Englewood, New Jersey, United States •
$1,501 - $5,000
About
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.
How Untold History Shapes Today’s Conversations
This session explores how overlooked and erased histories continue to influence today’s conversations around identity, citizenship, leadership, and belonging. Drawing from award-winning journalist Esther Dillard’s reporting, interviews, and original storytelling work—including her ongoing ERASED project—this discussion connects historical context to present-day issues audiences are already navigating. Rather than delivering a fixed lecture, the session adapts to the audience and setting, using journalism-based storytelling to invite reflection, clarity, and meaningful dialogue. Designed for educators, institutions, nonprofits, and community organizations, this session helps participants: Recognize how historical narratives are shaped, remembered, or omitted Understand why past events still influence modern debates and decisions Gain language and perspective to engage more thoughtfully in current conversations Grounded in journalism—not theory—this session is structured as an interactive, context-driven conversation that can be tailored as a keynote, panel discussion, or facilitated dialogue.
Journalism-Based Storytelling for Education and Social Impact
This session explores how journalism-based storytelling can be used as an effective tool for education, engagement, and social impact—without oversimplifying complex issues or relying on performative messaging. Drawing from award-winning journalist Esther Dillard’s experience in reporting, teaching, and media production, the session examines how journalistic practices such as sourcing, context, narrative framing, and audience awareness can help educators and organizations communicate important topics with clarity and credibility. Rather than presenting a fixed lecture, the discussion adapts to the audience and setting, using real-world examples to illustrate how stories can inform, engage, and inspire thoughtful action. Designed for educators, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and mission-driven institutions, this session helps participants: Understand how journalism principles strengthen educational storytelling Learn how to present complex social issues in ways audiences can grasp and retain Recognize the difference between awareness-based storytelling and impact-driven storytelling Explore responsible ways to share stories that build trust and understanding Grounded in journalism—not theory—this session can be adapted as a keynote, workshop-style conversation, panel discussion, or virtual presentation, depending on audience needs.
Empowering Neurodiverse Young Adults: From Campus Safety to Career Success
This webinar covers three core areas to support neurodiverse young adults: fostering safety and advocacy for inclusive communities, providing essential higher education support for social, emotional, and life skills, and building career partnerships that include recruitment, skills training, and mentorship.
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