Speaking Engagements

 Dr. Espinola is a top-rated keynote speaker who is lauded for her expertise, high energy, captivating insights, and outstanding level of audience engagement.

Topics:

• Trainings on trauma-informed care

• Presentations on the intersection between physical and mental health

• Wellness programs for organizations

• Motivational speaking

Please contact us for more information. You can email us at info@drmariaespinola.com or you can submit your inquiry here.

Recent and Upcoming Speaking Engagements

Espinola, M. (2025, February). Strengthening Families in the Face of Mental Health Challenges and Transitions. 3rd Annual Family Education Day. MindPeace & 1N5.

Espinola, M. (2024, April). Best Practices for Providing Culturally Competent and Trauma-Informed Care. Monte Nido & Affiliates.

Espinola, M. (2024, February). Promoting Physical and Mental Health Equity among Underserved Youth. University of Cincinnati School of Social Work.

Espinola, M. (2023, November). Building a Thriving Practice. Fellow panelists: Earl Turner, PhD, Evelyn Hunter, PhD, and Carlton Green, PhD. American Psychological Association.

Espinola, M. (2023, October). Time for Change in Cardiovascular Health: Mental Health and Cardiovascular Disease. Fellow panelists: Kate Hanneman, MD, Garima Sharma, MD, and Niti Aggarwal, MD. Women’s Cardiovascular Symposium. The Christ Hospital Health Network.

Espinola, M. (2023, October). Developing Policies that Promote Inclusive, Equitable and Trauma-Informed Care. American Psychological Association.

Espinola, M. (2023, September). Immigrants and Refugees. Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.

Espinola, M. (2023, May). Conducting Psychological Evaluations for Immigration Proceedings. Seattle Pacific University.

Espinola, M. (2023, May). Exploring the Hard DEI Questions in Primary Care Policy, Research, and Clinical Practice. Panel moderated by Anu Mandapati, PCC, CTPC. Fellow panelists: Sheldon D. Fields, PhD, Norman Kim, PhD, and Edwin G. Lindo, JD. Tackling Old Problems with New Solutions in Primary Care. Weitzman Institute Symposium.

Espinola, M. (2023, May). Integration of DEI and Trauma-Informed Practices. Kenyon College.

Espinola, M. (2023, March). Promoting Physical and Mental Health Equity among Underserved Youth. University of Cincinnati School of Social Work.

Espinola, M. (2023, March). La Relación Entre la Salud Mental y Física en Mujeres Latinas. Tan Latina Como Tu Expo.

Espinola, M. (2023, March). Immigrants and Refugees: The Stories Behind the Numbers. Keynote Speech. GlobeMed. University of Cincinnati.

Espinola, M. (2023, March). Trauma-Informed Stress Management Techniques. Black Women’s Health Movement. Nostalgia, Cincinnati, OH.

Espinola, M. (2022, November). Building Blocks for Health Equity in Diabetes. Panel discussion moderated by Amy Tenderich. Fellow panelists: Osagie Ebekozien, MD and Nicolas Cuttriss, MD. The DiabetesMine Innovation Summit. San Francisco, CA.

Espinola, M. (2022, November). Health is Wealth: The Economic Argument for Removing Barriers to Healthy Longevity. Panel discussion moderated by Amber Mortley Coleman. Fellow panelists: Abbey Berryman, Erwin Tan and Jewel Jones. The Female Quotient and the AARP.

Espinola, M. (2022, September). Honoring Hispanic Heritage. Panel discussion moderated by Ashley Martinez. Fellow panelist: Odayme Quesada, MD. Kroger Wellness Festival.

Espinola, M. (2022, September). Leveling the Scales: How to Meet the U.S. Latinx Population with Health Equity. Panel discussion moderated by Amber Mortley Coleman. Fellow panelists: Isabella Grueso, Jessica Presa, & Analiz Rodriguez, MD, PhD, FAANS. The Female Quotient and Pfizer.

Espinola, M. (2022, September). Resilience Training. Northern Kentucky University.

Espinola, M. (2022, August). The Inspiring Story of One Latina Immigrant’s Pursuit for Equity. LatinaVIDA.

Espinola, M. (2022, June). The Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology Looks Back: Reflections on a 50 Year History. Panel discussion moderated by Alice LoCicero, PhD. Fellow panelists: Rita Dudley-Grant, PhD, Mari Carmen Bennasar, PsyD., and Amber Hewitt, PhD. Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine.

