Diversity and Inclusion Keynote Speakers
Browse Diversity and Inclusion Speakers
Diversity and inclusion keynote speakers break barriers by exploring power, gender, race, influence, and proper representation. They address employee engagement, corporate responsibility, overall workplace culture, and human resources. GDA has a roster of diversity and inclusion keynote speakers that help organizations overcome biases and embrace differences to achieve optimal cultural competence, expansion of values, employee engagement, customer, and business reputations.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 12
Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour Featured
America's First Black Female Combat Pilot, Former Marine & Cop; Author, Zero to Breakthrough; and Consultant to Business
Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour went from beat cop to US Marine Corps combat pilot in three years, flying over the deserts of Iraq. As America’s first Black female combat pilot, she realized many people want to create breakthroughs in their own lives, they just don’t know how. Her mantra: Get Gutsy!
Keynotes: 3 Books: 2 Videos: 5
Erica Dhawan Featured
Author, Digital Body Language, Collaboration and Innovation Expert
Erica Dhawan is the world’s leading authority on Connectional Intelligence and the Founder & CEO of Cotential. Through speaking, training and consulting, she teaches business leaders innovative strategies that increase value for clients, deliver results and ensure competitiveness.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 20
Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.) Featured
First Woman Thunderbird Pilot, Combat Veteran, Fighter Squadron Commander, White House Fellow & Adviser, and Indomitable Spirit
Nicole Malachowski had a dream: Become an Air Force fighter pilot. She achieved that and more. The first-ever woman on the elite Thunderbirds, Nicole brings audiences profound lessons on leadership, change, trust, culture, and overcoming the odds based her 21-year career and the tickborne illness that cruelly ended it.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 7
John Register Featured
Paralympian: Embrace the New Normal Mindset
John won the Paralympic long jump silver medal just 6 years after having his left leg amputated. For over 20 years, John has been delivering powerful and impactful presentations that captivate, motivate and teach audiences techniques to overcome any challenge thereby creating a new normal in their own lives.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 0 Videos: 2
Shayla Rivera Featured
The Funny Rocket Scientist
Shayla Rivera is a former NASA Rocket Scientist turned Keynote Speaker, Stand-up Comedian and awareness expert with many Television credits. She inspires people from elementary school children to executives in major corporations by sharing what she has learned about awareness and taking risks. She travels worldwide entertaining our troops.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 2
Jennifer McCollum & Oshoke Abalu
Inclusion and Women's Leadership Experts
Jennifer McCollum is CEO of Linkage, Inc., sought-after consultant and speaker, with a deep expertise in Inclusive Leadership and Advancing Women Leaders. Oshoke Abalu is an architect and futurist credited by TIME magazine with “breaking down walls” for rejuvenating and transforming MetLife’s global work culture through human-centered spaces.
Keynotes: 8 Books: 1 Videos: 2
Dr. Shawn Andrews
Author of the Best-Selling Book, The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide
Dr. Shawn Andrews is a keynote speaker, organizational consultant, business school professor, and author of the best-selling book, The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide. Dr. Shawn's expertise centers on Leadership, Gender, Emotional Intelligence, Bias, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Keynotes: 7 Books: 1 Videos: 6
Mariana Atencio
Peabody Award-Winning Journalist, Speaker, and Author
Mariana Atencio is a Peabody award-winning journalist, speaker, and author who has traveled around the world to help us discover & celebrate what makes us unique. As the only Latina national correspondent on NBC News, she’s a fighter for diversity, inclusion and authentic storytelling both on and off screen.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 3
Pamela Barnum
Former Undercover Police Officer & Federal Prosecuting Attorney Trust Strategist & Nonverbal Communication Expert
Pamela is a former undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney. She has spoken to audiences ranging from 50 to 12,000 in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Her recent TEDx Talk, “What Drug Dealers Taught Me About Trust” was viewed more than 200,000 times in the first six months.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 2
Sewa Beats
Connecting People, Sustaining Impact
Sewa Beats is an international corporate training company that delivers programs in the areas of leadership development and collaboration, all of which involve rhythm and music. With an instrument provided for each participants, our powerful programs are an unforgettable way to unite teams, motivate staff, and deliver corporate messaging!
