Muriel Jones Banks

MURIEL JONES BANKS

Architect of Organizational Resilience & Purpose-Driven Leadership

With a career spanning over 30 years across the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Muriel Jones Banks is a seasoned speaker, executive leader, consultant, and the Founder of Courage To Be, LLC. Muriel specializes in bridging the gap between visionary mission and operational reality. Known for her unwavering grit and strategic foresight, she empowers organizations to build the financial and cultural foundations necessary for sustainable, long-term impact.

Expertise & Signature Speaking Topics

The Power of Voice & Claiming Your Power:

Drawing from her personal journey and her work raising the next generation of leaders, Muriel explores how to lead with authentic authority.

• Strategic Infrastructure: Implementing the operational and financial frameworks required to turn a grassroots mission into a sustainable movement.
• Board Development & Governance: Transforming boards from passive observers into strategic partners who drive organizational excellence.

A Proven Voice of Authority

Muriel has built a reputation as a trusted voice for governmental agencies, major funders, and community partners. Her ability to translate complex organizational challenges into actionable growth has established her as a trusted subject matter expert and lead trainer. Whether facilitating community training, contributing as a collaborative panelist, or delivering a keynote address, Muriel possesses the unique ability to engage and connect with audiences of all sizes.

At the local level, Muriel is recognized for her ability to truly connect and engage with diverse audiences. Her signature talks serve as a bridge, turning complex organizational challenges into shared community missions. By fostering an environment of trust and authentic dialogue. Muriel’s presentations do more than inform, they act as catalysts for change, opening doors for:

· High-level partnerships that align shared goals across sectors.

· Vital fundraising conversations that turn listeners into long-term investors.

· Multi-agency support initiatives that break down silos to serve the community more effectively.

· Fostering awareness to action, moving her audience from passive understanding to active, committed participation.

National Speaking & Training Highlights

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC)

National Training and Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC)

Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association (FREDLA)

National Federation of Families Annual Conferences

Media Features & Memberships

Muriel’s insights and leadership journey have been featured across diverse media platforms, highlighting her influence in both the inspirational and professional spheres:

• Television & Radio: The Katie Couric Show, Good Life 45-Inspirational, and STAR 94.5.

• Print & Digital: Orlando Voyager Magazine.

Professional Memberships

National Speakers Association (NSA) – Central Florida Chapter

eSpeakers

SpeakerHub

What Clients and Audiences Are Saying

"Muriel Jones Banks was one of our most treasured speakers... We turned to her often to share her personal and professional lived expertise in family mental health. Muriel is able to inspire people to achieve change in family-serving systems and beyond by sharing her story as a mother, leader, and advocate. From virtual workshops, educational webinars, and conference presentations, Muriel can captivate an audience and leave them hungering for more." — Dana LaBranche, Former Project Specialist, National Federation of Families & NFSTAC

"What stood out the most was how Muriel seamlessly combined theory with practical, real-world applications. The interactive nature of the session allowed us to engage, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the material in a way that felt both welcoming and enriching." — Samantha Hunter, Interim Executive Director at Federation of Families of Central Florida, Inc.

"Thank you for excellent training from a top-notch Subject Matter Expert! Looking forward to the next one." — Joanna Tress, Advocate/Motivational Speaker at Creative Employee Engagement

"Muriel Jones Banks’ presentation on 'Covering Your A’s' was both powerful and deeply moving. Her heart-wrenching personal journey, practical communication strategies, and emphasis on lifelong advocacy resonated profoundly with me. I was so impacted that I reached out to her after the conference to learn more." — Cheryl Adams, Family Peer Support Specialist at Mental Health Advocacy

Attendee Insights

• "Fantabulous all around! Motivating, engaging, and super energizing!" — CG
• "Ready to move with confidence." "Encouraging, fulfilling... I enjoyed as always and ready to move with confidence ." — DB
• "Informational, inspiring, and relevant." — CW
• "Phenomenal presentation... You were great!" — Lt. CG
• "Powerful and encouraging." — KH
• "Amazing, very informative, and uplifting." — VM
• "The best and always has been." "Great supporter and motivator. Loving and welcoming !" — AR

Let’s Build Something Resilient Together

Whether you are looking to revitalize your board, empower your leadership team, or bring a powerful voice to your next conference, Muriel Jones Banks provides the strategic roadmap and the unwavering grit necessary to move your mission forward.

As an Architect of Organizational Resilience, Muriel is available for:

· Keynote Addresses: Delivering high-impact presentations that move audiences from awareness to action.

· Strategic Consulting: Partnering with leadership to design and implement robust financial and operational infrastructures that ensure long-term sustainability.

· Executive & Board Retreats: Facilitating deep-dive sessions focused on governance, mission-alignment, and strategic infrastructure.

· Facilitated Training & Workshops: Providing expert-led sessions tailored for nonprofits, corporations, and governmental agencies.

· Panel Discussions: Contributing expert insights on leadership, advocacy, and organizational growth.