Espinola, M. (2022, June). Technology-Augmented Interventions to Improve the Health and Safety of Vulnerable Workers. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Espinola, M. (2022, May). Success with Stress. Kenwood Country Club.

Espinola, M. (2022, April). Resilience for DEI Work. Equitable and Inclusive Higher Education Series: Strategies for Practice. Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Connection.

Espinola, M. (2022, April). Moving Beyond Challenges and Reaching your Potential. Keynote Presentation. Massachusetts HOSA-Future Health Professionals.

Espinola, M. (2022, January). Self-Awareness. Equitable and Inclusive Higher Education Series: Strategies for Practice. Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Connection.

Espinola, M. (2022, January). Supporting Wellness, Mental Health and Diversity in a Hybrid Workplace. National Keynote Presentation. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Espinola, M. (2021, December). Urology and Behavioral Health. UC College of Medicine (UCCOM) Department of Urology.

Espinola, M. (2021, November). Sexuality, Depression and Body Image after Breast Cancer. Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day Event. UCCOM Department of Surgery and UC Cancer Center.

Espinola, M. (2021, October/November). Promoting the Safety, Health and Wellbeing of Hispanic/Latino Workers. Keynote Presentation. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Espinola, M. (2020, October). Best Practices for Providing Culturally Competent and Humble Care to Patients of Color. Kenyon College.

Espinola, M. (2021, May). Mental Health and the Latino Community. UCCOM Department of Internal Medicine.

Espinola, M. & Deshpande, A. (2021, May). Trauma-Informed Integrated Care. UCCOM Department of Medical Education.

Russell, H. & Espinola, M. (2021, February). CHANGE Court. Continuing Legal Education session. Sponsored by the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Hamilton County Law Library.

Russell, H., Espinola, M., Lavey, J. (2020, November). Trauma-Informed Mentoring. Hamilton County Court CHANGE Court Docket.

Goret, M., Mahaffey-Harris, R., Shrimplim, K. & Espinola, M. (2020, November).  The Impact of COVID-19 on Women. Presented by Cintas Corporation. All About Women. The Abercrumbie Group.

Espinola, M. (2020, October). Psychological Trauma & Public Health. Epidemiology Seminar. University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Espinola, M., Zhen-Duan, J., Hensley, C. (2020, October). How to Start a Career in Health Disparities. University of Cincinnati.

Torres-Llenza, V. & Espinola, M. (2020, October). Herramientas de Bienestar en Tiempos de Pandemia y de Elecciones. Crear con Salud.

Espinola, M. (2020, August). Trauma-Informed Care for Diverse Populations. Health Care at the Intersections. Equitas Health.

Espinola, M. (2020, August). Trauma-Informed Care for Diverse Populations. Kenyon College.

Espinola, M. (2020, July). The Role of Culture in the Provision of Psychological Interventions. Cincinnati Academy of Professional Psychology.

Espinola, M. (2020, June). Mental Wellness. Wise Wellness Guild.

Espinola, M. (2020, May). Your Mind, Your Business. Metropolitan Club.

Espinola, M. (2020, April). Gender Issues and Mental Health. UCCOM Department of Psychiatry.

Espinola, M. (2020, January). Biz Mentors for African-American Teens. UC Lindner College of Business

Espinola, M. & Thompson, S. (2020, July). What Can We Do to Stop Human Trafficking? Leadership Ohio.

Espinola, M., Garcia, C., Hosn, S. Aragaki, A. (2020, June). Mental Health Care for Front Line Workers. Nova Southeastern University.

Espinola, M. (2019, November). Diversity Training. UCCOM Department of Family and Community Medicine.

Espinola, M. (2019, November). UC Health: The Family that Keeps Growing. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala.

Espinola, M. (2019, October). Moving Toward a System of Integrated Care. University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute.

Espinola, M. (2019, September). Turning Challenges Into Opportunities to Build your Career Path. Nova Southeastern University.

Espinola, M., Kapahi, G., & Herzog, T. (2019, June). Leveraging the Microbiome to Prevent and Treat Cancer. University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute Annual Retreat.


Espinola, M. (2019, June). Diversity, Trauma, & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Counseling & Psychological Services. Ohio University.

Wang, L. & Espinola, M. (2019, April-May). Beethoven, Schumann, & Ravel: The Neuroscience of Creativity & Disease. Music + Medicine Series. Concert:Nova. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Espinola, M. & Gaztambide, D. (2019, April). Sexual Trauma among Latino Men. Healthy Minds Group.

