SPEAKING
Separate from Emily’s clinical work, she is a national award-winning mental health speaker and TEDx Talk speaker who has spent the last decade educating communities across the country about mental health and suicide prevention. Her presentations focus on reducing stigma, promoting early intervention, and helping individuals feel less alone in their struggles.
Emily has spoken to tens of thousands of students at high schools, colleges, conferences, and nonprofit events nationwide. Drawing from her lived experience and years of advocacy, she offers an accessible, human perspective on mental health challenges and the importance of seeking support. Her talks emphasize resilience, connection, and the power of speaking up.
Emily began sharing her story in college, and her work quickly expanded as schools and organizations recognized the need for honest and hopeful mental health education. Today, she continues to provide talks that illuminate the silent stigma surrounding mental health while offering practical ways to support oneself and others.
In addition to her speaking work, Emily created Lost Got Found, a website dedicated to sharing real stories from individuals affected by mental health challenges. Through this platform, she helps people take the first step toward support by reminding them they are not alone.
COMMON QUESTIONS
How long are Emily's presentations?
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Emily's presentations are typically 60 minutes, which can include time to answer questions from the audience, if desired. Other institutions have requested break-out sessions following Emily's talk to have audience members discuss mental health. Emily will try to accommodate based on the needs of the audience.
Who are Emily's targeted audiences?
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Elementary School Students
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Middle School Students
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High School Students
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College Students
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Companies/Organizations
What topics does Emily typically cover in her presentations?
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Cyberbullying, Mental Wellness, Coping Skills, Suicide Prevention, Sexual Assault
AWARDS / HONORS
Alpha Delta Pi's Thirty Under 30
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National honor given to "women who are the brightest stars in their professions, in their communities, and amongst their peers."
National Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award
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Given by the Jefferson Award Foundation at the National Ceremony in Washington D.C.
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Previous winners such as Oprah Winfrey and Steve Jobs
The Collegiate Volunteer of the Year Award
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Given annually and nationally by Alpha Delta Pi
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Recognizes a collegiate member’s personal commitment to philanthropy and service
The Dorothy Shaw Leadership Award
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"Highest national individual honor given to a collegian in Alpha Delta Pi"
The Jefferson Award
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"Given to ordinary people doing extraordinary things without expectation of recognition"
Greek Courage Award
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“Recognizes an individual who made a decision that was considered courageous”
TOP SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
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TEDxCharleston
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University of Pennsylvania
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University of Maryland
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Darien Community
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DeSales University
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University of Georgia
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Landor Company (Lunch & Learn)
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Queens University of Charlotte
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The Odyssey Company (Lunch & Learn)
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Clemson University
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Charleston Southern University
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Collegium Charter School
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Auburn University
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Elon University
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Rocky Mount Academy
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Hobart and William Smith Colleges
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Porter Gaud Academy
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GRACEDBYGRIT Company
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Laing Middle School
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Wingate University
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Hanover College, Indiana
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Johns Creek High School
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SEPC – largest conference in USA for collegiate women
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Academic Magnet High School
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First Baptist School
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Bexley Middle and High School
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Charleston’s Annual Youth Summit 2017
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention "Out of the Darkness Walk" at the SC State House
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College of Charleston
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West Ashley High School
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Coalition for Collegiate Women's Leadership Conference
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Bishop England High School
"Emily Torchiana has emerged from the shadows of cyberbullying to turn life's darkest moments into moments of meaning for others who need a mental health hero. "
- TEDxCharleston
"Emily knows that dark place of isolation. And sometimes that kind of understanding sheds enough light to guide us out."
- Alicia Lutz, The College Today
"[This] girl single-handedly is shattering the ‘crazy’ stigma"
- Sweta Jalan, Healthcare Executive Magazine