Public Speaker/Storyteller

Ursula Bacon is an author, inspiring speaker, and dynamic storyteller. An irresistibly passionate and inspirational presenter, Ursula speaks at fund raisers, women's conferences, conventions, book clubs, and commencements. She is a sought-after speaker at middle schools, high schools, colleges and and universities.

Ursula bases her talks on her experiences in the "Shanghai years" as a young refugee from Nazi Germany. In no way depressing, she passes on the wisdom and humor she learned in her contact with people from all parts of the globe and every walk of life—including a Buddhist monk, streetwise Chinese women, and General George C. Marshall.

Her popularity is also based on her philosophy of love, gratitude, and peace and her unswerving honesty as expressed in her words: "I am not the victim of my circumstances, I am the beneficiary of my choices."

What People Are Saying About Ursula Bacon

Shanghai Diary was chosen as Barnes & Noble "Holiday 2004 Discover Great new Writers" selection, and a reading Ursula did in Denver was aired on C-Span2 several times.

"Thank you again for sharing with us your many lessons for living life to its fullest, despite what may come your way. We sincerely appreciate your contribution to our event, and I know everyone went away with feelings of awe and wonder."

Andrew Edwards, Executive Director
Lakewood Community Cultural Center

"Ursula was a speaker for a major event for our Museum last year. She was wonderful. Not only was her presentation enthralling, but her stories held us spellbound."

Hadassah Schulman, Coordinator of Museum Operations
Southwest Florida Holocaust Museum

"I must tell you that our students are still talking about your visit. I had seniors tell me that it was the most inspiring Lunch Even in the four years they had been in school. They have asked Ms. Bacon to speak at their Commencement this June."

Mary Folberg, Head, The Northwest Academy

"We continue to receive many positive comments about the even. Most importantly, your presentation moved many people to learn more about the critical services we provide. As a result, you have opened may new doors for us."

Pat Beckett, Executive Director
Children's Center, Vancouver, Washington

"For days after your presentation, I had the honor of receiving so many E-mails, phone calls and stopping me at functions to say how very much your words brought our students encouragement to look a situation in their lives not as a tragedy, but as an inconvenience. Your touched their hears...oh boy...they'll never forget you."

Angie Armstrong, Executive Director
Washington School for the Blind Foundation

"It was touching and warm, the most inspiring and rewarding experience we've ever had."

Joan Palmateer,Superintendent
Coffee Creek Correctional Facility

Partial Client List of Presentations

• Oregon State University
• Willamette University
• Lower Columbia College
• Blue Mountain College
• Clark College
• Clackamas Community College
• Institute for Managerial and Professional Women
• Edmonds Women Realtors Conference
• Larry Diamond Productions
• National Association of Insurance Women Conference
• City of Portland
• Women in Communication
• New York Life Insurance Company
• US West Communications
• Hood River Women's Conferences (2)
• Seaside Women's Conference
• Coffee Creek Correctional Facility

Ursula Bacon has spoken at the community centers in Portland, Oregon, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and at Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles. She has been repeatedly asked to speak at Oregon and Oregon State University.