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Speaking Topics

from Graciela Tiscareño-Sato

Graciela is a sought-after speaker who informs and inspires a wide variety of audiences ranging from elementary school to business school and beyond, in English and in Spanish. Students of all ages, employee resource groups, educational conference attendees, parents all learn from Graciela’s diverse professional experiences and military adventures. You can see a clip of one of Graciela’s many keynote presentations here. 

Below are the titles and detailed speaker sheets for her most-requested topics. Invite her to speak by inquiring at (510) 542-9449.

“My wife and I really enjoyed your presentation last night at the Experimental Aircraft Association dinner. I had a chance to talk to the members last night as we were cleaning up; they all said they really enjoyed your talk. My favorite part? It was the combination of your story of your Air Force ROTC aviation experiences at Cal, your family being there at your Commissioning and being so proud of you, that the Air Force at that time couldn’t put you in a combat role upon graduation from flight training…Maybe most of all, I enjoyed the amazing story about your daughter. I find that part very inspirational, that she is doing so well and is proficient in Braille. My wife knows the superintendent of the school district here and is planning on contacting her to tell her about your involvement with education. Thank you.”

Mark Palajac, Treasurer, Experimental Aircraft Association 663, Livermore, CA

“Graciela presented at three of our libraries and both parents and children thoroughly enjoyed her presentation. Her telling about her journey in the Air Force was inspiring for all. Graciela was easy to work with. She was professional, responsive and flexible. Graciela’s desire to have a positive impact on the community is evident in the connection she made with all participants. We are looking forward to having her back in September for another program during Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Lynne Noone, Senior Community Library Manager, Contra Costa County Library

“Graciela received a standing ovation from our Texas Association for Bilingual Education audience…one of our few standing ovations at TABE. She is great to work with.”

Jose Hernandez, Executive Director, TABE

“As Youth Services Librarian, I highly recommend Graciela Tiscareno-Sato. She did an extraordinary presentation at our library, thoroughly engaging both children and adults with her inspiring and riveting career in the Air Force and later as children’s author. The presentation included stunning visuals, film, and even flight suits for the children to model. This is a program, moreover, that instills pride in our Latino heritage. I am honored to have met and worked with Ms. Tiscareno-Sato, and hope to do so again.”

Constance Keremes, Youth Services Librarian, Patrick Heath Library, Boerne, Texas

“Graciela is a multi-faceted businesswoman, setting her sights on providing effective and efficient information with the target of promoting and enhancing the lives of Latinos in a global fashion. Her journey takes her through education, as well, as she is determined to push through the myths of Latino children in education as English language learners. Her support in San Antonio, Texas during the 2015 Dual Language Conference, held at Education Service Center-Region 20, inspired educators of all levels in the field as she made her vivid, authentic stories come to life through the many connections with participants she created during her presence. Graciela’s keynote address, and later intimate gathering with educators, provided these educators with a newfound passion for teaching and reaching all English language learners. Her numerous experiences and keen eye for learning and supplying her knowledge to others are guaranteed to promote a powerful punch in your program.”

Clarissa Dovalina, M.Ed., Educational Specialist, Bilingual/ESL, Education Service Center Region 20, San Antonio, Texas

“True to the conference theme, “Embracing the Heart, Enriching the Mind,” Graciela Tiscareño-Sato touched hearts and minds in her keynote address at the Region 20 Dual Language Conference in San Antonio. Challenging teachers to reconsider their student expectations, Graciela related how she started school speaking no English and through the help of caring educators became an accomplished student, aviator, businesswoman, and author. Not only did Graciela inspire teachers to view their English Language Learners through a future lens, she also taught practical strategies for developing writing skills during a following break-out session. Through these conference presentations, Graciela rekindled passion and ignited a desire in many teachers to help their students become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Marcy Voss, Boerne ISD Special Programs Coordinator, Boerne, Texas

“Que gran oportunidad para los niños bilingües y de sus padres el poder disfrutar de esta historia en su lengua materna.”

Ivonne Luna de Thompson, Maestra de Español, Madre Latina

“A million tiny “thanks” for being a part of Fiestas Fridas SF inaugural event. You are an inspiring woman in English and Spanish! All of our Little Fridas and Diegos loved hearing you read Good Night Captain Mama in español. Since most of our kids were Spanish speakers, it sure made them feel special. We look forward to what’s to come from your pluma, keep on writing!”

Erika Guzman, Fiestas Fridas San Francisco

“Graciela, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time today to share with us. Your presentation has inspired me to want to do more; learn more. I feel more aware of the need to return to my roots and the need to teach that awareness to my children to be more resourceful and appreciate and put to use what we have. It’s become so easy to go out and buy in today’s culture without giving a second thought. I really understand the value of these teachings and I’m going to implement them & share with others. You have really given me some food for thought and more importantly a desire to go out and act.”

Valinda Valerio,Facility Coordinator, Jones Lang LaSalle

“Hearing the story of an accomplished and dedicated yet unlikely aviator allowed my students to further imagine the endless possibilities for their lives. The students who were able to try on the flight suits have bragging rights for the rest of the year and the remainder can’t stop talking about how your upbringing is similar to theirs. You have planted a seed in my students that will grow into something wonderful. Thank you!”

