Speaking

Mandy is available for presentations, workshops, panels, podcasts, fireside chats, rallies, and more!

Mandy’s engaging, accessible, and humorous speaking style makes her a sought-after speaker for many popular topics surrounding trans kids, including:

  • the basics of gender diversity

  • parenting trans kids: the building blocks of support

  • how to support transgender kids and young adults

  • her parenting journey and path to advocacy

  • turning allyship into action

  • the climate in Texas for transgender children and their families

Mandy brings a unique perspective to these topics through her lived experience as the parent of two transgender children; her leadership and involvement in several local and state-wide advocacy organizations; and her large network of other parents of transgender youth, experts, and transgender adults.

Additionally, because her transgender children are over the age of 18, she is currently one of the few parents of trans youth in Texas who is willing and able to speak publicly without fear of being targeted by state government agencies.

What people are saying about Parents of Trans Youth presentations

  • "Your way of being, your charisma and truth telling are refreshing and made for an instant connection with our group. You inspired us with the great work you are doing and gave us specific things that we all can do in our day to day to grow in our work to defend and stand for the gender expansive community."

    Isabella Royer - Board Member, PFLAG Manhattan Beach/South Bay (California)

  • "SUPER! Mandy provided concrete and relevant information about a topic that many if not most people have only a vague understanding. She was very approachable and practical in the way she engaged the audience. The attendees really appreciated this program."

    Gretchen Miertschin - Christ the King Lutheran Church (Houston), Women in Transition

  • “Thank you for giving such a wonderful presentation the other night. It was very clear and heartfelt, and I was mostly touched by your advice to simply be there for our children and to listen and learn from them. I can't imagine parents not doing just that! Again thank you for talking about such an important topic. I think this is just the beginning for us at Rochambeau. I truly hope we have more of these conversations soon.”

    Rhonda Trad - Vie Scolaire Manager, Rochambeau, The French International School (Bethesda, MD)

  • "Mandy’s presentation to my undergraduate Health and Human Rights class was invaluable. Students thought she provided 'a real picture' of complex legal developments affecting trans youth. Her description of the essential role of advocacy to the Texas legislature was both 'empowering and touching'—and my students appreciated that she didn’t 'make it sound easier than it was.' They expressed gratitude for Mandy’s work and they were so impressed! I highly recommend her as a speaker for undergraduate students."

    Jessica Kritz - Assistant Professor, Georgetown University

  • "I cannot begin to thank you enough for your fabulous presentation on supporting trans kids and how we can better allies moving forward. The information you discussed was interesting, informative, and heartfelt. Your ability to engage with an audience on a topic that can be seen as controversial was fantastic. The comments I received from our attendees were extremely positive, and I hope you will be willing to do more with McDermott moving forward."

    Victoria Talbot - Senior Director, Global Talent Acquisition, McDermott International

  • “Your presentation was powerful, compelling, personal, and heartfelt. Thanks for making all of us who attended more human and humane.”

    Chris Gunnin - Head of School, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School (Austin)

  • "Mandy’s genuine nature shone while she detailed her rich protesting experiences, highlighted efforts to educate parents, and continuously affirmed her love for her trans kids. Due to her resounding kindness, our members felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable with her and confide about their own struggles."

    Caro Leal - Past President, University of Texas at Austin OUTreach (student organization)

Recent speaking engagements include:

Syracuse Law School
Duke University
Georgetown University
University of Maryland School of Medicine
University of Texas at Austin (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and student organization OUTreach)
Texas Tech University
Texas State University School of Social Work
McDermott International
PFLAG Manhattan Beach/South Bay (California)
Gender Spectrum
Cedar Park Pride/Leander Pride (Queer EmPower)
Wimberley Pride
Big 12 Conference LGBTQIA & Allies Summit
Texas Impact
Rochambeau, the French International School (Bethesda, MD)
Christ the King Lutheran Church (Houston), Women in Transition
Christ Church Cathedral (Houston)
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School (Austin)

For media inquiries, email Mandy here.