Meet Rashad

For over seven years, Rashad Cohen has helped schools grow student leadership, build strong character, and improve school culture. He works with K–12 schools, youth programs, and national groups, including four National Blue Ribbon Schools and brands like Lululemon, inspiring students and staff with energy and care. With experience in elementary education and starting a student mentoring program, Rashad knows classrooms well. After traveling to 14+ countries to study servant leadership and humanity, he brings a global view and personal understanding to every group he meets.

core offeringgs

  • Dynamic, story-driven sessions that speak directly to students’ hearts and minds, helping them build the

    character, leadership, and focus they need to thrive.

    Outcome: Increased student engagement, accountability, and campus-wide energy

  • A reflective space for 10 to 15 of your school’s most influential students—not just high achievers, but true

    culture shapers. Students unpack the assembly and turn ideas into action.

    Outcome: Peer-led initiatives, deeper student reflection, and school-wide impact

  • Empowering your staff with encouragement, clarity, and simple tools to lead with vision and connection—without burnout

    Outcome: Renewed energy, stronger student relationships, and culture-centered leadership

    PD Topic

    The Educator Element: Why Your Presence Is the Most Powerful Variable

    Educators carry the culture of the school and that starts with presence. In this interactive and

    reflective session, Rashad brings your staff back to the basics creating connection, building

    trust, and making students feel seen, heard, and valued.

    It’s not another boring PD. It’s encouragement in motion. Teachers walk away grounded, clear,

    and ready to lead from the heart.

Speaking Topics

The Chemistry of Connection:
Creating Bonds that Foster Belonging and Growth

Authentic relationships play a powerful role in shaping a positive school culture and this is one of Rashad’s greatest passions. He also shares moments of growing up where being bullied impacted his identity and performance in school.

Objective:
This session helps students understand how building meaningful connections creates a sense of belonging, enhances student engagement, and supports both academic and personal growth.

3

The Mental Reset Approach:
Recharging Your Brain for Better Results

Mental health is an act of self-leadership and self-belonging. Rashad opens up about his own therapy journey and gives students tools to build self-awareness and self-care habits that support growth, resilience, and confidence.

Objective:

Support students in developing emotional regulation and healthy coping strategies that fuel mental well-being and academic balance.

The Influence Pathway:
Leadership Momentum That Powers Student Potential

Every student is leading at least one person making them a leader. Rashad equips students with tools to build confidence, responsibility, and cooperation helping them grow and thrive wherever they are planted.

Objective:

Guide students to recognize their personal influence and develop the skills needed to lead themselves and uplift those around them.

2

4

Your Superpower Will Change the World (K-5):
Building School Culture Through Each Students Gifts

Every child has a superpower. In this high-energy and interactive session, Rashad helps elementary students discover how their unique gifts can lift others up instead of tearing others down. Centered around his well-known children’s story The Super Smile That Changed the World, this session plants seeds of courage, kindness, and classroom leadership.

Objective:

Support students in developing emotional regulation and healthy coping strategies that fuel mental well-being and academic balance.

1

Make it stand out.

  • "Wow! He talked to us about what our values were and totally aligned his message for our students. I'm super excited to weave in his messaging through the rest of the school year. Can't wait to invite him back!"

    Dr. Cathy Kindem, Principal

    Oak Ridge Elementary School of Leadership, Environmental and Health Sciences

  • "We talked to him about what we were feeling and what we needed for our kids. And what’s amazing is that his message was exactly what they needed to hear, like to a tee! Except it was so much better than we could imagine!"

    Freya Schirmacher, Principal

    Minnetonka Middle School West
    (National Blue Ribbon School)

  • "He tailored his assembly to what we needed! He brought the students in right away, got them excited, told a touching story, recognized the teachers and just filled us up!"

    Karen Keffeler, Principal

    Meadow Ridge Elementary