
College & Independent Schools
Culture & Belonging
Culture & Belonging:
ABC News Veteran, Creator & Host, What Would You Do?
A lifetime of “never taking no for an answer” took Quiñones from migrant farm work to the anchor desk at 20/20 and Primetime and creating, What Would You Do?, the hit show he hosts.
NYT Best-Selling Author & Motivational Leader
Moore energizes audiences with his remarkable personal story of overcoming adversity through education, embracing personal responsibility and emerging as an inspirational leader.
New York Times Bestselling Author & James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Princeton University
One of the nation’s most prominent scholars, Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. is an author, political commentator, public intellectual and passionate educator who examines the complex dynamics of the American experience.
Civil & Women's Rights Activist
Known for coining the term “intersectionality,” Crenshaw offers a critical examination of how social structures interact with gender and race on multiple levels, resulting in social inequality.
Award-Winning Actress, Doom Patrol & Orange is the New Black
At age 14, Guerrero watched her family be deported. She shares the incredible story of how she was able to remain in the U.S., continue her education and build a successful career.
NBA Legend & NY Times Best Selling Author
A global icon that changed the game of basketball, Kareem is a Presidential Medal of Freedom Winner who now works to bring innovative educational opportunities to underserved communities.
Member of the Exonerated 5
April 19, 1989 changed 14-year-old Kevin D. Richardson's life and American society forever. After the brutal attack and sexual assault of jogger Trisha Ellen Meili in Central Park, the NY Police Department arrested suspects, including Richardson.
Professor & Writer
Melissa Harris-Perry is a college professor and an award winning writer, speaker, and media host.
Feminist & Writer
Drawing from her experience on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List and the ensuing “Free Angela Davis” campaign, Davis delivers riveting messages of tolerance.
Daughter of Malcolm X, Professor & Author
Sharing the legacy of her parents, Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, Ilyasah is an inspirational role model, youth advocate and champion of women and girl empowerment.
Author, Rhodes Scholar & Aspiring Professor
By all rights, Caylin Louis Moore should be dead, in prison, or a gang member. Instead, he’s a Rhodes Scholar, author, speaker, and role model for every kid deprived of hope in downtrodden communities.
Human-Centered Thought Leader, Bestselling Author & Managing Director at Seramount
Steve Pemberton is a visionary human-centered thought leader and the Founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Academy.
President of the ACLU
The first person of color to lead America’s premiere civil rights and civil liberties organization in its over 100-year history, Deborah Archer is a leading civil rights and civil liberties advocate, civil rights lawyer, professor and writer.
Emmy & Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist
Maria Hinojosa is the Pulitzer Prize-winning founder of Futuro Media based in New York City. She has written four books, won multiple awards, and is the Anchor and Executive Producer of the Peabody Award-winning show Latino US.
Author & LGBTQ Activist
From the early days of AIDs activism to marriage equality, civil rights icon Jones has been a driving force behind the most important gains made by the LGBTQ community over the past four decades.
America’s First Latina Fighter Pilot
Turned away from flight school because she was a woman, Custodio went on to break barriers (including the sound barrier) as the first Latina USAF pilot and commercial pilot for American Airlines.
One of Wall Street’s First Black Women Traders
From humble Southern beginnings to breaking barriers on Wall Street, Martina Marshall Edwards is the epitome of not allowing your circumstances to determine your outcome.
Global Head of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix
A thought leader, advocate and writer on gender, race and orientation equality and intersectionality, Davis is the NFL’s first LGBTQ+ consultant and works with numerous pro teams.
Educator, Author, Intersectionality Expert & Award-Winning Change-Maker
Twice named one of the 100 most influential people in Philadelphia and named one of the top 50 feminists in the world, Dr. Michelle Taylor—the social media icon known as Feminista Jones—is an educator, writer, public speaker and community activist.
Editor-in-Chief, The Cut
One of the nation’s rare Black female editors-in-chief and a 2020 Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, The Cut’s Lindsay Peoples shares an invaluable view of women’s empowerment, marketing to GenZ and elevating your brand in the era of BLM.
FOX News Commentator
Widely regarded as one of America’s top speakers, New York Times Best-selling Author, Fox News Political Analyst and Award-winning Columnist Juan Williams has a talent for motivating and inspiring audiences.
