Speaking Engagements
I don’t believe in ‘trainings.’
I believe in telling stories, in sharing life experiences, in making people feel something.
When I say I don’t believe in trainings, I mean I don’t believe in a standardized lecture that leaves you unmoved. I do believe in sharing stories, in being vulnerable, in radical honesty. I believe speaking from personal experience opens up so much more room for connection, growth, and possibility - and that’s exactly why I share so much of myself every time I give a talk.
Previously Held Lectures:
In addition to teaching Gender Studies courses for over five years at UCLA, I’ve held trainings for a wide array of mental health professionals, medical doctors, medical students, graduate students, and corporate offices.
I’ve held talks for Google, On Running, Lincoln Financial, The UC Regents, UCLA, SFSU, UC Davis, USC, The Berkeley Free Clinic, National Iranian American Council, among others.
My talks range from lectures on “Nonbinary PoC Experiences: An Intimate Approach for Mental Health Providers” to “A Story of Trans Joy.” After listening carefully to what your organization is seeking, I curate a talk that offers new ideas, insights, and tools for your team to incorporate into daily life.
I dream of a world where we no longer hold standard trainings and instead where people are invited to tell their stories, share what’s on their hearts and minds, allowing us all an opportunity to see the world through new eyes. I believe that a radically different world will emerge when we are willing to be vulnerable and when we are willing to let that vulnerability lead us into a far more powerful form of connection with one another.
If you’re interested in inviting me for a talk, please get in touch!
“It is not lost on me the incredible amount of emotional energy and courage it takes to share your experiences with a room full of strangers. Your stories not only educated our community but also opened our hearts through reminders to focus on the individual experience of whomever we engage, and to highlight the value of engaging with intentions of caring, acknowledgement, and respect. Thank you for your willingness to be vulnerable for us.”
— Audience Member
“Extremely thoughtful, nuanced, and well laid out.”
— Audience Member
“You are an absolute joy and breathe an immense amount of fresh air into the workspace.”
— Audience Member
“The talk was so engaging, personal, touching, insightful, and real! Thank you shawndeez!”
— Audience Member
“What a moving talk. I left emotional and touched.”
— Audience Member