Activism

Activism is a form of self-expression and is the action of speaking up about certain causes, whether personal, social, political, economic, or environmental. Throughout history, the act of helping raise awareness has often proven to be a catalyst for positive change. Leadership, self-management, showing initiative, and making decisions are some of the many qualities exhibited through activism. Our speakers are founders, CEOs, changemakers, and purpose-driven marketers who are advocates for political, social, environmental, and human rights; they fight for injustice while creating long-lasting change. Contact us to book one of our activism speakers for your next event, conference, or seminar.

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D'Lo
D'Lo
Actor, Comedian, Activist

​​D’Lo (he/they) is a queer/transgender Tamil-Sri Lankan-American actor/writer/comedian whose work range includes stand-up comedy, solo theater, plays, films and music production, poetry and spoken word. Rooted in social justice, D’Lo brings the fierce with the funny through his stories and stand-up comedy.

D'Lo
Kimberly Seals Allers
Kimberly Seals
Allers
Advocate, Award-Winning Journalist, Author

Kimberly Seals Allers is an award-winning journalist, author of five books, international speaker, strategist, and advocate for maternal and infant health. A former senior editor at Essence and writer at Fortune magazine, Kimberly is a leading commentator on birth, breastfeeding and motherhood and the intersection of race, policy, and culture.

Kimberly Seals Allers
Rebecca Altamirano
Rebecca
Altamirano
Co-founder Tangelo Technologies, Author

Rebecca Altamirano has dedicated her professional life to working within underrepresented communities to open up access to the culture of power. Her professional path has given her deep hands-on experience on working with the underserved and underrepresented. Many of these experiences she has shared as a co-author of “Be The Change: Reinventing Schools for Student Success”

Rebecca Altamirano
Sekou Andrews
Sekou
Andrews
CEO of SekouWorld, GRAMMY-Nominated Artist, Award-winning Innovation & Inspiration Expert, Internationally Acclaimed Spoken Word Artist, Playwright, Actor

Sekou Andrews is a dynamic spoken word poet and CEO of SekouWorld, Inc. His innovative "poetic voice" seamlessly melds inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry, making him a sought-after speaker for Fortune 500 companies and global brands like Google, Nike, and Paypal. With two National Poetry Slam championships and a GRAMMY nomination, Sekou is a fearless disruptor of the speaking industry and a coach to leaders seeking to become more dynamic communicators.

Sekou Andrews
Mandy Antoniacci
Mandy
Antoniacci
Columnist, Author, Tech Entrepreneur

A sought after voice of inspiration, Mandy is a columnist, founder, and prolific influencer. Her breadth of work in mind+body connection and unwavering optimism has earned her global attention and positioning alongside elite social leaders and sports figures around the world. Mandy now travels the globe inspiring resilience through her recent and personal triumph in mental and physical wellness.

Mandy Antoniacci
Peter Baines
Peter
Baines
Leadership Expert, Powerful Storyteller, Everyday Hero

Investigating homicides, leading international teams into scenes of crisis and disaster is not your normal path to global keynote speaker and business consultant. It was this unique path that provided insights into leadership which are so different yet offer relevant reflections and learnings to businesses facing change, growth or challenges of their own.

Peter Baines
Jayce Baron
Jayce
Baron
Founder of jBaron Creative House, Award-Winning Screenwriter and Author, Advocate for the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community, Executive Producer, Director

Jayce Baron is an accomplished Afro-Latinx screenwriter, director, and advocate for the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community. He is the founder of jBaron Creative House and has worked with prestigious organizations such as Forbes, Billboard Magazine, and GLAAD. Jayce is also known for his advocacy work, including his involvement in passing bill SB816 and his role as an Advisory Board Member at Yale University. In 2024, he was elected to the Neighborhood Council of Los Angeles.

Jayce Baron
Chris Baréz-Brown
Chris
Baréz-Brown
Master of Transformation, Author

Chris is a master of transformation. His unique energetic approach challenges businesses to embed a dynamic creative culture within their company ethos. Brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Unilever, Sony, and WPP come back time and again as his results produce tangible returns on investment.

Chris Baréz-Brown
Emily Best
Emily
Best
Founder/CEO of Seed&Spark and Film Forward, Producer, Writer, Leveraging Entertainment for Equity and Sustainability

Emily Best is the founder and CEO of Seed&Spark. An advocate for equity inclusion in the entertainment industry (and the entire working world), Best regularly speaks at conferences and events about leveraging entertainment to build equity and sustainability for everyone, crowdfunding, and pitching, building equitable startups, and serves as an advisor and mentor to dozens of early-stage companies.

