"Roslyn really inspired me to fight for my goals, to never give up, and just to keep going and to do well in school and never give up on my dreams... and even if I go through bad stuff, it’s just that there’s always hope in life.” 
​~ Tenth Grader at St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School 

Roslyn Franken is an internationally recognized Youth Speaker and award-winning author whose mission is to empower and encourage the next generation. By emphasizing her key message about the Power of Choice, Roslyn educates, inspires, and transforms young lives by instilling:
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  • Hope and Resilience: She helps youths to develop the strength to overcome challenges and embrace their potential as the leaders of tomorrow.
  • Compassion and Self-Worth: Roslyn fosters a deep sense of self-value and empathy, essential for building a more compassionate society.
  • Purpose and Positive Outlook: By guiding them to find their purpose and maintain an optimistic perspective, Roslyn prepares them to face the world with confidence.

Roslyn's powerful message of the Power of Choice extends beyond individual growth to address the broader societal issues of:
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  • Discrimination and Prejudice: She raises awareness of the dangers of bigotry, bullying, and hate, emphasizing the urgent need to "choose" to combat these destructive forces.
  • Tolerance and Respect: Roslyn promotes a spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect, encouraging young people to "choose" to embrace diversity and foster community.​
How does she achieve all of this? By sharing the incredible story from her award-winning book, Meant to Be, of her parents' triumphant experiences as teenage World War II survivors who "choose"  to find love and joy in the aftermath, against all odds. 

Roslyn also reveals how she draws from her parents' journey and her own personal experiences as the daughter of these two brave survivors to illustrate important lessons about "choosing" positivity, hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

As Brent Howard, High School History Teacher said...

"The fact that Roslyn’s parents were of the same age as our students allows the students to identify with the Frankens as real people and not just another textbook WWII statistic. Her parents' story is personal and motivational which allows our students to see the world and their own life's struggles in a different perspective."
​Roslyn is recognized for being the first guest speaker to address the survivors of the 2018 Parkland school shooting. This event marked the launch of her Youth Speaker Program in the United States, where each student received an autographed copy of her book, approved by the school Media Specialist.

Since then, Roslyn has impacted the lives of thousands of students receiving standing ovations, thunderous applause, and insightful questions and comments. 

A tenth-grader said to Roslyn in front of 600 peers...

​"I am going through a really hard time with my family right now. If your parents could get through what they went through, now I know that I can get through what I'm going through."​​

​In 2023, she extended her reach to Europe, delivering powerful speeches to over 1000 students at schools in The Netherlands. This held deep personal significance for Roslyn, especially at one of the schools situated in Vught, the town where her mother was first taken to a Nazi concentration camp.

Moreover, Roslyn served as the Keynote Speaker for the 2023 Florida Department of Education Healthy Schools Summer Academy, focusing on the development and empowerment of healthy, confident, and resilient learners. Additionally, her book received approval from the Hillsborough County Public Schools District Review Committee in the same year.
"A daughter’s moving tribute to her parents, full of heartbreak that leads to uplift."
- Kirkus Review
2022 GOLD winner of the NFAA Nonfiction Book Award
Bulk order school and youth group purchase discounts of Roslyn's book, ​Meant to Be, are available upon request
​Why Roslyn's Youth Speaker program benefits youths:
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  1. Educational Value: The program provides a unique perspective on significant historical events, including both sides of World War II in Europe and Asia, offering students a deeper understanding, compassion and empathy for the human experience during times of immense adversity.
  2. Engaging Content: "Meant to Be" offers students a captivating narrative that explores themes of survival, resilience, and the enduring power of hope and love. The story is sure to captivate your students and spark meaningful group discussions.
  3. Multidisciplinary Connections: "Meant to Be" can be integrated into various aspects of school curriculums, including English literature, history, and social studies, providing interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students.
  4. Award-Winning Recognition: The "Meant to Be" book has been recognized for its exceptional storytelling and historical significance, making it a reputable and trusted resource for educators.
  5. Inspirational Content: As Brent Howard, High School History Teacher said, "The fact that Roslyn’s parents were of the same age as our students allows the students to identify with the Frankens as real people and not just another textbook WWII statistic. Her parents' story is personal and motivational which allows our students to see the world and their own life's struggles in a different perspective."
  6. Engaging Audio-visual Content: School presentations include a powerful combination of masterful storytelling with compelling audio-visual elements including family photos, video clips from an award-nominated television documentary, adding great impact and intrigue for a highly memorable and meaningful experience for the students. ​

Drawing from her parents' resilience, Roslyn found strength when faced with her own battle against cancer at 29, with a tumor threatening her life. She shares the invaluable lessons she learned from their fortitude, inspiring teens to navigate life's challenges and contribute positively to the world.

