A compelling case for making CPR training mandatory in high schools, exploring how equipping students with lifesaving skills can transform communities and empower the next generation of first responders.
Verified Member
Influential Woman · CPR Training, Education, Health and Wellness
Candice Whigham
ByBlack
Founder/Learning Architect, Courage To Save C.P.R. Training, LLC
Amite, LA 70422
6Years experience
2Articles published
4Awards received
In Conversation
Candice Whigham for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Candice Whigham: To me, being an influential woman means to be impactful. She aims to do good. Her heart roots for the good in people. She desires to please her God and honor His creation. She understands reciprocity, that the good that she gives, she eventually expects. An influential woman empowers others to maximize their fullest potential. She knows she isn't perfect, but knows her worth and chooses to live purposefully. Even in her imperfect state. Lastly, she has no problem apologizing when she's wrong, because her character exemplifies integrity. That is what being an influential woman means to me.
What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?
Candice Whigham: One piece of advice I would give my younger self or younger women chasing their dreams is. Don't stop. Every step that you take opens the door to learning something new. When you stop, you don't give yourself permission or the opportunity to learn more about the dream that is inside of you. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going. Even with all the noise, with all of the things that look like that are going wrong. All of the things that are showing you that is not gonna happen. Keep going. It will eventually come to pass. Clarity is in the doing. And as you do, and as you keep going, you will see it more clearly. That is one piece of advice I will give to my younger self and younger women who are chasing their dreams.
Full transcript available
Her Story
About Candice
Candice Whigham is a distinguished educator, entrepreneur, learning architect, author, speaker, life coach, and community empowerment strategist with more than 20 years of experience in education and professional development. She currently serves as an educator with the Tangipahoa Parish School System, where she has taught high school students in areas including literacy, financial literacy, and business mathematics. Through engaging, student-centered instruction, she connects academic concepts to real-world applications while helping students develop critical thinking, confidence, leadership skills, and a strong foundation for personal and professional success. Earlier in her career, she served as Student Retention Director at Wiley College, contributing to initiatives designed to support student achievement and persistence. Whigham holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Teaching from Wiley University, formerly Wiley College, and a master’s degree in Christian Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from Oral Roberts University.
As the Founder/Learning Architect of Courage To Save C.P.R. Training, LLC, which she established in 2020, Whigham leads a mission-driven organization dedicated to expanding access to lifesaving education, emergency preparedness, wellness, and community empowerment. Through CPR, AED, first aid, and safety training, she equips individuals, schools, healthcare organizations, businesses, and community groups with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in critical moments. Her innovative approach combines emergency response education with social-emotional learning, mindfulness, emotional wellness, resilience, and personal development.
As a certified life coach, CPR instructor, and Breathe for Change SEL*Facilitator, she brings a holistic perspective to learning and leadership, empowering people to respond with courage, clarity, and confidence while recognizing the importance of caring for their own well-being. Throughout her career, Whigham has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, leadership, education, and lifelong learning. She holds Louisiana Economic Development Small Business Enterprise and Hudson Initiative credentials and maintains professional affiliations with the American Heart Association-3CPRCouncil, Chamber of Commerce and Tangipahoa Professional Women.
Her contributions have been recognized through a Certificate of Appreciation from the Life Saving Summit, a fellowship with the Tulane Southern Institute for Education and Research, published work in the AHAJournal Publication and service awards from Tangipahoa Parish and Wiley College. In addition to her work as an educator and entrepreneur, Whigham is an accomplished author and speaker whose literary contributions include The Urban Chronicles of Mia Lewis, To: Black Girls Everywhere, From: Your Aunties Everywhere and its companion workbook, To: Black Girls EVERYWHERE, The Love Yourself Workbook, and A Multi-Passionate Professional’s Guide to Overcoming Burnout.
