Public Speaking & Media

Journaling Class

  • University of California San Diego, 2023-present (La Jolla, CA)

Journaling Workshops

  • MiraCosta College, 2023-present (Oceanside, CA)
  • San Diego County Libraries (Sponsored by KPBS) Workshops in Spanish and English 2024-present

School & Community Awareness

  • Perkin's Elementary School 2023 (San Diego, CA)
  • The Rotary Club of La Jolla 2023 (La Jolla, CA)
  • The Rotary Club of Escondido 2025 (Escondido, CA)

Fundraising Events for Foster Youth

  • Casa de Amparo, Crystal Ball Gala 2008 (Rancho Santa Fe, CA)
  • Promises to Kids, Fundraising Event 2008 (San Diego, CA)
  • Meet the Chefs, Fundraising Event with San Diego Chefs 2008 (Del Mar CA)
  • Casa de Amparo, Crystal Ball Gala 2023 (Rancho Santa Fe, CA)
  • Meet the Chefs, Fundraising Event with San Diego Chefs 2024 (Del Mar CA)
  • Angel Flight for Stars and Stripes and Casa de Amparo, Fundraising Event for Foster System in San Diego, Orange County, and Mexico 2024 (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico)

Foster Youth Community

  • Just in Time for Foster Youth, Rise to Resilience Healing Festival 2023 (San Diego, CA)
  • Foster Nation, CareerX Spring Class of 2023  (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Just In Time For Foster Youth Alumni and Author Irene Ekdahl Encourages Us to Write Our Own Destiny 2023 (San Diego) (read article)
  • Foster Nation, "You Were Created with a Purpose" 2024 (Los Angeles) (read article)
  • Angel Flight for Casa de Amparo (San Diego) (watch video)
  • Colina de Luz - March 22, 2025 (Tijuana, Mexico)

Media

  • Canvas Rebel Magazine - January 2, 2023 (read article)
  • KUSI News - February 19, 2023 (watch video)
  • La Jolla Golden Triangle - June 2, 2023 (read article)
  • The San Diego Union Tribune: San Diego County withheld millions in benefits from foster youth. Now it’s backing a bill to ban the practice - June 18, 2023 (read article)
  • Journaling: A Path Through Trauma with Irene Ekdahl - Creative Conversations (watch video)
  • The San Diego Union Tribune: Journaling for Wellbeing
    (read article)
  • Bold Journey Magazine - April 2, 2024: Meet Irene Ekdahl (read article)
  • The San Diego Union Tribune: San Diego County renews support for legislation to ensure foster youths get survivor benefits - June 8, 2024 (read article) 

Advocacy & Politics

  • Partnered with Shane Harris, founder of The People's Association of Justice Advocates, to pass bill AB1512, The San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper, June 16, 2023  (read article)
  • The San Diego Union Tribune:  San Diego County withheld millions in benefits from foster youth. Now it’s backing a bill to ban the practice (read article)
  • The Del Mar Times  (read article)

Grants

    Click here to book a meeting: Discuss Potential Speaking Engagements or Journaling Workshops