NAPT Summit keynote speaker to discuss bullying prevention crusade

CINCINNATI — Attendees of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Summit, which will be held here later this month, will hear about the bullying prevention efforts of one of the event’s keynote speakers.

Jessica Brookshire is a graduate student who will promote the tenets of K.A.R.M.A: Kids Against Ridicule, Meanness and Aggression, which she founded. K.A.R.M.A. is a crusade to end bullying among school-age children across the nation.

On Oct. 24, Brookshire will share with attendees her passion for the organization and discuss its inception and mission.

"Beginning with a grassroots effort in Alabama schools, it is my dream that one day we will see a generation of children who encourage and help one another rather than tear each other down with words," she has said.

Brookshire holds a master's degree in Hispanic studies and a bachelor's degree in international trade and Spanish, both from Auburn University in Alabama. While attending Auburn, she also served as a senator on the Graduate Student Council.

Brookshire became involved in the Miss America Organization, competing in the Miss Alabama pageant in 2009. K.A.R.M.A. became her chosen platform community service project, and she has been widely recognized for her efforts. She won the Catherine Crosby Community Service Award at both the 2010 and the 2011 Miss Alabama Pageants, the Miss America Community Service Award in 2011 and the 2010 Miracle Maker Award for her fundraising efforts in support of the Children's Miracle Network.

Brookshire has appeared at schools across Alabama and Georgia, speaking to more than 85,000 children in two years on behalf of K.A.R.M.A. She has also interviewed on local media stations throughout Alabama, and K.A.R.M.A. received national attention when Brookshire appeared on Fox News' “The Mike Huckabee Show” in New York City.

In addition, Brookshire is an expert panelist on CNN's "HLN Prime News."