Speak up. Speak out. Be you.
Betty Rhoades
Betty uses her two decades of experience in law, government, and nonprofit to serve people who want to speak confidently and convincingly to make big things happen. She helps them craft and polish their message, while ensuring that their authentic voices shine through – no matter the format, medium, or audience.
Betty earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2005 with a Concentration in Business Transactions. While in law school, she served on the staff of the Tennessee Law Review and received the National Association of Women Lawyers award and a Dean’s Citation for Excellence in Community Service. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Georgia, where she graduated cum laude, with honors, in 2002. She was also inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
Betty began her career with the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Presidential Management Fellow. Her leadership and dedication led to multiple promotions, eventually to Executive Management Officer (Chief of Staff) to the Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity. From there, Betty transitioned to the nonprofit sector, with roles as Director of National Capital Relationships for Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors and Executive Director for the HillVets Foundation. During her 17+ years serving the military-connected community, she published numerous articles and spoke and presented at a variety of conventions and events. In 2021, Betty was selected as a George W. Bush Institute Stand-To VLP Scholar, which included the opportunity to present a Personal Leadership Project to a broad audience of colleagues, stakeholders, and funders.
"Improving your attitude and skills surrounding public speaking is totally doable ā€“ it just takes practice, and the right kind of support and environment."
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Betty has mastered the art of public speaking to influence government policy; teach multiple teams to better communicate with and serve stakeholders; convince donors and partners to contribute to impactful organizations; and mentor countless other public servants and nonprofit professionals to do the same. She founded She Speaks with a straightforward mission: empowerĀ people to speak up with confidence, amplify their authentic voice, and multiply their influence and impact.
In addition to being a licensed attorney, Betty is an active member of the National Speakers Association (National and Northern California). She is a Cause Entrepreneur with ONEHOPE Wine, a Napa winery built on hope and rooted in purpose, and she successfully completed the Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination. She lives in San Francisco, California, with her husband and their two rescue pets.
If you’re dying to know more, here are five fun facts about me…
I am a multiple cancer survivor. Make sure to wear sunscreen and go to the doctor regularly!
My first nonprofit gig was helping a former NFL player build custom-adapted homes for combat-wounded veterans.
The National Anthem is the hardest song in the world to sing – nevertheless, I’ve enjoyed performing it at sporting events!
I’ve crossed the finish line – close to dead last – of multiple marathons and triathlons.
You may see me at your local comic convention, dressed as Princess Diana of Themyscira…also known as Wonder Woman!
"My mission: working with people to influence positive change by speaking up and speaking out."
Your authentic voice is beautiful and unique, and Iā€™d love to help you channel it to achieve your wildest dreams ā€“ whatever they may be. Let's chat!
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