She's More Than A Speaker
She's an EXPERIENCE!
Now Offering
Keynote Performance
What is a Keynote Performance?
The term "keynote performance" was coined by Dr. Deroze in 2026 with the debut of her one-woman play, Beyond the Vial.
A keynote performance replaces the traditional keynote speech where the speaker stands behind a podium and talks to the audience with a lively, interactive, performance including songs and call-and-response.
Rather than sitting quietly by listening to the speaker, the audience is invited to participate which deepens their understanding of that content.
Beyond the Vial
Dr. Deroze takes the stage in a way that you've never seen before now.
In her one-woman play, which has taken seven years to complete, she shares her diagnosis story through performance. She sings, she recites poetry, and she breaks the fourth wall while taking the audience on a journey. You'll leave the keynote performance with the better understanding of how diabetes impacts physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing.
Run time: The play is tailored to fit within the usual time of keynote speeches (45-60 minutes).
Signature Engagements
Keynote Speeches
Dr. Deroze brings together scholarship, storytelling, lived experience, humor, vulnerability, and audience engagement to create presentations that stay with people long after the event ends.
Her speeches can be customized for healthcare organizations, conferences, universities, corporations, nonprofits, professional associations, community organizations, and advocacy events.
Workshop Facilitation
Panel topics can include, but not limited to:
Diabetes and chronic illness
Patient advocacy and the patient experience
Health equity and healthcare disparities
Race and healthcare
Diabetes stigma and weight stigma
Misdiagnosis and diagnostic bias
Representation in healthcare and research
Patient-provider communication
Community health and engagement
Storytelling and health advocacy
Women and chronic illness
Living beyond a diagnosis
The intersection of culture, identity, and health
Panel Moderation & Participation
Whether she is joining a panel as an expert voice, moderating a conversation, or facilitating a room, Dr. Deroze brings a willingness to engage the audience, elevate the energy, and transform passive listeners into active participants.
Dr. Deroze designs and facilitates interactive workshops that encourage participants to question assumptions, share perspectives, explore difficult topics, and develop practical ways to apply what they've learned.
Workshops can be customized for:
Healthcare professionals
Researchers
Educators
Students
Corporate teams
Nonprofit organizations
Community leaders
Patient advocates
People living with chronic conditions
Dr. Deroze holds a BA in Creative Writing from Florida State University along with an MA and PhD in English Literature (with a specialty in Drama) from Pennsylvania State University. An author of two self-published books, she regularly leads dynamic writing workshops. Interested in adding a writing workshop to your upcoming conference or retreat?
Connect with Dr. Deroze to discuss tailored keynotes, workshops, or moderation for your next health conference, summit, retreat, or event.