Ana | Former Student

Hi Bakersfield, I’m Heidy (Heydee), the founder of Forsythe Vision.

In 2018 I was teaching public speaking courses in several maximum security prisons in addition to my local community college and university. It was the most unlikely place to feel fulfilled and in many ways I was and yet I was also living in my own prison.

But one day in a student-lead discussion about attendance, one student confidently stated he would never be absent because he wouldn't receive any visits, my memory rewound 20 some years back to my bias and judgmental teenage self when I refused to visit my siblings during their separate prison terms. My young teenage self was filled with anger, bitterness and shame instead of hopeful that they would one day return home.

That conversation left me wishing I had visited my family more often and it also saddened my heart knowing that my students were excelling in class but couldn't share their success in person with their loved ones. That moment ignited a flame of hope in me for incarcerated populations. In many ways I felt I was vindicating myself through the students - because I believe we return dignity and humanity to those we remember. That day was the beginning of my journey to advocate for what I call, "the forgotten".

Today, my mission is to wake up bitter and shattered hearts of people who are devasted by the incarceration of their loved ones to remember their loved ones by visiting them, writing letters or beginning their journey of forgiveness so that we can all begin to heal and be free from our own prisons.

I also believe that we all have a story that can transform lives. Many of my students shared their stories with me in a prison classroom - and these powerful stories had the potential to help a youth offender decide he will make better choices, or a father decide he will step up and take responsibility. For this reason, I wanted to share my story that started in bias but turned into beauty, it was impacted by violence but now it's impacted by powerful voices. I know there are many more powerful stories the world needs to hear.

That's why the Speakathon was created.

Our MISSION: To create a sacred stage where speakers can practice and share their message with confidence and in community.

I invite you to join us on the speakathon stage if you have decided you will no longer live behind your fear.

💡 The Speakathon is a stage with a live audience, speaker spotlight, speaking community and a place to launch your speaking career so that you can help transform people's lives.

Together, let’s celebrate voices, unlock potential, and create opportunities that last.

— Heidy Martinez-Forsythe
Founder, Forsythe Vision

For questions or concerns about the SPEAKATHON or services email us at [email protected] or messages on our social media platforms.