"Maria" on Sesame Street & Best-Selling Author
Having retired her iconic Sesame Street character “Maria,” Manzano now dedicates her time to speaking and writing on education, communication, and Hispanics in the media.
Leading National Voice on Restorative Justice
A long-time social justice activist, civil rights trial attorney, writer, professor and scholar, Davis speaks on the power of restorative justice and search for healing.
Renowned Broadcaster, Author & Host, On Shifting Ground, NPR Veteran
Journalist and author Ray Suarez hosts On Shifting Ground, a radio program syndicated on NPR and PRX stations across the U.S.
Miss Liberia USA & Activist/Organizer
Nupol Kiazolu is a powerhouse in the field of activism, from being on the front lines of the Charlottesville protests to taping "Do I look suspicious?" behind her hoodie in the wake of Travyon Martin's death.
Transformative Presentation
I Am The Change is an exciting program that exemplifies how “the power of one” can transform the world.
Rapper & Actor, Law & Order: SVU
Hip-hop pioneer Ice-T has risen from a disadvantaged childhood to become a successful entertainer and entrepreneur. A sobering, yet inspirational, role model, he discusses overcoming adversity with education.
A Theatrical Performance
Informative presentation to help healing in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy. "One Race" takes an honest look at prejudice, racism, homophobia and terrorism through poignant monologues and poetic scenes.
A Theatrical Performance
The Off-Broadway hit is back and full of the history, passion, and sheer drama that established the prominence of Flow-Theater Spoken Word. This classic choreopoem is redesigned with music and simple staging.
Cross-Cultural Performance
In The Color Orange, long-time friends Mohammed Bilal and Josh "Boac" Goldstein challenge American notions by offering a vibrant new look at race, racism and how we get along.
Writer, Performer & Consultant
Whether ALOK is selling out an international performance tour, publishing essays and books advocating for LGBTQ equality, designing a new fashion collection, or speaking about a 21st century approach to gender rights – their distinctive mix of charisma, poetry, and intellect has made them one of the most dynamic artists of our times.
Directors of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies and Professors of Teacher Education at Montclair State University
Monica Taylor and Emily J. Klein are professors at Montclair State University focusing on Teaching and Learning, Education, and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.
Co-Authors of We Are Not Like Them & You Were Always Mine
Christine Pride partnered with Jo Piazza to write We Are Not Like Them, a story of an interracial friendship upended by a police shooting that hits close to home for two women.
Authors, Storytellers & Advocates
Twins Sarah Eagle Heart and Emma Eagle Heart-White are members of the Oglala Lakota Nation and grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where they learned Native American storytelling traditions.
Founders of I AM ALS, Health Care Activists & Movement-Builders
In 2017, Brian was given a terminal diagnosis, ALS. Having met on the Obama campaign in 2008 and worked in the White House, they responded by building the most powerful patient and caregiver-led movement since the fight against HIV.
Co-Authors of The Thread Collectors
Richman is an internationally bestselling author of several novels and Edwards is a former corporate attorney who now leads Global Talent and DEI for an international law firm.
Gracie Award-Winning Media Personality, Motivational Speaker & Boy's Prep Basketball Coach
For nearly two decades, Gracie Award-Winning media personality and basketball coach, MalaniKai has dedicated her life to training and mentoring youth and daring to speak her mind on radio and television.
Award-Winning Investigative Journalist at NBC News & Criminal Legal Reform Activist
In 2002, Dan Slepian, award-winning NBC News journalist and veteran producer of its newsmagazine Dateline, received a letter from Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez, a man incarcerated and serving 25 years to life in person for a crime he didn’t commit.
Olympic Gold Medal Winning Power Couple
Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall are an Olympic power couple with a remarkable love story. Their journey of determination, love, and excellence has cemented them as one of the most iconic couples in sports today.
Deputy Superintendent & Senior Executive Officer of the Office of Equity & Access (OEA) for New York City’s Department of Education
With an unyielding commitment to a vision of transforming the lives of adults, children, communities and school systems, Dr. Ruby Ababio-Fernandez comes to the work with over twenty-three years of experience in education and leadership.
Thought Leader, Social Entrepreneur, & Prison Abolitionist
Imam Taymullah Abdur-Rahman is an educator, social entrepreneur, and prison abolitionist.
