Esther Dillard

I don’t just tell stories — I help audiences understand why they matter now. As an award-winning journalist and former broadcast journalism professor, I bring clarity to complex and often overlooked histories, helping audiences connect the past to present-day issues in a way that is engaging, accessible, and grounded in facts. Organizations choose me when they want a speaker who can: Organizations choose Esther Dillard because she doesn’t just speak about history and identity—she shows audiences how untold stories actively shape today’s policies, classrooms, leadership decisions, and community conversations. Her work is grounded in journalism, not theory. With nearly 20 years as a reporter and former broadcast journalism professor, Esther brings clarity to complex issues and delivers storytelling that is accurate, engaging, and accessible to non-academic audiences. Clients partner with Esther when they need: Clear, audience-ready storytelling that connects overlooked history to current events Journalism-based narratives that build trust and avoid performative messaging Engagement strategies that help audiences retain information and apply it immediately Facilitated conversations and screenings that encourage thoughtful dialogue, not defensiveness Short-form content and talks that can live beyond the event as educational or digital media Whether delivering a keynote, screening an ERASED story, or creating short-form video or written content, Esther helps organizations move audiences from awareness to understanding—and from understanding to action.