Events for Student & Professional Success

Keynotes and workshops that move people from overwhelm to sustainable success.

I deliver interactive sessions for first-generation students and professionals that address common academic challenges such as overwhelm, persistence, and unclear pathways by translating research and lived experience into practical, scalable strategies that fit within existing programs.

Grounded in research and culturally informed practice, my talks demystify higher education and provide actionable tools for sustainable success. My speaking engagements are proudly supported by the Embrace Change Speaker’s Bureau.

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What Sets Me Apart

Customized Planning

Each engagement begins with a planning call so that I can adapt each speaking engagement to align with your group’s specific goals and ideal outcomes, ensuring the most relevant and impactful experience.

Actionable Content

My speaking services are designed for high engagement and immediate relevance, leaving participants with practical tools and skills linked to retention, leadership, and wellbeing.

Flexible Format

Sessions are available as workshops, keynotes, or multi-session trainings. You have the option to access recordings, slides, and downloadable resources, and I offer special rates for returning clients and multi-session bookings.

Proven Impact

99% of past attendees found my talks valuable and 98% want to hear me speak again. Feedback from my speaker profile consistently highlights my speaking engagements as inspiring, affirming, and actionable.

Audience Feedback and Outcomes

Responses from keynote on mentorship, community, and support: “I thought she was relatable and I valued her authenticity. I think she made the graduate school process seem a lot more attainable and actionable.” -Marley Roberts | “Yvette’s talk was inspiring and included great information. She was highly engaging and interactive, and I enjoyed every moment of it.” -Krysan Williams | “Inspiring and empowering, I am so grateful and feel a lot more confident going into graduate school applications.” -Abigail Panariso | “Yvette made me step outside my box and at first I was nervous but now I feel comfortable to talk to others…” -Dashna Lynch

“I learned about growth mindset, long-term and short-term goal-setting, and how to accomplish tasks toward my degree without losing my sanity in the process. After participating in the workshop, I felt significantly more confident about approaching my work...I feel the best words would be both comforted and inspired. If someone was considering hiring her for a workshop, I would tell them that she is excellent, especially if you're someone with marginalized identities trying to navigate academia… I felt that she was in kindred spirits with us, rather than approaching us (as some mentors do) from a place of condescension.”

N. GonzalezGraduate Student

Responses to grad admissions workshop: “It really made me feel motivated to apply to graduate school and gave me a clearer picture of what the process would look like compared to how I felt going in. | “It was very informational and accessible. I feel a lot more prepared for the application and gap year process.” | “Very helpful for students who don't have generational knowledge about grad school” | “This is a great session for a student who is interested in applying to graduate school and might not know where to start.” | “This session was inspiring and extremely helpful.” | “Engaging and relevant, absolutely recommend.”

“I participated in Dra. Yvette's workshop on practical strategies for personal and academic success. I learned about the importance of maintaining a balance within your studies while still being able to take time for yourself. After participating, I gained insight on how to overcome challenges within time management and procrastination. If someone was considering hiring her to put on a workshop, I would tell them that Dra. Yvette has amazing presentation skills by incorporating personal anecdotes. My favorite part about Dra. Yvette's workshop was how interactive the workshop was.”

Grecia AUndergraduate Student

Responses from grad school interviews workshop for Applied Psychology students: “It is a very informative and conscious workshop about graduate school application. She had easy to apply advice and tips and helped me feel more secure about stating the process as a first gen.” | “It was organized very effectively into the exact steps and tips for applying to grad school, giving a lot of insider information” | “I think the resources mentioned and general information offered were very thorough (ex sample interview questions, timelines, etc)!” | “I really appreciated the segment with the commonly asked interview questions including the less known unconventional questions as well.”

“I participated in Dra. Yvette's keynote on ‘Embracing Our Power.’ In this talk, I learned so many things!! Sustainable productivity really stood out to me, identifying a pace that works well for you, non-comparison, consistent pace. After attending Dra. Yvette's talk, I gained awareness of my limiting thoughts and behaviors. My favorite part about Dra. Yvette's talk was starting out with her identity humanizing her experience. If someone was considering hiring her to put on a talk or workshop, I would tell them to DO IT!”

