Toni Sharpe

At the Grand Valley Speech Lab, I help students strengthen their public speaking skills through personalized, peer-to-peer coaching. To shape their lives, careers, and communities through confident and effective communication.
In this role, I assist with all aspects of speech preparation and delivery, including:

- Organizing and outlining content

- Enhancing delivery and managing speech anxiety

- Citing sources and avoiding fallacies

- Crafting engaging openings, transitions, and
conclusions

- Preparing for panels and group presentations
This experience has deepened my communication, leadership, and collaboration skills in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.

As a Black/African American Student Engagement Ambassador (BAASE), I support programs and initiatives that empower and uplift Black students at Grand Valley State University. This includes using social media to engage students in upcoming events and interacting with attendees to help ensure the events are successful. These events include:
- Black Excellence Orientation
- Black Excellence 365
- Black Male Scholars Program
- Black History Month programming
- Black-led and Black-serving student organizations
Through this role, I foster community, promote student engagement, and help create inclusive spaces that celebrate and support Black identity and achievement.

At Sheik Unique, I contribute to creating an elevated salon experience by supporting clients in feeling confident, cared for, and uniquely themselves. I assist with day-to-day salon operations, client engagement, and maintaining a welcoming and professional atmosphere.

My role includes:

- Scheduling appointments and managing
client relations
- Supporting stylists and ensuring smooth
service flow
- Maintaining salon cleanliness, organization, and
brand standards
- Promoting services and products to meet
client needs