Claudia-Jean Virga

Activist, Brainstormer, Change Agent, Connector, Consultant, Event planner, Foodie, Idea generator, Parent, Single, Social entrepreneur, Writer/Editor

I stand for freedom and authenticity for all people, including myself, and you can count on me to speak my truth, be open, be compassionate, and be loving. I do this through speaking, coaching, training, writing, and retreats. I grew up feeling like I wasn't heard and that my words had no impact. After years of intense study of communication, personalities, and behavior, I finally developed an understanding and then applied what I had learned. I soon realized I learned and understood a lot about my communication style and preferences but what about others? Then I had a "light bulb" moment; I saw an opportunity and felt inspired to help people understand their communication style better and other people's. That's when I created the CHAT system. I am a published author with over 20 years of experience working with organizations. To date, I have facilitated more than 100 employee trainings and presentations based on the CHAT methodology. My ultimate mission: is to help organizations create positive office cultures where every team member feels valued, heard, and respected. I also founded Girlz to Women, a nonprofit organization featured in Shape Magazine, Women's First, and various other national and local media outlets. I have been in front of the camera as a TV host and behind the camera as an award-winning producer. I am a two-time TEDx speaker and a TEDx Curator, and I have coached TEDx speakers worldwide.

I am passionate about 1. Helping women reconnect to their authentic voices, especially our young women. I believe they hold they are the answers to long-term social changes in our society. 2. Creating awareness around healthy relationships and how to stand within your boundaries confidently. 3. Gender equity. Both my business aligns with my core beliefs of being inclusive of race, gender, and physical and invisible disabilities, to name a few. 4. Earth and mother nature. I believe that, just like breathing, it is a give and take, and we must do our part to keep the relationship symbiotic. 5. My two grown sons, my friends, and the community. 6. Food and cooking. Nothing says to self or others "I love you" more than a healthy delicious homemade meal. 7. My hobbies: dancing of any kind, yoga, reading, coloring, motorcycles, and I am crazy about nature.

Educating young teenage girls on financial independence, healthy boundaries, and goals to increase their self-worth and minimize the potential for unhealthy relationships or falling victim to predators. With stronger women coming into society, they can be the agents of change our world needs right now.

Communication, Facilitating, Listening, Mentoring, Planning and Implementing, Speaking, Teaching/Training

Over twenty years ago was the first time I watched a TED talk. It had me at hello! I watched every talk I could and studied each presenter. From that moment forward, I knew I wanted to have the honor of standing on that red circle dot. In 2017, that dream came true as I took the stage for my first TEDx Talk: "Living Authentically is Risky Business." Preparing for my talk grew me as a person, both personally and professionally. I knew it would take a lot of work, but I had no idea what that would look like. I wanted my talk to inform and inspire. I worked so hard that I got violently sick in the days leading up to my talk. How I delivered that talk was a miracle! It was a life-changing experience that I am genuinely grateful for. That talk led me to the opportunity of being the first curator for TEDx Eusts in 2018. I thought preparing one talk was a commitment, yet I didn't hesitate when I was asked to help 12 speakers realize their dream to take the stage. In 2021, I was brave enough to say yes again and take the stage for my second TEDx talk, "Challenging Your Conscious Bias." This talk changed the trajectory of my life. Once again, it challenged me to be a better version of myself. I have been honored to coach many TEDx speakers from around the globe. Two that I coached from beginning to end that I would like to highlight are Johnny Crowder's 2020 talk, with over a million views, and Marisa G Franco's 2022 talk, who recently was invited by TED to give an additional talk. TED has been part of my life for many years. TED Talks have gotten me through life's more challenging moments, some inspire, and some are thought-provoking. I love sharing them and talking about them with others. I am beyond excited about what might be next! Here's to Two Steps Forward in 2023.

Writing restaurant reviews on Yelp and whipping up healthy, delicious meals with whatever is in the house.