ARC™
What to Accept, Reject, or Change
2021 Top Educational Solution Awardee
Recognized by USC Center EDGE, Andrew Nikou Foundation, and IDEO
Be Your Own Advocate. Own Your Story. Lead Your Life.
✨ Where It All Began
The SELF-Ex™ Method was born from pain we couldn’t ignore.
We ended up creating a method to design superheroes.
It started with stories. Kids being locked in bathrooms, humiliated at lunch, excluded from games. But the deeper wound came from the silence of adults who failed to act.
We, a mother-daughter team, launched Deeds by Kids™ to give those children a voice. Through over 400 stories, we uncovered a tragic pattern: kids didn’t know how to respond to bullying, exclusion, or injustice with clarity and confidence.
That pain sparked the creation of the SELF-Ex™ Method—a 5-step framework and toolkit that empowers kids, parents, and educators to lead with purpose, advocate for themselves, and transform adversity into strength.
From Deeds by Kids™ to SELF-Ex™ ➔
What Is the SELF-Ex™ Method?
A leadership and self-advocacy framework to:
- Address bullying, adversity, and injustice with clarity and confidence
- Make responsible, values-based decisions
- Regulate emotions and resolve conflicts
- Turn pain into personal power and social impact
“SELF-Ex” stands for:
- Set Purpose
- Evaluate the Situation
- Lead with Best Option
- Formulate and Forge Ahead
- Examine Outcomes
Global Recognition
Honored by the ReOpen Education Global Challenge
In July 2021, SELF-Ex™ was selected by the USC Rossier School of Education's Center EDGE, in partnership with the Andrew Nikou Foundation and IDEO, as one of the top solutions for educational transformation.
The ReOpen Challenge spotlighted innovations that reimagined education during COVID-19 and beyond. SELF-Ex™ stood out among 300+ entries for:
- Elevating student voice
- Promoting meaningful learning
- Creating a culture of respect and responsibility
Impact Since the Award
Since its recognition, the SELF-Ex™ Method has:
- Reached over 1,000+ students, parents, and educators
- Featured in bullying prevention programs and leadership training
- Supported Jewish and marginalized students facing antisemitism, exclusion, and bias
- Been implemented across K-12 schools, colleges, and family workshops
Tools that Make a Difference
SELF-Ex™ includes over 16 tools, templates, and techniques including:
VBASE™
Understanding your values, beliefs, and behaviors
E-LEADERS™
Respectful communication strategies
LEAPP™
Speak up with clarity and care
FRAMEE™
Address harm with compassion and confidence
Why the Award Matters
From Reflection to Responsible Action
The SELF-Ex™ Method transforms moments of adversity into leadership opportunities. It helps individuals align their Objectives, Needs, and Expectations (ONE™) and build the resilience to lead themselves and others with intention.
This method is more than a framework—it's shaping a resilient and results-oriented mindset. Leveraging obstacles into opportunities to realize optimal outcomes.
Nominate a Changemaker
Do you know someone making a difference?
- Submit their story of courage or leadership
- Upload photos, letters, or testimonials
- Deadline: [10 Nov 2025]
Past Honorees (Coming Soon)
Celebrating Our Changemakers
Stay tuned for inspiring stories of those using the SELF-Ex™ Method to lead change in their schools, homes, and communities.
Coming soon
Noah Patel
Riverside Middle School Parent Advocate
Coming soon
Maya Johnson
Beacon Academy Educator
Coming soon
Liam Chen
City College Peer Mentor
Coming soon
Sofia Martinez
Community Youth Organizer
📢 Stay Connected
Be the first to hear about:
- New award cycles
- Leadership workshops
- Tools and training updates
From Our Founder
“We created SELF-Ex™ to help people—especially students—become their own superheroes.”
This award affirms the power of tools that humanize education, foster responsibility, and give people a roadmap to rise.
Bring SELF-Ex™ to Your School, Team, or Community
Partner with Let’s Speak Up™
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Partner with Let’s Speak Up™
Co-create programs for your school or district.
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Train Your Team
Professional learning for educators and staff.
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Book a Workshop or Keynote
Engaging sessions that turn adversity into leadership.
Let’s transform adversity into leadership—one voice at a time.