​History teacher testimonial translated from Dutch to English:
"In the context of living history and an increasingly international world, we thought it would be a good idea to have Roslyn give lectures in English at our school. The fact that her mother was in Camp Vught and was then the age of the students who attended the lectures, forms a connection that our students can really imagine. Roslyn's story is full of situations that students can identify with and form an image of in their minds since they have been taken from real life. Our students were impressed by the story and listened with fascination. Because of Roslyn's calm and clear way of talking, the lectures are extremely suitable for high school students and highly recommended. The lectures were a unique experience for our students,” says Sebastiaan van Oers, History Teacher at Maurick College.​
What teens are saying about Roslyn's presentation...

Tenth grader, Abby Marks commented, “I think this was an amazing story. Growing up I heard a lot about WWII. It’s amazing that two people could experience such horrible conditions and they come out of it with such positive attitudes about life.”

Ninth-grader, Andre Brooks remarked, “It’s a very inspirational story about courage, how you’re put in the worst conditions and you still make it through.”

Tenth Grader High School student commented, I appreciate how Roslyn is reaching out to kids our generation and inspiring us and telling us all about these different things…I appreciate the fact that she’s not sugar-coating anything and she’s actually educating us and she’s making a great impact on us.”  

Tenth Grader at St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School said, "This really inspired me to fight for my goals, and to never give up, and just to keep going and to do well in school and never give up on my dreams, and even if I go through bad stuff, it’s just that there’s always hope in life.” 
​
Ninth-grader at John McRae High School said, "It’s important for youths to know this story because we often feel bad for ourselves for having to write two tests in one day or complain about getting up early to go to school, but there are so many things for us to be thankful for.”  

Another high school student observed, “You are one of the most inspirational speakers I’ve heard. Audiences around the world – kids, adults, adolescents have to hear your story and understand that every day that you get up and you have your health and you have your freedom is a blessing.”

Ruby Silver, a Senior at Springstead, remarked, “I think it’s important that we keep sharing these stories and we keep addressing that this happened, but that we also keep showing that there are positive things that came out of it. That we just don’t address the negative.”

Roslyn took her messages of hope and perseverance to the 2018 school shooting survivors in Parkland, Florida...

“It was just an incredible story of perseverance that really serves as an example for our students who have experienced so much tragedy this past 2 months. So, it was really special to have Roslyn here speaking to our students sharing her story and not just of how her parents got through the war and afterwards, but just the inspiration to do the right thing, to continue on in the face of tragedy, in the face of cancer and to just live life to the fullest with everything they’re given. It was an incredible experience for
the students, for myself and for my colleague, Ivy Schamis, and for anybody else who gets the opportunity to hear her story, to hear her parents’ story, please take that opportunity.”
~ Darren Levine, English Teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL

"Roslyn was able to bring such a positive experience to my students as they were feeling so down about everything. She not only spoke about her parents’ wartime experiences but also about their positive outlook on life. She brought so much brightness and hope to the students and just watching the way t​hey were watching her when she spoke was just amazing.”
~ Ivy Schamis, Educator at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL
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Roslyn on Spectrum Bay News 9 Television
Woman Inspires Kids With Parents' Story of Perseverance Over Hate
Click HERE for news report on Bay News 9 website
 MORE television, newspaper, magazine and radio media attention
​

Students give Roslyn standing ovation
​at Springstead Theatre

READ FULL TAMPA BAY TIMES NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
"What a wonderful meaningful presentation to our great students, teachers, administrators, and staff."
~ Linda Prescott, District 2 representative on the Hernando County School Board Board of Education in Florida. 

