Speaking & Events

How do we help young people thrive in a world shaped by social media, appearance culture, and limiting gender expectations?

Dr. Finkelstein helps students, parents, and educators understand the messages shaping young people’s confidence, identity, and relationships — and gives them practical tools to respond.

Today’s children are growing up surrounded by messages — online and offline — about what it means to be a girl, a boy, and themselves. They encounter beauty standards that can distort self-worth, gender stereotypes that restrict possibility, and social messages that influence how they see themselves and one another.

But how do we address these challenges without making kids feel powerless? How do we help girls find their voices, support boys in developing expansive, healthy understandings of themselves, and give all young people the tools to recognize and respond to unfairness?

Like my book, Sexism & Sensibility: Raising Empowered, Resilient Girls in the Modern World, my talks offer research-backed, practical, and empathetic guidance delivered through storytelling. Drawing on more than 25 years as a clinical psychologist working with girls, families, and schools, I help students, parents, and educators recognize how gender expectations, social media, and cultural messages shape young people’s confidence, relationships, and sense of self at every level of development.

My presentations provide concrete strategies for:

• helping girls build confidence and resilience in a world that often asks them to shrink.
• helping students recognize and challenge limiting stereotypes.
• navigating conversations about beauty, social media, and self-worth.
• fostering healthier relationships between boys and girls.
• equipping parents and educators to notice and respond effectively when they encounter sexism, bias, or harmful gender messages.

My goal is not to make young people fearful of the world, but to help them understand it. When children can recognize the forces shaping them, they are better able to make authentic choices, advocate for themselves and others, and create more equitable relationships and communities.

Selected Presentations & Workshops 

Presentations can be tailored for students, parents, educators, or the broader school community depending on your goals and audience

Unshakable: Raising Girls Who Stand Tall in a World That Wants Them Small
(girls/​parents)

The Algorithm of Insecurity: How Social Media Shapes Kids’ Body Image, Identity, and Self-Worth
(students/​parents/​educators)

Unboxed: Breaking Free from Gender Stereotypes
(students/​parents/​educators)

Don’t Let It Slide: How Educators Can Interrupt Everyday Sexism and Build More Equitable Classrooms
(educators)

It’s Not Just You: Why So Many Girls Feel Like Frauds — Even When They’re Crushing It
(girls)

Testimonials

“Jo-Ann Finkelstein brought warmth, wisdom, and real practical guidance to our Academy of Our Lady of Peace community. Her presentations to both our students and our parents sparked honest conversation and left our community better equipped to support our girls. We are grateful for her partnership and would welcome her back any time.”  
Lauren Lek
Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Head of School

“Your presentation for Parent Venture was incredible — perfectly paced, compelling, and thought-provoking. I literally felt myself moving through my past, recalling incidents of sexism as a daughter, parent, and now grandparent. It makes me proud to see your book on my son and DIL’s bookshelf.”
Charlene Margot
The Parent Venture
Co-Founder + CEO

“Thank you again for last night’s fantastic talk! Hearing about your work was really eye-opening and so meaningful to everyone who was there (all those moms furiously taking notes!). I can’t wait to read the book!” 
Rachel Cort
Mishkan Chicago
Executive Director

Audience Commentary