Keynotes: 6 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Bonin Bough
TV Host, Marketing Exec, Investor and Author
Bonin Bough is one of the foremost-awarded marketing executives, the host of The Cleveland Hustles, and the author of Txt Me (646) 759-1837. He was one of the youngest C-suite executives in a Fortune 50 company, Bonin has spearheaded some of the industry’s largest global marketing campaigns.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 2
John Bramblitt
Speaker, Author, Artist
John’s motivational talks celebrate diversity and overcoming obstacles in an engaging and entertaining way. His theme centers around turning negatives into positives and creating solutions while fostering a more inclusive environment where everyone can flourish and be heard.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 1 Videos: 10
Scott Burrows
Inspirational and Motivational Speaker
Scott Burrows’ unforgettable story of turning a paralyzing setback into a powerful comeback through a clear Vision, a determined Mindset and unstoppable Grit inspires audiences to overcome challenges and put goals into action.
Keynotes: 7 Books: 2 Videos: 8
Regina Calcaterra
New York Times Best-selling Author / Speaker
Regina is a NYT best-selling author, speaker and recognized trauma informed attorney. She co-founded Calcaterra Pollack LLP, a diverse 100% women owned firm early in the pandemic. As a survivor of childhood sexual and physical assault she represents adult survivors of childhood sexual assault and other abuse survivors.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 13
Amy Cappellanti-Wolf
Chief Human Resources Officer at Cohesity, Board Member and Advisor
Amy is a senior HR professional and business transformer with expertise in working with startups to Fortune500 enterprises. As a speaker and coach for C-Level executives, Amy focuses on talent as the key driver of business growth. Amy brings research and proven best practices to all of her presentations.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 3 Videos: 4
Eric Chester
The go-to expert on finding, engaging & keeping great employees.
Eric Chester is a trusted source in the global dialogue on workplace culture, employee engagement, and the emerging workforce. He helps business leaders attract, develop and retain top talent that delivers "on fire" performance.
Keynotes: 0 Books: 0 Videos: 4
Carol Cone
Corporate Social Responsibility and Purpose Branding Expert and Speaker
Carol Cone, CEO of Carol Cone ON PURPOSE, pioneered the field of social purpose in the 1980s, and today is widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost social impact experts. Her work has surpassed organizational goals, garnered hundreds of awards, and raised billions of dollars for a variety of outstanding causes.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 4
Sarah Culberson
Princess of Sierra Leone. Humanitarian. Educator. Author
Sarah was adopted at one by a loving, white West Virginia couple and raised with little knowledge of her ancestry. As a young adult, Sarah journeyed to Sierra Leone to meet her birth family, discovering she was a mahaloi, child of a Paramount Chief, with the status of a princess.
Keynotes: 4 Books: 1 Videos: 7
Daryl Davis
Musician, Author, Compelling Unifier, Klan Whisperer, and Award-Winning Conflict Navigator
Daryl Davis, a Black man, befriended members of the Ku Klux Klan and changed their lives. Over 200 of them gave him their robes and hoods to prove it! Daryl offers communication lessons from that experience. When we talk to our adversaries, fears that drive hate and misunderstanding melt away.
Keynotes: 8 Books: 9 Videos: 6
Ken Dychtwald
Renowned Visionary of the Age Wave and Longevity in America
Dr. Ken Dychtwald has emerged as North America’s foremost visionary and original thinker regarding the lifestyle, marketing, health care, and workforce implications of the age wave. During his career, Ken has addressed more than two million people worldwide in his speeches to corporate, association, social service, and government groups.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 3 Videos: 4
Maddy Dychtwald
National Authority on Women, Aging, & Marketplace Trends
Maddy Dychtwald is a nationally recognized author and leading expert on the changing demographic trends shaping the marketplace, the workplace, and our lives. She has also emerged as an authority on the economic ascent of women and its impact on various industries, including financial services, health care, and consumer marketing.
Keynotes: 7 Books: 1 Videos: 7
Dima Ghawi
Overcoming Adversity Keynote Speaker and Leadership Coach
Dima draws from 18 years of global corporate experience and the harrowing trials of her journey to establish her unique and empowering consulting company. Dima embraces future leaders, the rebels, and anyone who is ready to shatter limitations, reach their full potential, and become a part of a community for change.
