In a world that often feels disconnected, I believe that true revolution lies in connection with others and sharing our lived experiences. It is through being in community that hope, liberation, and rebellion are born. We are at a precipice and the old ways of leading, built on certainty, control, and the assumption that one person holds all the answers, are failing us. In this talk I will describe how as a social worker and a Native, pagan, Christian woman, I have spent my career in social justice and advocacy spaces calling for revolutionary compassion at the exact moment the world needs it most.
Dr. Melissa Bird is a descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. She is an internationally recognized lay preacher, author, and podcaster who has spent nearly 3 decades teaching workshops on spiritual and social justice and revolution. Her combination of education, real life experience and practical advice makes her a powerful force for change in the lives of the people she connects with. Past audience members have described her speaking as “fierce,” “revelatory,” “life-changing,” “enthusiastic,” and “inspirational.”
Dr. Bird creates the genesis for a new brand of leadership and graceful revolution. She inspires personal understanding through contemplation, helps people use their intuition to change their lives and communities, and encourages the healing of grief and loss through spiritual connection. Her words awaken revolutionaries, trailblazers and powerful innovators who are seeking deeper connection and expansive growth through joyful advocacy. She is the host of The Thinnest Veil podcast and the author of several books including her newly released book, “Leading from the Heart”.
When she’s not working, Melissa can be found reading while drinking Earl Gray tea with heavy cream or making needle felted dolls, because who doesn’t need to stab things over and over these days? She lives in Corvallis, Oregon with her husband, three children and two dogs. In 2026, she ran for Congress in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District.
Awaken your own graceful revolution and connect with Dr. Bird’s writing on Substack.
In a world that often feels disconnected, I believe that true revolution lies in connection with others and sharing our lived experiences. It is through being in community that hope, liberation, and rebellion are born. We are at a precipice and the old ways of leading, built on certainty, control, and the assumption that one person holds all the answers, are failing us. In this talk I will describe how as a social worker and a Native, pagan, Christian woman, I have spent my career in social justice and advocacy spaces calling for revolutionary compassion at the exact moment the world needs it most.
Dr. Melissa Bird is a descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. She is an internationally recognized lay preacher, author, and podcaster who has spent nearly 3 decades teaching workshops on spiritual and social justice and revolution. Her combination of education, real life experience and practical advice makes her a powerful force for change in the lives of the people she connects with. Past audience members have described her speaking as “fierce,” “revelatory,” “life-changing,” “enthusiastic,” and “inspirational.”
Dr. Bird creates the genesis for a new brand of leadership and graceful revolution. She inspires personal understanding through contemplation, helps people use their intuition to change their lives and communities, and encourages the healing of grief and loss through spiritual connection. Her words awaken revolutionaries, trailblazers and powerful innovators who are seeking deeper connection and expansive growth through joyful advocacy. She is the host of The Thinnest Veil podcast and the author of several books including her newly released book, “Leading from the Heart”.
When she’s not working, Melissa can be found reading while drinking Earl Gray tea with heavy cream or making needle felted dolls, because who doesn’t need to stab things over and over these days? She lives in Corvallis, Oregon with her husband, three children and two dogs. In 2026, she ran for Congress in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District.
Awaken your own graceful revolution and connect with Dr. Bird’s writing on Substack.
Image 1 of 2
Image 2 of 2