Global Authority on Using Soft Power to Change Behavior, Forbes Columnist on Leadership Strategies & Fellow-in-Residence at the McSilver Institute of Poverty Policy and Research, NYU
Penny Abeywardena is an award-winning public official and international columnist with a rapidly growing audience. She has learned a lot about how and why political and social progress happens — especially before and after courts and politicians get involved.
Innovative Educator & Chair of the Acosta Institute for Healing-Centered Education
Dr. Angel Acosta is a transformative leader, educator, and speaker, renowned for his innovative work at the intersection of social justice, mindfulness, and education.
Neuroscientist & Mental Health Advocate
Dr. Addy is a sought-after speaker on college and university campuses, a popular conference keynote speaker, and a frequent guest on podcasts and community panels where he discusses topics of neuroscience, mental health, faith, and diversity.
Pioneering Psychologist & Best-Selling Author
As the curator of the Urban Trauma® framework, Dr. Akbar has dedicated her career to understanding the lasting effects of social and cultural barriers on vulnerable communities.
CNN Political Analyst & Anchor for theGrio
Natasha S. Alford an award-winning journalist, host and media executive driven by the
power of storytelling to inspire and change people’s lives.
Boxing Champion & International Boxing Hall of Famer
The daughter of boxing icon Muhammad Ali, Laila is a world-class athlete, television host and passionate health advocate who encourages others to live an active lifestyle.
Award-Winning Author & Curator
Samina Ali is an award-winning author, curator, and popular speaker. Her debut novel, Madras on Rainy Days , was the winner of France’s prestigious Prix Premier Roman Etranger Award and a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award in Fiction.
TIME Women of the Year 2023, Journalist, Activist & Author
Masih Alinejad is an Iranian-American journalist and women’s rights activist who gained worldwide attention when she removed her veil, or hijab, and posted a photo on her Facebook page standing proudly with her hair blowing in the wind.
Emmy & Golden Globe Nominated Actor
Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor, Anthony Anderson starred in and executive produced ABC’s multi-award nominated sitcom black-ish where he portrayed Andre “Dre” Johnson.
Dancer, Musician & Choreographer
Dallas Arcand Jr. is an accomplished 20 year old second generation hoop dancer and aboriginal entertainer from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Starting from an early age, he's been in front of crowds of up to 40,000 people at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo.
Co-Executive Director of the CPD
Ana María emigrated to the U.S. from Colombia at the age of 17 and has become a leading voice for racial justice, economic justice and immigrant rights in New York and nationally as co-Executive Director of the CPD.
Peabody Award-Winning Journalist, Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur, Inspiring Storyteller & Host/Moderator
Mariana Atencio is on a mission to help people supercharge their careers, their workplace cultures, and their happiness by embracing the power of authenticity.
Author, Entrepreneur & Paralympian
Although physically challenged, Lloyd Bachrach has never let anything keep him from achieving his dreams. He turned his challenge into a strength by excelling in a variety of sports and taking his confidence to others seeking a positive message.
Co-Chair, Poor People’s Campaign & NYT Best-Selling Author
The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is the President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach; Co- Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign; Bishop with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries; and Visiting Professor at Union Theological Seminary.
Award-Winning Multidisciplinary Artist, Writer & Cultural Worker
Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, writer, pedagogue, and cultural worker based in Philadelphia PA.
Best-Selling Author, Permission to Speak
Samara Bay is a sought-after speech coach and thought leader on a mission to change how power sounds. Her clients include top actors in Hollywood, C-suite execs and thought leaders, candidates for U.S. Congress, celebrities, activists, diplomats, moms returning to work, and high school girls who want to make a difference.
Theologian, Essayist & Social Media Influencer
Candice Marie Benbow is a theologian and essayist whose work lies at the intersections of beauty, faith, feminism and culture. As a public educator, Candice cares about bridging the gap between the academy and community through digital projects.
Former Member of UK Parliament & Shadow Health Minister
Luciana Berger was first elected as the Labour Member of Parliament for Liverpool Wavertree in 2010 aged 28, after roles with Accenture, the NHS Confederation and the Labour Friends of Israel.
Poet & Children’s Rights Advocate
Yorri Berry may be most well-known as a poet. But don’t let that fool you. She is a force to be reckoned with—playing a major role in elevating the voices of young people.
