Speaking & Collaborations

Grief is inevitable, but most workplaces and institutions are not prepared for what follows. I partner with organizations, conferences, media platforms, and leaders who are ready to move beyond surface-level conversations and build stronger, more responsive systems of support.

My work bridges public policy, lived experience, and practical infrastructure, translating complex challenges into clear, actionable insights for employers, executors, and communities. Whether you're hosting a panel, producing a podcast, developing internal education, or exploring a collaborative initiative, I bring grounded expertise and thoughtful dialogue to conversations that matter.

If you’re interested in working together, please share a few details below. I review each inquiry personally.

Latest Podcast Features

EP27: Cassidie Bates: How Becoming an Executor at 25 as an Only Child Sparked a Mission for Bereavement and Executorship Advocacy

Public Speaking Portfolio

Conference Session, California Association of Food Banks Food  Access Conference 2024, ‘Power of Community Advocates as Lived  Experience Experts – Best Practices for Effective Legislative Advocacy & Trauma-Informed Care in Advocate Trainings & Engagements’ – May 2024

Speaker Series 2004 Graduation, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano – May 2024 

Cassidie Bates Award & Check Presentation Acceptance Speech at Box Lunch 2023 Holiday Gala – November 2023 

Cassidie Bates Acceptance Speech for 2023 California Hunger Fighter Award – May 2023 

Speaker Series 2023 Graduation, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano – May 2023 

Feeding America’s Best Practice Institute on Cassidie Bates, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano – 2022

Conference Session, California Association of Food Banks Food  Access Conference 2022, ‘Centering Lived Experience and an Equity Lens for Effective Advocacy’ – October 2022 

Speaker Series 2022 Graduation, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano – May 2022 

Cassidie Bates presenting Keva Dean with 2022 CHAC Award – May 2022 

Conference Session, Feeding America and FRAC Anti-Hunger Policy Conference, ‘Incorporating Lived Experience and Using an Equity-Lens for Effective Advocacy’ – March 2022 

6th Annual Legislative Lunch, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano – December 2021 

Speaker Series 2021 Graduation, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano – May 2021 

Empty Bowls, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano – January 2021 

5th Annual, Legislative Lunch, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano – January 2021 

Food Bank’s elected officials share importance of advancing food security during COVID, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano – January 2021 

Publications & Media