Activism / Philanthropy / Civic Engagement Keynote Speakers
Browse Activism / Philanthropy / Civic Engagement Speakers
Activism, Philanthropy and Civic Engagement keynote speakers have empowerment through empathy and helping others. Activism, Philanthropy and Civic Engagements speakers are survivors, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and influencers. GDA Speakers is proud to have a world-class roster of activism, philanthropy and civic engagement speakers to inspire your next conference.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Greg Bennick Featured
Build a Better Now® - TEAM BUILDING keynote speaker, emcee, host
Greg's team building and focus keynote "Build a Better Now" brings people together through reinforning the importance of focus and remembering that what they do matters. With ideas from his best-selling book "Reclaim the Moment: 7 Strategies to Build a Better Now", he delivers truly inspiring and entertaining presentations.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 4 Videos: 8
Kathryn Childers Featured
Women's History Trailblazer: One of First Five Women Special Agents in United States Secret Service
Kathryn Childers was one of the first five women hired into the Secret Service in 1971 protecting Presidents, dignitaries, as well as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and her children. Journalist, philanthropist, and author/publisher followed. Through it all, she became an expert at being scared fearless and shares that courageous journey.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 4 Videos: 4
Misty Copeland Featured
First African American Female Principal Dancer in the American Ballet Theatre
When she discovered ballet, Misty was living in a shabby motel room. A true prodigy, she was dancing en pointe within three months of taking her first dance class and performing professionally in just over a year: a feat unheard of for any classical dancer.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 4
Mick Ebeling Featured
Founder of Not Impossible Labs, CEO and Founder of The Ebeling Group
Most recently named one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Greatest Leaders, a recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award and listed as one of the most influential creative people by The Creativity 50’s, Mick Ebeling has sparked a movement of pragmatic, inspirational innovation.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 11
Doc Hendley Featured
Global Humanitarian, Founder and President of Wine To Water, Clean Water Crusader, Top 10 CNN Hero
Doc is Global Humanitarian and Clean Water Crusader who started as a bartender with a grand vision of providing sustainable clean water to communities worldwide. He helps teams and organizations to harness their collective potential and inspire meaningful action through the power of one and shared purpose.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 3 Videos: 8
José Hernandez Featured
Former NASA Astronaut; Inspiration for Amazon Prime Movie "A Million Miles Away"; Entrepreneur; Farmer; Vintner; Author
José Hernandez, born into a Mexican migrant farmworker family, shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to making history as the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. He shares how he overcame numerous obstacles to achieve his dream - exemplifying the power of determination and hard work.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 4 Videos: 4
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Featured
Businessman; Philanthropist; NBA Hall of Fame
Earvin “Magic” Johnson has become one of the most successful African-American businessmen in the world. He is a Major League Baseball owner, an NBA Legend, a 2-Time Hall of Famer, an Entrepreneur, a Philanthropist and a Motivational Speaker.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 8
Liz Murray Featured
Inspirational Speaker and Bestselling Author, Breaking Night
Formerly homeless, Liz Murray transformed her life of despair into an inspiring journey of determination, hope and hard-won success.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 6
Sonia Nazario Featured
Author, Journalist, Humanitarian
Sonia Nazario is an award-winning journalist and humanitarian. Her personal story is the story of migration and of ganas (determination). Her articles and speeches move people to tears and end in standing ovations.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 3 Videos: 2
Bill Rancic Featured
Entrepreneur; Award-Winning Author; Media Personality
Bill Rancic burst onto the national scene when he was hired by Donald Trump as the winner of the first season of NBC’s breakthrough program “The Apprentice”. He is speaking to businesses and organizations around the world, developing real estate in Chicago, and producing and appearing in several television programs.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 0 Videos: 4
Shiza Shahid Featured
Co-founder of Our Place, founder of NowVentures, co-founder & founding CEO of Malala Fund, and TIME magazine's 30 people changing the world
Shiza co-founded the Malala Fund with Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, and led the organization as founding CEO. She focused on creating access to high quality education for all children around the world. Shiza launched NOW Ventures in Silicon Valley, the largest Venture Capital Platform in the world.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 0 Videos: 3
