“What a disservice it is to silence ourselves when we have so much to give to the world.“
- José Rosario
When interacting with people, we can easily identify our differences. But, what happens when we recognize that we all have differences? Communities where individuals can grieve and heal collectively, emerge and are united by a shared identity that influences the ways in which we experience the sociopolitical world. So, how do we advance mental health practices to meet the needs of a diverse world and honor differences?
TedxProvidence, 2019
With every interpersonal interaction, we have a choice to use words that inspire hope or instill hopelessness. Our words reflect a sense of belonging, of capacity, and of support. In his very first talk, Jose explores the impact of words from others on his own mental health and his work; choosing to rise because of those who empower him.
Peacelove, 2017
One year after sharing his story, Jose returns to the PeaceLove stage to share how this changed him. Through engaging with his own story, his mental health work evolved to consider stories, identity, and healing. This led to the early conceptualization of The Phoenix Empowered!
Peacelove, 2018
Offered Keynotes
Here are some examples of talks that Jose has provided in English and Spanish across the Americas! Each talk is customized to the audience to meet your needs.
Empowered to Rise
Speaker Jose Rosario shares his personal experiences navigating systemic inequality and stigma to contextualize the connection between identity and mental health. He encourages audience members to examine their own identities and how they shape their lives and connections to other people.
Audience Takeaways:
Increase understanding of the implications of identity, stigma, and discrimination on mental health.
Begin to examine how one’s own experiences influence our social experiences, our vocation, and our blind spots related to inclusivity.
Examine ways to engage in long-term, intentional allyship and change.
The Psychology of our Differences
This talk focuses on the impact of hate-based violence and cultural trauma within minoritized communities on individuals and collective levels. We discuss how hate motivates violence that has an impact beyond direct victims and examine how audience members can support healing.
Audience Takeaways:
Understand the impact of hate-based violence on individuals and communities.
Identify how distress may show up after hate-based violence.
Understand how individuals can support healing after hate-based violence.
Disabled & Human
During this talk, Jose shares about his experiencing navigated accessibility, acceptance, and accommodations in the workplace and education system. He does this in the larger context of disability rights outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and disability-focused social etiquette.
Audience Takeaways:
Understand the parameters of the ADA in the workplace and educational institutions.
Challenges myths about reasonable accommodations.
Learn inclusive ways to interact with people with disabilities (e.g., person-first language, assistive device etiquette).
Acknowledge disability through an intersectional lens.
Previous Speaking Engagements