Emily Best
Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew
Dr. Froswa
Booker-Drew
President and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, Thought Leader, Consultant, Author, and Creator of the Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation

Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew is the President and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy, providing guidance on philanthropy, community engagement, leadership development, and organizational culture support. She founded the Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation and is an adjunct faculty member at Tulane University. She authored four books, including Empowering Charity. She also co-founded HERitage Giving Circle, Power in Action-Dallas, and the South Dallas Employment Project.

Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew
Mike Brown
Mike
Brown
Founder and CEO of Win-Win, Former Pro-Athlete

Mike Brown, a pro-athlete turned self-taught coder, transitioned from tackling to tech and went on to be the founder and CEO of Win-Win, a platform powered by gaming and giving. Win-Win enables pro athletes and influencers to monetize their fanbase and help brands engage with end consumers.

Mike Brown
Madison Butler
Madison
Butler
Redefining Workplaces with Healed Leadership & Human-Centered Innovation, HR Change Maker

Madison Butler is a Black, queer woman, and a survivor. Her work is focused around designing spaces and creating scalable strategies to achieve psychological safety. An outspoken advocate for mental health, she is passionate about facilitating hard conversations through storytelling, data, and tough empathy, removing stigma around trauma, and advisor for being “human at work”.

Madison Butler
Zion Clark
Zion
Clark
American Track Athlete and Wrestler, 2022 Guinness World Record Holder

Zion Clark is an All-American wrestler, an MMA fighter, a Guinness World Record holder, the subject of an EMMY Award winning Netflix documentary, an author, and an internationally acclaimed speaker who infuses humor, wit, powerful life lessons, and infectious energy into each and every presentation that he gives—allowing him to connect with audiences on a level that is undeniably unparalleled.

Zion Clark
Melinda Briana Epler
Melinda Briana
Epler
Founder & CEO of Empovia, Author on Allyship

Melinda Briana Epler has over 25 years of experience developing business innovation and inclusion strategies for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and global NGOs. As CEO of Empovia, Melinda works with the tech industry to solve diversity and inclusion together. Using her background in storytelling and large-scale culture change, she is a strategic advisor for tech companies, tech hubs, and governments around the world.

Melinda Briana Epler
Teresa Goines
Teresa
Goines
Founder of Old Skool Cafe & Community Crusader

Teresa Goines is a visionary entrepreneur and social activist who founded Old Skool Cafe, a 1940s-style supper club in San Francisco that empowers at-risk youth through employment. Inspired by her work as a corrections officer, Teresa launched the cafe in 2004 to help young people break the cycle of poverty and violence. Her innovative efforts have earned her recognition as a CNN Hero and features in outlets like Forbes and The Huffington Post. As a speaker, Teresa shares her story and offers practical insights on social justice and community change, making her a powerful voice on youth empowerment and restorative justice.

Teresa Goines
Arlan Hamilton
Arlan
Hamilton
Founder Backstage Capital, Author, and Venture Catalyst

Arlan Hamilton is a remarkable entrepreneur who built a venture capital fund from the ground up, while homeless. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, a VC firm dedicated to minimizing funding disparities in tech by investing in high-potential founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBTQ+.

Arlan Hamilton
Jin-Ya Huang
Jin-Ya
Huang
Purpose-Driven Community Leader, Presidential Leadership Scholar, Social Enterprise Innovator, Artist Educator, Award Winning Bridge Builder

Jin-Ya Huang founded Break Bread, Break Borders, a social enterprise. She's a published writer, and TIME Magazine-featured Community Uniter focusing on equity, design, and social justice. A PLS Presidential Leadership Scholars fellow, Huang excels in bridge building, women's empowerment, and race relations for lasting social impact.

Jin-Ya Huang
Yelitsa Jean-Charles
Yelitsa
Jean-Charles
Founder of Healthy Roots Doll

Yelitsa Jean-Charles founded Healthy Roots after recognizing a need for more diverse toys and representation in children’s publishing. She has been recognized as Essence’s 50 Founders to watch and frequently speaks about entrepreneurship, social justice, and cultural competency.

Yelitsa Jean-Charles
Dr. Clarence B. Jones
Dr. Clarence B.
Jones
Civil Rights Activist, Author, and Former Strategic Advisor, Attorney, and Speechwriter for Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Clarence B. Jones served as legal counsel, strategic advisor, and speechwriter to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He contributed to the first seven paragraphs of the iconic "I Have A Dream" speech. Dr. Jones is an accomplished author, lawyer, civil rights leader, and business executive. He has received prestigious honors, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and is actively involved in social advocacy, fostering Black-Jewish relations through Spill the Honey Foundation.

