Rashan Legard is a Motivational Speaker, Veteran, Storyteller, Poet, and a Credentialed Survivor Advocate who strongly desires to create change in individuals and organizations. He is a sexual assault survivor who shares his experiences to empower others. His unique method of storytelling brings awareness to help change the culture for survivors.

Through his company, Rashan Legard Speaks LLC is able to get his message to a broader audience by providing powerful presentations and coaching infused with his personal experience to organizations. By focusing on Resiliency Programs, Emasculation, Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention, which enables him to help organizations improve their training and effectiveness while also bringing awareness to these critical issues. Overall, Rashan Legard's work is essential to the ongoing efforts to create safer and more equitable workplaces.

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Rashan Legard has honed his skills as a servant leader through extensive education on Veterans with mental health diagnoses and volunteering with organizations of diverse cultures and ethnicities. Additionally, Rashan has received comprehensive training on the experiences of the BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) community within the LGBTQ+ community, which has helped him to advocate for survivors and understand the stigma from multiple cultural perspectives.

Originally from Lorain, Ohio, Rashan learned the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity at a young age. Rashan experienced academic setbacks, repeating two grades, and participated in Behavior Academic Classes as a child due to challenges with reading and writing. However, he persevered and achieved his bachelor's degree in Communications and Broadcast from Central State University in 2011. After graduating, Rashan enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. However, his life was forever changed when he became a victim of sexual assault.

Rashan Legard, a survivor of sexual assault, became a catalyst for change by founding "Spoken Words of Pain" with his team of Bowie University Cadets. Through powerful spoken word performances, Rashan has impacted the Department of Defense and addressed issues such as unhealthy attitudes, unethical behaviors, and the importance of resilience. His innovative approach has given a voice to survivors and sheds light on the impact of trauma and awareness within organizations, inspiring audiences nationwide.

Rashan Legard began his military service in 2012 as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist. In, 2015, he joined The Ohio State University ROTC Program while pursuing a second degree in Social Work. After graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2019, Rashan was commissioned as a Branched Quartermaster and served in the Army until his medical retirement in 2022. Upon retirement, Rashan obtained his Master's in Social Work from The Ohio State University in 2023.

Outside of his professional work, Rashan enjoys traveling worldwide, writing poetry, and spending time with his family. He believes in the power of surrounding oneself with positive people who will hold them accountable and challenge them to grow.

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