Bring atomic hope to your stage

All Together, One Mission (A.T.O.M)

How History, Place, and Purpose Shape the Future

What can a “Secret City” teach today’s leaders about navigating complexity and aligning teams around a shared mission? In this high-impact keynote, Atomic Hope founder Katara Vasquez draws on the legacy of the Manhattan Project and it’s Oak Ridge, Tennessee headquarters to explore how history, place, and purpose can power modern leadership and organizational culture. Participants will gain practical insights through the A.T.O.M. Framework and real-world case studies on collaboration, culture, and mission-critical decision-making.

Ideal for: Government, corporate, nonprofit, and research leadership.

Format: Adult audiences | 30 minutes

The Power of Hope: History’s Unseen Connections

A Deep Dive into the Soul of the Manhattan Project

This compelling presentation uncovers the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans to the Manhattan Project during World War II. Blending personal narrative with rigorous historical context, Atomic Hope founder Katara Vasquez explores how hope functioned as a unifying force—transcending racial and cultural barriers during one of the most complex moments in American history. Attendees will gain insight into inclusive historical storytelling and practical strategies for fostering unity through shared understanding.

Ideal for: Corporate groups, universities, and professional associations
Format: Adult audiences | 30 minutes

Welcome? Why Representation in Our American Spaces Matters

Understanding the Link Between Historical Narratives and Belonging

Why does seeing ourselves reflected in history change how we experience the places we live? In this thought-provoking session, Atomic Hope founder Katara Vasquez shares her journey through Oak Ridge, Tennessee, America’s Secret City, to reveal how the Atomic Age was shaped by voices long left out of the story. The session explores why inclusive historical representation in public spaces matters and how it strengthens community connection and civic identity.

Ideal for: Tourism boards, historical societies, museums,  and civic leaders
Format: Adult audiences | 20 minutes

Hidden Histories: The Stories That Shaped a Secret City ( LECTURE)

Exploring the overlooked narratives that shaped Oak Ridge and the American story

This engaging presentation explores the hidden histories of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, revealing the often-unseen Black and White stories that shaped America’s Secret City long before and during the Manhattan Project. Drawing from primary and secondary sources, personal narrative, and public history practice, Atomic Hope founder Katara Vasquez examines how suppressed histories influence community identity, belonging, and civic memory. The session challenges audiences to rethink whose stories are told, why they matter, and how inclusive history can inform a more complete and hopeful future.

Ideal for: Universities, civic organizations, and lifelong learning programs
Format: Adult audiences | 30 minutes

SEE A NEED, FILL A NEED: A MOM’S JOURNEY FROM SCIENTIST TO AUTHOR

This talk focuses on one mother’s realization that important stories were missing from the history her children were learning. Katatra Vasquez shares her journey from scientist to children’s author, driven by the discovery that African American contributions to Oak Ridge’s Manhattan Project were often absent from educational narratives. She highlights how motherhood sharpened her awareness of these gaps and inspired her to create books and experiences that make complex history accessible to young audiences. Her work demonstrates how seeing a need and choosing to fill it can lead to meaningful impact, preserving overlooked stories while inspiring the next generation. 

Ideal for: Mothers groups, entrepreneurial networks, nonprofits, libraries, and family education programs 

 Format: Adult and family audiences | 20 minutes 

LEADING WITH HOPE: HISTORY, STEAM, AND YOU

This interactive program introduces middle school students to the World War II Manhattan Project era in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, through a simplified and student-friendly lens. Through a guided reading with an introduction to historical figures who contributed to the Oak Ridge Secret City, author Katatra Vasquez explores leadership, innovation, and courage during a time of global change. Using Atomic Hope: Our Words and Our Spaces, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, students engage in a thought-provoking STEAM activity that encourages creative problem-solving and critical thinking. Participants are invited to imagine modern technologies that could have supported historical journeys, helping them see themselves as future innovators and leaders. The program supports social studies, English Language Arts, and STEAM learning goals through historical inquiry, reading, and problem-solving. 

Ideal Format: Classroom presentation or assembly
Grade Levels: Middle School
Group Size: Flexible (classroom or large group)
Length: Approximately 30 minutes  

MAW ANN’S PEACH PIE SURPRISE: THE SCIENCE OF HISTORY ( WORKSHOP)

This hands-on workshop introduces students to the connection between history and science through storytelling and experimentation. Using excerpts from Josie’s Hope: A Secret City Revealed, author Katatra Vasquez shares the story of Maw Ann, a character known for her famous peach pies, and uses the narrative to explore basic scientific concepts. Through a guided, interactive experiment, students learn how chemical reactions work while discovering how everyday science connects to historical experiences. The session concludes with opportunities for students to reflect by sharing or writing about what they observed and learned.

The program supports science, literacy, and social studies learning goals through hands-on experimentation, reading, and reflection.

Ideal Format: Small-group workshop
Grade Levels: 1–5
Group Size: Up to 25 students per session
Length: Approximately 45 minutes
Materials: All basic workshop materials are included as part of the author visit fee unless otherwise arranged.  

MAKING A LITTLE RED WAGON: A STORY OF TEAMWORK, INNOVATION, AND STEAM

This engaging author visit introduces young learners to the power of teamwork, creativity, and imagination through the story Making a Little Red Wagon. Author Katatra Vasquez leads students through an interactive read-aloud featuring Hal and Jesse, two curious children who use their unique talents to solve a big problem together. Through guided discussion and age-appropriate questions, students explore how different skills, ideas, and helping hands can work together to create something extraordinary. The program supports early literacy, social-emotional learning, and introductory STEAM concepts through storytelling, discussion, and creative play.

Ideal Format: Classroom visit or small-group session
Grade Levels: PreK–2
Group Size: Flexible (classroom or large group)
Length: 25–30 minutes 

 NHPA Section 106 FastPath

Have you ever wondered what happens before a new road, building, or pipeline project breaks ground, especially when it may impact historic places or culturally significant sites? This beginner-friendly training introduces Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, a federal review process that ensures historic and cultural resources are considered during planning and development.

This course explains how the Section 106 process works, who is involved, and why early understanding can help prevent delays, reduce risk, and support more successful project outcomes.

Participants gain a practical foundation for navigating federally assisted projects with confidence and clarity.

Training Highlights:
· What Section 106 is and why it exists
· Who is involved, including federal agencies, private companies, Tribes, communities, and preservation partners
· How the Section 106 review process works from start to finish
· Real-world examples of Section 106 in action
·  How to engage confidently and responsibly in the process

Ideal for: Federal, private sector project managers, community advocates, and local government staff
Format: Beginner level | Instructor-led

 Duration: 60–90 minutes (customizable)

Cultural Sensitivity and Community Engagement

Beginner-Friendly Training

This introductory course helps organizations understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and meaningful community engagement when projects affect historic or cultural resources. Grounded in the principles of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the training provides practical guidance for engaging communities respectfully, reducing project risk, and supporting successful outcomes.

Participants gain a clear foundation for recognizing cultural concerns early and engaging stakeholders in ways that build trust and support compliance.

Training Highlights:

· Why cultural sensitivity matters in planning, development, and preservation 

· Basics of community engagement within the NHPA framework 

· Identifying stakeholders and understanding community perspectives 

· Common engagement challenges and how to avoid them 

· Practical strategies for respectful communication and consultation 

· How early engagement supports compliance and reduces delays 

Ideal for: Project managers, planners, engineers, nonprofit staff, and local government teams 

Format: Beginner level | Instructor-led 

Duration:60–90 minutes (customizable)