Invite Judy Ikels to Speak
Upcoming Event at the Chinese American Museum in Washington, DC.
The Chinese American Museum has invited Judy to speak on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11 a.m., followed by a reception. The museum is located at 1218 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Attendance is free, and there is plenty of room. RSVP and event details can be found here. The current exhibit is aptly named Soaring for Peace: The Flying Tigers Legacy!
Invite Judy Ikels to Speak
Judy Goodman Ikels is a compelling speaker who brings history to life through her deeply personal journey, detailed in Death in Wartime China: A Daughter's Discovery. In her engaging talks, Judy shares the remarkable story of her search for answers about the father she never knew-an American pilot who perished in a secret mission during World War II. Her presentation weaves together archival research, emotional discovery and a modern-day pilgrimage to China, where she uncovered a memorial to her father and connected with local villagers who still honor him today.
Audiences walk away moved and inspired, reminded of the power of remembrance, resilience and unexpected connections across generations and cultures.
With extensive experience as an adult trainer with the Foreign Service Institute and in Human Resources, Judy is no stranger to public speaking or navigating complex narratives. Her diplomatic career with her husband spanned continents and cultures, making her a natural at connecting with diverse audiences—whether at libraries, universities, veterans' organizations, historical societies or literary festivals. Judy's story resonates not only as a work of historical nonfiction but as a timeless meditation on legacy, identity and what it means to find closure.
What's in a Judy Ikels Book Talk
- The story of US-Chinese friendship during WWII;
- How a young American pilot learned to fly a B-24 Bomber with the Flying Tigers;
- A beautiful love story played out against the backdrop of war;
- The author's recent journey to China;
- How it is never too late to search for important people in your life.
Previous Speaking Engagements
"Judy is an experienced, fascinating speaker."
- A cameo appearance at the Chinese Writers' Association annual meeting, with over 100 participants in attendance;
- Multiple appearances with the Author's Panel at the Foreign Service Institute's Job Search and Transition Program for retiring employees;
- DACOR House seated dinner for 50, in conversation with Dr. Timothy Keck, retired Historian of the Air Force;
- Video interview with Gary Cheng in preparation for the Chinese Book Club “Tea 4 Soul”;
- Open mic reading at The Writer’s Center, Bethesda, MD;
- A Serendipity Talk with American University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (Watch it here);
- Presentation at the Mary Riley Styles Library, Falls Church, VA;
- Zoom interview with the Department of State Civil Service Association;
- Zoom interview with the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW), Department of State, Washington, DC;
- Presentation at a neighborhood book club, Arlington, VA;
- The Wednesday Morning Club at the Unitarian Church, Potomac, MD;
- The Asian American Forum presentation with an audience of 100+, Unitarian Church, Bethesda, MD.
