Ferreira
A GLOBAL SPEAKER
Three Languages/Intercultural Communication Expertise/International Experience
Born in Paris and coming from a multicultural, multilingual background, Florence has lived, studied and worked in France, Peru and Venezuela before she moved to the U.S. in 1995.
From her new Florida home, she founded SpeakGlobal, a firm dedicated to helping individuals acquire the necessary intercultural communication competency and global public speaking skills to succeed across borders. She designed, developed and conducted training programs, consulting, coaching and keynotes, becoming a pioneer in the field of intercultural communication applied to public speaking.
Florence presents and writes in English, Spanish and French. She is currently an active member of the Florida Speakers Association, the Florida Storytelling Association, the Palm Beach County Storytelling Guild, and a member and past President of Boca Raton Toastmasters. She is a regular contributor to the Toastmaster Magazine.
With João de Deus, Brazil
A SPIRITUAL EXPLORER
Tours to João de Deus in Brazil & to Healing Energy of Peru
Florence’s concept of what we call reality was profoundly challenged during her expedition to health; on one occasion, as the excruciating symptoms of advanced cancer miraculously disappeared upon landing in the Peruvian Andes, allowing her to live her lifelong dream of hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; and the second time, as she met João de Deus ("John of God") in Brazil, and witnessed phenomena unexplainable through the rational mind, such as anesthesia-free, blood-free and pain-free surgery.
“When you healed from a condition considered terminal after using a multitude of simultaneous approaches, you will never know what worked and what didn't. But if you have to resume the battle, you’ll try it all again.”
Feeling a responsibility to also bring these life-changing experiences to service, Florence organizes fascinating tours to the magical and healing land of Peru (www.PeruHereNow.com) and occasionally takes groups to João de Deus (upon request).
A CANCER SURVIVOR
Personal Story/Inspiration/Entertainment/Education
“When the doctor finally came, I recall that during the five or more minutes he stared at his notes before he acknowledged my presence, I wondered if it would be appropriate to go on with my reading until he was ready for me. […] His words dropped like a guillotine: 'I don’t have good news for you, Ms. Ferreira.' And he looked me in the eyes for the first time. 'It’s malignant. I’m sorry.'"
In 2000, Florence was introduced to a new culture: the medical world. She was faced with breast cancer, which recurred more seriously three years later and eventually metastised. In 2005, her surgeon gave her three to six months to live.
As a survivor, she now inspires, entertains and educates audiences and readers by combining her insightful and humorous outlook on human behavior and cultural patterns with the lessons of life learned through her healing journey. She also provides individuals who face health challenges with practical tips to successfully navigate the medical system, learn to communicate effectively with the staff and help prevent medical errors.
In 2009, Florence has been added to the 2009 National Cancer Survivors Day Speakers Bureau Roster alongside such notable names as Gloria Steinem, Dr. Bernie Siegel and Lance Armstrong.
ABOUT FLORENCE
With her daughter Allison,
hiking the Inca Trail, Peru
Condors don't just fly
They glide when the winds comply
Let's learn from condors
lorence
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erreira
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