About Us: The Funny Version
Every office needs a CFO, but in this case Dawn Thurmond can be your Chief FUN Officer! Dawn uses a unique style of training coupling humor and an effervescent personality to communicate serious messages. She has learned, when the people are laughing, the people are learning. A trainer for more than 10 years, she has inspired thousands in the Southwest. She has worked with youth, Wounded Warriors, military bases, women’s organizations, corporations, non-profits and more.
Since first watching Gilda Radner star as Judy Miller on Saturday Night Live, Dawn has been an SNL wanna-be. This former class-clown learned then to harness the power of laughter to lighten up any occasion. After acquiring her BA in Political Science and spending years as the office go-to gal for motivation and funny, Dawn quickly realized she wanted to create more fun in the world! She has received training in conflict resolution and empowerment. As a Certified Laughter Leader, Dawn’s mission is to lighten up the world one LAUGH at a time.
Since first watching Gilda Radner star as Judy Miller on Saturday Night Live, Dawn has been an SNL wanna-be. This former class-clown learned then to harness the power of laughter to lighten up any occasion. After acquiring her BA in Political Science and spending years as the office go-to gal for motivation and funny, Dawn quickly realized she wanted to create more fun in the world! She has received training in conflict resolution and empowerment. As a Certified Laughter Leader, Dawn’s mission is to lighten up the world one LAUGH at a time.
About Us: The Less Funny Version
As a motivational speaker and trainer, Dawn Thurmond has provided inspirational speeches and training to thousands in the Southwest. Using a unique style and sense of humor, Dawn draws from her personal and life experiences to engage audiences. She has worked in training for more than 10 years providing professional development to employees and businesses as well as managed cultural programs.
After her son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in 1999, she was inspired to create systematic changes for him and others with disabilities. In 2003, she was one of 32 participants selected from over 150 Texas applicants to complete the Partners in Policymaking program, an eight-month intensive leadership and advocacy training program for disabilities advocates.
Dawn is committed to empowering others by educating them and informing them about their own abilities to create positive changes in their organizations, their communities--and more importantly--within themselves. She believes it is our responsibility to be an example of positive living which should include having a contagious attitude, walking our talk and creating a positive life experience.
In 2005, Dawn received her BA in Political Science with a minor in Communications from the University of Texas at El Paso. She has received special training in conflict resolution and mediation as well as completed empowerment workshops. Dawn is also a Certified Laughter Leader where she teaches people how to relieve stress through laughter.
Dawn has been a freelance writer with Proyecto Vision, a national online community for Latinos with disabilities. She was the Founding Chair of the Special Education Advisory Council for the El Paso Independent School District. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for The Arc of Texas. She has served on the board for the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center. Dawn continues to advocate for individuals with disabilities by testifying at public hearings and fighting for legislative changes.
In 2004 she was named the El Paso Times Mother of the Year. As a result of her award, Senate Proclamation No. 741 was adopted by the Texas Senate in her honor. In 2001, she was the national essay winner for her essay, “Unordinary Hero.”
Today, she spreads laughter and cheer in her new city--San Antonio, Texas.
After her son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in 1999, she was inspired to create systematic changes for him and others with disabilities. In 2003, she was one of 32 participants selected from over 150 Texas applicants to complete the Partners in Policymaking program, an eight-month intensive leadership and advocacy training program for disabilities advocates.
Dawn is committed to empowering others by educating them and informing them about their own abilities to create positive changes in their organizations, their communities--and more importantly--within themselves. She believes it is our responsibility to be an example of positive living which should include having a contagious attitude, walking our talk and creating a positive life experience.
In 2005, Dawn received her BA in Political Science with a minor in Communications from the University of Texas at El Paso. She has received special training in conflict resolution and mediation as well as completed empowerment workshops. Dawn is also a Certified Laughter Leader where she teaches people how to relieve stress through laughter.
Dawn has been a freelance writer with Proyecto Vision, a national online community for Latinos with disabilities. She was the Founding Chair of the Special Education Advisory Council for the El Paso Independent School District. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for The Arc of Texas. She has served on the board for the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center. Dawn continues to advocate for individuals with disabilities by testifying at public hearings and fighting for legislative changes.
In 2004 she was named the El Paso Times Mother of the Year. As a result of her award, Senate Proclamation No. 741 was adopted by the Texas Senate in her honor. In 2001, she was the national essay winner for her essay, “Unordinary Hero.”
Today, she spreads laughter and cheer in her new city--San Antonio, Texas.
Photos provided by: Photography by Neathery