Testimonials

“There’s not much that can entice the adult learners at Seeds of Literacy to stay after class. But when students heard that airline Captain Courtney Schoch had overcome the same experiences that they’ve had themselves  —abusive relationships, dropping out of high school, being a young & single parent, unemployment & dead-end jobs, followed by crushing the gender barrier — AND that she had run with lions, they couldn’t wait to meet her. They needed to see someone who had been through what they’d been through, and had not only survived, but thrived.

During my tenure at Seeds, I was delighted to bring her in as a guest speaker and success story on many occasions. It was these visits that caught the attention of ProLiteracy, launching her into the national spotlight.

 Courtney’s honest, no-nonsense approach is authentic and refreshing, and the story she has to tell is both heartbreaking and inspirational. She doesn’t sugar coat her past and stresses that she owns her story – she doesn’t let it own her.  I’d highly recommend her as a speaker for any organization. Her story knows no boundaries” ~ Katie Kucera, former Communications Director for Seeds of Literacy

In fact, one of our national partners, Lancôme USA, was so impressed that they brought Courtney in to speak at an event they held at their corporate offices in New York City.

Michele Bellso, Director of Marketing and Communications

“Courtney was the keynote speaker at our national conference in September 2019. You could have heard a pin drop in the audience of 600 people as Courtney shared her real-life stories of empowerment. The audience laughed and cried and loved her. She has a very relevant and inspirational message to share. Feedback from her speech was overwhelmingly positive with one of the highest ratings of our three-day conference. In fact, one of our national partners, Lancôme USA, was so impressed that they brought Courtney in to speak at an event they held at their corporate offices in New York City.” ~ Michele Bellso Director of Marketing and Communications ProLiteracy Worldwide

Not only is Courtney willing to share her story, sparing no details, so that she can help encourage others, she connects with her audience by showing how there’s power in speaking your truth.

Kara Krawiec, Site Coordinator

After Captain Courtney Schoch’s initial visit to Seeds of Literacy, our students couldn’t get enough. They wanted to hear more from her—more about the struggles she had faced and the barriers she overcame—because her story is truly inspiring. And beyond that, they wanted to share their own achievements and dreams with her as well. So we asked her to come back to Seeds of Literacy and celebrate our students’ achievements with us by serving as our keynote speaker at our graduation in June 2019. 

While helping Courtney prepare for her keynote address, I got to know her a little better and I’ve learned that her kindness is limitless, her sense of humor is sharp, her strength is immeasurable, and her honesty is inspiring. Not only is Courtney willing to share her story, sparing no details, so that she can help encourage others, she connects with her audience by showing how there’s power in speaking your truth.
 ~Kara Krawiec, Site Coordinator at Seeds of Literacy