Speak Up Championship: A New Stage for South Florida Students to Find Their Voice
Every young person has something to say. Far fewer get a real stage to say it — and the coaching, practice, and encouragement to say it well. This summer, Florida Memorial University and HRT Enterprises LLC are building that stage. On June 17 and 18, 2026, they’ll host the inaugural Speak Up Championship at the FIU-FMU Auditorium in Miami Gardens, a free, two-day experience designed to help South Florida students discover their voice, build confidence, and develop skills that carry into college, careers, and life.
The skill schools often miss
Students spend years learning to write essays and solve equations, but the ability to stand up, speak clearly, and hold a room is rarely taught directly. Yet it shapes nearly everything that comes after graduation — interviews, classroom presentations, job promotions, community leadership. The Speak Up Championship is built to close that gap, turning communication from an abstract idea into something students practice, refine, and own.
Inside the two-day experience
The event opens Wednesday, June 17, with the Youth Speaker Showcase from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, where students take the stage to deliver original speeches before a live audience. It’s a chance to step into the spotlight, share their ideas, and feel what it’s like to be heard.
The experience builds to its finale on Thursday, June 18, with the Speak Up Championship Finals from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Finalists compete for cash awards — $250 for first place, $150 for second, and $50 for third — along with the Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. Award, recognizing the standout voice of the championship.
More than a competition
The Speak Up Championship is about much more than trophies. Across the two days, students take part in public speaking competitions, storytelling workshops, student podcast experiences, networking, leadership challenges, and press conference simulations. Each activity gives them hands-on reps in the kind of real-world communication that builds genuine confidence — the sort you can’t fake and can’t forget once you’ve felt it.
The vision behind the movement
The championship is the work of founder Hassan Thomas, a speaker, author, and educator who leads HRT Enterprises LLC, a youth communication, leadership, and financial education company that partners with schools, colleges, and employers. Thomas has delivered more than 150 educational workshops nationwide, won Podcast of the Year at the Southern Entertainment Awards, and authored the From College To Covid book series, including From College To Corporate.
His message to students is simple: every one of them already has a voice. The goal of the Speak Up Championship is to help them discover it, develop it, and use it with confidence.
Come out and support the next generation
The Speak Up Championship is free and open to the public, and all are welcome. Whether you’re a parent, educator, student, or neighbor, your presence in the audience is part of what makes the moment meaningful — it’s the support that empowers a young speaker to step up and be heard. Media representatives are invited to attend and capture footage.
Mark your calendar for June 17 and 18 at the FIU-FMU Auditorium, 15800 NW 42nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054. To learn more, visit hassanrthomas.com or contact Hassan Thomas at Info@FYIFLI.com or 832-353-7783. Come out, show up, and support the next generation of leaders finding their voice.