Espinola, M. (2019, March-April). P&G Mentoring for African-American Youth: Building Cultural Competency. Procter & Gamble.

Espinola, M. (2019, Spring). A Community Conversation on Mental Health. Community Conversations Series. UC Health Community Relations.

Espinola, M. (2019, February). Cultural Competency for Physicians. University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Espinola, M. (2019, January). P&G Mentoring for African-American Youth: Trauma-Informed Approaches. Procter & Gamble.

Espinola, M. (2019, January). Culturally-Sensitive & Trauma-Informed Mentoring for African-American Youth. Cincinnati Youth Collaborative.

Espinola, M. (2018, December). Health Disparities, Stress, & the Microbiome. Human Papillomavirus  & Cancer Research Study Group. University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute.

Espinola, M. (2018, November). Mentoring Female Survivors of Sex Trafficking: Trauma, Gender, & Cultural Issues. Hamilton County Court.

Espinola, M. (2018, July). Urban Health. Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

Herzog, T. & Espinola, M. (2018, July). Fighting Cancer Inequality: How to Make Sure Cancer Care Doesn’t Discriminate. Cincinnati Edition, 91.7 WVXU.

Barrett, W., Espinola, M., & Herzog, T. (2018, June). Health Disparities in Cancer: Progress & Opportunities. Making Cancer the Great Equalizer: Science and Solutions for Health Disparities in Cancer. Opening session. University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute Annual Retreat.

Espinola, M. (2018, February). Behavioral Health Disparities. Ohio Commission on Minority Health.

Vogt-Purdon, R., Ledgerwood, A., Maldonado Dyer, M., Espinola, M., Madrigal, S., & Stoyle-Conti, M.C. (2017, July). Grassroots Best Practices in Behavioral & Mental Health. Ohio Latino Health Summit. Ohio Latino Affairs Commission.

Espinola, M. (2017, May). How to Overcome Test Anxiety. Office of Diversity and Inclusion, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Espinola, M. (2017, January). Sexual Assault & Eating Disorders. Division of Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration. University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Espinola, M. (2017, January). Negotiation Skills Training. Women in Medicine and Science, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Espinola, M. & Krikorian, R. (2016, June). Cultural, Gender Identity, and Cognitive Interactions in Adjustment to Early Adulthood. Continuing Education lecture for licensed psychologists. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Espinola, M. (2016, May). Multicultural Competence. Continuing Education lecture for licensed psychologists. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Espinola, M. (2016, October). Turning Challenges into Opportunities. Opening Session. Ohio Student Latino Summit. Office of Student Affairs & Office of Ethnic Programs & Services. University of Cincinnati.

Espinola, M. (2016, November). Domestic Human Trafficking Program in Cincinnati. Ohio Attorney General Human Trafficking Commission.

Ter Maat, M. & Espinola, M. (2012, September). Opportunities for Culturally-Sensitive Counseling of Incarcerated Female Youth. Miami-Dade Criminal Justice Council’s 8th Annual Summit.

Symposia

O’Dea, C., Espinola, M., De La Garza, F., Stryker, S., Rabin, J. (2021, November). Building Capacity In Mental Health for Primary Care Professionals in Rural Guatemala:  An Interdisciplinary Multicultural Approach Using Project ECHO. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Global Health Summit.

Espinola, M. & Sardana, S. (2017, February). Sex Trafficking of Women and Girls: Mental Health Treatment and Social Integration in the U.S. and South Asia. Symposium at the Annual Winter Roundtable, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY.

Espinola, M. (2014, August). Interventions Beyond the Clinical Setting: Going Beyond Clinical

Interventions to Develop Culturally Informed Responses to Trauma. In K. Crawford (Chairperson), Role of Resilience in Surviving Systemic Oppression and Trauma in Marginalized Communities. Symposium presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Washington, DC.

Espinola, M. (2014, August). Turning Challenges Into Opportunities: Succeeding as a Diverse

Student from Day One to Internship. In Nicasio, A. (Chairperson), Diverse Doctoral Students: Bridging the Gap Between Culture and Psychology. Symposium presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Washington, DC.

Espinola, M. (2014, February). Refugees from Latin America in the United States. In A. LoCicero (Chairperson), What Price Refuge? Universal and Culturally Defined Challenges and Resilience of Refugees. Symposium presented at the Annual Winter Roundtable, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY. 

