Utkarsh Srivastava 
Celebrate Juneteenth with thought leaders Kimberly Jones, Julie Lythcott-Haims, and Jocelyn Nicole Johnson as they explore advocacy, expression, and community. Kimberly Jones is an American author and filmmaker, known for her New York Times bestselling young adult novel I’m Not Dying With You Tonight and non-fiction book How We Can Win, based on her viral video published during the George Floyd protests. … Read more
Happy Earth Day! We’re highlighting these speakers who offer fresh perspectives on the environment, sustainability, and climate change. Eliza Griswold is the author of Amity and Prosperity: One Family and the Fracturing of America, the Pulitzer Prize-winning book about how fracking shattered one Pennsylvania town and how one resident brought it to light. She has … Read more
November is Native American Heritage Month. Get to know our speakers who discuss the importance of Indigenous representation, land stewardship, and environmental justice. Carole Lindstrom is a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author. She is Anishinaabe/Métis and a proud member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe Indians. Carole has spoken to both children … Read more
These Common Reads authors are leading the conversation on critical thinking skills and paving the way for success. A New York Times Editor’s Pick, Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez‘s memoir My Side of the River reveals her experience as the U.S. born daughter of immigrants and what happened when, at fifteen, her parents were forced back to Mexico. Her talks recount … Read more
Honoring Hispanic and Latinx Culture, Resilience, and Empowerment. Héctor Tobar is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, acclaimed author, and professor at UC Irvine. Héctor delivers inspiring talks on a range of topics, from Latinx culture to a meditation on race and inequality. 〉Click here for more information on Héctor Tobar Julissa Arce is a nationally recognized … Read more
Hear the motivational stories behind two of our leading disability advocates. Zach Anner is an award-winning comedian, show host, TV writer, viral sensation, disability advocate, and public speaker. Zach’s memoir, If at Birth You Don’t Succeed: My Adventures with Disaster and Destiny, is a hilariously irreverent and inspiring memoir about finding your passion. With a mixture of humorous … Read more
Plan for Pride Month this June with award-winning authors TJ Klune, Casey Mcquiston, and Mark Oshiro. TJ Klune is the New York Times and USA Today–bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more, including his latest The Bones Beneath My Skin. Being queer himself, Klune believes it’s important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive … Read more
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander culture this AAPI Heritage Month and all year long by hearing from these inspiring and sought-after speakers. Aarti Shahani is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and social entrepreneur. She cultivates breakthrough conversations that build trust and challenge at the same time. Aarti’s memoir Here We Are: American Dreams, American Nightmares chronicles … Read more
Hear stories of empowerment and healing from our esteemed speakers. Susan Lieu, a Vietnamese-American author, playwright, and performer, tells stories that refuse to be forgotten. Her memoir The Manicurist’s Daughter illustrates the crumbling of the American Dream and Lieu’s search for answers after her mother dies during plastic surgery. Lieu’s talks emphasize turning pain into power, making … Read more
Hear from one of these illuminating speakers for Women’s History Month on topics ranging from the power of women in the global economy to motherhood and female empowerment. Kate Mangino , Ph.D. is a gender expert and professional facilitator who works with international organizations to promote positive social change. For 20+ years, she has trained … Read more