Troy Vincent Featured
NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations; Co-Founder of A Call To Men
Troy Vincent informs the business of the NFL through the unique lens of his previous roles as a player, a player’s union president, and the Senior Vice President of Player Engagement. Vincent is considered a national leader as an advocate against domestic violence and sexual assault.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 3 Videos: 9
Jimmy Wayne Featured
Inspirational New York Times Bestselling Author & Award-Winning Musician
Jimmy Wayne is a former foster kid turned country music star, bestselling author, and advocate for at-risk youth. His story of overcoming homelessness and walking across America to raise awareness inspires audiences to lead with compassion, resilience, and purpose—making an impact through courage and unwavering commitment to change.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 2 Videos: 0
Jennifer Ayers-Moore
Mental Health Advocate
Jennifer Ayers-Moore, sister to Nathaniel Ayers, the subject of the book and film The Soloist, is a passionate, outspoken advocate for the artistically gifted mentally ill. Her journey began over 30 years ago when her charming, intelligent, talented, and handsome brother, Nathaniel, developed schizophrenia.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 1 Videos: 6
Adam Braun
Founder & Chair of Pencils of Promise; Founder & CEO of Clarasight
As CEO of Clarasight, a technology company focused on company sustainability, Adam's organization has built more than 600 schools around the world. His talks are rooted in the authentic first-hand lessons learned through successes and struggles in building pioneering companies with acclaimed leaders at the frontlines of industry innovation.
Keynotes: 0 Books: 0 Videos: 2
Denise Brown
Domestic Violence Awareness Advocate
Denise Brown led a life remarkable only in its normalcy until June 12, 1994 when her sister, Nicole Brown Simpson, was murdered. Brown's life path dramatically altered and she is committed to raising awareness against domestic violence - a crime that kills four women every day in the United States.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 0 Videos: 11
Mallory Brown
Impact Storyteller, Filmmaker, Empathy Speaker
Mallory Brown is a social entrepreneur, adventure traveler, and humanitarian. She is the founder of World Clothes Line. She runs philanthropic campaigns, backpacking around the globe, raising awareness and encouraging a compassionate world.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 5 Videos: 4
Dan Buettner
Best Selling Author of The Blue Zones
Dan Buettner is ready to wow audiences with secrets from around the world to live longer, better, healthier and happier lives.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Majora Carter
American Urban Revitalization Strategist; Environmental Justice Solutions
Majora Carter is a real estate developer, urban revitalization strategy consultant, MacArthur Fellow and Peabody Award winning broadcaster. She's responsible for the creation of numerous economic development, technology inclusion & green-infrastructure projects, policies and job training & placement systems. She is also a lecturer at Princeton University's Keller Center.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 3
James Clear
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author of Atomic Habits, Top Booked Keynote Speaker and Founder of Habits Academy
James Clear is a leading expert on habits and decision-making. As the bestselling author of Atomic Habits, he helps audiences harness small changes for remarkable results—boosting productivity, performance, and personal growth. His talks inspire practical, science-backed strategies to transform behaviors and create lasting success.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 0 Videos: 5
Rosa Clemente
2008 US Vice-Presidential Candidate, Journalist, Political Commentator, Scholar-Activist
Rosa Clemente is an organizer, producer, independent journalist and scholar-activist who has been praised for engaging audiences at Ivy Leagues, community colleges and hundreds of national conferences and events with her raw, insightful and powerful presentations.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 2
Asha Curran
CEO of Giving Tuesday
Asha Curran is CEO of GivingTuesday and serves as Chair of the Board of Guardian.org as well as Advisory Committee Co-Chair for the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 5
Stephanie Decker
Inspiring Mom: Lost Both Legs Saving Children From Tornado, Founder of the Stephanie Decker Foundation
Stephanie Decker is the inspiring mother who lost both legs saving her children during a tornado. She also founded the Stephanie Decker Foundation which helps children with missing limbs take part in sports camps.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 9
Jon Dorenbos
Renowned Keynote Speaker; Bestselling Author; Former NFL Star; Television Personality; World Class Magician
John is a former NFL player and America’s Got Talent competitor. Known for his great sense of humor and positive outlook on life, Jon uses his skills as a magician and his incredible life story to inspire audiences around the world.
