L. Patty Flores speaking at an event
Public Speaking & Workshops

Speaking With Purpose, Lived Experience, and Systems Insight

Presentations and workshops for universities, nonprofits, county agencies, schools, and organizations seeking thoughtful conversations about foster care, education, youth voice, lived experience, and systems change.

Trauma-Informed Keynote Speaker & Researcher Inspiring Audiences

I am a trauma‑informed keynote speaker, researcher, and clinician with lived experience who brings confidence, humor, and authenticity to every stage. I have spoken for county entities and large audiences of more than 1,000 attendees, delivering presentations that are both educational and deeply motivational. I bring lived experience across multiple systems, along with research‑backed insight. My work is rooted in both personal history and academic training, and I am committed to helping organizations strengthen the way they serve individuals navigating trauma, homelessness, employment barriers, and systemic inequities. My approach blends research, lived experience, and storytelling with practical tools that staff can use immediately in their day‑to‑day work.

As a PhD student and Chancellor’s Fellow at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), my research focuses on migrant and system‑impacted youth, trauma, and community‑based healing. I have collaborated with professors, researchers, and organizations nationally, and I bring that depth of scholarship into every keynote and training. My presentations are designed to connect with diverse audiences, inspire reflection, and offer clear, actionable strategies that support real‑world change.

Keynote speaker with lived experience providing trauma-informed presentation

Lived Experience Keynote Speaker - Advocacy & Inspiration About the Speaker

I am a trauma‑informed keynote speaker, researcher, and advocate who has become an empowering voice for individuals and communities whose experiences are often overlooked or misunderstood. Organizations consistently share that my presentations inspire and energize their teams, and I have been invited to speak to audiences of all sizes, including large county events and youth‑serving programs. I continue to advocate for meaningful change within major agencies and systems.

I have presented to judges, attorneys, probation officers—including the Chief of Probation—counselors, professors, social workers, and county‑level leadership. My work bridges the gap between lived experience and systemic change, offering a perspective that is both personal and grounded in research. As a PhD student and Chancellor’s Fellow at Washington University in St. Louis, I collaborate with professors, researchers, and organizations nationally, bringing academic rigor, authenticity, and a strong commitment to equity into every keynote and training.

Patty speaking to an audience
Keynote speaking topics and expertise

Professional Experience Topics & Expertise

I have served as a keynote speaker, guest speaker, and panelist for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the County of Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Los Angeles Department of Probation, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), and several other respected agencies and universities. These partnerships reflect my commitment to trauma‑informed, culturally grounded work and my ongoing collaboration with systems that directly impact youth, families, and communities.

Audience Engagement Impact Matters

Every time I am invited as a guest speaker, the audience is deeply engaged and participates in thoughtful, meaningful conversations. In foster care settings such as group homes, staff have shared that youth personally request for me to return, which is one of the greatest honors in my work. Their feedback reflects the connection, trust, and authenticity I bring into every space.

My bilingual skills also allow me to connect with monolingual Spanish‑speaking audiences in a way that feels culturally grounded and accessible. I have extensive experience giving speeches and facilitating impactful events entirely in Spanish, ensuring that families and communities who prefer Spanish receive the same depth, care, and clarity in every presentation.

Audience engagement as a keynote speaker with lived experience

SUPPORT

FAQs

I speak on trauma-informed care, foster youth, immigration, homelessness, incarceration, culturally grounded practice, youth engagement, and staff wellness. My presentations blend lived experience, research, and practical tools that staff can use immediately in their day-to-day work.

Yes. I offer keynote presentations, workshops, staff trainings, and tailored sessions for organizations, universities, county agencies, and community programs. Each engagement is customized to your goals, audience, and program needs.

Yes. I have extensive experience presenting to city officials, county administrators, judges, attorneys, probation officers, educators, and large audiences of more than a thousand attendees. I am comfortable speaking in both intimate settings and large-scale events.

Yes. I am fully bilingual and frequently present to monolingual Spanish-speaking audiences. I offer keynotes, workshops, and trainings entirely in Spanish to ensure accessibility and cultural relevance.

Yes. Although my location shifts due to research, work, and travel, I regularly arrange speaking engagements across different states and cities. I am available for national and international events with advance coordination.

Yes. I offer virtual keynotes, workshops, and trainings through secure online platforms. Virtual sessions are ideal for organizations with multiple sites or remote staff.

You can reach out through my website’s contact form or email to share your event details, goals, preferred dates, and audience size. From there, we will schedule a brief consultation to determine fit and finalize next steps.

Speaking fees vary depending on the format, length, preparation required, and travel needs. All payments are processed through my business, Defying Labels, using secure and ethical payment systems. I will provide a clear quote after learning more about your event.

Payments are made through Defying Labels using secure, trackable methods that ensure proper documentation for both your organization and mine. Multiple payment options are available to meet agency or university requirements.

Absolutely. I collaborate closely with organizations to tailor content to your specific goals, whether you serve foster youth, immigrant communities, individuals experiencing homelessness, system-impacted youth, or staff working in high-stress environments.

Yes. Depending on the engagement, I can provide handouts, reflection prompts, or resource guides that support continued learning after the presentation.

I recommend reaching out as early as possible, especially for county events, conferences, or university programs. However, I do my best to accommodate last-minute requests when my schedule allows.