Author · Veteran · Speaker · Political Advocate · Visionary
Author of Bury the Ashes, Dr. Felicia Banks brings honest storytelling, hard-earned wisdom, and a message of release, reclamation, and rising to audiences across the country.
Dr. Felicia Banks is a 23-year U.S. Army Veteran, author, speaker, Political Advocate, Washington, DC Liaison, selected as one of California’s Most Influential Women, community leader, 2023 U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Medal Awardee, and 2023 Veteran of the Year. In February 2026, she made history as the first African American woman ever elected as California Veterans Caucus Chair.
Through Bury the Ashes, Dr. Banks invites readers and audiences to release what no longer belongs in their future, reclaim purpose and identity, and rise into the best chapter of their lives.
Credentials & distinctions
23-year U.S. Army Veteran
29 years of public speaking
Political Advocate and Washington, DC Liaison
Selected as one of California’s Most Influential Women
2023 U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Medal Awardee
2023 Veteran of the Year
First African American woman elected California Veterans Caucus Chair
Author of Bury the Ashes
Signature topics
Release, Reclaim, Rise
Life After the Ashes
Turning Pain into Purpose
Women’s Leadership and Historic Firsts
Veteran and Military-Family Resilience
Authentic Leadership and Community Service
Appearance formats
Keynotes, workshops, fireside chats, media interviews, podcasts, book-club conversations, women’s gatherings, and veteran or military-group events.
Bury the Ashes
Foreword by Iyanla Vanzant — Pending Approval
The best chapter of your life is waiting on you.
Press introduction
Please welcome Dr. Felicia Banks—a 23-year U.S. Army Veteran, award-winning community leader, historic California Veterans Caucus Chair, and author of Bury the Ashes. Through honest storytelling and practical reflection, she invites audiences to release what no longer belongs in their future, reclaim their purpose, and rise into the best chapter of their lives.
