Maria Leonard Olsen

EVENTS

I have given motivational talks and book talks at schools, corporate meetings, spiritual groups, book fairs and diversity fairs, including TEDx at City University of New York, the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, the Washington Independent Review of Books; the National March to End Rape Culture; the Mixed Remixed Festival; the Japanese American Museum; the Gaithersburg, Baltimore and Annapolis Book Festivals; the U.S. Veteran’s Administration; the Fearless Women’s Summit; Bethesda Metro Village; Politics & Prose Bookstore; Oyster Bilingual School; The Wednesday Morning Group; Blessed Sacrament School; Prince Georges County Elementary School; and Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church Preschool. I look forward to meeting you at my next event!

ON MARIA'S SPeECH AT THE WMG:

“You were awesome today. Thank you so much for sharing your story and perspectives. So many of the women chatting together afterward were saying how you were the best possible speaker for today. Your message of hope and gratitude was so powerful!”

- Harri j. Kramer / Chair, Wednesday Morning Group

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LISTEN IN:

I'm part of a collective of co-hosts of the "Inside Out" radio show on WPFW fm 89.3 in Washington, D.C. I produce and host the show generally on the first Tuesday of each month between 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST. I focus on diversity and alliance issues. If you have ideas for a show or would like to be a guest, please contact me. See our Inside Out LGBT Radio Facebook page and www.WPFWfm.org for more info. And tune in!

“I woke up this morning feeling lighter. As I began writing in my journal, I realized that I am looking forward this morning. Maria affirmed many things for me, and shared a number of tools I want to research further, which appeals to my desire to keep learning. What a delightful change from waking up and bemoaning the fact that it is day 39 [of the quarantine]! Excited to receive her book.”

— Janet W., The Transition Network (on Maria's "Self-Care to Become Your Best Version" presentation)

upcoming EVENTS:

Expert at the SHE-Defined Summit

Expert at the SHE-Defined Summit

Tue, Jan 20, 2026 9:00 AM 09:00 Mon, Jan 26, 2026 5:00 PM 17:00
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Many women reach a point in life where their role shifts — career transition, empty nest, retirement changes, loss, or simply a deep desire for “something more.”

The SHE-Defined FREE Summit (Jan 20–26) brings together experts, coaches, and thought leaders speaking directly to that season of change.

Topics include:
• identity after transition
• purpose and meaning in the next chapter
• mindset and resilience
• designing a life you actually want

It’s completely free to attend and available online.

Exhibitor and Leader of an Affinity Group at a DNA Conference

Exhibitor and Leader of an Affinity Group at a DNA Conference

Thu, Mar 19, 2026 5:00 PM 17:00 Sun, Mar 22, 2026 1:00 PM 13:00
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Join us at the largest conference for those with misattributed parentage, late discovery adoptees and donor conceived individuals.

Invited to be a Storyteller at Quest 2026

Invited to be a Storyteller at Quest 2026

Sun, Apr 12, 2026 6:30 PM 18:30 Wed, Apr 15, 2026 1:00 PM 13:00
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Join us for an exciting event in Santa Fe!

Speaker at the Travis County Women Lawyers' Association Annual Luncheon in Austin, TX

12:00 PM12:00

Speaker at the Travis County Women Lawyers' Association Annual Luncheon in Austin, TX

Friday, April 24, 2026
12:00 PM 2:00 PM 12:00 14:00
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Featured speaker at a women lawyers association in Austin, Texas.

Featured on the Man Up Down Podcast

10:30 AM10:30

Featured on the Man Up Down Podcast

Thursday, December 11, 2025
10:30 AM 11:30 AM 10:30 11:30
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Interviewed on the Man Up Down Podcast

Feature on "The Real 50 Over 50" Show on November 12 at Noon

12:00 PM12:00

Feature on "The Real 50 Over 50" Show on November 12 at Noon

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
12:00 PM 1:00 PM 12:00 13:00
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Donna Cravotta “proudly introduces you to 100 (and counting) incredible women over the age of 50 who are quietly, or not so quietly, making a difference in lives, businesses, families, and communities.”

Presenter at Quest 2026 in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Presenter at Quest 2026 in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Wednesday, November 5, 2025
5:30 PM 6:30 PM 17:30 18:30
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Speaker at QUEST 2026, a production of Third Act Quest.

I Was Selected as a Speaker at TEDx Warrenton!

I Was Selected as a Speaker at TEDx Warrenton!