Espinola, M. (2013, August). Psychologists Collaborating with the Community as Advocates for Legislation. In S. Marotta (Chairperson), International Violence: Evidence-Informed Practice and Practice-Informed Policy. Symposium presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Honolulu, HI.

Espinola, M. (2012, August). An Introduction to Unica Therapy for Latina Immigrants. In S. Marotta (Chairperson), Keeping Up with the Evidence Base: Treatments for Individuals with a History of Exposure to Violence. Symposium presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Orlando, FL.

Espinola, M. (2012, August). Gender and Culture Sensitive Therapy for Traumatized Juveniles. In M. Espinola & R. Wahl, Intersection of Criminal and Social Justice. Symposium presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Orlando, FL.

Espinola, M. (2012, May). Experiences of Trauma among Latinos living in the United States. In E. Caceres (Chairperson), Psychological Trauma Exhibited by Victims of Polyviolence. Bilingual symposium presented at the World Congress on Traumatic Stress, Mexico City, Mexico.

Espinola, M. (2011, August). Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence. In L.E. Walker (Chairperson), Complexities Working with Victims of Intimate Partner Abuse. Symposium presented at the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

Workshops

Espinola, M., Thompson, K, & Wilson, W. (2018, August). Working With African-American Adolescents: Clinical Skills, Ethnopsychopharmacology, and Advocacy. Presentation at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA.

 Espinola, M. & Torres-Llenza, V. (2016, October). Collaboration between Psychology and Psychiatry to Improve Latino Mental Health. Presentation at the National Latina/o Psychological Association Biennial Conference, Orlando, Fl.

Torres-Llenza, V. & Espinola, M. (2015, October). An Interdisciplinary Perspective of Minority Mental Health. Workshop presented at the American Psychiatric Association Institute on Psychiatric Services, New York City, NY.

Espinola, M. & Torres-Llenza, V. (2015, August). The Use of the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview and the Importance of Ethnopsychopharmacology Awareness among Clinicians. Workshop presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention,Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Torres-Llenza, V. & Espinola, M. (2014, October). Collaboration between Psychology and Psychiatry to Improve Minority Mental Health. Workshop presented at the 14th Annual Diversity Challenge, Boston College, Boston, MA.

Dixit, V., Espinola, M., Hampton, M. Parisot, M., Skolnik, A. & Thompson, K. (2014, February). The Implementation of Uncommon Methodologies for Social Justice-Oriented Research with Marginalized Populations: An Interactive Exploration of the Dissertation Process. Workshop presented at the Annual Winter Roundtable, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY.

Panel Presentation

Espinel, Z., Shultz, J., Espinola, M., & Aboul Hosn, S. (2014, November). A Multidisciplinary Approach to Address Trauma Among Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons. Panel presentation at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies 30th Annual Meeting, Miami, Fl.

Roundtable Presentation

Teran, V. & Espinola, M. (2016, October). Constructing a Competitive Application: Tips and Pitfalls. Presentation at the National Latina/o Psychological Association Biennial Conference, Orlando, Fl.

Paper Presentations

Shultz, J., Espinel, Z., Zakrison, T., Espinola, M., Marcelin, L., Safstrom, J., Schmitz, G., Zhang, L., Rodriguez, X. & Rechkemmer, A.  (2017, November). Connecting the Dynamics of Global Climate Change to Population-Level Mental and Behavioral Health Consequences. Presentation at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Altanta, GA.

Espinel, Z., Marcelin, Rechkemmer, A., Espinola, M., Zakrison, T., Cardenas, N., Jayaprakash, A.,  Zade, N., & Shultz, J. (2017, November). Climate Change Challenges to the Public Health of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Presentation at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Altanta, GA.

Marcelin, L., Espinel, Z., Rechkemmer, A., Zakrison, T., Espinola, M., Escarfuller, S., Negron, S., Steinmetz, J., & Shultz, J. (2017, November). Trauma Signature of a Climate-Change-Related Natural Disaster: 2016 Hurricane Matthew Impacting Haiti. Presentation at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Altanta, GA.

 Shultz, J., Espinola, M., Espinel, Z., T., Marcelin, L., Zakrison, T., Cintulova, M., Cotton, J., McWilliams, D., & Rechkemmer, A.  (2017, November). Fear-Related Behaviors (Frbs) in Situations of Mass Threat: Public Mental Health Implications. Presentation at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Altanta, GA.

