Throughout my career, I have learned that I am my own best advocate. By employing the tips I shared in this workshop, I have been able to achieve my goals and help others do the same.

1. If you want
something, ask
for it!
A tool kit for being your own
best advocate.

2. Speaking up changed the
trajectory of my life
and career...
Why am I passionate about
self-advocacy?
NATALIE RUIZ - CEO
ANSWERCONNECT

3. “I learned a long time ago the wisest
thing I can do is be on my own side,
be an advocate for myself and others
like me.”
MAYA ANGELOU

4. You are worth
fighting for!
KEEP A PERSONAL BRAG FILE
TALK ABOUT YOUR WINS
CREATE OR UPDATE YOUR
PROFESSIONAL BIO
When you get positive feedback,
achieve something, or move in
the direction of your goals, take
note and file it! Review
frequently for a boost. This file
also helps you remember what
you've contributed.
Your achievements are factual
things. Tell your people about
what you've done! It isn't
egotistical, it is factual. You may
inspire someone else or make a
connection that can help you.
Who are you? What are you
about? What have you done?
What inspires you? Write this,
let someone you trust read it
and give you feedback. Revisit
anytime you forget who you're
fighting for!
1
2
3

5. How to Communicate Your
Needs and wants
PREPARE CONSULT DRAFT
Document your concerns/wants
in detail. When does it
happen? What happens? Who
is involved? What is the
negative impact? What do you
want? Why? How will this
benefit you and the org?
Reach out to your network for
their feedback and input. Have
others experienced the
situation you have
experienced? What were their
lessons? Knowledge is power.
Write out a draft explaining
the issue, the current negative
impact, the desired resolution,
expected positive outcomes,
any alternative proposals, and
non-negotiables if you have
some.
1 2 3

6. Draft Details...
Write out your draft the in detail:
What is the issue?
What is the [negative] impact
on you and your team, and
ultimately the organization?
What is the desired resolution?
How can it be a win not only for
yourself but for others involved?
What is your best alternative?
What are your non-negotiables?

7. You take control of your own life.
Become a better decision maker.
Make an impact!
MORE BENNEFITS OF
SELF ADVOCACY...
You set the boundaries and make
choices based on your values. You
understand what matters most to you
and why.
After learning how to advocate for
yourself and others through speaking
up, asking questions & doing research,
you will have a broader perspective.
When you speak up for yourself and
others, you can positively influence
change and make an impact.

8. On-Going Learning...
PROFESSIONAL
TROUBLEMAKER BY
LUVVIE AJAYI JONES
IMPACT PLAYERS: HOW
TO TAKE THE LEAD, PLAY
BIGGER, AND MULTIPLY
YOUR IMPACT BY LIZ
WISEMAN
RADICAL CANDOR BY KIM
SCOTT
SPEAK: FIND YOUR
VOICE, TRUST YOUR GUT,
AND GET FROM WHERE
YOU ARE TO WHERE YOU
WANT TO BE BY TUNDE
OYENEYIN
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS
ASK: HOW TO MASTER
THE MOST IMPORTANT
SKILL FOR SUCCESS BY:
WAYNE BAKER
TALK LIKE TED: THE 9
PUBLIC SPEAKING
SECRETS OF THE WORLD'S
TOP MINDS BY: CARMINE
GALLO

9. Connect with Me!
I would love to help you become a better
advocate for yourselves and join in celebrating
your wins!
Natalie@Anywhere.co
nataliesruiz
@Its_NatalieRuiz