Speakers at the Center
Deepen Your Learning
Join us at the Wassmuth Center each month for an inspiring and thought-provoking speaker series that shines a light on critical human rights issues impacting both our local community and global society. Each session features dynamic speakers—authors, scholars, journalists, and other community leaders—who will share powerful stories, insights, and actionable ideas to foster awareness, understanding, and meaningful change. Whether you’re passionate about human rights, eager to engage with diverse perspectives, or looking to deepen your impact, these events provide an opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect with others committed to building a more just and inclusive world.
Upcoming
Emily Wakild, 'Idaho, the Environment, and Latinos: New Stories for the Past and Future'
June 3, 2026
6:30 - 8:00 PM MST
Latinos have made tremendous contributions to environmental conservation and to shaping Idaho. Latinos make up more than 13 percent of the demographic population of Idaho and have been shaping the state before it was a state. History is a creative tapestry with multiple and changing dimensions. Those dimensions start with words and phrases that become concepts and laws which shape people and communities. The past must also include attention to environmental dimensions, extending to the more-than-human worlds that shape human experiences.
This talk seeks to weave together environmental and Latino histories by respectfully contributing profiles of consequential and influential Latinas as a demographic group intertwined within a hemispheric narrative of environmental protection. Importantly, these stories of and by Latinas are drawn from a recent book, Nosotras: Latinas in Idaho. By examining the stories of the Latina community within Idaho and providing examples of testimonies and experiences of this crucial and significant group of people, Idaho’s past becomes richer and the landscapes around us become embodied with personal stories.
Speakers at the Center is made possible with the generous support of Marlene Southard.
Interested in being a speaker?
Please complete the form to let us know your interest and availability. We’ll contact you within a week to explore possibilities.
2026 Speakers
January
“Restoring America’s Promise: The Fight for Justice” with Dr. Mitch Maki, President and CEO of Go For Broke National Education Center
February
“The Art of Belonging: Women, Art, and Human Rights” with Luma Jasim, Reham Aarti, and Sue Latta
March
“The Cambodian Genocide 50 Years On: Truth, Justice, and Lessons Learned” with Dr. Alex Hinton, Director of the Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights and UNESCO Chair on Genocide Prevention
April
“Authentic Conversations Across Difference” with Adrienne Evans, Executive Director of United Vision for Idaho
May
“Crayons before Constitutions: Because Real Justice Doesn’t Color Inside the Lines” with Rebecca Young, former civil rights trial attorney and two-time finalist for the Idaho Supreme Court
June
“Idaho, the Environment, and Latinos: New Stories for the Past and Future” with Emily Wakild, Professor of history and the Cecil D. Andrus Endowed Chair for the Environment and Public Lands at Boise State University
2025 Speaker Series
January
Heath Druzin, “The Rise of Christian Nationalism and Idaho as a Laboratory for Extremism”
February
- Ousmane Kabré, “Stories of Impact, Compassion, and Community Transformation”
- Dr. Mitchell Maki, “America’s Promise: The Japanese Americans Veterans and the Fight for Justice”
March
Laurie Roberts, Rama Deen, Sarah Griffin, & Christina Lords “Her Influence: Honoring the Women Who Shape Us”
April
- Open Arms Dance Project & Open Arms Ambassadors
- Unseen and Unshaken: Narratives from the Unhoused Frontlines
May
Liyah Babayan, “Stages of Genocide in Real Time”
June
- Katie Knight & Judy Fjell, Love and Justice in Art and Music
- Gillian Walnes Perry, The Franks-An Ordinary Family Trapped in Extraordinary Times
July
“From Cambodia to Idaho: Student Perspectives on Human Rights, Education, and Hope”
August
“Voices of Belonging: Idaho Youth Speak”
September
Gregory Taylor, “Windows & Mirrors: stories that open doors to empathy and identity
October
CMarie Fuhrman, “The Power of Articles: How A, An, and The Can Shape Our Perceptions”
November
Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, “What Dispositions Do We Need for Democracy and Equity?”
December
Mari Ramos, “Cultural Heritage as a Moral Compass, Building Community Strength through Celebration”
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“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
-NELSON MANDELA, HUMAN RIGHTS LEADER