Brett Vlahovich

Activities Teacher | MONROE HIGH SCHOOL

“Christian Paige and the ShaderMakerS organizerS are game-changers in getting students, staff, and organizations to think about their communities.

ShadeMakers has changed how my students view their school and what can be done to make sure it meets the needs of all people. They are focused on the impact over time and leaving a legacy for others to follow and benefit from and that is the greatest gift we can leave our communities. The work is transformative.”

Jordan Sauvage

Athletic & Activities Director | Mount Si HIGH SCHOOL

“The last few years, our school was in a place where we realized something important was missing, the foundational connection that builds a strong and unified community. Christian Paige stepped in at just the right time and was a game-changer.

Before stepping foot on campus, he took the time to understand our school’s climate and listen to the hopes and vision of our community. With authenticity, care and some spice, Christian connected with both students and staff, meeting people where they were. He brought insight and heart, encouraging all of us to reflect on our role, recognize what’s possible, and consider how we can move forward together.

Christian challenges with genuine compassion. He inspires growth beyond the moment. He plants seeds, nurtures development, and equips schools to carry on the work: growing, pruning, and building stronger connections long after his time with us ends.

It’s been exciting to see the impact on our students and staff as the work takes root, and we know will continue to grow for years to come. The work that will change the world…3 feet at a time.”

Hunter Sissom

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LEARNING | SELAH SCHOOL DISTRICT

“We have been lucky enough to get to work with Christian across multiple schools and over multiple years. Christian Paige brings a dynamic blend of spoken-word artistry and educational insight to every school and district he partners with. Through performances, workshops, and keynote presentations, he guides students and educators toward deeper self-expression, stronger community bonds, and more inclusive learning environments.

Above all, Christian helps people recognize their own humanity and the humanity of others.”

Colton Monti

PRINCIPAL | SELAH HIGH SCHOOL

“We have had the pleasure of working with Christian on numerous projects over the past few years, and he has been nothing short of exceptional. His energy and passion are contagious, and his ability to connect with students is truly outstanding. Christian is personable, genuine, and brings an authentic approach to every interaction.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with him and wholeheartedly recommend Christian to any organization seeking to grow and cultivate a stronger, more positive culture.”

Jason Simonson

Activities Director/Teacher | Auburn Riverside High School

“Auburn Riverside High School has been lucky to have worked with Christian and ShadeMakers closely for the last few years for keynotes, workshops and small group sessions.

Christian has given students tools to work as stakeholders in developing our school-wide SIP plan, he has Lead leadership training and helped guide our ASB and club leaders' vision for the future of ARHS. This has led to an increase in student voice throughout our school, more students attending and speaking at our Town Hall meetings, a larger and more diverse group of students taking Leadership and running for ASB Office as well as a greater sense of ownership on our campus.

Christian gets to know your campus culture, your students and staff and tailors his workshops, keynotes and training to your school. Christian and ShadeMakers is the best return on investment we have made as a school, and I am excited to continue our relationship into the future!”

Jennifer Blatz

President and CEO | StriveTogether

“Christian completely transformed our event. His deeply thoughtful and powerful spoken word pieces brought our attendees to tears while lifting their spirits high.

He is an unbelievable artist and advocate and I believe his talent is unparalleled. We hope to work with Christian again and would recommend including his voice in your own community or space.”

Paige Umberger

Senior Manager of Network Events | StriveTogether

“We commissioned Christian to write and perform a poem at our annual conference — it was the best decision we could have made. Christian breathed life into our mission of giving every child, every chance. He provided a powerful call to action for our attendees:

‘This is not a conversation about raising funds / But fundamentally changing how we mentally cultivate community beautifully / Choosing to scoff in the face of division while building bridges for unity.’

Christian artfully spoke truth to power while simultaneously inspiring and energizing all of us. His words and performance fueled a fire that continues to this day, with attendees still calling his performance the best part of our event. I know Christian will have this same transformative impact on any event he is part of, and we are already planning to work with him again in 2019.”

Liz Ritz

Dir. of Curriculum & Instruction | Oak Harbor School District

“Oak Harbor Public Schools has been honored to partner with Christian Paige on a variety of projects aimed at both professional learning and student leadership.  In short, his work in our district has been transformative.  Christian customizes his work to the needs of the groups that he serves and does so in a place-based way that honors that uniqueness of each organization. 

He is approachable, an effective communicator, a tremendous facilitator of courageous conversations, and a talented spoken word poet.  If you are looking for someone to bring hope, inspiration, and meaningful change to your organization, I highly recommend Christian Paige.”

Janah Valenzuela-Cardin

Director of International Student Services | Bishop Blanchet High School

“Bishop Blanchet High School has proudly partnered with Christian Paige in various capacities since 2018. His love for students, his faith, and of course his hometown of Tacoma are all highly visible in his authentic and dynamic approach to educating communities.

Christian has facilitated student and faculty/staff trainings, led spoken word workshops, and keynoted at several Blanchet assemblies and conferences. Notably, Christian has facilitated at Blanchet’s annual student Diversity Leadership Summit since its inception in 2018 and is always a highlight to our students’ experience of the summit.

When Christian speaks, students and faculty/staff alike intently lean in and listen. His vulnerable and inclusive approach to challenging discussions on difference and adversity consistently creates an environment of genuine curiosity and an openness to understanding ourselves and one another.”

Kati Casto

B.E.S.T. Program Supervisor | Wa State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

“Christian Paige’s poetry performance at our virtual 2021 Mentor/Coach Conference was inspiring, impactful, and poignant.

The poems he performed spoke directly to the theme of the event and reached over 800 participants joining virtually, who continued to talk about his powerful words for months after the event. When planning for our 2022 conference, we were sure to ask him to perform again!”

Ranice Innocent

K-5 Reading Specialist & Educator
National Board Certified Teacher 
Race & Equity Educator & Leader

“Christian Paige is a phenomenal speaker, artist, poet, and educator. His love for humanity, inclusivity and community is real and authentic. I appreciate Christian’s candor and vulnerability in sharing his own life experiences as well.

Christian leads with urgency but also with patience and love. I have genuinely enjoyed listening to Christian and his cadence while teaching through the vessel of spoken word. His spoken word pieces have resonated with myself and life experience as well. Christian is a gift to listen to and learn from.”

Dr. Tanisha Brandon-Felder

Director of Equity & Family Engagement | Shoreline School District

“Having Christian Paige as a keynote speaker and presenter for SEED (Shoreline School District Social Justice Conference for students) was a powerful experience for our youth.

Students were captivated not only by his spoken word poetry but by the confidence in which he centered identity and agency. “

Paul Gerbyshak

AVID Teacher | Tacoma Public School District

“Christian made my students understand the options they truly had. The inspiration to do great things came from each of them during his speech and after. They are still in awe to this day!”

Anecia Grigsby

Assistant Principal | Sammamish High School

“The best thing you can do for your organization is have Christian Paige pour wisdom and care into it. For two years, the high school I am an assistant principal at has the pleasure of being supported by Christian.

Christian spent hours at my school creating lessons for students and providing support to teachers to open the door to conversations about social justice, equity and self-exploration. I always knew when he walked through the doors because I could hear my students bellow his name and draw toward him.

Christian provided many opportunities for staff growth and professional development, but his real work was with students. He helps open doors to difficult conversations and walks alongside you in your growth. Overall, Christian is a gift to be around and learn from. You come away better from any experience Christian is leading.”