Julie K. Rubini is a children’s book author and founder of Claire’s Day, Ohio’s largest children’s book festival. She is the recipient of a Toledo Area Jefferson Award, YWCA Milestones Award and University of Toledo Distinguished Alumni award. Julie’s first book, Hidden Ohio, was featured as the Ohio Arts Council Governor’s Awards book. Three of Julie’s works have been published by Ohio University Press, Biographies for Young Readers series. They include, Missing Millie Benson: The Secret Case of the Nancy Drew Ghostwriter and Journalist, Eye to Eye: Sports Journalist Christine Brennan, and Virginia Hamilton: America’s Storyteller, which received a Starred review from Kirkus, and is listed in the Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year. Julie has been commissioned by the Library of America to serve as the editor on a collection of Virginia Hamilton’s works. Julie loves to write and share inspiring stories!
The Tale of Three Writers: Millie, Virginia and Christine
Mildred “Millie” Wirt Benson was the original ghostwriter of the Nancy Drew series. Virginia Hamilton was the most honored author of children’s literature, ever. Christine Brennan is the USA Today sports columnist, television commentator, author, and speaker. Discover what all three have in common, their inspirations and the story behind sharing their life journeys.
Missing Millie Benson
Discover the mysteries behind Mildred “Millie” Wirt Benson, the original ghostwriter of the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. Learn about Millie’s early and college years, and how her life intersected with that of Edward Stratemeyer, the creator of the Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys and Bobbsey Twins series. Julie pulls back the curtain to reveal the story behind the popular stories, and the woman who first wrote them.
Before Her Time: The life of Virginia Hamilton
Virginia Hamilton was born and raised in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Discover how this young African American writer became one of the most celebrated authors of children’s literature.
Moving Forward Gracefully
Julie shares the tragic loss of her ten-year-old daughter, Claire and moving forward joyfully in her grief journey. Discover one mother’s path in honoring her daughter gone too soon and validating the relationships with her amazing husband and two children. Be prepared to laugh and cry! Tissues provided.
Breaking Down Barriers: Sports Journalist Christine Brennan
Christine Brennan has faced discrimination throughout her career. Learn the challenges that Christine has overcome and the successes she has experienced through her career as sports columnist, commentator, author and speaker.
TO SCHEDULE A PRESENTATION , PLEASE CONTACT:
Julie Rubini
Juliekayrubini@gmail.com
Speaker Applications
If your organization would like to book a speaker, first contact the speaker to confirm program dates, times, and whether or not the program will be offered virtually.
After you have confirmed scheduling details, submit a speaker request form to Ohio Humanities at least six weeks before the presentation takes place. Upon approval, we’ll send you a program agreement packet and ask you to pay the appropriate application fee to Ohio Humanities. Groups are limited to three Speakers Bureau programs per year.
Speaker Fee Structure
Non-profit organizations with an annual budget under $150,000 pay a fee of $50.00.
Non-profit organizations with an annual budget over $150,000 pay a fee of $250.00.
Schools (including colleges or universities) and corporate or private entities pay a fee of $400.00.
For any questions, please contact Program Officer Melvin Barnes at mbarnes@ohiohumanities.org.