Author, Performance Artist & Professional Oddball

Program Title: Queen of the Oddballs

Hillary Carlip, the self-proclaimed “Queen of the Oddballs,” immortalized in her hit memoir, Queen of the Oddballs: And Other True Stories from a Life Unaccording to Plan, (2006) has a life-long history of straying from roads more traveled, from a wisecracking third-grader suspended from school for smoking (while imitating Holly Golightly), to a headline-making teen activist, juggler and fire eater, friend (NOT "fan") of Carly Simon and Carole King, grand prize-winning Gong Show contestant, cult rock star, and seeker of spiritual and romantic truths that definitely defy expectations. At the podium, Hillary blends performance art, lecture, and more for an entirely entertaining evening that’s oddly extraordinary.

Hillary has been hailed as a pioneer in bringing the voices of teenage girls into the mainstream with her first book Girl Power: Young Women Speak Out, which is required reading for many Women's Studies courses throughout the country. She is also the creator, editor and host of the acclaimed literary website, FRESH YARN: The Online Salon for Personal Essays. An NPR commentator, Hillary has appeared on All Things Considered, and reads/performs her personal essays at spoken word hot spots. She also has a piece included in the book FIRED!: Tales of the Canned, Canceled, Downsized, & Dismissed.

As a creative and motivational consultant and speaker, Hillary encourages and inspires people to think outside the box; find uniquely creative ways to live their lives; clarify and fulfill their goals; and embrace their inner oddball.