“You can’t find your voice if you don’t use it.” - Austin Kleon
Speak with Courage is a hands-on, in-person, and deeply supportive class in spring 2026 for female and non-binary identifying leaders who want to develop their authentic voice and gain confidence as a speaker in business and in life. Surrounded by other community leaders, you will learn how to communicate with clarity, good storytelling, and incredible presence.
Together, we will harness the power of our breath, body language, gestures, vocal tone, speaking tempo, preparation, and how a little vulnerability, humor, and storytelling is a communication game-changer.
An audience wants to be drawn in; they want to feel something and be called to action. They want to be moved, persuaded, and inspired; that all starts with our voice and our physical presence, way before the messaging even begins.
A former student in this program said, “Out of all the professional development classes I have participated in, both female-centric or otherwise, this was by far the most beneficial experience I have ever had. I could attend this class several more times and continue to learn and grow not only from Dana but from the atmosphere she cultivates from her students.”
Join us and apply today!
Program participation is limited to 10 participants.
Six three-hour sessions in April, May, and June, twice a month.
June 30 is the finale showcase at City Opera House
Application and Fees
The application is open from February 27 to March 13 for the April-June 2026 program. The program fee is $1,550. All classes are in person at Traverse Connect in Traverse City, Michigan, except for the public showcase on June 30, 2026.
Funding Opportunity
This program is available to approved participants of the Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) Program as presented by the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Foundation. To learn more about the SBSH Programs or to complete an SBSH Program application, visit www.sbam.org/sbsh-grant.
Funding provided by the Small Business Support Hub Grant Program from the SBAM Foundation in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP0127 awarded to the State of Michigan by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Meet the Instructor: Dana Black
Dana Black is an executive public speaking and performance coach for C-suite leaders, sales teams, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and leaders all over the country. Some local clients include Honor Bank, Traverse Connect, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Michael’s Place, TAHRA, Choice Properties, FLOW, Northbound PT and Wellness, and Addiction Treatment Services.
She has also been a speaker delivery coach for TEDxChicago for 4 years, one of the largest TEDx events in the country.
For 15 years, Dana was a professional SAG-AFTRA TV/film and theatrical actor in Chicago. She is also certified in emotional intelligence work with the Southwest Institute for Emotional Intelligence, and has a certificate in Executive Presence Training through eCornell.
She is a proud member of the National Speakers Association and a two time moderator with the National Writers Series, an emcee for the Grand Traverse ATHENA Awards, and a past presenter/emcee for 20Fathoms TCNewTech events.
This is the 3rd cohort Dana has had the privilege of curating and teaching. She loves helping people find their confidence, messaging and authentic voice through good clear messaging, storytelling, humor and a bit of bold vulnerability.
Personal Website
Dana Black
Instagram
Dana Black (@danablackllc)
Acting/Emotional Intelligence Work
Emotional Intelligence Workshops & Coaching | Southwest Institute (swiei.com)
Testimonals from Previous Course Participants
Kinsey Clishe
Food Safety Manager, North Bay Produce
“I am so incredibly grateful for the experience I had in this class. Thank you for encouraging me, seeing me for who I am, empowering me to be myself, challenging me to step out of my comfort zone, and for creating such a fun and safe environment. You and this program are making an amazing impact on our community, and I truly thank you for that. Everyone should take this class.”
Paula Lipinski
CEO, Addiction Treatment Services
“Dana Black helped me understand that the power of my voice isn’t in perfection — it’s in authenticity. I learned that the moments I once wanted to hide are actually the bridges that create real connection. She created a space and class where vulnerability became strength, and that has changed the way I show up in every room.”
Class Dates and Details
Session 1: April 15 (1:00 – 4 PM)
CONNECTING AND RELEASING
Session 2: April 29 (1:00 – 4 PM)
OUR BODIES AND BREATH
Guest Speaker: Somatic facilitator and class alumnus Christina Ryan-Stoltz
Session 3: May 13 (1:00 – 4 PM)
STORIES CREATE CONNECTION
Guest Speaker: Intuitive business and life coach and storyteller Shea Petaja
Session 4: May 27 (1:00 – 4 PM)
THE POWER OF WATCHING OURSELVES
Session 5: June 10 (1:00 – 4 PM)
YOUR VOICE IS A GESTURE
Session 6: June 24 (1:00 – 4 PM)
PREPARE, PRACTICE, AND PLAY
Session 7: June 30 (5:30 PM)
YOUR PUBLIC SHOWCASE AND JOYOUS CELEBRATION
Live @ City Opera House