Adeline LeeAcademic Advisor

Responses from grad admissions and career development workshop for McNair and SSS Scholars: “Inspiring. Real. Thoughtful.” | “The session was honest, practical, exactly what [our] students need to know about grad school.” | “I really enjoyed this session; I feel like I gained a lot of useful knowledge and skills relating to grad school.” | “Great way to understand the process of graduate school, the realities of what to expect, and great tips.” | “Thank you so much for this! I direct the Grad Programs … this is sooo helpful since so many students are BIPOC first-gen. I love your honesty & specific practical advice.”

“I participated in Dra. Yvette's Womxn’s EmpowerUS Keynote. I learned about the importance of sustainable productivity. After attending Dra. Yvette's talk, I gained a refreshed outlook on the work I do and the track I'm on. If someone was considering hiring her to put on a talk or workshop, I would tell them that she is an engaging speaker and incredibly relevant for first-gen, womxn students. My favorite part about Dra. Yvette's talk was the energy she brought around the topics she discussed.”

Adriana LucasAssociate Director, CIWM

Responses from demystifying grad school workshop for first-gen students: “Very empowering presentation and makes me feel motivated to apply for grad school. In addition to feeling more prepared as to what is to come for the future instead of feeling lost about the grad school process.” | “This event was moving, inspiring, and reaffirming that students of color have a community to support them with their higher education endeavors.” | “Everything was great and the information helped me to make an action plan” | “Very informative and the perfect amount of information without dragging on” | “It was really engaging!”

Responses from grad school application workshop: "This was my second session with Dr. Martinez-Vu and I found it equally as helpful/engaging. It is a great way to learn about the 'hidden' criteria/factors/concepts of graduate school. Overall, I am still left feeling very inspired and more informed about the graduate school preparation process." - Anelsy Valencia | "I feel less scared to pursue graduate school now." - Francheska Burrola | "I would tell them about how informative this presentation has been and how the interactive aspects really push viewers to take action for themselves starting now." - Kiara James

Responses from grad school application workshop: “This presentation isn't like any other where you leave with information overload. We got to not only discuss our concerns but actually be hands on and do activities that directly help us out regarding grad school and we also got to collaborate our responses with other students which was really insightful. Overall this was an amazing experience. I would definitely recommend this session to everyone. This has helped me a lot especially because I am still figuring out whether grad school is for me and I was able to learn more in a safe and supportive environment.”

Responses from sustainable productivity workshop: “Very important and beneficial… especially, in a time where time is very valuable for college students, learning about this topic is incredibly beneficial!.” -Attendee | “Really interesting and informative if you’re interested in learning and be more productive… I really recommend it.” -Sandra M. | “Refreshing and also motivating because I do have had experiences in the past with procrastination.” -Destiny Topete | “Shared valuable information that could help with personal success in the long term.” -Adilene Aguilar | “Lots of real life strategies given that are helpful to try!” -Ashley Rosas

Responses from grad school application workshop: “A valuable reminder and clears the fog to what you want, why you are here, where you want to go, and who you want to be. Then, lays out actionable steps to get there.” -Sandra | “I really enjoyed it. It was informative and encouraging. I have derailed my process of applying, but this has encouraged me to get back on track and pursue my dream.” -Marielena Osuna | “Informative and engaging! A workshop that actually really helped since we practiced and actually did things ourselves, it’ll help us remember the process better” -Thida Xiong

Responses from grad admissions and funding workshop: "This talk was engaging, informative, and accessible. I felt like it was being given to me by someone who cared about my success, someone intelligent, capable, and caring." – Natalie Guerrero | "It was very informational and engaging! Also, not too scary or unattainable for a first-generation student. This made me feel prepared and thankful." – Attendee | "Very insightful! I enjoyed her positive attitude and thoroughness!" – Lakshmi García | "It was eye opening and there is a lot of content that is explained extensively but clearly. I feel less blind into what is grad school and what is expected." – Ashley

