Hi, meet Rashad!

For over seven years, Rashad Cohen has been helping schools ignite student leadership, build character, and strengthen culture from the inside out.

He has partnered with K–12 schools, youth programs, and national organizations—including four National Blue Ribbon Schools and brands like Lululemon—bringing energy, empathy, and action to both students and staff.

With a background in elementary education and as the founder of a student mentoring program, Rashad understands the heart of the classroom. His journey backpacking through 14+ countries to study servant leadership and humanity gives him both a global perspective and a personal connection that shines through in every room he enters.

core offerings

  • 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: Students walk away more engaged, accountable, and inspired—fueling a stronger, more energized school culture.

  • 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

Speaking Topics

Rashad weaves humor, music, and energy with practical leadership takeaways and moving moments that touch the heart.

1

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.

2

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.

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.

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: Students will discover their unique “superpower” and learn how to use it to encourage others, practice kindness, and step into leadership roles that strengthen their classroom community.

5

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.

Objective: Equip educators with practical tools and renewed vision.

why schools choose rashad…

Real and Relatable

Students and staff connect quickly through story, vulnerability, and humor.

Beyond Motivation

Every talk is rooted in character building, leadership, and practical takeaways.

Supports Staff Too

Sessions are designed to lift the emotional load from educators.

Momentum That Lasts

Tools and follow-up support to help extend learning and impact beyond the stage.

now see why they trust rashad.

What Leaders Are Saying

  • "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)

  • "I don’t think anybody that has come across the paths of Mr. Cohen can say they haven’t been changed and transformed.”

    Dr. Rashad Anderson,
    Call Me Mister Director & Professor

    Metropolitan State University of Denver