Import
I am excited to show my mentor, Dr. Laura Widman, who recently presented Shacking Summit of Shadow To share how he transformed years of pioneering research into a successful business.
Laura is a researcher, professor, writer, psychologist and everyone around Badass dedicated to improving adolescent health, with a focus on developing sexual communication skills. In much of her work she incorporates digital technologies to provide health planning to adolescents and families.
Is co-author of bestselling undergraduate manual Our sexualityProfessor at the University of Florida Institute for Digital Health and Innovation at the Nursing College and its founder Adolescent Health ResearchA woman who belongs to small businesses who are committed to modernizing sex education.
With nearly 100 publications reported more than 6,500 times, Laura research covers HIV prevention and prevention, sexual communication and digital health. In this blog, I will review some of her research findings and how she translated them into real world solutions.
Focusing
A consistent finding in Laura’s research decades: US sex education does not work. The programs are widely different between states and regions, leaving many teenagers with clear gaps in knowledge and support.
To better understand these gaps, Laura went straight to the source: Laura and her team have asked teenagers what they want to learn about sex and relationships In a research study published earlier this year. Her team watched a different team of teenagers, which included more than 20% of transoons and over 60% they identified as queer. Their questions ranged from:
“How are the STDs spread?”
“Is this the first time he is horrible?”
“How do you say no to a partner who thinks you owe them sex?”
“Is pornography an accurate representation of sex?”
These questions have fallen on six issues: relationship, sexual activity, opinions and attitudes on sex, health and communication, LGBTQ+ issues and sex education.
The findings have shown that teenagers are still deprived of important knowledge of sexual health. Why does this matter? The consequences are huge: Youth represents Half of Sti Infections in the US, more than four out of five teenage pregnancies are inadvertently; One in six children experience sexual violence. Not all teenagers are affected in the same way. Marginalized groups are often more affected.
By research into business
Laura saw the opportunity to deal with these gaps in sexual education by supporting parent-level conversations. Her research is steadily showing that when parents speak openly with their children, teenagers are more likely to use condoms, contraception, feel confident about sexual decision -making and communicating with partners.
Parent-to-earth sexual communication is related to:
However, these conversations often do not happen early enough. From the previous year, Only 70% of adolescents ever report by discussing sexual health issues with parents and 40% do not have these conversations until it becomes sexually active.
To bridge this gap, Laura turned to digital health solutions. This approach is accessible and interactive and has the ability to be in the individual.
The solution: Let’s talk!
Laura’s business, Teen Health Research, launched Let’s talk. This online program was designed for parents and children to complete and develop with psychologists, pediatricians and researchers. The program offers:
Guidance of experts
Communication Starters
Practical tools and resources
Age appropriate, interactive lessons for children
The goal: Parents’ empowerment to have real, reliable conversations that prepare youth for healthy relationships and safer sexual decision -making.
Growth journey
After decades of exploring trends in teenage sexual health and family communication through her research, Laura founded Adolescent Health Research In 2021. Since then, it has:
Integrated Entrepreneurship Education
Fought for funding opportunities
Were developed and tested original with 35 families
Comments were collected by participants
Pilot studies were overwhelmingly positive. A child shared: “I like to know what to wait for when I hit adolescence.”
THE new Let’s talk The site started in July 2025 And already has over 500 subscribers. Complete product is set to be released this autumn.
Tips for Sexual Health Professionals
At Shaura’s annual summit, Laura shared valuable tips for those who want to start a business in this area:
The development of a business is tough and slow. Laura is still beating for money, learning new lessons and waiting for the unexpected
Progress is not linear. Development of your business, the product does not happen in a straight line. Wait for changes and failures, but don’t let this prevent you from going after what you want!
Innovation is required in the field of sexual ed. The Sexual Education Sector remains subjective and inadequate – your ideas matter.
Wander with good people. Shar provides Comprehensive certification programs and Events under the leadership of experts To help develop, connect and the network with peers, consultants and top experts such as Laura.
Do you want to develop your own business?
Shar focuses on attracting special presenters and lecturers to our community all year long. These events are designed to help you get the knowledge, skills and connections that can take your homework to the next level. Check the SHA events that can support you in your business development.
Looking for more personalized support? THE Sha Business School 2025-2026 group It offers guidance, centered business guidance and practical tools to help you turn your ideas into an impact. This program is built to strengthen entrepreneurs like you who shape the future of sexual health.
