Cheyenne Tyler Jacobs

Twice as Hard: The Conversation We Need to Be Having

When Cheyenne Tyler Jacobs was growing up, she was warned about the system of added obstacles that would stand in her way just because of her appearance. As she got older, she learned the stereotypes imposed on her as a Black neurodiverse woman, created a harsh reality preventing access to the resources necessary to address her sexual assault. Cheyenne now exposes the social structures that told her that she “was not a real victim.”

In this keynote address, Cheyenne authentically combines global and national statistics about the abuses to Black bodies, woven through her own story through, shared with original spoken word poetry. She powerfully exposes the unique realities of a woman of color as a survivor of sexual violence. Cheyenne unpacks uncomfortable realities of the internal dialogues about marginalized communities that fuel the underlying systemic conditions of sexual assault and abuse. Finally, students will explore their own everyday narratives and personal choices so that they can find tangible strategies for positive change.

ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT:

• Learn how the intersections of systematic oppression and racism impact who is seen as “deserving” of resources in sexual violence prevention,
• Unpack individual biases within a framework for self-reflections in our day-to-day lives
• Learn how to advocate for increased access to resources for survivors of marginalized communities, and
• Understand the need for a transgenerational trauma-informed approach to sexual violence prevention

IDEAL AUDIENCE:

• Non-profit and community organizations.

Decoding the Phrase “Just Be Nice”

“Just be nice. They didn’t mean anything by mispronouncing your name that way.” “Just be nice. That joke wasn’t really offensive.” “Just be nice. You don’t need to report it this time.” How can you speak up as a leader when you’re told to bite your tongue? You know in your gut it isn’t right and needs to be called out but are told to “Just be nice.”

In this keynote, Cheyenne Tyler Jacobs will take us through the journey of understanding how “niceness” is utilized as a form of silencing. Participants will leave this keynote with an understanding of how privilege, gaslighting, and tone policing impact us all. She shares accessible actions to take in a workplace, classroom, even friend group to redirect conversations. Cheyenne teaches how speaking up as a better ally is really “Being nice.”

ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT:

• To adopt “inclusion” instead of “competence”,
• To identify your own privilege, power, and authority,
• To understand how niceness, gaslighting, and tone policing are part of the system of oppression, and
• To create action items to be an ally to someone holding their ground.

IDEAL AUDIENCE:

• ERGs that are seeking to highlight implicit bias and create stronger communities.
• Leadership teams looking to engage and support staff better.

It’s Giving Red Flags

In pop culture, a red flag is a sign or behavior that indicates a relationship might be toxic or unhealthy. Oftentimes, red flags can be deal breakers in dating or a relationship, yet we all know someone who has been or is currently in a relationship littered with red flags. That someone could even be ourselves.

While we set boundaries and standards for ourselves, some just seem not to hold! What we do not realize is that the lack of boundaries in our lives leads to burnout, resentment, and harm. The lack of boundaries isn’t limited to intimate partnerships but can also impact all relationships, including those in employment, family, and even friendships. All the connections and relationships we build throughout our lives need trust and respect.

In this keynote, Cheyenne Tyler Jacobs will provide us with the framework to create boundaries that set us up for success and strengthen our relationships. Participants will understand what is needed to feel good within our relationships and how to hold others accountable when we do not. This keynote is not the end-all-be-all solution to creating safer relationships, BUT it is the needed nudge we all require to prioritize ourselves and our needs within our spaces.

ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT:

• Learn to look at the “power and control wheel” to bridge together its connection to the red flags we have seen across all relationships,
• Learn the six forms of power and seven types of boundaries,
• Empower participants to hold others accountable when they do not feel respected, and
• Encourage participants to set the standards for their joy and how to find it during the chaos.

IDEAL AUDIENCE:

• ERG’s centering well-being.
• Non-profit and community organizations looking to balance community work and their mental well being.