Speaking Engagement contributed editor Dayana Kibilds co-wrote the book Mailed It! and built a following on her clear-eyed take on email in higher ed.

Speaking Engagement is a digital platform built on Substack for people who care about engagement — alumni, donors, members, customers, and communities. It’s designed as a “conference that never sleeps,” with a steady stream of podcasts, articles, live events and conversations focused on how organizations build meaningful, lasting relationships with the people they serve. The work spans higher education, nonprofits, and beyond, with a focus on practical ideas, real-world examples, and honest discussion about what’s actually working. Each week includes: Long-form interviews with leaders across industries, primarily with education advancement leaders. Shorter conversations reacting to trends and ideas Written pieces that break down strategy, structure, and execution. Speaking Engagement is a membership-based platform, with content designed to support teams as a form of ongoing professional development of education advancement professionals and those on adjacent fields. The goal is simple: create a place where practitioners can learn from each other, challenge assumptions, and leave with ideas they can actually use.