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.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 3 Videos: 3
Adrian Gostick
#1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author
Adrian's most requested keynote is on culture and managing change, based on his #1 bestselling book All In: How the Best Managers Create a Culture of Belief and Drive Big Results, but he also frequently speaks on employee engagement, leadership, generational issues in the workplace, high-performing teamwork and recognition.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 1
Risha Grant
Diversity Done Differently
Risha Grant is diversity personified. From her race, gender and lifestyle choices, to being a young, small business owner and tackling economic issues, every area of her life intersects diversity. She is also the founder & CEO of Risha Grant LLC, an award-winning diversity consulting and communications firm.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 8 Videos: 9
Matthew Griffin
WIRED called him “Visionary and Incredible.” World renowned Futurist, disruption, and innovation expert
Described by Ray Kurzwiel's close friends as a "Young Kurzweil" Griffin is a world renowned futurist. Regularly featured in the media including AP, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, Discovery, Forbes, Telegraph, ViacomCBS, and WIRED, his ability to explain the global cultural and industrial impact of hundreds of disruptive emerging technologies is unparalleled.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 3 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.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 0 Videos: 10
Jason Harris
No Fail Trust | Leadership & Trust | USAF Special Operations Pilot | USAF Academy Instructor
Jason Harris is a motivational speaker, consultant, and certified character coach who values dedication, service and excellence. As a decorated combat veteran, Jason brings unique perspectives gained from his battlefield experience to your organization, empowering you to unleash the untapped potential of your employees.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 3 Videos: 5
Chef Jeff Henderson
Former Star of The Chef Jeff Project & New York Times Best-Selling Author of "Cooked"
From imprisoned drug dealer to renowned chef, Chef Jeff inspires audiences with his emotional journey of redemption from the streets to the stove. He reveals how lessons from the streets transfer to business, offering unique expertise on interpersonal relationships and managing a diverse workforce.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 0 Videos: 1
Kristen Howe
Chief Product Officer of Linkage, Leadership Consultant, and Speaker
Kristen is Chief Product Officer at Linkage. She is a highly sought-after leadership consultant and speaker, with a deep expertise in Advancing Women Leaders and Inclusive Leadership. She empowers teams by developing smart and efficient processes designed to utilize individual skills of every team member, while optimizing overall performance.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 2 Videos: 2
Ryan Jenkins, CSP
Generations Keynote Speaker | Millennial & Generation Z Expert | 2x Future of Work Author
Optimize generational dynamics, lessen worker loneliness, and prepare for the future of work with internationally-recognized keynote speaker and trainer, Ryan Jenkins CSP.
Keynotes: 7 Books: 2 Videos: 3
Frans Johansson
Author of The Click Moment: Seizing Opportunity in an Unpredictable World
Frans Johansson is the bestselling author of The Medici Effect and The Click Moment. He has spoken to audiences worldwide about intersectional innovation and success, and has founded a software startup, a healthcare firm, and a hedge fund. He is the founder and CEO of The Medici Group.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 4 Videos: 8
Daymond John
Founder & CEO of FUBU, Star of ABC's Shark Tank, CEO of The Shark Group, consulting agency
A young entrepreneur, industry pioneer, highly regarded marketing expert and a man who has surpassed new heights of commercial and financial success are just a few ways people have described Daymond John.
Keynotes: 2 Books: 4 Videos: 4
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
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: 5 Books: 5 Videos: 6
Katty Kay
Award-winning Journalist & Anchor; and Bestselling Author
Award-winning journalist and anchor Katty Kay broadcasts to a global audience from Washington with a fresh perspective on American politics and world affairs. She speaks on current events as well as self-assurance in women and girls, helping them turn thoughts into action. Katty co-authored four NYT bestsellers on the subject.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 6
Trish Kendall
Inspirational Speaker, From the Pit of Despair to the Peak of Success
As a little girl, Trish’s ability to trust and love were destroyed by the person who daughters trust and love the most. Now, she is proof that true success—enduring success—is choosing, every day, to give all your love and to receive all the love that others give you.