Responses from sustainable productivity and mentoring workshop: “I’m skeptical of the word productivity but I knew Yvette wouldn’t disappoint. This was a disabled and neurodivergent friendly workshop, and a hands-on community-building space that didn’t feel forced or painful. Very grateful!” - Tania Lizarazo | “She has very practical advice that you can implement quickly! It made a difference than just saying words.” - Bryanna Dawson | “Gained need skills to take care of my whole self.” - Thania, UMBC | “Really interactive and fun. Dr. Martinez is really good at communicating.” - Jason Rojas | “This was a great talk, felt like this was something I really needed to hear.” - Dayanara Hernandez

Responses from hidden curriculum of grad admissions workshop: “This session enriched my incredibly shallow understanding of grad school and post-undergrad options beyond grad school. As well as the process to apply and important things to remember and consider when and if I make it that far.” - Ethan Crandall | “Detailed information and inspiring story that makes me feel seen!” - Kiara | “Even if you know what you need to do, it's deeply wonderful to be aligned on what we need to do and move forward in a way that makes the future not as scary.” - Attendee | “It was very insightful and it helped answer a lot of questions that I had lingering.” - Stephanie Ruiz

Responses from hidden curriculum of grad admissions workshop:“It was a very insightful talk about what to expect when applying to graduate school. This talk was more comprehensive than others I had attended and made me feel more comfortable in know what goes into applying to graduate school.” - Jaelyn Christian | “This session was very helpful in expanding my knowledge on applying to graduate school. It was informative and covered all of the necessary tools and skills for preparing to apply. I really enjoyed learning more about how to network, funding opportunities, and hidden curriculum!” - Amaria Waters | “She is a very good speaker who gets her point across effectively.” - Attendee

Most Requested Speaking Topics

Select the tabs below

The Hidden Curriculum of Grad School Admissions

Breaks down the unspoken rules of applying to grad school, helping first-gen students apply with clarity and confidence.

Participants will:

Learn how to identify the steps required to successfully apply to graduate school beyond what’s listed online
Gain strategies to find funding, mentors, and networks that support your success
Walk away with hands-on tools to navigate and demystify the hidden curriculum of graduate admissions with confidence

Ideal audience: Undergraduates and recent college graduates preparing to apply to graduate school

Grad School Financial Literacy: How to Apply, Secure, and Negotiate Funding

Shares proven strategies on how to apply for, secure, and negotiate funding packages, avoiding common pitfalls along the way.

Participants will:

Understand the differences between internal and external funding sources
Learn how to research, track, and apply for funding opportunities
Gain practical strategies and resources to negotiate and advocate for better offer

Ideal audience: Any prospective graduate student seeking funding and financial decision-making strategies.

Apply Smarter, Not Harder: Setting Up Work Systems for your Grad School Apps

Teaches applicants how to organize and manage the graduate application process using practical systems that reduce overwhelm and support steady and enjoyable progress.

Participants will:

Learn how to create clear timelines, task lists, and planning systems for each application component
Receive tools for organizing communication, recommendation letters, and application materials
Gain practical strategies to manage multiple deadlines while maintaining focus and momentum

Ideal audience: Applicants managing multiple graduate school applications who need structure and planning support.

Sustainable Productivity: Practical Strategies for Professional and Personal Success

Offers a framework as well as time and project management tools to help students and professionals redefine success and prevent burnout.

Participants will:

Learn a new framework for sustainable success rooted in personal values
Understand how to assess their capacity and align it with their goals
Walk away with tools for prioritization, scheduling, and setting realistic expectations

Ideal audience: College students, graduate students, professionals, and staff navigating burnout, overwhelm, or competing priorities.

Thriving in Community: Reframing Wellness and Care for First-Gen Students

Reframes wellness for first-generation students, integrating new frameworks as well as self- and community-care strategies that align with lived experience.

