About Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig

Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig is a nationally recognized scholar, dynamic speaker, and thought leader who challenges conventional wisdom in education policy. His work delves into accountability, high-stakes testing, school finance, and market-driven reforms, with a sharp focus on their impact on urban and historically marginalized students. Beyond policy analysis, he is a leading voice on access, diversity, and equity in education, shaping national conversations and inspiring actionable change in schools, communities, and legislative halls.

For audiences, he translates complex research and theory into accessible, actionable language with an inspirational impact.

Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Vasquez Heilig has held practitioner, research, and leadership roles in organizations spanning from Boston to Beijing. His expertise has been featured in leading media outlets, including The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Education Week, The Huffington Post, and many others. He has also appeared on national and local radio and TV networks, including PBS, NBC, NPR, Univision, Al Jazeera, and MSNBC.

Dr. Vasquez Heilig is a prolific writer and contributor to publications such as The Progressive Magazine, The Conversation, and Education Votes.

He earned his Ph.D. in Education Administration and Policy Analysis and a Master’s in Sociology from Stanford University, along with a Master’s in Higher Education and a Bachelor’s in History and Psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

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High-Profile Speaking Engagements

Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig is a sought-after keynote speaker, panelist, and moderator at major universities, conferences, and convenings. He has spoken at nearly 100 national and international events for civil rights organizations, think tanks, government agencies, educator associations, nonprofits, political organizations, media organizations, and student groups.

Selected Speaking Engagements

Universities & Academic Institutions

Dr. Vasquez Heilig has delivered keynote addresses and lectures at more than 30 of the nation’s leading universities, civil rights organizations, and beyond, including:

• Bowdoin College
• Hofstra University
• Howard University
• Loyola University
• New York University
• Northeastern University Law School
• Penn State University
• Rice University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• University of Southern California
• University of Texas at Austin – LBJ School of Public Policy
• University of Utah

Civil Rights Organizations

• California NAACP (Manhattan Beach, CA)
• Dallas NAACP (Dallas, TX)
• National Urban League (Baltimore, MD)
• Southern Education Foundation (Atlanta, GA)
• Intercultural Development Research Association (San Antonio, TX)

Think Tanks & Policy Organizations

• Center for Tax and Budget Accountability (Chicago, IL)
• Texas Center for Education Policy (Austin, TX)
• Texas Public Policy Foundation (Austin, TX)

Government & Legislative Testimony

Dr. Vasquez Heilig has provided expert testimony for legal cases, education policy, and legislative hearings, including:

• U.S. House of Representatives
• U.S. Senate
• Texas Senate & House of Representatives
• California Senate
• Texas State Board of Education
• California State Board of Education

Educator & School Leadership Associations

• California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (San Diego, CA)
• National School Boards Association (Miami, FL)
• Maryland State Education Association (Annapolis, MD)
• National Council of Urban Education Associations (Austin, TX)
• Houston Federation of Teachers (Houston, TX)
• Nevada LEAD Caucus (Las Vegas, NV)

National & Political Organizations

• National Association of Legislative & Political Specialists for Education (San Antonio, TX)
• National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators (Orlando, FL)
• Council of State Governments West (Vail, CO)
• Texas Legislative Black Caucus (Austin, TX)

Media & Journalism Conferences

• Education Writers Association (Austin, TX)
• Texas Observer – School Reform Across Texas (Austin, TX)
• Institute for Justice and Journalism (Atlanta, GA)

Conferences & Major Convenings

• Netroots Nation (Phoenix, AZ)
• SXSWedu (Austin, TX)
• Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation Symposium (Austin, TX)
• Northern Rocky Mountain Education Research Association

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Moderator, Emcee & Panelist

In addition to keynote speaking, Dr. Vasquez Heilig frequently serves as a moderator, emcee, or panelist at major national events. Selected engagements include:

• American Educational Research Association Presidential Session
• An Evening with Trevor Noah
• Network for Public Education

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Book Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig

For speaking engagements, keynote addresses, panel discussions, or event moderation, contact jvh@alumni.stanford.edu.

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Why Book Dr. Vasquez Heilig?

✅ Dynamic & Inspirational Speaker – Bridges research, policy, and practice for maximum impact.
✅ Nationally Recognized Expert – Frequently featured in top media and policy circles.
✅ Engaging & Thought-Provoking – Brings fresh, critical perspectives to education, equity, and social justice issues.

If you’re looking for a compelling, research-driven speaker who can challenge audiences to think deeper and act boldly, Dr. Vasquez Heilig is the perfect choice for your event.

Contact: jvh@alumni.stanford.edu to schedule a booking.