Keynotes: 7 Books: 3 Videos: 6
Sallie Krawcheck
One of the Most Respected Voices on Wall Street, Chair of Ellevate Network, Recognized by Inc. as a Top Female Founder
With a reputation for integrity, independence of thought, a sense of humor and an unrelenting focus on results, Sallie Krawcheck has often been referred to as one of the most successful and influential executives in financial services.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 8
Jessica Kriegel
Workplace Culture Strategist, Doctor of Leadership & Management, Fortune 100 Thought Leader
Jessica guides global, national, Fortune 100 and other organizations across finance, technology, real estate and healthcare industries on creating intentional cultures that accelerate performance. Her Culture Equation - a tested model where strategy combined with 8 tangible and measurable ‘Culture Dynamic Drivers’ empowers your people to deliver consistent results.
Keynotes: 10 Books: 3 Videos: 6
Lynne Lancaster
Generational Expert and Keynote Speaker
Lynne Lancaster is one of today’s most sought-after generational experts and keynote speakers. She knows what makes Traditionalists, Boomers, Generation Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z tick, and brings her original research, insights, humor, and practical tips to audiences eager to solve the generational puzzle.
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.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 7
Karen McCullough
Keynote, Author, Branding Expert, Millennial and Gen Z Evangelist
Karen is a motivational business speaker AKA Millennial evangelist. Karen helps organizations leaders cut through the generational stereotypes and get back to reality by leveraging their team’s strengths, enriching the work environment, and driving better results. Karen creates customized programs that hit the mark and are great fun.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 4 Videos: 2
Kelly McDonald
Consumer Trends, Marketing and Sales Expert
Kelly McDonald is the creator of “How to Give Exceptional Customer Service,” the #1 selling business video series in the U.S. for over 3 years, Kelly is best known for her work in the areas of customer service.
Keynotes: 9 Books: 0 Videos: 3
Kaplan Mobray
Author, Speaker, Career Consultant and founder of the Kaplan Mobray Leadership Institute
Ultra High Energy and engaging speaker that teaches audiences tools they can use immediately to elevate their career all while having fun and a positively memorable experience
Keynotes: 15 Books: 4 Videos: 2
Jacob Morgan
Best-Selling Author, Keynote Speaker, & Futurist
Jacob is a globally recognized keynote speaker, best-selling author, and futurist. He literally wrote the book on the future of work and employee experience.
Keynotes: 3 Books: 1 Videos: 5
Sonia Nazario
Social Journalist, Author, 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: 5 Books: 0 Videos: 3
Pauline Nguyen
From Extreme Adversity to Success
Pauline is a best-selling author and award-winning businesswoman and her achievements are even more impressive for her having escaped Vietnam on a boat and survived a Thai refugee camp. She overcame by transforming her approach by re-engineering her beliefs, questioning the status quo and hacking cultural norms.
Keynotes: 11 Books: 1 Videos: 1
Mel Parker
President and Chief Executive Officer, Take The Limits Off, LLC
Mel Parker is the best-selling author of The Parker Principles: 10 Leadership Force Multipliers and is a highly sought after Educator and Motivational Speaker. Mel has conducted dozens of seminars, training sessions and keynotes in the areas of leadership, trust, culture, productivity and success.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 2 Videos: 1
Dale Partridge
Serial entrepreneur, Founder of Sevenly.org, expert in branding, marketing, & social media
Serial entrepreneur, Founder of Sevenly.org, expert in branding, marketing, and social media; featured on FOX News, NBC; in INC Magazine, Mashable, MSN Money, Forbes, the Los Angeles Times and on the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine; Author of the upcoming book People over Profit (2015)
Keynotes: 3 Books: 3 Videos: 8
Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray
I'll Push You — 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair
Push Inc. founders Justin Skeesuck, and Patrick Gray guide organizations and individuals toward their full potential through the power of relationships. Overcoming life's challenges requires acknowledging our weaknesses, inviting others into our story, and embracing the fact that we cannot do it all on our own.