Dr. Clarence B. Jones
Jonas Koffler
Jonas
Koffler
NY Times Bestselling Author, Cofounder, Writer & Producer

Jonas is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and storyteller, and an award-winning writer & producer of books, documentaries, and branded entertainment at storytelling boutique Koffler Pictures. Jonas regularly presents at conferences, organizations, and events on topics spanning personal innovation and unconventional thinking, the future of work, creativity and learning, community building, wellness, and resilience.

Jonas Koffler
Russell Ladson
Russell
Ladson
CEO of Drop, Creative Technologist

Russell Ladson is a creative technologist whose work sits at the intersection of emerging technologies, purposeful design, and visual art. His work investigates the use of emerging technologies like AR/VR (XR) to heighten the human-to-human experience through experimental concepts around information discovery in a post-smartphone world.

Russell Ladson
Max Lenderman
Max
Lenderman
Visionary Marketing Strategist, Experiential Marketing Innovator, Author

Max Lenderman has a pulse on the future so that you and your business can win today. As founder and chief creative officer, he is a pioneering authority on purpose-led brand building, experiential marketing, and large-scale advertising campaigns.

Max Lenderman
Mark Levy
Mark
Levy
Employee Experience Pioneer, Globally Minded HR Leader

Mark Levy is a seasoned globally-minded Employee Experience Leader who has chosen to work for big-hearted companies and focus on how he can unleash the talents and passions of a company’s employees. Mark was the pioneer of designing the Employee Experience at Airbnb and most recently at Allbirds, showing organizations what is possible when you empower employees and rethink HR.

Mark Levy
Bianca Mabute-Louie
Bianca
Mabute-Louie
Award-Winning Sociologist, Author

Bianca Mabute-Louie is a keynote speaker, award-winning sociologist, and forthcoming author. Her speaking, publishing, and research centers Asian Americans in the national discourse on race and politics. Her first book, UNASSIMILABLE, comes out January 2025 with Harper Collins.

Bianca Mabute-Louie
Mita Mallick
Mita
Mallick
Wall Street Journal & USA Today Best Selling Author, DEI Leader, Workplace Transformation Expert

Mita Mallick is a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses and cultures. Mita is a passionate storyteller who believes in the power of diversity to spur creative strategic thinking which can ultimately transform brands.

Mita Mallick
Muta'Ali Muhammad
Muta'Ali
Muhammad
Award-Winning Director and Filmmaker, Former GEM Fellow, Co-Founder of The Raw Report

Muta’Ali is an award-winning director renowned for his documentaries like MoviePass and Cassius X. Nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn, he also produced notable TV work and entertainment segments. His storytelling, centered on "Love, Art & Activism," has garnered widespread media coverage. Currently, he’s directing a new documentary on an Oscar-nominated artist.

Muta'Ali Muhammad
Norliza Pavlakos
Norliza
Pavlakos
Internationally Renowned, Award-Winning Speaker on Resilience, Empowerment & Entrepreneurship, Author, Psychotherapist

A survivor, entrepreneur, and international keynote speaker – Norliza is a force globally recognised for her achievements and accolades. She is Founder of Mind Hub Directory, improving mental health is a passion and commitment for Norliza and her team. She is a qualified psychotherapist, transformation executive coach, entrepreneur, storyteller, and keynote speaker, inspiring individuals to live their best possible life. Norliza presents an impassioned and compelling story of true grit and resounding resilience. A story of overcoming impossible adversities, triumphing against all odds, and becoming a self-made, highly successful entrepreneur.

Norliza Pavlakos
Damian Pelliccione
Damian
Pelliccione
CEO & Co-Founder of Revry, World’s First LGBTQ+ Global Content Streaming Network, Blending Business Prowess with Film Production & Education

Damian Pelliccione (they/them) is the CEO and Co-Founder of Revry, the world’s first LGBTQ Global Content Streaming Network. With over 15 years of experience in the digital and new media world and as an avid speaker, passionate about supporting the LGBTQ community in both authentic representation and entrepreneurship, Damian has spoken at more than over 250 conferences and film festivals around the world.

Damian Pelliccione
Milagros Phillips
Milagros
Phillips
The Race Healer

Milagros Phillips designs strategic learning initiatives for clients seeking to enhance their diversity and inclusion programs by adding race literacy to their initiatives. With more than 25 years of experience in learning and development, Milagros has consulted with, designed and delivered customized programs across many industries and services, including financial/insurance, healthcare, higher education, and national and political leaders.

Milagros Phillips
Christie Pitts
Christie
Pitts
Early Stage Investor, Operator, Activist & Inventor

Christie Pitts is an investor, operator, and activist. Formerly VP of Operations at Mahmee and investor at Backstage Capital, she co-founded the VCs for Repro initiative, focused on the intersection of the economy and reproductive justice, and hosts the Moms at Work liveshow to build community, raise awareness, and advocate for better experiences for working moms.