Through her work as a Founder/Learning Architect, educator, trainer, author, speaker and advocate, Candice Whigham continues to create meaningful learning experiences and empower individuals and communities to grow, lead, and have the courage to save a life—including their own.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Candice
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents. They've already worked hard to support my siblings and me whether it was keeping a roof over our heads or making sure we went forward academically beyond them. They always encouraged us to be and do better than them. I am incredibly grateful for the love and support.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Once you get a job, gig, or opportunity, you'll get another one. Just focus on the getting the 1st.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Value your time; know your worth and the worth of what you do; and with all your understanding, get wisdom.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are AI and the various machines that are being used for CPR. The opportunity is learning how to use AI as a benefit to your business. It's not going away so work with it. Another opportunity is combining your life's purpose or motivations with lifesaving skills.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Our core values are integrity, compassion, alignment, and intentionality.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Candice
Courage to Learn Lifesaving Lessons: Why CPR Training Belongs in High School
Equipping Students with Life-Saving Skills to Create Safer Communities
Why CPR Training Belongs in Every High School
As a high school teacher and CPR instructor, this topic is near and dear to my heart. I believe in the potential and capability of our young people to do great and amazing things, including saving lives.
Every year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the United States. When such emergencies happen, time is critical. The difference between life and death often depends on whether a bystander is prepared to step in and perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Imagine the lives that could be saved if every high school student graduated with this essential skill.
In this blog, we will explore the compelling reasons CPR training belongs in high schools, the impact it could have on communities, and how we can advocate for its inclusion in education systems nationwide.
Why High Schools?
High school is the perfect time to teach CPR for several key reasons.
Early Exposure Builds Confidence
Introducing CPR at a young age helps students overcome the fear of intervening during emergencies. Through hands-on practice and proper instruction, teens gain the confidence needed to act decisively in life-threatening situations.
Empowering the Next Generation of First Responders
High school students are frequently present in public spaces such as parks, malls, and sports arenas where emergencies can occur. By training these students, we equip communities with more potential lifesavers.
A Skill for Life
CPR training is not just a graduation requirement—it is a lifelong skill. Whether at home, work, or in public, students can carry this knowledge with them throughout adulthood, creating a ripple effect of preparedness.
The Impact of CPR Training in High Schools
The statistics speak for themselves:
- Immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival during cardiac arrest.
- Yet, fewer than 40% of bystanders provide CPR when it is needed.
By making CPR training part of the high school curriculum, we can dramatically increase the number of people prepared to act during emergencies.
States such as Texas and New York already require students to learn CPR before graduation, and these initiatives demonstrate the value of equipping young people with lifesaving skills. Communities become safer when more individuals are prepared to respond.
Breaking Down Barriers
Some schools hesitate to implement CPR training because of perceived challenges, such as:
Cost of Equipment
CPR manikins and training materials may seem expensive, but partnerships with organizations like the American Heart Association and other community organizations can help make programs more accessible.
Time Constraints
CPR training requires only a few hours and can easily be incorporated into physical education classes, health courses, or dedicated workshop days.
Instructor Availability
Many community health organizations, certified instructors, hospitals, and first responders offer affordable or community-based training opportunities.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Consider Derranea Wilford, a 19-year-old who became CPR-certified while in high school. After a shooting occurred during a festival, several bystanders captured her performing CPR on a young woman who had been shot.
Wilford courageously used the skills she had learned and was able to find a pulse in the 17-year-old victim from New Orleans. Unfortunately, the young woman later passed away. However, Wilford's willingness to act with compassion and confidence demonstrates the powerful impact CPR training can have.
In her words:
"I felt a pulse. I heard her heartbeat. That's somebody's child. I saw myself in her."
Her story reminds us that CPR training is not just about learning a technique. It is about empowering people to respond when someone needs them most.
Advocating for Change
If your school or community has not adopted CPR training, here are ways you can help make a difference:
Start the Conversation
Speak with school administrators about the benefits of CPR education. Share success stories, statistics, and resources to build a compelling case.