Keynotes: 7 Books: 2 Videos: 9
Tiffany Dufu
Leadership Luminary, Founder & CEO The Cru, Author of DROP THE BALL
Named to Entrepreneur’s 100 Powerful Women and Fast Company’s League of Extraordinary Women, Tiffany is founder of The Cru. Launch team member to Lean In, CLO to Levo, and Former President of The White House Project. Featured in The New York Times, ESSENCE, O, The Oprah Magazine, and on NPR.
Keynotes: 9 Books: 3 Videos: 2
Antwone Fisher
Best-Selling Author & Screenwriter
Antwone Fisher is an award-winning film and literary writer. Born in an Ohio prison to a teenage mother, Antwone became a ward of the state. He spent two years in a loving foster home, but was subsequently moved and suffered twelve years of abuse at his new foster family.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 5 Videos: 4
Michael Franzese
Former Member of Colombo Organized Crime Family. Current Speaker, author, TV and Film personality.
Michael is more than a former Mafia member; he is a testament to the power of transformation. His unique perspective on life, business, and resilience inspires countless individuals around the world, demonstrating that no matter the past, the future holds endless possibilities for those willing to pursue a different path.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 7
Dennis Gillan
Mental Health Advocate
Dennis Gillan is on a mission to reverse the current trends in completed suicides & to seriously reduce the stigma associated with getting help for one's mental health. The audience loves his comeback story of surviving the loss of two brothers to suicide. You will be glad you heard him speak.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 6
Haben Girma, Esq.
Human Rights Lawyer, Author, First Deafblind Graduate of Harvard Law School
The first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Haben Girma advocates for equal opportunities for people with disabilities. President Obama named her a White House Champion of Change.
Keynotes: 8 Books: 2 Videos: 2
Bob Goff
New York Times Best-Selling Author of Love Does
NYT bestselling author of Love Does, Everybody Always & Dream Big as well as an attorney who founded Love Does, a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India & Somalia. Sought after speaker for leadership, church and university events, inspiring influencers to get to the ”do” part of life.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 5 Videos: 7
Erin Gruwell
Educator and Founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation
Erin Gruwell is a teacher, an author, and the founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation. By fostering an educational philosophy that values and promotes diversity, Erin transformed her students’ lives.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 4 Videos: 2
Jonathan Haidt
Professor of Ethical Leadership, New York University—Stern School of Business and Author of New York Times Best Seller
Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist who is widely considered to be one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of morality. His early research radically transformed the field, pulling it away from its earlier focus on moral reasoning.
Keynotes: 0 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Ron Hall
Author of Same Kind of Different As Me
Ron Hall is an international art dealer whose long list of regular clients includes many celebrity personalities. He is the author of the book Same Kind of Different As Me, as well as the writer and producer of the Paramount Pictures film by the same name.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 4 Videos: 5
Tony Hawk
Legendary Skateboarder; Entrepreneur; Founder of The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation)
Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk, a pioneer of social media, philanthropist, successful entrepreneur, and the first skater to ever land a 900, talks about his experience creating authentic brands and giving back.