Rechkemmer, A., Shultz, J., Espinel, Z., Espinola, M., Marcelin, L., Alberti, R., Quintana Ramos, K., Westbrook, D., Rodriguez, X., and Zakrison,T. (2017, November). Climate Change is Propelling Environmentally-Induced Forced Migration. Presentation at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Altanta, GA.

Espinel, Z., Espinola, M., Zakrison, T.,  Brownlee, K., Liu, A., Samano, D., Rodriguez, X., & Shultz, J. (2017, November). “Task-Shifting/Task-Sharing” and “Multi-Tasking” Community Health Workers in a Global Mental Health Intervention for Victims of the Armed Conflict in Bogotá, Colombia. Presentation at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Altanta, GA.

Teran, V. & Espinola, M. (2017, August). Forced Into the Shadows: The Trauma and Psychological Distress Associated with Detention/Deportation Among Latina/os. Presentation at the American Psychological Association Annual Conference, Division 48, Washington, D.C.

Espinola, M. (2017, August). Exploring Collaborative Opportunities in the Study and Treatment of Human Trafficking Survivors. Presentation at the American Psychological Association Annual Conference, Division 56, Washington, D.C.

Shultz J.M., Cooper, J., Baingana, F., Oquendo, M.A., Espinel, Z., Althouse, B.M., Marcelin, L.H., Towers, S., Espinola, M., Mazurik, L., Schmitz, G.M., Cintulova, M., Wainberg, M.L., Helpman, L., Neria, Y., Rechkemmer, A. (2017, April).  Fear and Fear-Related Behaviors in Situations of Mass Threat: The Case of Infectious Diseases. Psychosocial Response to Pandemic Disasters, Infectious Diseases, and Bioterrorism. Institute for Disaster Mental Health (IDMH), SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz NY, 7 April 2017. 

Shultz, J., Espinel, Z., Cooper, J., Baingana, F., Oquendo, M., Althouse, B., Marcelin, L., Towers, S., Espinola, M., McCoy, C., Mazurik, L., Wainberg, M., Helpman, L., Neria, Y., Rechkemmer, A. (2016, October). Modeling Fear-Related Behaviors as Vectors of Transmission in the West Africa Ebola Pandemic. Presentation at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo, Denver, CO.

Shultz J., Cooper J., Baingana F., Oquendo M., Espinel Z., Althouse B., Marcelin L., Towers S.,

Espinola M., McCoy C., Mazurik L., Wainberg M., Neria Y., Rechkemmer A. (2016, August). Trauma Signature Analysis of the 2013-2016 West Africa Ebola Outbreak: The Prominent Role of Fear-Related Behaviors (FRBs). Presentation at the 6th International Disaster and Risk Conference (IDRC), Global Risk Forum, Davos, Switzerland. 

Sircova, A., Jurcik, T., Fieulaine, N., Olivera-Figueroa, L., Odisho, N., Espinola, M., Mikeladze, L., Senyk, O., & Jarvis, E. (2016, August). Mobile Cultural Consultation and Referral Service. Presentation at the 3rd International Conference on Time Perspective, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Espinola, M. (2013, June). Gender and Culturally Responsive Approaches to Therapy with Female Juveniles. Presentation at the 44th American Art Therapy Association Annual Conference, Seattle, WA.

Espinola, M. (2012, October). Ethical Issues Concerning the Psychological Treatment of Latinos. Presentation at the National Latina/o Psychological Association Biennial Conference, New Brunswick, NJ.

Espinola, M. (2012, September). Differences Between Immigrant Victims of Human Trafficking and Domestic Victims of Human Trafficking. Presentation at the IX International Congress of the Spanish Society for the Study of Anxiety and Stress, Valencia, Spain.

Espinola, M. (2012, September). Psychological Trauma among Child Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation. Presentation at the IX International Congress of the Spanish Society for the Study of Anxiety and Stress, Valencia, Spain.

Espinola, M. (2012, May). Immigrant and Domestic Victims of Human Trafficking. Bilingual presentation at the World Congress on Traumatic Stress, Mexico City, Mexico.

Ter Maat, M. & Espinola, M. (2012, May). Opportunities for Culturally-Sensitive Counseling of Incarcerated Female Youth. Presentation at the Linking Forces XVII The Children's Mental Health Conference, Miami, FL.