Partner with Organizations
Work with local hospitals, fire departments, nonprofit organizations, and certified CPR instructors to bring training opportunities to your school.
Engage Lawmakers
Advocate for statewide legislation that requires CPR training as part of high school graduation requirements.
A Ripple Effect of Preparedness
When high schools prioritize CPR training, they do more than create better-prepared individuals—they create stronger communities.
Every student trained in CPR becomes a potential lifesaver, capable of protecting others and inspiring those around them to do the same.
It is time to make CPR training as fundamental as math or science in our schools. No one should feel powerless during an emergency, and every student deserves the opportunity to become someone's lifesaver.
What You Can Do Today
- Check whether your local schools offer CPR training. If they do not, begin advocating for its inclusion.
- Learn CPR yourself and encourage your family members to do the same.
- Support organizations working to make CPR education accessible to everyone.
Together, we can build a future where saving lives is a skill everyone possesses—starting with our high schools.
If you are interested in getting your high school student or youth organization CPR trained, contact us at (985) 247-8560 or hello@couragetosavecpr.com.
Remember: It Takes Courage To Save A Life... Including Your Own!
#Courage #CPRSavesLives #YoungLivesMatter #Compassion #Empowerment #HeartsForLife
About the Author
Candice Whigham is the founder of Courage To Save CPR Training, LLC, a certified BLS/CPR instructor, educator, author, speaker, and life coach with more than 20 years of experience in education and community empowerment.
She blends lifesaving skills with life-building tools to help individuals, professionals, schools, churches, and communities respond with confidence, live with purpose, and lead with courage.
Through CPR training, empowerment education, and coaching, Candice equips others to save lives—including their own.
Discover how the Golden Rule transcends kindness and becomes a practice of mutual respect when paired with healthy personal boundaries. Learn why honoring both your needs and others' creates stronger, more compassionate relationships.
Boundaries & the Golden Rule: Respecting Others Without Losing Yourself
Why healthy boundaries and compassion aren't mutually exclusive—they're essential partners.
The Golden Rule Isn't Just About Kindness—It's About Mutual Respect
I am in no way trying to proselytize to anyone, but I want to share something that has been meaningful to me.
You may have heard of the Golden Rule: "Treat others the way you want to be treated." This principle, found in Matthew 7:12 of the Holy Bible, is timeless, compassionate, and rooted in empathy.
But here is something that is not discussed often enough: the Golden Rule works best when it is paired with clear personal boundaries.
Boundaries are not walls. They are the healthy lines we create to protect our time, energy, values, and well-being. They help us say yes to what aligns with us and say no without guilt. Without boundaries, we risk overextending ourselves, building resentment, and losing sight of who we are.
Here's Where the Golden Rule Fits In
When we treat others with the same respect we desire, that includes honoring their boundaries as well. When we model healthy boundary-setting for ourselves, we also give others permission to do the same.
In other words, the Golden Rule is not just about kindness—it is about mutual respect.
It is saying:
"I will treat you well, and I will also treat myself well."
It is understanding that compassion does not require self-abandonment.
Boundaries and the Golden Rule Are Not at Odds—They're Partners
The next time you are navigating a difficult decision or relationship, ask yourself:
- Am I respecting my own needs and limits?
- Am I honoring the needs and boundaries of others?
Boundaries and the Golden Rule are not opposing ideas—they are partners. When we practice both, we create healthier relationships built on honesty, empathy, and mutual care.
Remember: It takes courage to save a life, including your own.
#Courage #LoveYourself #LoveOthers #Boundaries #GoldenRule #Compassion
About the Author
Candice Whigham is the founder of Courage To Save CPR Training, LLC, a certified BLS/CPR instructor, educator, author, speaker, and life coach with more than 20 years of experience in education and community empowerment.
She blends lifesaving skills with life-building tools to help individuals, professionals, schools, churches, and communities respond with confidence, live with purpose, and lead with courage.
Through CPR training, empowerment education, and coaching, Candice equips others to save lives—including their own.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.