Participants will:

Define and understand the importance of self-care and community care for well-being and professional success
Learn how to recognize systemic barriers that impact one’s ability to prioritize self-care and community care
Gain strategies and resources to implement micro and macro strategies for self-care and community-care

Ideal audience: First-generation college and graduate students, affinity groups, and student support programs.

Getting Unstuck: Lifestyle Design, Growth Mindset, and Redefining Success

Guides participants through reflective and practical exercises to clarify values, leverage strengths, and reimagine success.

Participants will learn:

Understand how to apply lifestyle design and growth mindset principles to personal and professional goals
Receive tools and reusable exercises for assessing satisfaction across key life domains and identifying areas for change
Gain strategies for defining success in ways that honor purpose, wellbeing, and capacity

Ideal audience: College students, graduate students, and professionals navigating transitions, uncertainty, or goal realignment.

Beyond the Ivory Tower: Alt-Ac, Post-Ac, and Entrepreneurial Options for Academics

Explores values-aligned, sustainable approaches to career transitions for graduate students, faculty, and professionals considering alt-ac, post-ac, or entrepreneurial paths.

Participants will:

Understand how to identify and translate transferable academic skills across industries
Gain strategies and resources for designing values-driven, sustainable career plans beyond academia
Walk away with practical ways to build authentic professional relationships and supportive networks

Ideal audience: Graduate students, postdocs, and faculty exploring new academic career paths.

Sustainable Leadership: Preventing Burnout While Building High-Impact Teams

Develops leaders’ capacity to guide teams with care and sustainable systems; ideal for organizations seeking leaders who can advance impact while protecting team wellbeing.

Participants will:

Learn how to set clear priorities and design team workflows that align daily work with mission and impact
Gain practical tools for organizing responsibilities, managing team capacity, and preventing burnout through sustainable productivity systems
Walk away with language and leadership practices for modeling boundaries, communicating expectations, and cultivating a culture of accountability and care within teams

Ideal audience: Higher education staff, program directors, and organizational leaders.

Embracing Your Power (Keynote)

A powerful message for navigating grad school and/or careers with strategy, intention, and care, anchored in mentorship, wellbeing, and sustainable success.

Participants will:

Gain a renewed sense of purpose grounded in their lived experience
Understand what a values-aligned vision can look like for their academic and/or professional path
Walk away feeling galvanized with tools to support mentorship, wellbeing, and productivity along the way

Ideal audience: Large student or professional audiences, conferences, and campus-wide events.

Selected Speaking Engagements

Participant Experiences

“The session [on academic wellness] was informative, nuanced, thoughtful, and engaging. I feel like I gained tangible tools, particularly on creating systems for myself and managing my personal energy levels. It was extremely valuable, and I will look back to it as I move forward in this year and in my career as a whole.”

Anonymous Participant

Responses to accessible grad school application tools workshop for McNair professionals: “I use your book and podcasts with my students and think it’s extremely helpful and actionable. Thanks for all you do.” | “Lots of great info was shared for assisting McNair Scholars.” | “This was accessible info for someone that is not familiar with the first gen experience.” | “Very informed. Relevant. Easily accessible.”

“After participating in Dra. Yvette’s [goal-setting] workshop I gained the motivation to create a dissertation timeline. If someone was considering hiring her to put on a workshop, I would tell them that Dra. Yvette is fantastic and motivating. She is also very vulnerable in sharing her own stories and I really enjoyed this experience.”

Angel T (Grad Student)

Responses to sustainable productivity workshop: “This session was informative to discuss barriers to productivity and the struggles graduate students and young academic professionals face. She shared supportive and helpful strategies to combat these barriers” | “Prepare to learn more about yourself and about productivity than you ever thought possible in a short session.”

"After participating in Dra. Yvette's [sustainable productivity] workshop, I gained a knowledge of what strategies my clients and I could adopt to ensure there is a process and we're not living in the reactive space but in the intentional space. Dra. Yvette is a breath of fresh air where you feel your on a safe journey of exploration."

