Yalda Hamidi

Gender & Women's Studies
Lecture Topics: Miscellaneous
Expertise: Feminism & Storytelling
Available for in-person lectures in: N/A
Available via Zoom?: Yes
To book Yalda, e-mail: dan@primetimepresenters.com, or fill out this form here.

Dr. Yalda Hamidi (she/her) is an Associate Professor of Gender and Women’s Studies and a dedicated feminist educator, mentor, and storyteller. Her passion lies in feminist teaching and learning practices, making education a space for critical inquiry, inclusion, and collective empowerment.

At Minnesota State University Mankato, she fosters conversations that connect feminism to everyday experiences, ensuring that learning is accessible and transformative. Dr. Hamidi actively collaborates with Women’s Centers, local organizations, and the media to bring feminist perspectives into public spaces. Her commitment to education and community engagement has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Feminist Change Agent Award and the Woman of Distinction Award.

She believes in the power of learning and storytelling to inspire change, creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and valued.

“James Calaski’s lecture on national, regional, and hyper-local history was professional and highly informative. Our patrons were incredibly engaged, the delivery was well-paced and articulate… We’ll be having him back!”

Brianne Colombo
Director
Glen Rock, NJ Public Library

“Your knowledge of the German American Bund and their history is second to none… Your expertise, both from a historical and research perspective and also in the field, enabled us to capture phenomenal footage for our project… thank you for appearing in our film.”

Annette Baumeister
Documentary Film Director ('The American Führer')

“James Calaski’s gifts as a historian, coupled with his innate skills as a police detective, bring a unique perspective to his work. He is thorough in his research, always going to those places where the facts lead. All that, plus Jim’s personable style and good sense of humor make him an ideal presenter for any group event.”

Arnie Bernstein
Author of 'Swastika Nation: Fritz Kuhn and the Rise and Fall of the German-American Bund'

FANTASTIC !!! She is an incredible lecturer. Only wish more time could have been spent on each segment of her presentation. Left me wishing for more. The blend of history and literature was so interesting and informative.

Parker Life Senior Living Attendee after Myra’s American Dreams: The Immigrant Experience In US Literature lecture

Good Morning Catherine,
Thank you so much for a fabulous presentation on new Zealand last evening. Our audience loved it! I have been receiving such positive feedback and wanted to share with you the comments I received thus far. As I mentioned last night, your enthusiasm for New Zealand shines through the screen and I do hope you enjoyed it as much as we did and will return in the future.

Attendee
Parker Life Senior Living

That was a very interesting, informational presentation, I loved it! Looking forward to seeing more lectures by this presenter.

Attendee
Parker Life Senior Living

Dr Catherine Kleier presentation was just wonderful! My husband watched along with me. He enjoyed it as much as I did! Would love it if she would come back again. Her enthusiasm is contagious! We truly enjoyed her…and her lecture! Thank you very much!

Patty D.
Attendee
Parker Life Senior Living

Fascinating history of New Zealand. Her enthusiasm is contagious!

Attendee
Parker Life Senior Living

I just wanted to tell you “Thank you” for the amazing presentation today. You successfully wove together a good immigration story with a “how I did it” on A.I. Truly a job well done.

Just so you know, there were 49 people who attended in person, and about 67 on Zoom. Our best attended session post COVID. And we had several people join as new members, including a couple who happened to be in the library and stopped in to see what was going on!

And, please check out the JGSPBC Facebook page. Marjorie Feldman posted a very nice comment about your presentation.

In short — a five star presentation. Thank you!!

Allan Huss
President
Jewish Genealogy Society of Palm Beach County

Mark was terrific! He clearly has a passion for advertising! The Superbowl Ad presentation took everyone (veterans and staff) on a fun trip down memory lane. It seemed to pique a bit of curiosity about what this year held, as well. Mark said he has a presentation about Minnesota advertising and it is one we will consider booking in the future!

Beth Cummins Postigo
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
Lectures
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Feminism And War: A Century Of Resistance

Throughout history, feminists across the world have stood at the forefront of anti-war movements, advocating for peace, justice, and the protection of vulnerable communities. In this lecture, we will explore over a century of feminist resistance to war, examining how women and gender-diverse activists have challenged militarism and violence through advocacy, literature, and grassroots organizing.

We will also discuss key feminist anti-war movements from the past two decades, looking at how contemporary feminists continue to resist war and militarization—whether through global protests, policy work, or intersectional activism that connects war to broader issues like environmental justice and economic inequality.

This conversation is about understanding the deep history of feminist anti-war advocacy and how it remains as vital today as ever. Join us as we examine the ways feminists have shaped—and continue to shape—global conversations on peace and justice.

Feminism And Aging: Reclaiming Time And Change

Aging is more than just a biological process—it is shaped by race, sex, gender, class, and environment, influencing how different communities experience and navigate growing older. Feminist scholars and activists have long examined aging through an intersectional lens, questioning societal narratives that often devalue aging women, marginalized elders, and those whose aging journeys diverge from dominant norms.

Throughout history, feminists have worked to redefine aging, advocating for visibility, dignity, and equitable resources across diverse communities. They’ve explored how gender expectations impact aging bodies, how race and class dictate access to healthcare and longevity, and how changing environments—from urbanization to climate shifts—affect the aging experience.
In this discussion, we will examine how feminist perspectives on aging have evolved over the past century and how activists today continue to challenge ageism, reimagine elder care, and push for new ways of thinking about life’s later years. We’ll also explore contemporary movements that link aging with disability justice, climate change, and gender equity—proving that growing older isn’t about fading away, but about redefining power, identity, and care in a changing world.

Environmental Change And Aging: A Feminist Perspective

Aging is deeply influenced by environmental factors, from access to clean air and water to the impacts of climate change on healthcare and housing. In this talk, we explore how feminist perspectives connect environmental justice with aging and caregiving, emphasizing the importance of sustainable environments for women’s health and well-being.

Feminists have long engaged in discussions about environmental change, advocating for policies that protect vulnerable communities—especially older women, caregivers, and those navigating aging in marginalized spaces. We will examine how climate shifts, pollution, and urbanization challenge the aging process across different communities and the ways in which feminist activism continues to push for solutions that ensure healthy, equitable aging experiences for all.

By addressing the intersections of gender, environment, and aging, this conversation highlights how a feminist lens can reshape how we think about aging in a rapidly changing world.

Are you ready to bring Primetime Presenters to your community?

Please e-mail dan@primetimepresenters.com for additional information. We look forward to hearing from you!
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