Speck is responsible for mentoring University of Missouri students who are interested in studying astronomy.[1] She directs their Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning, which supports students in their preparation for careers.[15] In 2008 she was awarded a University of Missouri award for research, in 2013 the University of Missouri William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence.[27] Speck was named after Angela Davis, and has always been interested in inclusion and equity.[3] She was appointed to the University of Missouri Policy Committee on Diversity Enhancement.[4] She won the University of Missouri Service Award for her Diversity work in 2016.[28] She serves as a member of the American Astronomical Society Council.[15] She has presented at The Story Collider.[29] She has also served as Chair the User Committee of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory and the Kitt Peak National Observatory.[7]