Future Events
48th Annual Northeast Women's Summer School -Cornell University
Assist in the curriculum development, organization and committee work of the WSS. Instructing both workshops and daily core classes from both collectively developed and individually devised course material
2025 Western Regional Summer Institute for Union Women - BCFED Burnaby, BC, Canada
Will be instructing the multiday core class of Mental Health First Aid. Cater resources for both a Canadian and US based Audience of workers.
Previous Events:
“Resist, Rest, Repeat: Fighting the System While Caring for Ourselves" - UALE 2025 Conference
Presenters: Arianna Drakotos Schindle, Katie Weidling, Kayleigh Truman, Liz Davis-Frost
Abstract: In movements and workplaces, we fight not only external systems of oppression but also their deep impact on us and our communities. This workshop examines how these systems shape mental health and wellbeing at work, how to navigate reactions and team dynamics in our unions/worker justice organizations, and how to build sustainable systems of care. Together, we’ll explore strategies to advocate for ourselves and each other, resist burnout, and strengthen collective power through more regenerative organizing.
Abstract: In movements and workplaces, we fight not only external systems of oppression but also their deep impact on us and our communities. This workshop examines how these systems shape mental health and wellbeing at work, how to navigate reactions and team dynamics in our unions/worker justice organizations, and how to build sustainable systems of care. Together, we’ll explore strategies to advocate for ourselves and each other, resist burnout, and strengthen collective power through more regenerative organizing.
"How to Attract Disabled Artists and Technicians to Your Theatre Company" - USITT: Columbus 2025
Speaker(s): Emily Niedbala, Carissa Dahlia, Ashley Martin, Kayleigh Truman
Abstract: This session will seek to show those making hiring decisions at theatrical companies how they can make their companies and jobs more attractive to disabled artists and technicians and benefits of doing so. The panelists will provide their perspectives on several example job postings and company websites as they pertain to accessibility, highlighting what attracts to and what dissuades them from applying as a disabled person. They will then use these critiques to create a summary of things to do and avoid when companies are seeking to attract disabled professionals. The panel will conclude with a time for questions and comments from the audience to encourage continued discussion of the topic.
Abstract: This session will seek to show those making hiring decisions at theatrical companies how they can make their companies and jobs more attractive to disabled artists and technicians and benefits of doing so. The panelists will provide their perspectives on several example job postings and company websites as they pertain to accessibility, highlighting what attracts to and what dissuades them from applying as a disabled person. They will then use these critiques to create a summary of things to do and avoid when companies are seeking to attract disabled professionals. The panel will conclude with a time for questions and comments from the audience to encourage continued discussion of the topic.
"Agency and Power: Navigating Mental Health in the Work Place" - LDI/DSE Wellness Lounge 2024
Presenter: Kayleigh Truman
Abstract: What kind of say do we have in our mental health at work? How can we make our own choices to better our current well-being? Here, we will address the concept of Agency and how we apply it to the complicated power dynamics of the entertainment industry. Please join Mental Health First Aid instructor and IATSE Local One Member Kayleigh Truman for this informative talk.
Abstract: What kind of say do we have in our mental health at work? How can we make our own choices to better our current well-being? Here, we will address the concept of Agency and how we apply it to the complicated power dynamics of the entertainment industry. Please join Mental Health First Aid instructor and IATSE Local One Member Kayleigh Truman for this informative talk.
"Tactics for Change: Taking the Cost out of Improving Mental Health" - LDI/DSE Wellness Lounge 2024
Presenter: Kayleigh Truman
Abstract: Mental Health First Aid instructor and IATSE Local One Member Kayleigh Truman answers these questions and more in a 20-minute talk: How do you begin to better the mental health culture in your workplace? Where do you start? How do you broach change? Kayleigh will discuss various options, including no-cost and low-cost options, that you can use right now to better your workplace. You can take actionable steps to get the ball rolling, along with helpful tips to encourage your employer to get on board.
Abstract: Mental Health First Aid instructor and IATSE Local One Member Kayleigh Truman answers these questions and more in a 20-minute talk: How do you begin to better the mental health culture in your workplace? Where do you start? How do you broach change? Kayleigh will discuss various options, including no-cost and low-cost options, that you can use right now to better your workplace. You can take actionable steps to get the ball rolling, along with helpful tips to encourage your employer to get on board.
Poster Presentation at COSHCON:
Covid-19: Shining a Light on Mental Health of Entertainment Workers
Here Kayleigh Truman will present her Master's capstone research on on the Mental Health of Stagehands during the Covid-19 epidemic and what it says about workers mental health in "normal" entertainment industry times.
COSHCON:
All Our Pain: Stress and Mental Health in the Work Place
Here Kayleigh Truman and Milly Rodriguez will look into how our mental health is affected by being the safety and wellbeing advocates in our workplace. How can we better take care of ourselves and potentially utilize that progress to better take care of our communities, at work and at home?