Dr. Malissa Sanon was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), where she received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology. As a Psychology major and Sociology minor, Malissa learned the importance of mental health and wanted to learn more. Malissa decided that she wanted to study mental health counseling and continued her education.
Dr. Malissa received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from FGCU. Shortly after she started her doctoral degree at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Within two years of starting within the doctoral program, Malissa received another master’s degree in higher education. In 2021, she received her Ph.D. in Higher Education from FAU.
As a dedicated empowerment speaker, Malissa inspires, captures, and challenges her audience to think critically while being in a safe judgment-free environment. All questions are welcomed, and mistakes are corrected in LOVE. The individuals will leave wanting to know more ways that they can inspire, empower, and evolve.
03/19/26 6:00pm Kansas City, MO Rockhurst University
04/07/26 1:00pm Lawrence University, Appleton, WI
04/08/26 11:00am Fond du Lac, WI Moraine Park Technical College
04/29/26 5:00pm La Crosse, WI University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Learning Objectives:
1) Inclusion
Define inclusion and distinguish it from diversity and belonging in practical, real-world terms.
Identify behaviors and systems that unintentionally exclude individuals or groups.
Apply inclusive practices that foster participation, respect, and psychological safety in their environments.
2) Difficult Conversations
Recognize emotional and situational triggers that make conversations difficult.
Use structured communication techniques to navigate conflict with clarity and empathy.
Engage in challenging discussions while maintaining respect, boundaries, and productive outcomes.
3) Equity
Explain the difference between equity and equality using real-life examples.
Assess barriers and disparities that impact access, opportunity, and outcomes.
Implement equitable approaches that account for individual needs and systemic challenges.
4) Building Confidence
Identify personal confidence blockers such as self-doubt or fear of failure.
Practice strategies that strengthen self-belief and presence in professional and personal settings.
Demonstrate confident communication through body language, voice, and mindset.
5) Adapting to a New Environment
Understand the emotional and cognitive stages of adapting to change or unfamiliar settings.
Apply resilience and flexibility strategies when facing uncertainty or transition.
Build connections and cultural awareness to successfully integrate into new environments.
Leadership Development
Four Steps to Becoming a Great Leader
Empathy Building
Understanding Unconscious Bias
Cultural Competence
Mental Health
Education and Awareness
Promoting Black Men and Mental Health Awareness
Work-life Balance
Prevention and Early Intervention
Welcoming Workshops
Program options:
First Year Seminar
Orientation
Week of Welcome
Early and Often: How to ask for help in college
Diversity
Cultural Competence
Difficult Conversations
Inclusivity
Microaggressions
Sense of Belonging
We were able to contact Malissa before the show and she arrived right on time and was easy to work with. The students enjoyed the show! We had 80 students in attendance and 56 filled out the survey giving Malissa 4.5 stars out of 5. There were no problems or concerns with her presentation. - Tabitha Sherrell, Manager of Student Engagement, Volunteer State Community College, Gallatin, TN