Roslyn educates and inspires School District Administrators, Mental Health Coordinators, Curriculum Specialists, School Counselors and Teachers at the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) Healthy Schools Summer Academy

 "Your ability to educate and inspire the audience was impactful. The passionate recount of history, connection of your parents’ experiences to the present day, and the importance of promoting perseverance, empathy, and resiliency was thought-provoking for our team of educators. We appreciate you sharing your triumph of becoming a young cancer survivor, as well as the significance of healthy eating and positivity. You culminated your speech with the power of showing gratitude, despite your family’s circumstance, considering it was Meant to Be.  Thank you again for sharing your parents John and Sonja Franken’s story, in an engaging keynote speech, with our Healthy Schools Summer Academy attendees."
~ Healthy Schools Team, Bureau of Standards and Instructional Support, Florida Department of Education

 Roslyn educates and inspires Parents, Teachers and Students as Keynote Speaker for Pinellas County Council Parent Teacher and Student Association Event...

"What Roslyn taught us was that childhood/adult trauma and suffering does not provide us with an excuse for our problems.  We must use the insights and lessons learned to refocus on the good so that we free ourselves from the harm.  What a wonderful message, spoken by such a unique, and humble person as Roslyn Franken. I thank Roslyn for sharing her inspirational story and reminding us of why we advocate and volunteer for the children."
~ Lawrence Clermont, President, Pinellas County Council PTSA (Parent Teacher & Student Association)
Video Testimonials and speaker clips...
Camille Jowanna, Principal
​Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School.
Richard Crowley, Dean
​Lecanto High School
Courtney Flournoy & Kim Fennewald
Teachers at Belleview Middle School
Brenda Hankin & students
​Hollins High School
What school principals, teachers and staff are saying...
“Roslyn's gripping story of her parents’ life during World War II was so powerful, you felt like you were in World War II yourself. Her parents were prisoners of war and lived through the most horrific conditions, along with the inhumane treatment they suffered. For a full hour, six hundred high school students and twenty-five adults were sitting on the edge of their seats waiting on ever word from Ms. Franken. This was such a powerful presentation that students were talking about this presentation for hours later! I have no hesitation in recommending Ms. Roslyn Franken’s heartfelt presentation to any organization. This presentation will touch every heart, young and old. I wish Ms. Roslyn Franken all the best of luck in her future endeavors!”
~ Carmine Rufa, Principal, F.W. Springstead High School in Spring Hill, FL
"Roslyn did an outstanding presentation today for Belleview Middle School. This is the time of year when our students start to make questionable choices and get a little scared about their future, where they're going and what types of decisions they have to make. This presentation couldn't have come at a more perfect time. And to have 300 8th graders sit for more than 10 minutes absolutely quiet, engaged and focused where nobody had to be removed or talked to, and with extra staff in place for supervision, you could hear a pin drop."
~ Kim Fennewald, teacher at Belleview Middle School, Belleview, FL
"Roslyn Franken came to our school and spoke about her book “Meant To Be” to a diverse audience of around three hundred 7th – 12th grade students, and she was excellent!  Roslyn’s story-telling ability kept the students’ attention for a full 45 minutes, and kept them wanting to hear more at every turn.  This allowed her to reach them with her timely and important core message: that we each have tremendous power over our lives, that we can each choose our reactions to every situation we are in, that we are not at all powerless.  Roslyn’s message of empowerment included our outlook toward others as well as our outlook toward ourselves.  After sharing her parents’ story, she urged us all to “remember what the power of hate and discrimination can lead to if we don’t stop it.” After all, we share our time on this small planet with each other, and we owe it to ourselves and our world to treat each other with dignity and respect.  That’s a great message for the students of today, and Roslyn was a great messenger who wove story into meaning.  I recommend her with sincere enthusiasm."
~ Mark Keller, Head Master, Academy at the Lakes High School in Land O'Lakes, FL
​"As soon as Roslyn took to the stage and began to speak, the students were mesmerized. There was not a single whisper among any of them, and at the end there was eager applause, and several inspired questions were asked.  Roslyn spoke with incredible grace, confidence and poise. She told the story of her parents in such a way that it affected the entire audience. We were all experiencing the story with her as she told it, and it was clear at the end that the students wanted to know more, about her and her past...I highly recommend Roslyn as a speaker, for not only is she charismatic and captivating, she carries with her an incredible spirit and sense of hope and optimism that is undeniable and infectious. I could feel her wisdom staying with the students, and I think they all left the school that day a little bit more open-minded and aware."
​~ Stephanie Trapid, School Librarian, Bialik High School, Montreal, Canada
"I just saw an amazing presentation by Roslyn Franken to our Grade 10s and 11s at St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School. She gave two sides of World War II including the Japanese invasion as well as the Nazi invasion in Europe because her father was a Prisoner of War in Japan and her mother lived through all the cruelties of Auschwitz.
 
