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: 8 Books: 0 Videos: 3

Greg Bennick Featured

Build a Better Now® - keynote speaker, emcee, host

Greg Bennick's BUILD A BETTER NOW keynote asks how we can rediscover our focus as an organization through developing community, enhancing communication, and growing together as a team. Greg has a fascinating background: a comedy juggler and mind reader since his teens, a philanthropist and global humanitarian, AND an emcee!

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 5

Lauren Bush Lauren Featured

Founder and CEO of FEED Projects

Lauren Bush Lauren is the Founder and CEO of FEED Projects, an impact-driven lifestyle brand with the mission of creating good products that help FEED the world.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.  

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 5

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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 10

Doc Hendley Featured

Founder & International President of Wine To Water, Top 10 CNN Hero

“My efforts are going to be a drop in the bucket, but if I would have never taken that step because it was too big of problem, then we wouldn’t be anywhere right now.” — DOC HENDLEY 

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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 person of Mexican descent to travel to space. He shares how he overcame numerous obstacles to achieve his dream - exemplifying the power of determination and hard work. 

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 2 Books: 4 Videos: 5

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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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 singer/songwriter whose songs and story highlight his mission to bring awareness to kids who age out of the foster system and become homeless.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 2 Videos: 1

Miki Agrawal

Social Entrepreneur and Disruption Expert

Miki Agrawal is a social entrepreneur known for breaking taboos and disrupting the status quo. She co-founded THINX, a high-tech, period-proof underwear brand. She most recently founded TUSHY, a company that is revolutionizing the American toilet category. 

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 3 Books: 3 Videos: 2

Brooke Axtell

Survivor of Human Trafficking & Domestic Abuse

Brooke Axtell is the Founder and Director of She is Rising, a healing community for women and girls overcoming rape, abuse and sex-trafficking.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 6 Books: 0 Videos: 10

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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 7

Peter Buffett

Emmy Award-winning Musician, Philanthropist and Author

As Co-Chair of the NoVo Foundation, with his wife Jennifer, they seek to empower girls and women as the primary agents of change. Buffett’s inspiring New York Times Best-Seller, Life Is What You Make It, has sold nearly half a million copies worldwide.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 4

Majora Carter

American Urban Revitalization Strategist; Environmental Justice Solutions

Economic revitalizer Majora Carter has made it her life's mission to find sustainable solutions for struggling communities - starting with her own.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 2

James Clear

Author, Entrepreneur, Photographer

I am a writer and speaker focused on habits, decision making, and continuous improvement. My book, Atomic Habits, is a New York Times bestseller, and my work has appeared in Entrepreneur Magazine, Time Magazine, the New York Times, and on CBS This Morning.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 2

Asha Curran

CEO of Giving Tuesday

CEO of GivingTuesday, the global generosity movement.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 4

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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 9

Jon Dorenbos

Renowned Keynote Speaker; Bestselling Author; Former NFL Star; Television Personality; World Class Magician

Jon Dorenbos has one of the most extraordinary and empowering stories of resilience, forgiveness, and living a life of purpose in the face of unfathomable obstacles. 

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 7 Books: 0 Videos: 2

Lizanne Falsetto

Visionary Entrepreneur, Founder/CEO of thinkThin®, CEO Pink Talented Angels & LF Advisory, Global Wellness Expert

Lizanne Falsetto is founder of thinkThin®. She is a courageous health & wellness pioneer, foodie, trend spotter, business media commentator, and advisor to the next-generation of entrepreneurs.Lizanne launched The PINK TALENTED ANGELS, designed to bring female leaders and early/mid-stage entrepreneurs together to help one another thrive.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 4 Books: 5 Videos: 4

Michael Franzese

Former Member of Colombo Organized Crime Family. Current Speaker, author, TV and Film personality.

Michael Franzese is the only high ranking official of a major crime family to ever walk away, without protective custodies, and survive.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 5

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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 7 Books: 1 Videos: 6

Katie Goodman

comic, actress, author, and speaker

Katie Goodman is an award-winning comedian, author and speaker. She has been seen on Showtime, Current TV, and TruTV, as well as touring internationally. She is a featured blogger for The Huffington Post, has contributed to O, The Oprah Magazine and is the author of Improvisation For The Spirit.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 2 Books: 6 Videos: 6

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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 4 Books: 4 Videos: 4

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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 6 Books: 0 Videos: 3

Charlie Rocket Jabaley

Grammy-Winning Music Mogul; Emmy-Winning Nike Athlete; Ironman and Marathon Runner; Social Media Innovator and Creative

Charlie Rocket inspires those around him. He’s lost 135 pounds. Became vegan. Ran 3 marathons. Reversed the growth of his brain tumor. Became an Ironman. Recently finished his nationally-known Dream Machine bike tour across America. He also made the cover of Runner’s World and secured a partnership with Nike.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 5

Jennifer Keesmaat

Canadian Urban Planner & Cities of the Future Visionary

Jennifer Keesmaat is a Canadian urban planner passionate about creating places where people flourish. Named one of the “most powerful people in Canada." Now a Distinguished Visitor in Residence at the University of Toronto, Keesmaat shares her vision for cities of the future.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 11

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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 5

Jeff Kirschner

Litterati, Founder & CEO

Litterati is a community that's "crowdsource-cleaning" the planet - one piece at a time.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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. 

