Public Speaking
Our Founder and CEO, Dr. Laura J. Cortez, is often invited to share her story with the public. With a background in higher education, she enjoys speaking with students as well as sharing her insights into the world of public engagement with a wide-range of audiences. Laura is passionate about reflecting on her own lived experiences to motivate others to make a difference in their communities.
If you are interested in requesting Dr. Cortez as your next speaker, please complete our form below. The links below provide access to a media kit with professional headshots and a short biography.
Previous Speaking Engagements
In May 2021, the University of Texas at Austin invited Dr. Laura Cortez to share career tips and speak to Graduate students through the Alumni@Work program. This program was sponsored by the University of Texas at Austin Texas Career Engagement program. Here is a video of the advice she shared.
On May 26, 2021, Austin Parks Foundation held a Digital Dialogue on public participation in the COVID-19 era. Along with a panel of community organizers, Dr. Cortez shared her experience during these uncertain times. To view the presentation, click here.
As part of the “Hilltop Talent Summit” at St. Edward’s University, Dr. Cortez was invited to serve on an Employer Panel to share best practices on Internship Programs and setting up students for success.
Collegehood Advice, founded by Katy Oliveira, featured Dr. Cortez in her very first podcast! You can listen to her advice on Episode #16: The Power of Servant Leadership. The podcast features two friends sharing the meaning of what it is to be of service, listen here.
In 2019, Dr. Cortez returned to Texas State University to kick-off Hispanic Serving Institute (HSI) Week. She served as the keynote speaker revisiting her dissertation findings and insights on “Building Community at Hispanic Serving Institutions.”
On March 9, 2021, the Urban Land Institute Austin hosted a luncheon on “Engaging Community for Equitable Development.” Dr. Cortez served on a panel with community leaders to discuss lesson learned with the successful Colony Park Sustainable Community project. Connect here to listen to a clip of her presentation.
In 2020, Dr. Cortez took part in the 2nd Annual Summit on “Improving the Outcomes of African American and Latinx Male Youth” with Prairie View A&M University MACH-III Center. She shared her insights on how we as a community can help to shape the future of the minority male population. Here’s a sneak peak on the advice she shared.
