Inspiring People to Make a Difference
For more than 50 years, Dr. Marlena E. Uhrik has inspired educators, leaders, families, and communities through stories, practical strategies, and unforgettable experiences that help people discover the extraordinary difference one person can make.
Meet Dr. Marlena
Dr. Marlena E. Uhrik has spent more than five decades helping children, educators, families, and communities discover that every person has the power to make a difference.
From classrooms and conference stages to school districts and community organizations, her presentations combine practical tools, inspiring stories, and interactive experiences that leave audiences encouraged, equipped, and ready to take action.
Her presentations are known for being warm, engaging, research-informed, and filled with real-life examples that participants remember long after the event has ended.
Speaking Topics
Continue the journey with books and companion resources that help children, families, educators, and communities keep kindness growing every day.
đ Waves of Kindnessâ˘
Creating Communities Where Kindness Is Visible
Perfect for:
- Schools
- Districts
- PTAs
- Libraries
- Conferences
- Community Organizations
Participants discover how literacy, art, conversation, and SEL come together to create lasting ripples of kindness.
đ The Magic of Making a Difference
The Story That Started It All
Based on the award-winning book, this inspiring presentation reminds audiences that one small act of kindness can change lives, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact.
â¤ď¸ Social-Emotional Learning
Helping Students Thrive Through Connection and Belonging
Research-informed strategies that help educators create caring classrooms where every child feels seen, valued, and encouraged.
đ Community Engagement
Building Stronger Communities Through Service
Learn practical ways schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations can work together to strengthen neighborhoods through kindness, service, and shared purpose.
đ Leadership & Purpose
Helping People Discover the Difference They Were Meant to Make
An inspiring keynote for leadership conferences, service clubs, and organizations seeking to cultivate compassionate, purpose-driven leaders.
Signature Workshops
Interactive, Practical, Memorable
Hands-on experiences designed to bring people together, spark meaningful conversation, and turn inspiration into action.
Waves of Kindness⢠Experience
Audience
Length
Ideal Group Size
Kindness Leadership Workshop
Audience
Length
Ideal Group Size
Family Kindness Night
Audience
Length
Ideal Group Size
School Professional Development
Audience
Length
Ideal Group Size
Parent Education Programs
Audience
Length
Ideal Group Size
Community Service Initiatives
Audience
Length
Ideal Group Size
World Kindness Day Planning
Audience
Length
Ideal Group Size
Why Audiences Connect
More Than a Presentation. An Experience.
Storytelling
Real stories.
Real people.
Real impact.
Practical Ideas
Participants leave with tools they can immediately use.
Interactive Learning
Audiences become part of the experience.
Research-Informed
Grounded in SEL, CASEL, and developmental relationship research.
Heart
People don’t simply hear a presentation. They experience one.
Organizations Served
What Participants Are Saying
âEven the teacher got involved.â
At White Rock Elementary, installing Waves of Kindness became a collaborative effort, with people stepping in, getting out the ladders, and making it happen. The speaker expresses genuine gratitude and enthusiasm for the kindness messages and especially appreciates seeing teachers become involved as well.
âThat was the greatest part, bringing everybody together.â
Waves of Kindness brought students, parents, and volunteers together in a shared experience of cooperation, creativity, and fun. Adults noticed older students helping younger children, parents volunteering, and children naturally interacting and playing together. In a time when children and families can experience significant stress, the activity offered something both meaningful and hopeful.
âOur behavior team, our mental health specialists, they jumped in and said, âWeâve got it. Weâll do it at recess.ââ
When a teacher wanted to bring Waves of Kindness to students but couldn’t manage the activity while teaching all day, the school’s Climate/PBIS team stepped in. Behavior and mental-health specialists immediately took ownership and found a practical solution: implementing it during recess. The experience shows how Waves of Kindness can become a collaborative school-wide effort rather than another responsibility placed solely on classroom teachers.
A Lifetime of Service
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of groups do you speak to?
Schools, conferences, libraries, nonprofits, businesses, leadership organizations, faith communities, and civic groups.
Can presentations be customized?
Yes. Every presentation is tailored to the goals, audience, and available time.
Do you offer virtual presentations?
Yes. Workshops and keynote presentations are available both in person and virtually.
Can presentations include Waves of Kindness�
Absolutely. Interactive Waves of Kindness⢠experiences can be incorporated into conferences, schools, community events, and leadership gatherings.
Let’s Create Something Meaningful Together
Whether you’re planning a conference, professional development day, family event, community celebration, or leadership retreat, Dr. Marlena would love to help create an experience your audience will remember long after the event is over.
One person can make a difference. Together, we can create ripples that change the world.
