The Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop has been dubbed the "Woodstock of Humor" and a "utopia" for writers. The workshop's mission is to encourage and inspire writers in the same way that celebrated columnist and author Erma Bombeck found encouragement and inspiration at the University of Dayton. Leighann Lord has been a workshop faculty member since 2014 and it's emcee since 2022.
"Give it up one more time for our extraordinary emcee Leighann Lord, who made both our in-person and virtual audiences
feel welcomed and seen! She commands a room with her grace, humor and savvy."
Teri Rizvi, Executive Director of Strategic Communications, University of Dayton
Excellent MC and host. Smart, funny, generous, and kind.
Judy Heller
She is the full package as the event emcee. Elegant, sharp, witty and of-the-moment, she's such a gift to us.
Kassie Ritman
Loved her recaps and intros! Her enthusiasm is infectious!
Carolyn Freudenthal
She was the heartbeat of the event for me.
Rikki Gee
Leighann for many years at EBWW has been the golden thread to tie the event together! She listens intently to each Keynote and brings us points to ponder at the next Keynote gathering. Hope to see you in 2026!
Julie Walling Noeth
She dished out delicious summaries; Cherries to linger on top. Brilliant wit, style and charm.
Jo Carnevale
Lovely, gracious, silly, genuine: Leighann put the bow on the Erma workshop weekend!
Liz Mund Ryan
Funny, relevant, relatable. Leighann has a stage presence mixed with a sharp wit that makes every show a pleasure. I live to laugh and she makes me feel younger with every funny story.
Maggie Dixon
Leighann was truly extraordinary. She listened so intently. Felt things so deeply and shared so beautifully. And as a result heightened everyone's experience.
Pam Sherman
WORKSHOP PHOTOS BY JULIE WALLING NOETH