Saturday, October 25, 2025
9:00 AM 1:00 PM 09:00 13:00
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Speaker at TEDx Warrenton on DNA test surprises

12:30 PM12:30

Books & Brews

Sunday, October 19, 2025
12:30 PM 2:30 PM 12:30 14:30
Babycat Brewery (map)
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Meet local Kensington/DC authors in a fun setting!

Speaker at the Next Chapter Women Conference

Speaker at the Next Chapter Women Conference

Mon, Oct 13, 2025 9:00 AM 09:00 Thu, Oct 23, 2025 5:00 PM 17:00
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Speaker at an upcoming women’s empowerment conference

Presenter at the Women Getting Visible Conference

Presenter at the Women Getting Visible Conference

Fri, Oct 10, 2025 5:00 PM 17:00 Sun, Oct 12, 2025 5:00 PM 17:00
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Invited to speak at a women’s empowerment event.

Third Act Spotlight Event

Third Act Spotlight Event

Wednesday, September 17, 2025
5:30 PM 6:30 PM 17:30 18:30
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Spotlight on speakers at the upcoming Women Getting Visible conference

Presenter at the Radiant Next Chapter Summit

Presenter at the Radiant Next Chapter Summit

Mon, Aug 4, 2025 9:00 AM 09:00 Mon, Aug 25, 2025 5:00 PM 17:00
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I will speak at this free virtual summit on August 4. It goes on for 21 days of useful information for women in midlife.

Presented at the Noma Collective

Presented at the Noma Collective

Tuesday, July 8, 2025
7:00 PM 8:00 PM 19:00 20:00
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Presentation to fellow digital nomads on increasing your online platform and visibility.

Presenter at Asian Pacific Heritage Month Celebration for Hilton

Presenter at Asian Pacific Heritage Month Celebration for Hilton

Thursday, May 8, 2025
3:00 PM 4:00 PM 15:00 16:00
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Invited to speak at Hilton’s APA celebration.

Invited to Present at the Graceful Midlife Mom Summit

Invited to Present at the Graceful Midlife Mom Summit

Wed, May 7, 2025 9:00 AM 09:00 Sun, May 11, 2025 6:30 PM 18:30
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Upcoming women in midlife conference

Invited To Speak at the Radiant Next Chapter Virtual Summit

Invited To Speak at the Radiant Next Chapter Virtual Summit

Mon, Apr 28, 2025 9:30 AM 09:30 Wed, May 7, 2025 5:30 PM 17:30
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I’m part of a powerful summit for women ready to step into their next chapter—mind, body, home, and life. It’s free & starts soon!

Presenter at the UYounger Factor: How to Elevate Well-Being, Emotional Health, and Reverse Time Naturally summi

Presenter at the UYounger Factor: How to Elevate Well-Being, Emotional Health, and Reverse Time Naturally summi

Mon, Feb 24, 2025 9:00 AM 09:00 Wed, Feb 26, 2025 5:00 PM 17:00
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Presenter at summit for women over 45

Invited to Speak at the UYounger Factor Summit: How to Elevate Well-Being, Boost Confidence, and Reverse Time Naturally

Invited to Speak at the UYounger Factor Summit: How to Elevate Well-Being, Boost Confidence, and Reverse Time Naturally

Mon, Feb 3, 2025 9:00 AM 09:00 Wed, Feb 5, 2025 5:00 PM 17:00
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Invited to speak at a women’s summit.

Featured Speaker at the 333 Collective's Spotlight Series

Featured Speaker at the 333 Collective's Spotlight Series

Thursday, December 19, 2024
5:30 PM 6:30 PM 17:30 18:30
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Third Act Spotlight series speaker as a featured author discussing How to drop what no longer serves you: Finding freedom in midlife

Invited to Speak at a Potomac Women's Book Club

Invited to Speak at a Potomac Women's Book Club

Sunday, November 17, 2024
1:00 PM 3:00 PM 13:00 15:00
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Excited to share ways to get unstuck and bring more joy and growth to our lives!

Presenting at the Baltimore County Public Library on My Book, "50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life"

Presenting at the Baltimore County Public Library on My Book, "50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life"

Wednesday, November 6, 2024
2:00 PM 3:00 PM 14:00 15:00
Pikesville Public Library (map)
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Speaker at the Baltimore Public Library’s Pikesville Branch on 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life and the sequel I currently am working on, 60 After 60: Finding Serenity in Your 60s.

