key Takeaways

Participants will learn how to:

  • Recognize the impact of loss on individuals, teams, and workplace culture
  • Respond with empathy and clarity when employees experience grief
  • Strengthen resilience through compassionate communication and supportive leadership practices
  • Create a culture of care that honors humanity while maintaining organizational stability
  • Lead confidently during moments that require both heart and steadiness

This session blends lived experience, professional insight, and practical tools leaders can use immediately.

GRIEF IN THE WORKPLACE: CREATING A CULTURE OF SUPPORT

Grief touches every workplace — because grief touches every life. Employees don’t leave loss at the door when they come to work. They bring their whole selves, including their pain, their exhaustion, and their need for support.

Deborah blends lived experience, trauma‑informed insight, and practical workplace strategies to help organizations strengthen morale, communication, and resilience.

Audience Takeaways

  • A clear understanding of how grief impacts employees
  • Practical tools for supporting grieving team members
  • Leadership strategies that strengthen workplace culture
  • Improved communication and empathy skills
  • Awareness of policies that promote mental health and retention
  • A renewed commitment to compassionate leadership

Ideal Audiences

  • Corporate teams & HR departments 
  • Healthcare organizations
  • Schools & universities
  • Nonprofits & community groups
  • Government agencies
  • Professional conferences & leadership summits

To Book Deborah