Testimonials

“Makala was what we needed. Our school needs more training and her presentation was relevant and useful. I loved her enthusiasm for her students and how she explains each practice. She is interesting to watch, bringing personal stories and light-heartedness to the whole keynote.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Bryn Huguelet, BSA at Lookout Mountain School, Phoenix AZ, USA

“Makala is outstanding. Her optimism and grace were a breath of fresh air. Our camaraderie has improved over the course of her trainings tremendously. It is important to practice the tools she presents because they are the tools for humanity.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                Ole Spanish Immersion Program, Querétaro, Mexico

makala ashford - BIOGRAPHY

Makala Ashford, M.Ed. is a professional speaker, an award-winning educator, and a humanist on a mission to facilitate a holistic balance between human development, education, and social-emotional learning. With her first 10+ years in education teaching Kindergarten through 6^th-grade students in both General Education and Special Education settings, Makala additionally taught internationally in Italy and Mexico serving underprivileged communities. Her extensive international travels led her to discover a missing human connection. 

With 21^st-century technology exacerbating Globalization, combined with the competition of humans v. AI, most employers are asking, “Why should I hire you vs. a machine?” Ultimately, education sets us apart. A recent Google and Microsoft survey shows the most desirable skills in an employee fall under Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) categories: self-management, leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, etc. In other words, we have to build our foundation for the future. As important as academics are to this seasoned teacher, Makala’s goal is to empower students with humanistic skills to take on the future. Social-Emotional Learning. Shifting her professional focus, she aims to bring these insights to the rest of the world through her organization SEL Mind. 

Humanity is a critical characteristic connecting us all. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has strained our relationships with each other, and more importantly, ourselves. Social and emotional intelligence is foundational to our personal and professional success. Makala helps educators, youth, businesses, healthcare professionals, and everyday people stay centered while navigating the daily stressors and unexpected changes.

As a seasoned speaker across dynamic and international venues, Makala brings the passion and inspiration you will need at your next event. Makala has spoken twice directly on the floor of the United Nations presenting a social awareness project to ambassadors. She hosted an educator’s panel in Querétaro, Mexico to discuss the current crisis facing public schools. In 2022, she presented her most recent action research at Harvard’s AOCC conference in SEL and spoke on the impact of school violence. These social science topics and more concerning child/adult development, collaboration, conflict resolution, leadership, and mental health are Makala’s professional foci. 

Makala will partner and facilitate with you or your organization to deliver the message you need. She is the keynote speaker you are looking for regardless of the occasion. Makala’s diverse and dynamic background will resonate with all listeners. As a state and regional ranking club swimmer, she will motivate and inspire you, leaving your team feeling connected and cohesive. Her 25+ years of experience in theatre and performing arts leaves her audiences enthralled and excited. With a captivating stage presence, Makala intertwines personal and professional experiences with optimal success strategies to tactfully engage even the most reluctant of participants. Whether you want to fill a venue with thousands or train a small group, Makala will never disappoint.