Keynotes: 9 Books: 0 Videos: 3
Helen Hirsh Spence
Age Provocateur; Speaker; Author
Helen is the founder of “Top Sixty Over Sixty,” a trailblazing initiative aimed at transforming the narrative of ageing from negative to positive. Fearlessly tackling the challenges facing older adults, she champions age diversity and strives to educate others about ageism.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 3
Brenda Jones Harden
Professor at Columbia University, Scientist-Practitioner and Researcher
Brenda Jones Harden, Professor of Child and Family Development at Columbia University's School of Social Work, conducts research to inform social policy and practice, using a community engagement approach. For over thirty-five years, her research has focused on early adversity and trauma impacts children’s developmental and mental health outcomes.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 10
Michelle MiJung Kim
Korean American Immigrant; Award-Winning Author; Activist; Entrepreneur
Michelle MiJung Kim (she/her) is a queer Korean American immigrant woman writer, speaker, activist, and entrepreneur. She is CEO and co-founder of Awaken, where she has consulted hundreds of organizations and leaders from Fortune 500 companies, tech giants, nonprofits, universities and beyond on their equity education journey.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 3
Jan Langbein
CEO and Founder - Genesis Women's Shelter and Support
For 28 years, Jan Edgar Langbein has been an activist in efforts to end violence against
women. Currently, as CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, Ms. Langbein
oversees Genesis’ internal and external operations as well as funding and community
education.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 5
Monica Lewinsky
Social Activist
Monica Lewinsky is a social activist, a global public speaker, a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and a consultant. She advocates for a safer social media environment and addresses such topics as digital resilience, reputation, privacy, cultivating compassion, overcoming shame and equality.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Amanda Lindhout
New York Times Bestselling Author, Expert on Transformation & Extraordinary Mindset
Amanda is an unparalleled voice on the topics of resilience, extraordinary mindset, and transformation. As the award-winning author of the NYT bestselling memoir "A House in the Sky," Amanda shares lessons learned after enduring 460 days as a hostage in Somalia that resonate across cultures and industries.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 5
Anne Mahlum
Serial Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Investor
Anne Mahlum is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and investor who has created $100M of net worth by investing in herself. She is the Founder of [solidcore] and Back on My Feet.
Keynotes: 0 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Rania Mankarious
CEO Crimes Stoppers of Houston, Author, Cyber Safety Expert
Mankarious is most proud to have built the first-ever Crime Stoppers headquarters in the world and has written over 200 articles on public safety. In addition to researching and writing, she’s also argued for school safety in front of the Texas House and Senate.
Keynotes: 8 Books: 1 Videos: 1
Shahir Masri
Environmental Scientist, Author, and Speaker
Shahir Masri is author of the book, Beyond Debate: Answers to 50 Misconceptions on Climate Change and a contributing writer for The Hill. He co-founded the National Outreach Project "On The Road For Climate Action," empowering everyday people to help solve the climate crisis through community outreach and education.
Keynotes: 9 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Jennifer McCollum
CEO | Author | International Speaker | Gender Equity Advocate | Leadership Expert
Jennifer is an accomplished CEO, speaker and consultant, and author of "In Her Own Voice: A Woman's Rise to CEO." This book uses data and personal stories to shed light on the unique challenges women face on their journey to leadership, providing actionable insights for aspiring leaders and organizations.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 2 Videos: 5
Chris Norton
Motivational Speaker & Former Defensive Back
After a life changing spinal cord injury during a college football game, Chris was given a 3% chance to ever move anything below his neck. He turned that 3% chance into opportunity that led to walking across the stage at graduation and 7 yards down the aisle at his wedding.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 0 Videos: 3
Gary Oppenheimer
Nationally Recognized Game Changer in the Landscape of Food Waste, Hunger and Disruptive Innovations
Gary Oppenheimer is a nationally recognized thought leader in the hunger/food waste space, CNN Hero, a World Food Prize nominee, Points of Light winner, lecturer and speaker (including two TEDx talks) plus a Google Tech Talk, and Huff Post “2011 Game Changer” and “Greatest Person of the Day”.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 0 Videos: 2
Tony Plana
Former Award-Winning Star of Ugly Betty, Director, and Arts & Education Advocate
From starring as "Jefe" in Three Amigos to “Mickey Troop” in The West Wing, acclaimed actor Tony Plana has exploded traditional Latino stereotypes through acting. Offstage, he not only advocates civic engagement, diversity, and education, but is down in the trenches developing programs for and speaking on these seminal issues.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 8
Chad Pregracke
CNN Hero; Social Entrepreneur
Chad Pregracke embodies how one person can make a difference. Since the age 17, Chad has lead a movement for cleaner water through hard work and by mobilizing thousands of volunteers and corporations to join his cause. His presentation style is authentic, humorous, spontaneous, and inspires people to take action!