Guest Speaker at The Beauty of Midlife Virtual Retreat

Guest Speaker at The Beauty of Midlife Virtual Retreat

Thursday, October 17, 2024
9:00 AM 5:00 PM 09:00 17:00
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Guest speaker at The Beauty of Midlife retreat.

Speaker at the Women of the Wild Gathering

Speaker at the Women of the Wild Gathering

Fri, Oct 11, 2024 6:30 PM 18:30 Mon, Oct 14, 2024 1:00 PM 13:00
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Presenter at the Women of the Wild gathering.

Author Talk at Washington Metro Oasis for Active Agers

10:30 AM10:30

Author Talk at Washington Metro Oasis for Active Agers

Monday, September 23, 2024
10:30 AM 12:00 PM 10:30 12:00
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Presenting an author talk at Washington Metro Oasis, a hub for those who want to stay active and vibrant post-50, continually learning

Presenter at the Influencers of Midlife Summit 2024

Presenter at the Influencers of Midlife Summit 2024

Sun, Sep 15, 2024 6:00 PM 18:00 Tue, Sep 17, 2024 12:00 PM 12:00
Kimpton Brice Hotel (map)
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Honored to present at the Influencers of Midlife conference in Savannah, Georgia, on getting one’s message out via book publishing.

Speaker at the Navigating Midlife Crisis Summit

10:00 AM10:00

Speaker at the Navigating Midlife Crisis Summit

Monday, September 9, 2024
10:00 AM 11:00 AM 10:00 11:00
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Invited to speak at the Navigating Midlife Crisis Summit, hosted by life coach, Kathy Butts

Guest on the Heartbreak & Hope Podcast with Pat Barbarito

12:00 PM12:00

Guest on the Heartbreak & Hope Podcast with Pat Barbarito

Monday, September 2, 2024
12:00 PM 1:00 PM 12:00 13:00
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Grateful to be on the Heartbreak & Hope Podcast with Pat Barbarito, a refreshing voice whose hard-fought wisdom I highlighted on my own podcast, Becoming Your Best Version.

Featured Speaker at Beyond Boundaries Women Over 50 Empowerment Conference

Featured Speaker at Beyond Boundaries Women Over 50 Empowerment Conference

Fri, Jun 28, 2024 9:00 AM 09:00 Sat, Jun 29, 2024 5:00 PM 17:00
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Invited to be a featured speaker at The Liberated Woman’s free online empowerment conference.

Guest on the Menopause Made Easy Podcast

11:00 AM11:00

Guest on the Menopause Made Easy Podcast

Sunday, May 26, 2024
11:00 AM 12:00 PM 11:00 12:00
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Excited to be a guest on Tanya Willis’ podcast for women over 40 who are seeking vibrant lives.

Presenter at Quest 2024, a Gathering for Midlife Women to Create Their Most True, Happy and Meaningful Lives

Presenter at Quest 2024, a Gathering for Midlife Women to Create Their Most True, Happy and Meaningful Lives

Sun, May 5, 2024 5:00 PM 17:00 Tue, May 7, 2024 9:00 PM 21:00
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Over two and a half days at a gorgeous waterside site in Rhode Island, participants will be inspired to dig in, unearth their passions and dreams, and remember and reclaim parts of themselves that have been waiting to be unleashed.

Speaker at the Untangling Our Roots Summit 2024

Speaker at the Untangling Our Roots Summit 2024

Thu, Apr 25, 2024 5:00 PM 17:00 Sun, Apr 28, 2024 6:00 PM 18:00
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Invited to serve on the "Cultural Identification & Genetic Identity" panel and to lead the Summit’s addiction affinity group for the Untangling Our Roots Summit in Denver, co-hosted by the National Association of Adoptees & Parents and Right To Know.

Guest Speaker at the Kensington Day of the Book Festival

11:00 AM11:00

Guest Speaker at the Kensington Day of the Book Festival

Sunday, April 21, 2024
11:00 AM 12:00 PM 11:00 12:00
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Honored to speak at the Kensington Day of the Book Festival this year!

Guest on Capital Workspaces Presents The Hub Podcast in Washington, DC

Guest on Capital Workspaces Presents The Hub Podcast in Washington, DC

Thursday, April 18, 2024
1:30 PM 2:30 PM 13:30 14:30
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Repeat guest on The Hub podcast in Washington, DC