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Disclaimer:
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Meet the Keynote Speakers: Samira Ahmed & Laura Packer
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Samira Ahmed is the New York Times bestselling author of the unforgettable young adult novels, Love, Hate & Other Filters, Internment and Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know.
Born in Bombay India and raised outside of Chicago, Illinois, Samira spent countless hours at the library in her small hometown nestled in an oversized armchair next to an old Victorian fireplace with her nose in an Agatha Christie novel or re-reading Little Women, hoping that Jo would somehow end up with Laurie this time. Samira always loved to write—especially poetry-but never actually dreamed of becoming a writer until she was an adult and an idea for a story captured her imagination and wouldn’t let go. She received her BA and MAT from the University of Chicago and went on to teach high school English in both the suburbs of Chicago and the New York City Public Schools. After she left the classroom, she worked in education non-profits, helping to create more than seventy small high schools in New York City and fought to secure billions of dollars in public school funding throughout New York State. Love, Hate, & Other Filters, Samira’s searing debut novel, marks the first time a Muslim author’s work of realistic fiction has ever appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. Internment received six starred reviews; Entertainment Weekly called it a “terrifying, thrilling, and urgent” read. Samira’s work is often informed by her own encounters with racism, the alarming rise in hate crimes throughout the United States, and her steadfast belief in the power of hope and human connection. These days, Samira lives in Chicago, Illinois. When she’s not writing or reading, she can be found on her lifelong quest for the perfect pastry. Learn more about her and her works at her official website! |
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Laura Packer is deeply committed to performing, coaching, teaching and facilitating storytelling for individuals and organizations. She believes that storytelling is among the most powerful means of human expression and connection; an effective tool for problem-solving and community building; and she strives to widen the world, build relationships and empower through story.
With over 25+ years workshop and teaching experience, her journey includes the National Council of Teachers of English; The Power of Words Conference; National Storytelling Conference; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; The Writers’ Place; New England Folk Festival; Northlands Storytelling Conference; Tejas Storytelling Conference; grades 4-12; colleges; public and private workshops for adults. Co-Chair and Chair of Sharing the Fire 2000-2002 oldest storytelling conference in the U.S. Founder and host monthly storytelling series at Bestseller’s Bookstore in Medford, Massachusetts 1997-2007; host Story Lab at Club Passim 1997-2008; host Forever Blue Storytelling 2009-2010. Founder and host Speak Up, Kansas City; 2013-2014. Co-founder and co-host Liar’s Game, Minneapolis, 2017-2019. Self-produced several large storytelling events. Past board member of the National Storytelling Network; past board member for the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling. Current board member of StoryArts of Minnesota Author From Audience to Zeal: The ABCs of Finding, Crafting, and Telling a Great Story and The Five Critical Organizational Stories. She maintains several blogs including http://www.truestorieshonestlies.blogspot.com. Featured articles in Storytelling magazine; HearSay; Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation and others. |
Awards & Distinctions
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The Venue: Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, Wichita
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KATE 2021 reservation deadline: October 15, 2021
Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita 400 W. Douglass Avenue Wichita, KS 67202
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to do I send invoices & purchase orders for the conference?
- Please use this invoice file!
- For all other financial questions, please contact our Treasurer Eileen Wertzberger.
- Yes! We traditionally offer credit through Newman University.
- Materials and details can be found at the conference.
- Past President Steve Maack can answer most PD/CE questions.