Emilly Prado believes creativity is an integral tool for social justice and collective wellbeing. As a celebrated speaker and long-time educator she’s visited universities, creative agencies, non-profits, festivals, detention centers, literary organizations, and more, presenting to intimate audiences up to 1,500 people, in-person and online.
Her work spans themes of identity, social justice, humor, music, and the magic of storytelling across mediums. She’s earned awards for her impact in journalism, authorship, education, entrepreneurship, and community organizing. Whether leading a keynote or a hands-on workshop, Emilly brings energy and care to spark creativity, conversation, and community across generations.
You can book Emilly for keynotes, readings, workshops, or individualized feedback sessions at your university, company, or organization!
Popular offerings include:
✎ Finding My Way to Funeral for Flaca
Author Emilly Prado shares the evolving, winding nature of her path as a writer, reflecting on her experiences as a “troublemaker” who struggled with school and mental health. This session includes a reading from Funeral for Flaca, archival childhood photographs, and illuminates how 13-year-old Emilly found strength—in spite of school—through music and writing.
♥ Space-Making for Joy, Connection, and Justice
In this interactive workshop, Emilly Prado shares tools for building physical and digital spaces rooted in joy, connection, and community care. Drawing from her work with DJ collective Noche Libre and arts non-profit Portland in Color, she guides participants to design values-aligned community events.
✄ Let’s Make Zines
In this hands-on workshop, participants explore the radical history of zines and create their own DIY publications using classic cut-and-paste techniques, celebrating self-expression and creative play along the way.
Have a question or collaboration idea? I’d love to hear from you! Reach out for a custom proposal and to learn more via my full speaking and workshop kit.
Horizontal video captured during YGB workshop by Kyree Thames and FLI Media
See Emilly in Action
“Storytelling is incredibly important and validating. To have a local Latinx mujer visit our campus and shed light on an industry that has been historically white was truly inspiring for our community. Emilly left many folks inspired, motivated, and eager to reflect on their own story and journey.”
—Emmanuel Macias, Western Oregon University