Emilly Prado believes that creativity is a vital tool for promoting social justice and fostering collective well-being. As an accomplished speaker and educator, Emilly has shared insights at universities, creative agencies, non-profit organizations, festivals, detention centers, literary groups, and more. She has addressed audiences ranging from small gatherings to crowds of up to 1,500, both in person and virtually.
Her work encompasses themes of identity, social justice, humor, music, and the transformative power of storytelling across various mediums. Emilly has received multiple awards for her contributions to journalism, authorship, education, entrepreneurship, and community organizing.
Whether delivering a keynote address or leading a hands-on workshop, Emilly brings energy and compassion to inspire creativity, ignite conversation, and build community across generations.
You can book Emilly for keynotes, readings, workshops, or personalized feedback sessions at your university, company, or organization!
Popular offerings include:
🎤︎︎ TALK: 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.
✎ WORKSHOP: 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.
🎤︎︎ TALK: Beyond Facts but Before Fiction
What happens when the truth is incomplete—or too painful to face? This dynamic talk explores the craft of speculative nonfiction, revealing how writers use “what if” to uncover emotional truths, spark new creative possibilities, and combat systemic erasure.
✎ WORKSHOP: 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.
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.
Vertical video captured during YGB workshop “Design Your Life” 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
