Stories are the highest form of teaching... 

It all started five years ago at a Moth storyslam in Seattle. Since that time, I've won the Moth GrandSLAM, have had two stories on the podcast, and have been paid to tell stories and speak. I speak in front of a wide variety of audiences - from companies to nonprofits to storyslams to large conferences. As a teacher and attorney, I love to boil down complicated information into digestible pieces. I think stories are the highest form of teaching.

As someone who went from bed-bound to working as a lawyer in tech, I share my experience with managing a complex chronic illness. Specifically, I tell stories about invisible disabilities and overcoming adversity, sharing my courage and struggles. I speak on how the workplace can better accommodate people like me. Working in the tech sector, I also speak about how the internet and technology platforms, like Instagram, help people with disabilities. I make sure to always provide constructive guidelines and actionable steps for others.

You can check out my stories project at: invisiblestoriesproject.com.

Popular Keynote Programs:

Accommodating Immunodiversity

Diversity and inclusion

Invisible disabilities

Overcoming adversity

Recent speaking and workshop engagements

Work Matters for All: Stories of Disability, Emotional and Physical Pain, and Career - Grace Hopper NYC

Hidden Disabilities: Making Accommodations for the Unseen - Ag Careers Conference, IA

Making S P A C E for Disability 90min workshop - AmeriCorps National Service Training, MN, ID, PA (3x)

Building an Inclusive Workplace for All - StartUp Week Boulder, CO

Disability Month Podcast Contributor - Top Advisor Marketing Podcast, CA

Building an Inclusive Workplace - World Changing Women’s Summit, Conscious Company Media, CA

Podcast Contributor - No End In Sight, MA

Tech and Society: How Instagram Changed My Life - TechEquity Ignite Talks, CA    

Unrest: The science and experience of Chronic Fatigue - Screening and Panel, CA

Accommodating Disabilities in the Work Place - Urban Leaders Fellow Policy Conference, CO

Dis/Ability: Accommodating the Unseen in Tech - Tech Inclusion, CA

Clever Storytelling Workshop - Clever, SF (creator and facilitator)

Clever Storyslam - Clever, SF (creator and facilitator)   

Student Data Privacy In Today’s Policy Landscape - Clever, CA

Easy Steps to Protect Student Data - D.A.L.I. Conference, FL

Crossing-Over Into EdTech - StartUp Week, WA

If You Can’t, Teach - Moth GrandSlam storyteller, WA (winner)

Multiple Stories -Moth storyslam, Seattle: winner (3x), stories told (7)

Education Policy Conference - University of Washington School of Law, WA (organizer, host and speaker)

Making the Unseen Seen: using empathy to support your coworkers - University of Washington School of Law, WA

Testimonials

“Liz was great to work with from start to finish. I appreciated her down-to-earth demeanor when discussing our session objectives and how she could bring value to our end goals. She was organized through the planning and logistics, particularly informing me of her ETA as she traveled (as planners, we know this can really help alleviate some stress!). She delivered an engaging, thought-provoking and powerful message. Not only is her ability to convey her message through story-telling entertaining, but the content provided actionable items that participants could takeaway and implement. Great balance of drawing you in and then giving you something to work with!” - Erika Osmundson, AG Careers Conference organizer

“The hidden disabilities session was great because it was her perspective from how she thought & shared feelings about what manager told her, etc. Was very helpful. She was one of my favorites; very encouraging! I give Liz a 10 on a 1 to 5 scale! ” - attendee, AG Careers Conference

“I don't typically think of sessions in terms of "favorites," but this was my favorite session. I learned and laughed, pondered and pontificated, mused and mumbled my way to a better understanding of the ADA and 504 requirements and how they affect AmeriCorps programs. Elizabeth is a great presenter--smart, well-spoken, and funny. The only thing I would change about this session is moving it earlier in the schedule so that more people could attend. Or, better yet, make it a keynote/plenary.” - attendee, AmeriCorps disability workshop

“Liz was an incredible addition to our World-Changing Women's Summit! We had a deep discussion about making workplaces work for everyone and her perspective was invaluable to the discussion. She was consistently rated by our attendees as one of the most illuminating speakers who we had at the conference, and I personally loved working with her!” - Meghan French Dunbar, CEO + Co-Founder, Conscious Media Company

"Liz Travis Allen brings the perfect combination of research-based deep knowledge and personal connection. Every time she speaks I learn something new and am compelled towards action. She solidifies the connection between the head and the heart."   - Adam Smiley Poswolsky, Author of The Breakthrough Speaker

"Liz is a powerful storyteller and an expert on disability in the workplace. Her talk offers tangible tools employers can use to support employees with disabilities and make everyone in the workplace feel safe, seen, and engaged."   - Alanna Mednick, Lead Early Literacy Coach - OUSD

“Liz is a master storyteller. I've learned from watching her speak how a story can deliver a lasting message far better than bullet points. She will find the human in you and make it feel things, and you will think about what you felt for a while.”   - Jonah Kagan, Software Developer

“Liz’s ability to capture the hearts, minds, tear ducts, and funny bones of an audience shines on the Moth Mainstage, at conferences, and in small groups.  In a world where we walk with our heads bowed to tiny hand computers, listening to Liz speak is chance to connect and be present. What's more, her stories are an invitation to create positive change.”     - James Austin, Storyteller and Midwife  

“Liz Allen’s voice enters a room with a gentle command that quickly draws listeners in. Her life as an educator, lawyer, and adventurer navigating the world with chronic illness has given her a unique capacity to communicate profoundly difficult content with ease. Liz is a warm, insightful, and compelling speaker no matter the audience or stage.”   - Candace Faber, Public Speaker, Writer, Technologist

"Liz is an authentic and dynamic speaker.  I've heard her speak multiple times at she always manages to genuinely connect with her audience.  She shares powerful stories that are deeply personal, yet always relatable."   - Amy Chou, AI4All