What’s Next: May 2026

I’ve gotten so used to posting about upcoming events and appearances on social media, I’ve very much been neglecting my blog and newsletter. Social media posts are great for reach, but they are so ephemeral to me - here one minute and lost in the endless scroll the next. I want to give the people who care about the things I have to say a chance to know what I’ve got going on and where to find me! So, here is a layout of all the places I’ll be popping up in May of 2026 including registration links wherever available!

The majority of my May appearances are focused on sharing with students and the communities that surround and guide them. I would love to speak at more colleges and universities. I help students and staff examine how their identities and ambitions are shaped - and how to realign them with well-being, compassion and community. If this sounds like something your school would benefit from, please reach out.

Thank you to these colleges and organizations for valuing my voice and its potential to shift how we show up:

  • Students of Color Conference (May 1 | Virtual) - I’m honored to present a keynote address at this conference presented by the WA Multicultural Students Services Directors Council that is themed “Rooted in Resilience: Growing Towards Liberation” That theme is amazing! I couldn’t have asked for a better space to show up! (More information: LINK)

  • Young Educated Ladies Leading (Y.E.L.L) Female Summit - May 16 | Highline College | Seattle, WA - I’ll be the keynote speaker for this conference designed to empower and motivate our young women of color to excel in academics and to accept nothing less than excellence from self. Registration for the 2026 Y.E.L.L. Summit opens April 27 and closes on May 9, or when capacity is reached. Register at yell.highline.edu

  • H.U.M.A.N Conference (May 22 | Olympic College | Bremerton, WA) - The HUMAN Conference convenes students, educators, civic leaders, public servants, community organizers, nonprofit partners, healthcare professionals, and regional changemakers to strengthen belonging, fortify identity, and build communities capable of thriving through challenge and change. The acronym is for Help Us Make A Neighborhood - I love this! I’ll be presenting remarks on the main stage as well as via a YOU Better! workshop. Join us, registration is now open here - LINK.

And finally, a month wouldn’t be complete without me doing some kind of artistic presentation as well. On April 1st, I’m excited to be signed up to perform at The Living Room, a new open mic space started by Seattle artist Ms. Taz. Tickets are running out fast, so if you’d like to come watch me drop some poetry on the mic (or perhaps you want to share some of your own?) grab a ticket today!

Hope to see you this May!

Kiesha B. Free

Kiesha B. Free is a professional host, speaker, artist and cultural strategist whose work focuses on helping people reconnect - with themselves, each other and the truth of their own possibility.

https://kiesha.org
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Connecting On & Offstage at the IIA 2025 International Conference