Out of all the hats I wear, this is the one that fits me best. Speaking is where “all my life lessons” meets “connecting with and motivating a crowd” meets “performing onstage as myself.”
Whether I’m sharing my leap from Corporate America to a creative life, or the power I found in authenticity as an out Black queer woman in Hollywood, I’ve crafted an interactive, candid storytelling experience that resonates across diverse audiences.
My speaking engagements include delivering the keynote for Avalara’s global Pride celebration, UNC’s Lavender Graduation, and the Morehead-Cain Discovery Weekend.
I’m also proud to add TEDx speaker to my résumé, after sharing “The Secret Behind the Best Year of My Life” at TEDxYouth@NCSSM in 2023.

Janora, you were amazing! Thank you for being such a great energy and sharing your story. Folks are sending us messages about how needed your message felt. I can’t thank you enough for just speaking so transparently
-Tyler White, Avalara Sr. Business System Analyst
Thank you, thank you Janora! Your energy, spirit and stories were so uplifting and so spot-on. We are seeing lots of positive reactions from folks on our internal slack channel. Thank you for kicking off Avalara Pride for us in the perfect way!
- Dail Bridges, Avalara Content Manager
I have heard so much positive feedback from the current Fellows about your infectious energy and enlightening presentation. We want to thank you for being vulnerable and for sharing your story and insights with us. We so greatly appreciate your time and effort. We hope to have you back to speak with us again!
- Jaspreet Bhutani, NC Fellows Program: UNC-Chapel Hill
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