Class is in session, and this time the classroom is our community.
The Situationship Survival Academy was born right here in the Central Valley, and I believe healthy relationships start with healthy communities. Self-worth, honest conversations, and a love of learning are all part of that. So I want to shout out two local events coming up this fall that are worth putting on your calendar.
Chrysalis H.E.R. Summit 2026
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Where: San Joaquin Delta College, Danner Hall, 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95207
Details and registration: Chrysalis H.E.R. Summit 2026 on Eventbrite
The H.E.R. Summit is a day created to encourage young women to Honor their journey, Empower their voice, and Rise with purpose. According to the organizers, the day includes a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, creative workshops, a panel discussion, giveaways, vendors, and resources. It's designed for young women ages 13 to 24, from junior high through college.
Here's why this matters to me. So much of what I teach in the Academy comes back to one thing: knowing your worth before you hand your heart to anybody. The earlier a young woman learns to honor her journey and use her voice, the less likely she is to settle for less than she deserves later. If you have a daughter, niece, little sister, or student in that age range, this is a day worth giving her.
Greater Central Valley Book Festival
When: Sunday, November 1, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM
Where: Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Avenue, Tracy, CA
Details: Find the Greater Central Valley Book Festival on Eventbrite
A book festival in our own backyard is a big deal. Readers, writers, and families coming together to celebrate stories is exactly the kind of thing the Central Valley deserves more of. Whether you're an avid reader, an aspiring author, or just looking for a good Sunday outing, go show some love to the local literary community. Check the event listing for ticket and schedule details.
LET'S TALK ABOUT IT!
As an author from this area, I know how much local support means. Every book you buy from an independent author, every event you show up for, every story you share helps keep our community's voice strong.
If you're going to either event, I'd love to hear about it. Tag us on social media and tell me what you learned.
And if you haven't started your own Academy journey yet, now's a great time.
Your homework, student guest
Step 1: Take the free 5-minute Situationship Assessment. Your score shows up instantly, right on the page.
Step 2: Grab the free Situationship Red Flag Checklist.
Step 3: Ready to do the real work? Pick up the Situationship Survival Academy Guide (Paperback, $19.99), or get the best value with the Bundle of Joy: Guide + Companion Workbook ($27.99). Paperbacks are in limited supply right now, so grab yours while they're here.
Class dismissed. Love ya,
Versace Donn
Header photo: Dolores Huerta Plaza, San Joaquin Delta College, by BronzeAnubis, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.