Stephanie Elizondo Griest is available for the following events:

KEYNOTES

“Out of the Barrio”

In this high-energy motivational speech, Stephanie Elizondo Griest describes her “escape” from South Texas to become a globe-trotting foreign correspondent, human rights advocate, and author — and how she combated racial, gender, and cultural stereotypes along the way. Keynote includes performances from all three of her award-winning memoirs: Around the Bloc: My Life in Moscow, Beijing, and Havana; Mexican Enough; and All the Agents & Saints: Dispatches from the U.S. Borderlands. View an excerpt here.

“Latinx Enough”

After a lifetime of racial insecurities (“Am I Latina enough?”), Stephanie Elizondo Griest moved to her mother’s homeland of Mexico to learn more about her roots. Through her interviews with Mexican undocumented workers, indigenous resistance fighters, and gay/lesbian activists, she realized she wasn’t alone in questioning her own Mexicanidad. Keynote includes a performance from her award-winning memoir Mexican Enough: My Life Between the Borderlines (Washington Square Press/Simon & Schuster, 2008). View an excerpt here.

“Art Against The Wall”

In this multi-disciplinary performance, Stephanie Elizondo Griest documents the wide range of artistic responses to the world’s border walls. Keynote includes a reading as well as a Power Point presentation of images of artworks found along the Great Wall of China, the Berlin Wall, the West Bank Wall, the Wagah-Attari Wall, and the U.S./Mexico wall. Time length: 50 minutes, not including Q&A. View an excerpt here.

“Is Art Enough?”

Is art enough to constitute a fulfilled life? To find out, Stephanie Elizondo Griest embarked on a 12-nation journey to interview scores of dancers, actors, musicians, visual artists, and writers. She shares her findings in this multi-disciplinary performance that includes a reading from her next book project. View an excerpt here.

“Survivor’s Guide to Planet Cancer”

At age 43, Stephanie Elizondo Griest had just commenced a national tour for her latest book when she started experiencing abdominal discomfort that she assumed to be from too many enchilada platters. A CT-Scan revealed a basketball-sized tumor instead, suspended from her left ovary. In the months that followed, she lost six organs, twenty pounds, and all of her hair, but not her spirit. She has now been NED (No Evidence of Disease) from Ovarian Cancer since December 2017. Keynote includes a wig demonstration plus a Power Point presentation of life on Planet Cancer, along with survival tips for cancer patients and those who love them.

WORKSHOPS

“Traveling Sola: Tips For Wandering Women”

Got wanderlust? This workshop covers everything a woman needs to know before hitting the road, including how to: conquer your fear, fend off parasites (and sketchy men), handle culture shock, and avoid getting tossed off Trans-Siberian trains for not having your papers in order. You’ll also learn about the world’s most “women-friendly” places. Time length: One to two hours.

“See The World On Someone Else’s Budget”

Learn the secrets of traveling abroad as a fully-funded exchange student, volunteer, or “grammar gypsy.” Topics include scholarship and fellowship research tips; composing the perfect essay or pitch letter; and landing internships, jobs, and press trips overseas. Time length: One to two hours.

“Travel Writing 101”

Want a dateline from Zanzibar? Learn how in this workshop, which covers the full spectrum of travel writing – from blogs to magazine articles to books – as well as basic craft elements, such as description, dialogue, and character development. We’ll share tips on how to travel overseas on somebody else’s budget, including press trips, grants, scholarships, and work-gigs as a teacher or “grammar gypsy.” The class will conclude with a business overview, including how and where to sell and promote your work. Time length: One to three hours.

“Crash Course in Memoir Writing”

Everyone has a story to tell, but some people earn their living with theirs. What is their secret? Learn how to mine your memories for experiences that can be developed into marketable stories in this workshop. We’ll discuss craft techniques (including character development, plot, theme, and description) as well as ethical issues (including when to use a pen name, and when to call a lawyer). We’ll also discuss the various types of memoirs and where yours might fit in, plus how and where to pitch them. Time length: One to five hours.

“From Inspiration To Publication: Landing Your First Book On A Shelf”

Learn the nuts and bolts of the publication process, from how to write a killer query letter to where to find an agent; from crafting a marketable book proposal to setting up a national book tour without going broke. Time length: One to three hours.