Kerrin Torres-Meriwether, Teacher, Buck Lodge Middle School

Sample Speaking Topics

Modern Military Women: History in the Making

Today’s military women are achieving tremendous heights. Women now wear the ranks of two, three and four-star generals in the Air Force, Army and Marines. Audiences will be treated to images and video of modern military women flying combat jets, refueling tankers and the first Thunderbird pilot who was born a woman, and so much more. This presentation is a tribute to the heights women are achieving now that combat exclusion has been officially lifted.

The STEM of Aviation

Designed for middle and high school students, this talk encourages young people to pursue STEM careers while sharing highlights from Graciela’s military career as an Air Force officer, aviator, instructor navigator and leader in multicultural settings. 

Download Speaker Sheet

7 Military Leadership Lessons Professional Women Can Use Daily

Nuggets of wisdom from Graciela’s active duty service, for use in professional settings, entrepreneurial ventures and motherhood.

Download Speaker Sheet

Navigating the Journey from Cockpit to Entrepreneurship

Describing my post-military career track through various corporate roles and ultimately to establishing my multicultural publishing and marketing firm. See the event here. Can be virtual or presented in an interactive format to live audiences.

Navigating the Journey from Cockpit to Entrepreneurship Virtual Presentation

Authentic Personal Branding for Military Veterans and Spouses – Workshop, Online Course

For active-duty service members and veterans in career transition, student veterans enrolled in school, and veterans and spouses in corporate settings — learn to draw from your service and life experiences to communicate in a memorable and differentiated way to influence your intended audience.

You’ll craft written words to put into action immediately to convey your best, most valuable skills to the people you wish to persuade. Attendees will consult 1-to-1 with Graciela to further refine their compelling, authentic story to motivate the intended audience (hiring manager, college admissions officer, OCS reviewer, etc.) Having now prepared the veteran to speak succinctly and eloquently about his/her unique value to an organization, Graciela then opens up her professional network with each veteran to connect each person to a contact to arrange an informational interview.

See what veterans are saying about Graciela’s new marketing guidebook!

Download Speaker Sheet

“Thanks so much for your wonderful presentation at the Hayward Library yesterday. I learned so much and was really “Wow!”ed by the courage and hard work demonstrated in your military service, your positive message, effective interaction with kids and the strong role model you provide in our community.”

Sally Thomas, Supervising Librarian, Hayward Public Library

“Graciela’s presentation was inspiring, fascinating and educational. We learned a lot about how critical math is in flying airplanes, how important it is for girls to have opportunities in science and the rewards of doing work that you love. Her fast-paced presentation included photographs, videos of mid-flight refueling, and her actual flight suits. The whole family will be intrigued…don’t miss it!”

Janis O’Driscoll, Division Manager, Programs & Partnerships, Santa Cruz Public Libraries

“Graciela Tiscareño-Sato did an excellent job sharing with our students about individuals of Latino heritage that contributed a great deal of success to the United States. Her presentation was inspirational for our Latino Heritage Celebration Assembly. Our parents, teachers, those who attended the assembly and most importantly our students were inspired by Graciela’s story and the two individuals she presented us with: Jose Hernandez, migrant worker to astronaut and Air Force Lt. Col. Olga Custudio, the first Latina ever to graduate from Air Force military pilot training. Our students were motivated to dream big and not to put limitations on education, and the gifts and talents they possess. We are looking forward to having Graciela visit with us again soon.”

Adriel “A.D” Briscoe, School Counselor, Hillside Elementary School

“As a member of the United States Air Force, Mrs. Sato was able to open the door to an American soldier’s life. Students had an opportunity to see how soldiers serve our country in many different ways. Additionally, Mrs. Sato’s book helped students see that soldiers are also mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. It was an eye-opening experience for our students.”

Candice Cheung, Second Grade Teacher, Jensen Ranch School

“Graciela, your presentations were fantastic, and you totally blew me away! It was a lovely treat to have you and your beautiful family here.”

Watonka Addison, Senior Librarian,Watsonville Public Library

“A BIG THANK YOU for making this happen! It has been a great experience for the 22 girls, 2 parents and the teacher from Los Robles Academy who participated [in Women of Aviation Week orientation flights]. They all were thrilled with the experience! We are looking forward to having more girls participating next year.”

Mr. Salas, Prinicipal

“Thank you so much for the wonderful presentation. I could tell that the kids really enjoyed the experience and got something out of it. When we returned to the classroom, the kids designed their own patches [using template in the back of the book.] It was a meaningful activity after getting to touch your patches on your uniform. Their designs are hanging up and I took some photos. I noticed one child drew a plane being refueled and several girls wrote ‘Captain (their name)’ on their patch design! It is wonderful that the girls are also seeing this as a possibility for themselves as well! Thank you so much for your time. I know the kids will remember this experience.”

G.Winblad, Kindergarten Teacher

The Unlikely Military Aviator

Presentation for adults and students alike features Graciela’s personal journal from oldest daughter of Mexican immigrants to scholarship AFROTC cadet at the #1 public university in America to military officer and aviator.

Download Speaker Sheet

View our archive for more past speaking events and engagements.