Visits and Speaking
Saida Bulhan was born and raised in a nomadic region of Somalia. After immigrating to the United States as a teenager, she learned to read for the first time. She credits her love of storytelling to her nomadic upbringing, the rich oral traditions of her family, and the life-changing discovery of reading as a teenager.
Author of A Song of Her Own, Saida is also the founder and publisher of Iftin Ink, an emerging small press dedicated to publishing meaningful stories.
Saida is available for school and library visits, and speaking engagements for community organizations and groups, both in person and virtually.
Offerings
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A Song of Her Own is recommended for ages 6 to 10 with crossover appeal for middle-grade readers, and offers meaningful classroom use from elementary school through higher education, including teacher education coursework on diverse children’s literature and global perspectives.
Saida is available for school and library visits and programming, adaptable for both classroom and library settings. For more on the book and author, visit the press kit.
Sessions include a reading from A Song of Her Own and an open conversation exploring the book's themes of creativity, self-discovery, and Somali cultural wisdom, adaptable for students, educators, and library audiences.
Additional programming, including personal narrative-based creative activities and curriculum-aligned engagement, can be incorporated based on your programming needs. Rates for extended or customized programming are quoted based on scope. Please inquire.
Rates for a 60 to 90 minute author reading session:
Virtual: from $350
In person: from $550
Travel costs may apply for in-person sessions outside the greater Seattle area.
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Saida welcomes inquiries from organizations and community groups. She has experience working across a range of communities, including immigrant and refugee communities and groups centering mindfulness, creativity, and culturally responsive programming for children and families.
Sessions include a reading from A Song of Her Own and a conversation around its universal themes of creativity, self-discovery, and cultural wisdom, adapted for intergenerational and diverse audiences.
Additional programming, including personal narrative-based creative activities and deeper conversation, can be incorporated based on your programming needs. Rates for extended or customized programming are quoted based on scope. Please inquire.
Rates for a 60 to 90 minute author reading and conversation session:
Virtual: from $300
In person: from $450
Travel costs may apply for in-person sessions outside the greater Seattle area.
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Saida is offering a debut author series exploring Somali cultural wisdom through A Song of Her Own, including workshops, lectures, and community engagements. Partners co-create and host events and programs with Saida, bringing this work to their communities in ways that fit their audience and context. If you are interested in building something together, please reach out.
Saida is also available for panels, conferences, and keynotes.
Get in Touch
To book a visit or speaking engagement, please complete the contact form. Include your organization, the type of program you have in mind, and whether you are looking for an in person or virtual session.