Dr. Luna Muñoz (Career and Research Consultant)

Responses to sustainable productivity workshop: “I liked the parts about appreciating work, even if it’s not perfect, recognizing negative self-talk from imposter phenomenon, and pushing back against those thoughts, and creating a brag bank. They felt like achievable things I can do that will have an impact.” | “I took away some actionable steps and strategies to implement immediately after listening to this session.”

“The presentation [on the hidden curriculum of grad school admissions] was very professional, and I do think it helped confirm the things that we have been teaching them. I feel that the students will then feel more self-assured with what your telling them given that it reinforces what we have provided to them. Thank you so much for the presentation!”

Anonymous Participant

Responses to Is Grad School For Me? book talk: “The presenters were personable and down to earth. I learned so much from their experiences and will use the info to plan for grad school.” | “Informative, encouraging, and inspiring!” | “Insightful and eye-opening.” | “Yvette, you’re doing amazing—we need this!” | “This topic is so important. Keep going!”

Responses to time- and energy-management workshop: “Validating, compassionate, and person-first wisdom and ideas for organizing time and energy” | “Today’s session was informative; there were many lightbulb moments along with resources.” | “You’ll learn how to gain better control of your time.” | “So helpful!! Thank you, Yvette!” | “Very organized!”

"The workshop on sustainable productivity was so incredibly inspiring!!! There are so many tools that can be applied to anyone and everyone I know…. I’m just so moved by these useful strategies to improve efficiency while protecting my mental and physical health, boost time for other things I love to do, enhance awareness and improve my ability to mentor others! Thank you!"

Anonymous Participant

"As a current graduate student I wish I had heard this [keynote] talk years ago. It was so insightful into so many of the obstacles I encountered entering graduate school. Yvette knows how to engage an audience and provides realistic advice taking into account the rigor and challenges that graduate school comes with. 10/10 — every undergraduate student entering graduate school needs to hear this talk!"

Anonymous Participant

Responses to Embracing Our Power keynote: "Easy to follow — engaging. Perfectly pitched for undergraduate students exploring whether or not grad school is for them. Very inspiring. It was a pleasure to be in community with Dra. Martinez-Vu." | "I would describe it as motivational, inspiring, action-based, light hearted, and supportive. Dra. Yvette did an excellent job!"

Responses from Sustainable Productivity workshop: “Very informative and our students enjoyed it and were engaged and participated virtually which was amazing and a first for us so thank you!!” - Angelica | “This session was great, it gave effective strategies and ones that actually works. I absolutely enjoyed this session and hope to hear from Dr. Yvette again!” -Aniya Erskine

“This was a very valuable next step in my journey. Yvette broke down every pillar of graduate programs and what is required. Highly recommend.” - Jabari McMillon | “One part that really stood out to me was the discussion on the hidden curriculum. I’ve experienced the effects of it without even realizing it was an actual concept until now. Thank you for sharing such valuable information.” - Tatiana J. Macdonald

Responses from career pathways workshop: “I enjoyed the writing and cognitive exercises! They really helped in imagining possibilities in and out of academia while materializing them into actionable steps!” - Rosa | “Honest and refreshing conversation about life beyond academia. Grateful for all the information and resources.” - Tania | “Gracias. It is inspiring to learn my transferable skills and my values to consider what is beyond academia!” - Viridiana

Responses from grad school financial literacy workshop: “Exceptionally informational, practical, and relevant. Every undergraduate considering graduate school should hear this session.” - Leighanna | “Very well put together and great job breaking down each topic.” - Jaylon Pearson | “She did a great job explaining this great topic about graduate school funding and as an undergraduate, I will be looking more into graduate school opportunities.” - ZaKhia Fields

Take the Next Step

Whether your group needs support with graduate school readiness or sustainable productivity and leadership skills, my workshops, keynotes, and trainings offer timely, actionable experiences that help audiences thrive.

My virtual speaking rates start at $3–$4K, and in-person rates start at $5–$6K plus travel, with special options available for returning clients and multi-session events. If your budget doesn’t align with these rates, I offer licensed workshops with live Q&As at a more accessible price point.

Please review my speaker profile and book a free call to tailor an event that meets your goals.

Events for Student & Professional Success

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