Christie Pitts
Hanli Prinsloo
Hanli
Prinsloo
Keynote Speaker, Freediver, Founder and CEO of I AM WATER Ocean Conservation Foundation

Hanli Prinsloo is a multiple South African freediving record holder and Founder of I AM WATER Ocean Conservation. Growing up on a horse farm in rural South Africa her love of nature and the need for wilderness experiences were instilled at an early age. With a background in social-political documentary filmmaking, Hanli has traveled the world seeking and telling stories of transformation, hope, and inspiration.

Hanli Prinsloo
Ryann Richardson
Ryann
Richardson
Founder, Political Activist, Miss Black America

Ryann Richardson made history when she became the 50th Anniversary Miss Black America. The tech marketer-turned-founder and Diversity & Inclusion advocate spent 10 years building brands and culture for companies spanning early-stage startups to billion-dollar "unicorns" to the Fortune500. Her work earned her a spot as the youngest honoree on Savoy Magazine’s list of Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America, and set her on the path to discovering her unique purpose as a champion for underrepresented voices.

Ryann Richardson
Dr. Kryss Shane
Dr. Kryss
Shane
Leading LGBT+ Inclusion Expert, Educator, Consultant, Advocate, Professor & Lecturer, Author

Dr. Kryss Shane, a renowned LGBT+ expert, boasts over 25 years of experience in guiding leaders globally. Featured in The New York Times, ABC News, and more, she specializes in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, helping businesses navigate these areas effectively. Holding a doctorate and multiple master’s degrees, Dr. Shane is an esteemed educator, serving at Columbia University and other institutions. Author of impactful books, including "The Medical Professional's Guide to LGBT+ Inclusion," she advocates for LGBT+ rights and inclusivity on various fronts.

Dr. Kryss Shane
Alex Sheen
Alex
Sheen
5x TedEx Speaker, Founder of Because I Said I Would, Philanthropist, Social Entrepreneur & Innovator, Author, and Humanitarian

As one of the world’s foremost experts on accountability and commitment, Alex is a five-time TEDxTalk speaker, author, podcast host, internationally-recognized humanitarian, social entrepreneur & innovator, author, and Founder of the because I said I would movement. His work, featured on shows like The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, CNN, Fox News, and many other programs, inspires people to honor their commitments.

Alex Sheen
Dr. Natalie Stavas
Dr. Natalie
Stavas
Inspirational Boston Marathon Hero, International Humanitarian & Award-Winning Physician, Harvard Doctor, Mentor, Runner

Dr. Natalie Stavas, a healer and educator, leads as Program Director for Child Protection Pediatrics at UC San Diego. Her heroic response during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings earned recognition from President Obama and media outlets. She's committed to preventing childhood violence and providing medical care in Haiti. Dr. Stavas conducts research on vulnerable children and COVID-19's impact. Featured in Runner's World and NY Times, she inspires with her remarkable journey.

Dr. Natalie Stavas
Aniyia Williams
Aniyia
Williams
Systempreneur, Creator, Inventor, Tech for Good Changemaker

Aniyia Williams is a systempreneur, creator, inventor, tech changemaker, and investor. She is a principal on the Responsible Technology team at Omidyar Network, and works to help the tech world live up to its promise of changing lives for the better. She served as Executive Director of Black & Brown Founders, co-founder of Zebras Unite, and founded and led the fashion tech company, Tinsel.

Aniyia Williams
Justin Wren
Justin
Wren
Founder of Fight for The Forgotten, Elite UFC/MMA Fighter, Global Humanitarian, TEDx Speaker, Best-Selling Author, National Champion Wrestler, Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame

Justin Wren, also known as "The Big Pygmy," is a former MMA fighter, national champion wrestler, UFC veteran, and bestselling author. After battling depression, addiction, and finding his purpose living among the Mbuti Pygmy people, he founded Fight for the Forgotten, a non-profit dedicated to providing clean water and support to marginalized communities. Armed with transformative storytelling, he empowers people to find purpose, attain peak performance, and create lasting change.

Justin Wren
Ramona Wright
Ramona
Wright
TEDx Speaker, Founder, Strategist, Author, Tech Investor, Philanthropist, Coach

Ramona Wright, a TEDx speaker, author, tech investor, producer, tech investor, and philanthropist, has more than 15 years of strategic communication expertise. She’s a trailblazer who taught public relations and social media marketing to more than 200. Ramona is an accomplished speaker who has spoken on behalf of the American Heart Association, Google, and Microsoft. She worked with Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar Award-winning talent.

Ramona Wright
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