SPEAKING
Tailored topics for a unique experience.
I share stories about the Baltic Revolution, the Soviet Collapse, and the power of ordinary people to shape history—combining historical insight with firsthand experience from inside Lithuania’s independence movement.
Each talk is tailored for your audience, whether academic, professional or public.
Popular Topics
The Baltic Revolution: How Ordinary People Changed the Course of History
Between 1987 and 1991, millions of people in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia peacefully challenged Soviet rule—and helped bring about the collapse of one of the most powerful empires in history.
This talk brings the Baltic Revolution to life through both historical analysis and firsthand experience, showing how collective action can reshape global events—and what that means for the world today.
Key themes:
- Nonviolent resistance
- Collective action
- Political transformation
- The power of individuals
The Baltic Singing Revolution: How Songs Helped Topple an Empire
In the Baltic nations, music was more than expression—it was resistance.
This talk explores how cultural identity, collective memory, and song mobilized mass participation and sustained momentum for independence—revealing how culture can unify people and challenge political power.
Key themes:
- Cultural resistance
- Identity and memory
- Mass mobilization
- The power of shared expression
Lithuania’s Road to Freedom: How a Nation Broke Away from the Soviet Union
How does a nation reclaim its independence from a global superpower?
This talk traces Lithuania’s path from the emergence of Sąjūdis to restored statehood, offering a rare inside perspective from work within the Lithuanian Parliament during this pivotal moment.
Key themes:
- National movements
- Leadership and decision-making
- Civic mobilization
- Political transformation
Why the Soviet Union Collapsed—and Why It Happened So Fast
The collapse of the Soviet Union surprised the world—but its collapse had been building for years.
This talk examines the system’s internal weaknesses, the impact of reform, and the rise of nationalist movements—combining historical context with lived experience during the final years of Soviet power.
Key themes:
- Systemic instability
- Reform and unintended consequences
- Nationalism and sovereignty
- Global implications
When Empires Collapse: What History Teaches Us Today
What happens when powerful systems begin to break down?
Using the Baltic Revolution as a case study, this talk connects historical patterns of imperial decline to today’s global challenges—offering insight into authoritarianism, instability, and the conditions that make change possible.
Key themes:
- Geopolitics and systemic change
- Authoritarianism vs. democracy
- Historical parallels
- Lessons for today
Understanding the War in Ukraine: History, Identity, and Context
This talk provides essential context on Ukraine’s relationship with Russia, the legacy of the Soviet Union, and the role of identity in shaping conflict—helping audiences better understand one of today’s most consequential global crises.
Key themes:
- Historical roots of conflict
- Soviet legacy
- National identity and sovereignty
- Contemporary geopolitics
Custom Talks
Talks can be adapted for specific audiences, including students, conferences, and specialized events.
Examples include:
- Student programs: Connecting George Orwell’s Animal Farm to Soviet history, political ideologies, and lived experiences under the Soviet system.
- Youth leadership talks: Inspiring audiences through personal experiences in activism and the independence movement.
- Panels and conferences: Tailored discussions on identity, resistance movements, and Cold War history.
Carlthorp School, Santa Monica, CA
Interview for Lithuanian documentary
Lithuanian Youth Group Congress, Chicago, Il
Project Liberty Conference, New York, NY
Yale Scandanavian & Baltic Studies Conference, New Haven, CT
Lithuanian Community, Madison, Wi
Invite Daiva to Speak
Please fill out the form with details of your event and Daiva will be in touch.
Bring stories to life
Daiva Venckus is available for speaking engagements that explore the Baltic Revolution, and the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the power of ordinary people to shape history.
speaking engagments include
- Schools (grades 6-12) and universities
- Conferences and panel discussions
- Cultural and educational programs
- Baltic community events
- Book Clubs
- Virtual presentations
Fees & Logistics
- Virtual: no speaking fee
- In-person: no speaking fee within Southern California
- In-person: outside of Southern California, travel and lodging support requested
- Available within the US & Internationally
Each Engagement is unique. Please reach out to discuss your event.