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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. 

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 4 Books: 0 Videos: 1

Jennifer McCollum

CEO of Linkage, Leadership Consultant, Speaker, and Executive Coach

Jennifer McCollum is CEO of Linkage, Inc. highly sought-after consultant and speaker, with a deep expertise in Inclusive Leadership and Advancing Women Leaders. She has 20 years of experience building and leading businesses in the leadership space and is a contributing author to Leadership in a Time of Crisis.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 2 Videos: 1

Patricia Moore

2020 CHANGEMAKER Award, Renowned Gerontologist, and Designer

Patricia Moore is an internationally renowned gerontologist and designer, serving as a leading authority on consumer lifespan behaviors and requirements. For a period of three years (1979-1982), in an exceptional and daring experiment, Moore traveled throughout the United States and Canada disguised as women more than eighty years of age. 

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 3 Books: 2 Videos: 4

Jim Morris, The Rookie

Motivational Speaker | Former MLB Pitcher | Inspiration for Disney's movie "The Rookie" | Author | Consultant | Educator | Coach

Jim Morris is the subject of Disney's film "The Rookie." He's the science teacher/coach who made a bet with his baseball team; if they won district he would try out for an MLB team. They did, he did and made it to the major leagues in three months!

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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!

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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. 

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 8 Books: 1 Videos: 3

Angela M. Sanchez

Formerly Homeless, Writer, Cartoonist, Magician, Education Advocate, First Generation Latino College Graduate

Angela M. Sanchez came of age in the Great Recession of the late 2000s and her writing is informed by her experiences. Namely, in 2007, when she was a junior in high school in Glendale, her father, a single parent, lost his job as an architectural draftsman. 

 

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 2 Books: 2 Videos: 2

Timothy Shriver

Social Leader, an Educator, Author, Film Producer, and Entrepreneur

Chairman, Special Olympics. As part of his passion for promoting the gifts of the marginalized, Shriver has harnessed the power of Hollywood to share stories of inspiration and change. Shriver and his team created exciting new Special Olympics programs in athlete leadership, cross-cultural research, health, education, and family support.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 4

Lynn Smith

Media Expert, Anchor Alum NBC/MSNBC/CNN, Podcast Host

I help CEOs/Thought Leaders/ Experts articulate their vision to gain credibility and visibility through the media and video to significantly increase business.  My 20 years as a journalist at TODAY, NBC News, MSNBC, and CNN has allowed me to help thousands to get their story told in a powerful way.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 2

Pat Smith

TV Persona, Entrepreneur and President & CEO of Emmitt and Pat Smith Enterprises

Pat Smith is a busy wife, mother of 5, Ordained Elder, author, speaker, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Her non-profit, “Treasure You”, inspires women to pursue their second chance in life despite circumstances or setbacks.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 9

Heidi A. Swan

Local, State and Federal Advocate; Cannabis-Induced Psychosis and Homelessnes Prevention Expert

As a passionate advocate about the mental health impacts of marijuana, Heidi's been on Dr. Phil, Fox.com and NBC-LA. A California resident, she advocates for local control and warning labels. Federally, she insists the industry and our elected leaders publicly disclose the known risks THC pose to brain health.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 5 Books: 3 Videos: 11

Dr. Steve Taubman

Empowerment Expert, Results Catalyst, Hypnotist, Humorist

Dr. Steve is an expert at helping people break through mental barriers and harness their subconscious minds for success. Using humor and astonishment, he guides his audience to laugh, gasp, think, and laugh some more, leaving them with powerful tools to transform their work and personal lives.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


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.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 0 Books: 0 Videos: 1

Brittany Underwood

International Trade Entrepreneur; Local Social Entrepreneur

The Akola Project is a social business within a non-profit framework that empowers marginalized women to generate income to uplift the lives of their families and communities by employing them to make high-fashion jewelry, handbags and home goods.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 3

Tom Varano

Inspirational Speaker/Performance Speed Painter/Entertainer

Emotion Into Art™ is a speed painting show that wows the audience with speed paintings of famous faces, created in minutes, set to loud, powerful music. Some of the pieces are created upside down, then flipped during the process for the 'reveal'.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 1

Natasha Verma

News Anchor, Cancer Survivor & Founder of the Verma Foundation

Natasha Verma, who is the weekday morning anchor for NBC’s 9NEWS in Denver. In 2017, Verma was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. During her chemotherapy, Verma designed cap wigs made of 100-percent human hair attached to cotton or velvet. 

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 2 Books: 1 Videos: 1

Janne Willems

Founder and Executive Director, Seize Your Moments

Janne's  unexpected method and style refreshes audiences worldwide and gets them out their comfort zone. She provides an unique combination of theory and her life changing story. How to use trust to change the world.

 

 

 

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability


Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 4

Darren Woodson

Former Dallas Cowboy, Former ESPN Analyst, Entrepreneur, Real Estate Partner, and Speaker

Three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowl selection Darren Woodson joined ESPN as an NFL analyst in 2005. He appears on NFL Live and SportsCenter, as well as other ESPN platforms throughout the year.

Learn more »

Request Speaker Availability