Keynotes: 6 Books: 2 Videos: 12
Jason Redman
Former Navy SEAL Officer, Author of Orange Wounded Warrior Sign at Bethesda Naval Hospital
Jason Redman joined the Navy on September 11, 1992 and spent eleven years as an enlisted SEAL. On September 13, 2007, outside of Fallujah, Iraq, Lieutenant Redman’s Assault Team came under heavy machine gun and small arms fire and he was severely wounded in the ensuing firefight.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Dan Reidenberg
Suicide Prevention & Teen Mental Health
Daniel J. Reidenberg is currently the Executive Director of SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), a national non-profit agency working to prevent suicide and help suicide survivors and those suffering with depression.
Keynotes: 8 Books: 1 Videos: 4
Angela M. Sánchez
Formerly Homeless, Writer, Cartoonist, Magician, Education Advocate, First Generation Latino College Graduate
Angela M. Sánchez came of age in the Great Recession of the late 2000s and her work is informed by her experiences as a homeless high school student with aspirations to go to college.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Liz Scott
Co-Executive Director and mother to founder of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Liz is the mother of the founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a childhood cancer charity dedicated to changing the lives of children with cancer and their families. Her daughter Alex lived the saying "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" and in her short life inspired a movement.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 1
Chris Singleton
Love Your Neighbor: Inspirational Speaker; Author; Entrepreneur; Former Pro Athlete
Chris Singleton is a former professional athlete drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2017. Following the loss of his mother in a racially motivated mass shooting, Chris has now become an inspirational speaker and best-selling author who shares his message of unity and racial reconciliation.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 4
Lynn Smith
Media & Communications Strategist, Former News Anchor TODAY/NBC/MSNBC/CNN, Podcast Host
As a transformative communications coach and former news anchor, I empower individuals to overcome limiting beliefs and transform their presence through exceptional communication skills. I provide a proven formula for building confidence and communicating effectively, enabling you to become an influential leader who is known for greatness.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Rocky (Rock-T) Turner
Author, Speaker, Radio-TV Personality, Former Professional Baseball Player
Professional baseball player turned DJ and radio personality, Rock-T aka Rocky Turner, has a heart to motivate people to stop making excuses and get it done.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 5
Justin Wren
Humanitarian, UFC Fighter, Non-profit Founder, Mental Health Advocate, Author
A prominent UFC fighter, Justin emerged from a near death experience, found purpose through service, and now stands as an international humanitarian leader. The visionary Founder of Fight For The Forgotten, his organization has provided life-changing water, housing, healthcare, farming and freedom from slavery for thousands of disadvantaged people.
Topic Index
Browse topics in this category
- 20 Abuse / Domestic Violence
- 56 Activism / Philanthropy / Civic Engagement
- 16 Addiction / Substance Abuse / Recovery
- 3 Art
- 3 Black Culture
- 10 Bullying / Violence
- 5 Compassion
- 9 Consumer Trends
- 5 Culinary Arts
- 1 Design / Architecture / Engineering
- 4 Disability Rights
- 25 Education
- 30 Emotional Intelligence
- 27 Faith / Spirituality
- 24 Family / Relationships
- 2 Fashion
- 23 Generational Issues
- 14 Hispanic/Latino/Chicano/Xicano
- 4 History
- 3 Immigration
- 7 Jewish Groups
- 4 LGBTQ
- 1 Marijuana/Cannabis
- 16 Mindfulness
- 5 Photography
- 10 Professor
- 8 Racial Issues
- 3 Religion
- 2 Sexuality
- 18 Social Media
- 14 Social Responsibility
- 66 Women's Empowerment