Keynotes: 18 Books: 3 Videos: 4
Edgar Perez
American-Peruvian Business Author, Speaker and Strategy Consultant
Global executives have come to appreciate Edgar Perez for his wide-ranging insights on how they can better position their organizations for success through strong leadership and a comprehensive approach that links business strategy and disruptive technologies.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 1 Videos: 7
Michelle Poler
Author, Social Entrepreneur, Branding Strategist & Creator of #100DaysWithoutFear
Michelle Poler is a creative and passionate social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, fear facer, and branding strategist. She is the Founder of Hello Fears, a social movement empowering millions to step outside of the comfort zone and tap into their full potential.
Keynotes: 1 Books: 0 Videos: 4
Laurie Rubin
Critically acclaimed author, songwriter, and singer
Laurie Rubin, blind mezzo-soprano and author provides audiences with a "transformative experience" in which she encourages people to dig deep to realize their dreams through life stories and music.
Keynotes: 8 Books: 7 Videos: 1
Libby Sartain
Human Resources Thought Leader From Southwest Airlines and Yahoo
Libby’s keynote has an empowering message: HR can lead our organizations through the competitive marketplace by treating workers more like consumers and less like employees. Stories and strategies for the new world of work and what that means for HR in the future prepare audience for the impending brain drain.
Keynotes: 12 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Judy Smith
Crisis Management Expert, Author & Inspiration for the hit TV show Scandal
As the founder and president of Smith & Company, Smith uniquely combines her communication skills, media savvy, and legal and political acumen to serve clients around the world.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 8 Videos: 4
Bruce Tulgan
Founder & CEO, RainmakerThinking, Inc.
Bruce Tulgan is internationally recognized as the leading expert on young people in the workplace and one of the leading experts on leadership and management.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 1 Videos: 6
Mark Valenziano
Blind Speaker inspiring personal greatness to lift organizations to new heights.
Mark explores six avenues to building confidence, infusing optimism, and reinforcing the whys and hows of adaptability. The result is individuals who are inspired, focused & aware, and companies that can more smoothly transition in to their future.
Mark customizes his programs to meet your specific goals.
Keynotes: 6 Books: 5 Videos: 3
Vivek Wadhwa
Author, Academic, Speaker, Entrepreneur
Called “Silicon Valley’s most provocative voice” for his ideas on technology trends, globalization, U.S. competitiveness, and the future, Vivek Wadhwa’s work puts him at the heart of where innovations are being developed that will change the very way in which we work and live.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 1 Videos: 3
Frances West
Founder, Advisor, Speaker, Author
Frances West is a global advisor working with public, private and non-profit organizations including start-ups to operationalize inclusion as a core business imperative to drive disruptive innovation.
Keynotes: 5 Books: 3 Videos: 6
Keith Wyche
Opens the Door to Successful Growth and Transformation!
Gain solutions on organizational transition resilience and career development from a results-driven, practicing c-suite executive. Keith pulls stories from his exceptional record of leading successful transformation initiatives in industries undergoing rapid change including technology, manufacturing, outsourced services, and grocery retail. Author of Good Is Not Enough and Corner Office Rules.
Topic Index
Browse topics in this category
- 23 Artificial Intelligence
- 22 Big Data
- 60 Branding / Marketing
- 100 Business
- 132 Business Growth / Strategy / Trends
- 40 CEO
- 125 Change Management / Organizational Change
- 94 Communication
- 12 Conflict Resolution
- 54 Corporate Culture & Governance
- 24 Corporate Social Responsibility
- 53 Customer Relations
- 26 Disruption
- 2 Distribution / Supply Chain Management
- 59 Diversity and Inclusion
- 29 Emotional Intelligence
- 80 Employee Engagement
- 91 Entrepreneur
- 25 Ethics / Values
- 58 Futurists / Trends
- 4 Hospitality
- 50 Human Resources / Workforce Issues
- 38 Influence
- 133 Innovation / Creativity
- 21 IT
- 253 Leadership
- 35 Management
- 34 Moderator / Facilitator
- 18 Negotiation
- 17 Networking
- 25 Productivity
- 1 Real Estate
- 8 Risk Management
- 10 Safety
- 75 Sales
- 30 Social Media
- 33 Storytelling
- 20 Stress Management
- 14 Sustainability
- 108 Teamwork / Teambuilding
- 70 Thought Leader
- 13 Trust / Honesty
- 339 Virtual
- 48 Work-life Balance