For Event Organizers
"I was given the opportunity to be here, and I took that to heart — I came for a reason."
Dora Rodriguez delivers keynotes, workshops, and panel conversations that turn one of the most harrowing border-crossing stories on record into a clear, human case for compassion and change. Audiences leave informed — and moved to act.
Who Books Dora
A keynote built for the rooms that matter most right now.
Universities & Colleges
Orientation week, Latine/Hispanic Heritage Month, immigration law and policy courses, multicultural centers, and commencement-adjacent events.
Libraries & Literary Festivals
Author talks and book club partnerships built around the memoir, paired with Q&A and signing.
Faith Communities
Congregations exploring sanctuary, immigration ministry, and the moral dimensions of border policy.
Conferences & Nonprofits
Human rights, social work, public health, and immigration law conferences seeking a lived-experience keynote.
Civic & Government Groups
Local government, school boards, and civic organizations working through immigration policy at the community level.
Media & Interviews
Interviews and panels on migration, trauma, and the borderlands for journalists, podcasts, and public programs.
Signature Topics
Four talks. One thread: what survival demands of us.
Every engagement is tailored — topics below are starting points, not a fixed menu.
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01
Survival & the Human Cost of the Border
A firsthand account of the 1980 desert crossing that nearly killed her — and a clear-eyed look at how U.S. border policy still produces these outcomes today. Best for general audiences, policy and law settings, and human rights programming.
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02
From Trauma to Purpose
How Dora spent three decades in social work and family-building before finding the strength to speak publicly — and what that arc teaches about resilience, healing, and delayed grief. Best for mental health, social work, and education audiences.
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03
Sanctuary, Then and Now
The story of how Dora's own crossing helped catalyze the Tucson sanctuary movement of the 1980s, and what that history offers today's sanctuary city and congregation debates. Best for faith communities and civic organizations.
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04
Building Salvavision: Grassroots Aid in Practice
A practical look at founding and running a humanitarian nonprofit on the border — direct aid, deportee support, and the realities of working in the Sonoran Desert. Best for nonprofit, public health, and social entrepreneurship audiences.
Formats
Flexible to your program — in person or remote.
Keynote Address
A 30–60 minute talk, typically followed by 15–20 minutes of audience Q&A. The most requested format for conferences, university programming, and large public events.
Author Talk & Book Signing
A reading and conversation centered on Dora: A Daughter of Unforgiving Terrain, ideal for libraries, bookstores, and literary festivals. Books available for purchase and signing on-site where logistics allow.
Workshop / Extended Session
A deeper, interactive format (60–90+ minutes) for classrooms, staff trainings, and small groups wanting to engage more directly with Dora's story and Salvavision's work.
Panel Participation
Dora joins moderated panels alongside other advocates, authors, and policy experts — a strong fit for symposiums and multi-speaker conferences.
Good to Know
Booking logistics, at a glance.
Travel & Availability
Dora is based in Tucson, Arizona, and travels nationally for engagements. Lead time of 4–8 weeks is preferred for travel logistics, though shorter notice can sometimes be accommodated — ask.
Languages
Dora speaks fluent English and Spanish, and can present in either language depending on your audience.
Virtual Engagements
Remote keynotes and Q&A sessions are available for organizations unable to host in person.
Fees & Honoraria
Speaking fees vary by format, travel, and organization type, including reduced rates for student groups and grassroots nonprofits. Share your budget in your inquiry and Dora's team will work with you.
Ready to Bring Dora to Your Event?
Let's talk about your audience and your date.
Fill out a short inquiry form, or email Anna directly at anna@dorarodriguez.org. You'll typically hear back within 2–3 business days.
Start Your Booking Inquiry