Geena Davis

Geena Davis is a two-time Academy Award winner and one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, having appeared in several roles that became cultural landmarks, such as Thelma in "Thelma & Louise," Dottie Hinson in "A League of Their Own," and Mackenzie Allen in "Commander in Chief." She has also been a nationally ranked archer and is recognized for her tireless advocacy for equitable representation on-screen as founder and chair of the Geena Davis Institute. You can visit Geena Davis at GeenaDavisInstitute.org or follow her on Instagram @GeenaDavisOrg.

In "The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page," a beautiful and humorous picture book about taking up space, Academy Award-winning actor and producer and women’s rights advocate Geena Davis encourages readers to find the confidence to stand tall and be who they are unapologetically. In the tale, we meet Sheila—a girl who lives inside a book and knows people are reading about her. She learns to walk, says her first words, starts school, and makes friends… but sometimes wonders if she could possibly be interesting enough to have a whole book written about her! Then one summer, something very interesting indeed happens—she grows so much she no longer fits on the page! What should she do now?

“The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page,” is written and illustrated by Geena Davis and is her picture book debut. Published by Philomel, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, the book hit shelves on April 29, 2025.

“I’ve always been tall, I was a tall baby,” said Geena Davis. “As a kid, my fondest wish was to take up less space in the world. It was only as an adult I realized I could be all of who I was, unapologetically. So I wrote this book for all of the “too big” children—including children with big personalities and big dreams—who need reassurance that they can be their true selves and make their own space in the world. It was a joy to write, and so wonderful to be able to illustrate my own words to bring my characters to life. I can’t wait to have it out in the world.”

Following this speaker session, the conference will conclude with the Inaugural Reception from 6:00pm to 8:00pm ET.