Where Am I Speaking Fall 2015
This Fall I’ve had the chance to corrupt a lot of students at schools across the country.
I’m in the middle of a stretch of 8 weeks of visiting at least one high school or college per week. I always like to write this post before I start a season of speaking so maybe I can sync up with some friends or readers while on the road. Alas, I’m a bit behind, so this post covers where I’ve been and where I have left to go this fall.
8/26 Fashion Institute of Technology
As Hogwarts is to wizards, F.I.T. is to fashion students. First year students read WHERE AM I WEARING. I love reaching fashion students with the stories of the garment workers I’ve met in Bangladesh, Cambodia, and beyond. Some day these students may be sitting in a meeting about rushing an order or squeezing a factory on pricing and ask: “What about the people who make this?”
The garment industry has such a huge potential to provide mothers and fathers around the world with genuine opportunities.
9/2 Gilmour Academy
Gilmour grad, Hilary Dell, founded One Seed Heritage to connect those who wear school uniforms with the people who make them. I spent the day at the high school chatting with students.
9/9 Florida Southern College
I got hissed at by an auditorium full of rattlesnakes during the campuses convocation. I think that was a good thing, but startling nonetheless.
9/17 Central College, Iowa
It was fascinating to be in Iowa during the 2nd Republican debate. I ate some Dutch letters, tilted at windmills, gave a reading of WEARING (I so wanted to rewrite as I was reading!), addressed the first year students who read EATING, and met my author friend Matthew Clemons to pose with a giant ear of corn–as one does in Iowa.
9/24 William Peace College
I lived in Raleigh with Annie for two years after she graduated college, so I got my nostalgia on while visiting William Peace. I also grabbed my first Uber ride (Hello 2013!), bought a pair of Raleigh Denim jeans, and had some really great interactions with students in classes, at my lecture, and at dinner.
10/1 Austin Peay State, Clarksville, TN
10/7 UNC-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
I love speaking in areas with a history in the garment industry.
10/8 Elon University
Not sure about all the details. That’s how organized I am. But I will finally get to meet Eric Henry of TS Designs— a garment industry hero of mine!
10/13 Faces of Leadership Conference, Charleston, WV
I’ll be speaking about the Facing Project and the power of stories to build community alongside Facing Project co-founder J.R. Jamison.
10/30 IPFW, Fort Wayne, IN
Speaking about the Facing Project alongside J.R. again.
11/12 Ivy Tech, Ft. Wayne, IN
I think I’m speaking at 2PM.
11/18 Nothrwest Missouri State, Maryville, MO
Fall is pretty much booked, but if you are interested in bringing me to speak to your campus or organization in the spring, email me [email protected].
And if you are wondering what the heck I’m talking about all the time, here’s a list of my speaking topics. That said,
Let your voice be heard!