Caliph Assagai - Youth Speaker

Hi, I'm Caliph.

I help upper elementary students understand themselves, make better choices, and build the confidence they need to show up as their best selves.

These years are incredibly important. Students are becoming more aware of how they fit in, how others see them, and how their actions impact the people around them. They’re also navigating friendships, emotions, and new environments—often without fully understanding what they’re feeling or how to respond.

I remember how challenging this time can be—because I lived it.

During 4th through 6th grade, I was constantly adjusting to new schools and new environments. I struggled to fit in, didn’t always understand my emotions, and sometimes made choices that didn’t reflect who I wanted to be. I didn’t yet have the tools to process what I was going through or respond positively.

That experience shapes how I connect with students today.

As an attorney and graduate of UCLA School of Law, and a former Student Body President at UC Davis, I’ve learned how important it is to develop confidence, self-awareness, and positive habits early. I now bring those lessons to students in a way that is relatable, engaging, and age-appropriate.

Through my presentations, I help students understand that:

Their choices matter
Their words and actions have impact
And they have the ability to grow, improve, and become the person they want to be

My goal is simple: to give students the tools and awareness they need now—so they can build strong character, healthy relationships, and a positive foundation for the future.

Trusted By Districts Across California!

Selected districts I've had the privilege of serving throughout my speaking career.

See Caliph In Action!

Below are a few clips that demonstrate Caliph's presentation style and his character framework, and shares part of his personal story.

A Warning & An Example

Caliph engages students around the purpose for his speech and explains why he's privileged to be both a warning and an example.

Caliph's Childhood Story

Caliph explains how a challenging home life caused hit to act out in school, causing harm to himself and others.

Which Character Are You?

Watch Caliph's framework for teaching students about character and their ability to "choose" what character they want to be in their life story.

Bring Caliph To Your Campus!

Give your students an engaging, meaningful experience that helps them build confidence, make better choices, and treat others with respect.

Request Caliph!

How I Help Students

Upper elementary is a critical time when students begin to understand who they are, how they fit in, and how their actions impact others.

I help students build the awareness and skills they need to navigate their emotions, make better choices, and treat themselves and others with respect.

💬 Understand Their Emotions
Students learn to recognize what they’re feeling and how their emotions influence their behavior.

🤝 Build Positive Relationships
Students develop empathy, kindness, and the ability to treat others with respect—even in difficult situations.

🧠 Make Better Choices
Students begin to understand that their thoughts, words, and actions are choices—and that they have the power to choose differently.

🌱 Build Confidence and Self-Belief
Students learn how to develop a positive inner voice and believe in their ability to grow and improve.

How I Work With Students

🎯 Keynote Presentations

Engaging assemblies that help students build confidence, make better choices, and treat others with respect

Through interactive, relatable presentations, students learn how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected—and how the choices they make affect how they treat themselves and others.

These assemblies give students simple, practical ways to understand their emotions, respond positively, and build strong habits they can use every day at school and at home.

Choosing Character
Helping students understand how their words and actions impact others

Students learn how kindness, respect, and personal responsibility shape how others see them and how they feel about themselves. This presentation builds a foundation for positive behavior, empathy, and strong character.

I Know I Can
Helping students build confidence and believe in themselves

Students are encouraged to see their potential, develop a positive inner voice, and take pride in their growth. Through engaging stories and examples, they learn that they are capable of improving, learning, and becoming their best selves.