Dr. Velma Trayham throws first pitch at D-backs Black Excellence Night

Dr. Velma Trayham marked Juneteenth week with two high-profile appearances in Arizona: emceeing a teacher leadership summit and throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Chase Field. The moments spotlighted her book UNFIREABLE and her message about purpose, leadership and resilience in a changing workforce.

Why it matters: - Dr. Velma Trayham used Juneteenth week to connect education, business leadership and Black excellence in two public appearances that reached statewide and online audiences. - The events gave more visibility to Trayham's book UNFIREABLE and its message about building careers and identities that can withstand layoffs, restructuring and AI-driven disruption. - Trayham's appearance at Chase Field also highlighted a crossover moment between the Black Chamber of Arizona, the education community and Major League Baseball.

What happened: - On June 18, Trayham emceed the Arizona Alliance of Black School Educators' 12th Annual Teacher Leadership Summit. - Trayham also hosted a signing for UNFIREABLE at the summit. - On June 19, Trayham threw the ceremonial first pitch at Chase Field for the Arizona Diamondbacks' Black Excellence Night. - The Diamondbacks highlighted the first-pitch appearance on the team's social media channels. - Trayham also shared video and photos with her national audience of more than 103,000 followers.

The details: - Trayham is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of UNFIREABLE and president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. - UNFIREABLE reached #1 on Amazon in three categories within 24 hours of its April 2026 launch. - The book focuses on how professionals can build careers that are not easily eliminated by workforce disruption. - Trayham said the book's message resonated with both audiences she addressed during Juneteenth week. - Trayham said her AABSE appearance was meant to leave educators with encouragement and proof that their purpose in the classroom remains intact even as the workforce changes. - Trayham said being invited to represent Black Excellence Night during Juneteenth week was an honor.

Between the lines: - The appearances reinforced Trayham's position as a public face for leadership, entrepreneurship and workforce readiness. - The schedule also showed how Trayham is using speaking, book promotion and community events together to expand her reach. - The focus on educators and AI-driven workforce change suggests her message is aimed at audiences facing long-term job uncertainty, not just business readers. - Trayham's visibility across sports, education and business reflects a broader strategy to move the UNFIREABLE brand into multiple communities.

What's next: - Trayham is on a national book tour for UNFIREABLE with stops planned across the country throughout 2026. - The tour includes partnerships with chambers of commerce, universities, faith organizations and corporate partners. - Trayham is also scheduled as a featured National Speaker at the 126th National Business League Conference in Atlanta from August 19-22. - Trayham's wider platform will likely keep centering leadership, purpose and resilience as she continues the book rollout.

The bottom line: - Trayham turned Juneteenth week into a high-visibility showcase for her message that purpose can travel across classrooms, boardrooms and the pitcher's mound.