Bethany Pace
I am a professional speaker who has a passion for finding optimism and hope in the face of life's adversities.
About my message
Life's interruptions—which have been uncomfortable and felt like failures at the time—are something I value today because those interruptions and my ability to move forward in spite of them have made all the difference in the life that’s emerged today.In fact, I can’t imagine my life without interruptions like the sudden passing of my father during my first year of college, my youngest daughter's sickle cell diagnosis two days after she was born, navigating divorce after 22 years of marriage, and most recently, my mother’s cancer diagnosis.I've learned how to reframe the interruptions and in December of 2023, co-founded Sincerely, Divorced to help others navigate adversity through the lens of the end of a long-term partnership.That said, there are many lenses through which I've navigated adversity—as a woman in leadership, a member of an underrepresented group, a first generation college student, and as a caregiver—and I am motivated to share the ways I've overcome various types of adversity with others.It all begins with embracing the human experience, the bold idea that our happiest days may just be ahead of us, and the belief that hope wins.
About me
Over the course of my career, I've held senior administrative roles in both academic affairs and student affairs, as well as leadership positions in private industry. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in African and African American Studies and a master’s degree in Counselor Education, both from The Pennsylvania State University (University Park).I am a co-founder of “Sincerely, Divorced,” a community dedicated to eradicating the isolation people experience at the end of a long-term relationship.I have been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for 31 years and I currently serve on the Pediatric Family Advisory Council of the Johns Hopkins Children's Center to advocate for sickle cell disease awareness and to improve the illness experiences of children and families. I am also a troop leader for Girl Scouts of the USA.Of all my accomplishments, I am most proud of my role as mom to Daphne, a sophomore in college, and Juliet, an 8th grader.
My speaking topics
In addition to the topics listed below, I welcome opportunities to learn more about how I can create a message that resonates with your organization or audience.
Illness experiences, sickle cell disease, and patient and caregiver advocacy
Divorce, coparenting, and starting over after major life changes
Children's social and emotional wellness in divorce and blended families
Girls and women, leadership, single sex education, and Women's History Month recognition
Slavery, memory, reconciliation, and Black History Month recognition
Inclusivity, intersectionality, and living authentically
First generation college student experiences, support, and empowerment
Grief, loss, and death of a loved one
Entrepreneurship, turning a passion into your life's work, and collaboration as a superpower
Interested in a speaking engagement with me and my Sincerely, Divorced co-founder Hillary Livingston? Our speaking topics include the power of friendship, building a community of care, and friendship across differences.
My experience
I have spoken at numerous conferences, panels, workshops, and seminars on topics ranging from undergraduate research, health advocacy, higher education, and slavery and reconciliation. I've also been featured in a film and a radio storytelling project.Below are short clips of my speaking engagements.
UNMARKED documentary
The UNMARKED (2020) trailer opens with my voice and reflection about my family's history and I am featured throughout the documentary which uses family stories to advocate for discovering and preserving neglected African-American burial sites in the South.
Radiothon interview
In 2022, our family participated in the Mix 106.5 33rd annual Radiothon for Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. I was invited to share my story as Juliet's mom and our experiences living with sickle cell disease.
Sweet Briar College keynote
A testimonial
"Bethany's speech was a welcome reminder that interruptions, while difficult and uncomfortable, give us the opportunity to find and create new life paths."
© Bethany Pace