Gina Watts

Dynamic, story-driven, and interactive sessions using iLead principles & Habitudes® imagery

Gina Watts is a dynamic leader with a profound legacy of driving impactful change. With graduate degrees in Public Administration and Social Work, she has harnessed over a decade of higher education experience and 15 years of strategic management consulting. As a nonprofit executive, Gina has led dozens of teams, nurtured community partnerships, and managed substantial grants.

Gina’s prowess in relationship-building extends from local to international spheres. Her impactful career spans from instruction and career services coordination to spearheading community-focused initiatives and development programs, recognized through numerous accolades, making her an influential and widely respected force in education and community leadership.

Gina brings a unique blend of storytelling, practical strategies, and interactive learning to every presentation. Drawing on iLead principles and Habitudes® images, she creates memorable experiences that engage both heart and mind. Audiences leave not only inspired but equipped with tools they can immediately apply in their classrooms, teams, and communities.

Growing Leaders Signature Topics and Sessions

Marching Off the Map

Support peer-led Transformation Tables that activate everyday leaders to solve real problems where they live and work.

Passing Through the Filters

Three student-centered strategies for timely life skills

The Primary Colors of a Leader

Understanding the essentials of leadership identity

It Starts with Me

The Hero in Me

Unlocking your leadership superpower

Ready for Real Life

Unpacking the five essential soft skills every student needs to thrive

Parenting the Gen Z (and Gen Alpha) Athlete

Understanding & Connecting with Gen Z

Growing Grit

Helping students develop resilience for life’s challenges

Topics (some repeated from above) below are outlined according to various topics and sessions offered via Keynote or small group training sessions.

Leadership & Organizational Development

Helping educators and leaders build strong teams and mission-driven cultures.

Mission-Driven Leadership – Aligning goals with values for lasting impact
Strategic Planning That Works – From vision to execution in schools & nonprofits
Culture Keepers – Building cohesive, positive departmental teams
The 5 Levels of Leadership in Education – Developing coaching strengths at every level
Supervisory Training & Values in Action – Equipping leaders to manage with clarity and purpose

Youth Empowerment & Education

Equipping young people to thrive as leaders in classrooms, schools, and communities.

Unlocking Student Potential – Youth leadership development that lasts
SEL in Action – Practical strategies for resilient, self-aware students
Placemaking for Youth – Creating environments where students feel safe, valued & ready to lead

21st Century Teaching & Learning

Engaging students with relevant, future-ready practices.

Passing Through the Filters – Leveraging three strategies for engaging life skills
Marching Off the Map – Preparing students to chart their own educational path
Bringing Your Personality to the Classroom – Understanding students and yourself through DISC

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Guiding organizations to embrace equity and lead inclusively.

Leading with Awareness – Cultural competency in diverse environments
Equity at Every Level – Embedding inclusion into organizational leadership
Engaging Communities Authentically – Building trust with diverse groups

Personal & Professional Growth

Inspiring individuals to overcome obstacles, communicate effectively, and achieve their goals.

Thriving Through Change – Resilience & adaptability in life and work
Building Bridges, Not Walls – Effective communication for collaboration
From Intention to Impact – Goal setting & achievement that sticks

Student Leadership Development

Helping students discover and grow their leadership capacity.

The Primary Colors of a Leader – Understanding the essentials of leadership identity
It Starts with Me – The power of leading yourself first
The Hero in Me – Unlocking your leadership superpower

Parenting & Coaching the Next Generation

Equipping parents, coaches, and mentors to connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Parenting the Gen Z (and Gen Alpha) Athlete – Guiding the next generation through sports and leadership
Understanding & Connecting with Gen Z – Practical strategies for building authentic connections
Growing Grit – Helping students develop resilience for life’s challenges

Why Soft Skills Matter

Preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

Ready for Real Life – Unpacking the five essential soft skills every student needs to thrive

Faith-Based & Community Initiatives

Helping faith communities lead with vision, serve with purpose, and grow spiritually.

Faith-Inspired Leadership – Spiritual principles for organizational success
Mobilizing for Impact – Community outreach & service strategies
Workshops for Spiritual Growth – Nurturing faith and resilience

Why Gina?

With experience in higher education, social work, nonprofit leadership, DEI, and faith-based ministry — plus a personal story of resilience as a teen parent and woman of color — Gina delivers sessions that are authentic, practical, and transformative.