What was amazing is how well she connected with the students and how she touched them with her speaking. It’s amazing not only how her parents went through so many obstacles and so many difficulties and so many times where they both could have perished, but how they managed to survive through all these hardships and unimaginable cruelty.
 
The way it’s presented with the PowerPoint and the way Roslyn speaks to the students is very attractive and also very easy to understand. I would, therefore, highly recommend that as a teacher of religion or history, this is an amazing presentation to have her come and give for your students as well. Thank you very much, Roslyn."
~ Thomas Baars, Department Head of Religion, St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School
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"Roslyn is a gifted speaker with a powerful story to tell. Roslyn seamlessly integrates various media in her presentation to keep the audiences' interest. The stories that form the basis of Meant to Be need to be shared widely. As a diversity educator, I cannot overstate the importance of telling stories of WWII and the Holocaust from a personal perspective. Understanding these stories from a personal perspective provides the audience an opportunity to understand these historical world events in deeper manner. Roslyn does this expertly when telling the stories of her parents. Roslyn's presentation gives young people a sense empowerment and hope to face the challenges of life today all while reminding them of a time in our history that must not be repeated. I highly recommend Roslyn as a speaker."
~ Shawn Pentecost, Diversity Educator, Algonquin College in Pembroke, Ontario
"We had the pleasure of having Roslyn Franken at our school to speak to our students. I highly recommend her presentation to schools everywhere. Roslyn tells a beautiful, inspirational story of her family and it will be a great opportunity to have her at your school, as well,"
~ Camille Jowanna, Principal at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in Pasco County, FL  

​"If you believe as I do, that our youths are starving for hope, inspiration and positive role models they can aspire to, I  invite you to contact me  to discuss how we can work together to educate and inspire your students or youth group.”
~ Roslyn Franken

What high school students said when asked "What are some things you learned from Roslyn's presentation that had the most impact on you?"


  • I learned how amazing it was for her parents to survive and flourish through that terrible time. It really inspired me and showed me that what happens, happens for a reason.
  • I knew it was very intense, but I didn't realize the big masses of death that there was.
  • The fact that they met each other even though they both could have died. Your mom's courage and optimism.
  • That someone had the courage to go through all her parents had, her mother was still brave and was proud of her.
  • That no matter what happens you can still make it through. Also that things happen for a reason.
  • I did not know how many people had actually died and how terrifying it was until she told us the point of view of her parents.
  • The fact that two people that survived history's worst could survive and thrive afterwards.
  • I learned that there is always hope, even if it's not obvious.
  • Her parents had overcome so many obstacles and were still able to find happiness.
  • That her mom survived three different camps. I learned how her mom was so brave and that she took risks to save other people.
  • That some things are really just meant to be, that people can be so brave.
  • She inspired me to ask my grandparents and parents about their history.
  • It was neat to hear about how her parents did not lose hope the entire time they were in those situations.
  • How many different camps that people got transferred to. It was also so eye opening hearing personal stories of things that happened to your parents. It made everything feel more real.
  • That fate and miracles do exist.
  • I learned that there are things that are just meant to happen like her parents who were meant to be.
  • That life back then was not all sunshine and rainbows. They went through hardships for no reason at all. People kill people.
  • That anything can happen in your life.
  • The part where they didn't stop believing and they went through a lot and still got out and met.
  • I learned that our experiences should not define us.
  • No matter what you've been through there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
  • To put things in perspective. People should be grateful for what they have. A lot that we complain about is selfish because our lives are so much easier than the struggles of the others that were our age back then.
 
The youths of today are our future so please support Roslyn's efforts by sharing this page with anyone you know in the school system in your area who can help her get these learning benefits to more young people. With the power of Zoom, it is that much easier now for Roslyn to deliver my presentation worldwide.
 Roslyn is an active member of the ​Florida School Counselors Association
Donate to Roslyn's Student & Youth Speaking Tour
Help Roslyn speak at more schools and youth organizations and get copies of her book into their hands. On behalf of all the students and youths who will learn about the past and be inspired toward the future by Roslyn's presentation because of your donation, we thank you! Donations are not tax-deductible. Donations will appear on your credit card statement under name, RF Productions LLC. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available upon request.