Identity isn’t found.
It’s inherited, shaped, and chosen on purpose.
Help the rising generation discover their unique contribution through their DNA and family traits.
Become you on purpose
Today’s rising generation is hungry for authenticity, connection, and a sense of direction. I help them—and the parents, teachers, and leaders who support them—discover it through the surprising intersection of genetics and family experience. I show audiences how DNA-influenced traits and real inherited moments shape identity, resilience, and purpose. With a mix of science, story, and signature Diahan-style fun, I guide them to see where they come from, what they carry, and how to turn that into meaningful contribution—and choose it on purpose.
Diahan Southard
Diahan Southard is a genetic genealogy educator, PBS host, and founder of Your DNA Guide who turns complicated science into clarity, confidence, and purpose. With twenty years in the field—starting as a pioneer at the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation—she helps audiences understand their inherited strengths and choose who they become on purpose. Offstage, she’s married to the best husband in the world, cheering on three adulting champions, and still pulling off a perfect cartwheel.
“Diahan is a game-changer.”
—Amy Harris, associate professor of history, Brigham Young University
“Today’s presentation illustrates your talent as a public speaker as I have never seen it before.”
—Betsy Shafter, Student
Diahan’s signature talk:
It’s in your DNA…Or is it? Becoming you on purpose.
Delivered with passion and energy, Diahan offers a science-backed, story-centered approach to identity development and belonging. She helps students understand the three forces that shape identity—environment, inheritance, and experience—and shows how recognizing both inherited strengths and inherited challenges can spark confidence, direction, and resilience.
This keynote empowers students to see their gifts more clearly, understand their connection to their family and community, why it matters, and how it can help them discover the unique contribution only they can make. Participants will leave with a clearer sense of self, stronger connection to their communities, and a roadmap to becoming who they are on purpose.
Choose YOU
Through interactive identity cards, participants identify their defining traits, uncover meaningful family stories, and trace their origins through parents and grandparents, revealing the strengths they can choose to activate on purpose.
Connect YOU
A hands-on program where participants explore DNA ethnicity results and discover how DNA connects them to cultures, places, and real genetic relatives. They’ll learn how to interpret DNA results with confidence and see how their heritage fits into their personal identity story. No DNA test required.
Discover YOU
This session transforms genealogy into an interactive search for clues, helping participants trace ancestors through records, stories, and DNA connections while building real research skills..