Colleen Reilly

“The Connection Catalyst”

“My favorite moments are when I’m talking with someone and we discover a hidden connection to a person or place that is totally unexpected!”

Connecting with people of all ages and all walks of life, Colleen’s personal stories leave a lasting impact and spark change in the lives of her audiences by encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone to evolve and grow.

You will experience many “Aha!” moments as Colleen talks about the adventures of parenting, the joys of grandparenting, beating a rare form of cancer, starting her own successful business & more.

Those aren't strangers surrounding Colleen, but rather, friends she has yet to meet. - Tom R.

Meet Colleen:

The Connection Catalyst

Colleen Reilly is a dynamic public speaker renowned for her ability to inspire and connect with diverse audiences. With her unique blend of charisma, empathy, and expertise, she has earned the moniker "The Connection Catalyst."

Colleen's mission is to empower individuals and organizations to foster authentic connections, both personally and professionally.

Whether she's mentoring youth, coordinating one of her own catering events, or managing the rebuilding of the National Historic Landmark, the 1877 Governor Stone Schooner, Colleen consistently demonstrates her unwavering commitment to excellence and her passion for making a positive impact in every endeavor she undertakes.

“Being able to learn something new or help someone else learn always makes me smile.”

There’s a Story for Everyone…

Children, Teens & Young Adults

With her remarkable talent for infusing excitement into history, Colleen takes you on a captivating journey through time.

With a background in administering scholarship programs for industry giants like McDonald's and Walmart, she stands ready to expertly navigate your student through the intricate landscape of college and scholarship applications.

Colleen effortlessly establishes a genuine rapport with young learners, subtly imparting invaluable life lessons with a sense of humor and a challenge to be the best they can be - no matter what they choose to do.

Married, Divorced, Parent & Grandparent

Divorced at 37 after 16 years with her high school sweetheart, she forged ahead to keep life as normal as possible for her 3 young children all under the age of 7.

Laugh along with Colleen as she shares her witty Irish approach to parenting with reactions like “Are you bleeding? - No? Then it will be all better before you get married!”

You’ll feel like you’re sitting in Colleen’s living room as she shares stories about her life as a wife, parent and grandparent.

Business Owner, Board Member & “Jacqueline of All Trades”

Colleen's ability to seamlessly transition between her roles as a business owner, board member for two non-profits, and her many other personal pursuits showcases her remarkable versatility and her dedication to pursuing excellence in all that she does.

She is not just a jac(queline)-of-all-trades; she is a master of them, leaving a lasting impact wherever her talents and passions lead her.

Let Colleen show you how you really can juggle all those hats you wear, even when you have to go from jeans to formal wear in 30 minutes or less!

Some of Colleen’s Stories Include:

FAMILY:

I Know Why Parents in the Wild Eat Their Young

Tattoos, Pretty Panties and Kidless Weekends Make Me a Better Mommy

Your Family is like the Crew of an Aircraft Carrier

TEENS:

Yes, Your School Record Really Does Matter!

Grovel like a Turkey or Soar like an Eagle

What’s Love Got to Do with It? (ABC’s of Dating)

God Can Be Your Best Friend, Seriously!

PERSONAL:

You’re Never to Old to Do Something New

Your Best Life Begins At 40

I’m a Survivor! Not a Victim - Domestic Violence

Liquid Sunshine, Mon! - A Different Perspective on Chemo and Cancer

It’s Ok to Get Mad at God

25 Days Sailing at Sea - I Did It!

You’re Always Connected to Your Ancestors

Connections to Your Past Guide You Into the Future

NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK:

The Unsinkable 147-Year Old Sailing Schooner

Naval Superstitions, Tattoos & Sea Shanties

Navigating Federal, State & Local Grant Awards

Old Boats, Museums & the Future, Oh My!!

Previous Presentations

Historic Society of Bay County, Florida

Refuge House of Big Bend Area of North Florida

Guardian ad Litem - Bay & Gulf County

Young Marines & US Naval Sea Cadet Corps

Upcoming Presentations

Realtors Association of Gulf & Franklin Counties

Panama City Rotary Club

Panama City Beach Rotary Club

TEDx Stage

“Our children often forget we were really interesting people before we became parents. You should see the shock on their faces when they realize I have a name other than Mom!”

“I don’t let obstacles stop me from doing something. They’re simply challenges to overcome!”

“Growing up, my father taught me to always be the best you can be. He’d say, ‘Even you if you’re a ditch digger, be the absolute best ditch digger out there.’ “

Connect with Colleen…

Explore her websites, social media,

or reach out to book her for your next event.

Books by Colleen

Connect with Colleen

Let Colleen help you or your group inspire authentic connections and positive transformations by booking her for your next event. Together, let's ignite change and cultivate meaningful connections.