As a speaker, I invite you to join me on a journey through the intricate layers of Afghan history, politics, and culture. Drawing from my experiences as an activist, theater maker, writer, and refugee, I offer a unique perspective to explore these complex topics. Each talk is a carefully crafted narrative, blending historical insights with personal anecdotes to paint a vivid picture of life in Afghanistan.
As a moderator I’ve moderated panels for organizations such as Seattle Opera, BIONEERS Conference, and American Conservatory Theatre San Francisco, I bring a dynamic approach to fostering engaging discussions and ensuring diverse voices are heard. With a keen eye for detail, I have designed panels that work well together on specific topics, creating cohesive and informative discussions.
Furthermore, my commitment to social justice is unwavering. Having completed the rigorous Making Good Trouble Anti-Racist Facilitation Training Program, I am equipped with the skills to moderate events and facilitate meaningful conversations.
Join me on this journey of enlightenment and empowerment, where every story shared is a step towards a more compassionate and connected world.
Screening of "Women War and Peace" — Humaira on a panel.
Panel on Afghan Women in Hayward, California — Heidi Kuhn, Cheryl Jennings, Aisha Wahab, Humaira and Fariba Nawa
Women’s National Book Association, Featured Member Interview with Humaira Ghilzai
Humaira interviews New York Times best selling author Khaled Hosseini about the adaptation of his beloved second book, A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS, for stage.
"Humaira Ghilzai brings personal experience and knowledge to her engaging presentations on the history and people of Afghanistan. Her well-organized facts are compelling and clear, enhanced with images in a slide show. Humaira does not overburden the audience with information, but focuses them on the topic at hand. Seeking dialogue with her audience, Humaira is successful in demystifying the history and politics of Afghanistan, answering questions with the authority that can only come from direct experience. Her presentation is a sharing, not a lecturing, that leaves everyone richer in understanding."
—Kate Farrell, President, San Francisco Chapter--Women's National Book Association, Librarian, Author, Storyteller
“I was completely captivated by Humaira’s presentation about Afghanistan, past and present. Although I knew very little about Afghanistan before I sat down, by the end I had a much clearer picture of the history and political atmosphere over the last 100 years, with special relevance to Afghan women’s issues. Complemented by a vivid slide show that mixed personal stories into the larger historical landscape, Humaira deftly presented an interesting timeline of a fascinating country.”
One City, One Book—San Francisco Public Library
New York Times best selling author, Tamim Ansary, Humaira and Mo Qayoumi, Advisor to President Ashraf Ghani
"Inside Perspective: Life As An Afghan Woman" — Humaira speaks about Afghanistan's history from women's perspective
PRESS AND SPEAKING INQUIRIES
PREVIOUS SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
The Commonwealth Club of San Francisco ~ World Affairs Council ~ Global Fund For Women ~ The Asia Foundation
Seattle Opera ~ Canadian Dining For Women ~ UC Berkeley ~ Sonoma Salon ~ Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services ~ University Women Helping Afghan Women (UWHAW) ~ Golden Threads Productions
San Francisco Writer's Conference ~ Seattle Repertory ~ Women's National Book Association American Conservatory Theater
New Strands Festival ~ Berkeley Public Library ~ San Jose State University ~ Cal State University East Bay ~ Women for Women
San Jose Repertory Theatre ~Arizona Theatre Company ~ Thunderbird University ~ Urban High School ~ San Francisco Library
Albany Elementary School ~ San Francisco Friends School ~ Adda Clevenger ~ The StrandRebuild Afghanistan Summit
Lick Wilmerding High School ~American Conservatory Theater, San Francisco
~University Women Helping Afghan Women (Canadian Federation of University Women)
~ KPMG ~ Klayvio ~ Southwest Technical College ~ City of Hayward