Mother of Olympic Gold Medalist Noah Lyles & Certified Life Coach
30.6 million! That is the amount of people who watched the Paris 2024 Olympics on television. Keisha Caine Bishop was arguably the “Mom of the Olympic Games.”
New York Times Best-Selling Author & Award-Winning Historian
Dr. Keisha N. Blain is one of the most innovative and influential young historians of her generation. Her research and writing examine the dynamics of race, gender, and politics in both national and global perspectives.
Former President & CEO, NAACP & Professor, Harvard Kennedy School
As an activist and former leader of the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots-based civil rights organization, Brooks works to secure political, educational, social, and economic equality for all.
Co-Founder of Black Voters Matter
LaTosha Brown is an award-winning visionary thought leader, institution builder, Cultural Activist and Artist, and Connector. She is a nationally recognized, “go-to” expert in Black Voting Rights and Voter Suppression.
Dean of Harvard’s Renowned Radcliffe Institute
Tomiko Brown Nagin is a prize-winning author, eminent legal scholar and historian, dean of Harvard’s renowned Radcliffe Institute, and pathbreaking leader in higher education.
Senior ESPN Writer
The author of eight books on sports and legendary black athletes, Bryant’s latest work examines the intersection of race, sports, politics and patriotism in a divided America.
CEO of Robin Hood
Richard is the CEO of Robin Hood and former Chief Executive Officer of Achievement First, a network of 37 public charter schools providing an excellent education to 15,000 students across New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Award-Winning Authors, Prolific Content Creators, Disability & Relationship Experts
Shane and Hannah Burcaw are prolific relationship vloggers and authors on a mission to improve the way society understands disability. On their YouTube channel, Squirmy and Grubs, which has gained 900,000+ subscribers and worldwide media attention.
Founder & CEO of Performance Paradigm
Reginald “Reggie” Butler is the Founder and CEO of Performance Paradigm, an executive education, human capital consultancy.
Counseling Psychologist, Former Chief DEI Officer & Former President of the American Counseling Association (ACA)”
Dr. S. Kent Butler is a dedicated advocate for social justice and a passionate supporter of family, firmly believing in the power of community to uplift and inspire.
Google’s Head of Black Engagement
Valeisha Butterfield-Jones is an award-winning political strategist, youth and women’s activist and lifestyle expert. Butterfield-Jones is currently Head of Black Engagement at Google as well as the author of the highly acclaimed book The Girlprint.
Actress on Hit TV Show Empire
As a bi-racial, multicultural daughter of deaf parents raised in the Cayman Islands, Byers lends insights into challenging social, racial and cultural experiences, reminding us to have compassion and show grace for each other because we are enough.
Trauma Survivor & Internationally Recognized Trauma Informed Care Expert
Tonier works tirelessly to raise the awareness about trauma informed care around the world. Tonier is an advocate and educator, speaking all over the world on trauma, addiction, incarceration, homelessness, substance abuse and mental health.
New York Times Bestselling Author & Political Analyst
Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, radio host, political analyst and a New York Times bestselling author. The Grift, an instant New York Times bestseller, was released in January 2024.
12th U.S. Secretary of Education
Dr. Miguel A. Cardona is an American leader and educator. He served as the 12th United States Secretary of Education, a position he was nominated for by President Joe Biden.
Mother of Eric Garner
The matriarch of one of Staten Island's largest African-American families, Gwendolyn Garner earned national recognition as the mother of Eric Garner, a man murdered by the New York Police Department in July 2014.
Urban Revitalization Strategist
Named among the 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company, speaker Majora Carter hosts the Peabody Award-winning public radio series "The Promised Land."
Hall of Fame WNBA Player & Motivational/Inspirational Speaker
Indiana’s “do-everything” forward completed 16 seasons in the WNBA, stepping away from her future-hall-of-fame-career in 2016. Her 14-year run of community service by her Catch The Stars Foundation is testament to her work off the court.
Emmy Award-Winning Co-Anchor of ABC’s Nightline
One of the most prominent Asian Americans in broadcast news, Juju Chang is the Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of ABC News Nightline and a regular contributor to Good Morning America and 20/20.
Civil Rights Leader
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., entrepreneur, global business leader, educator, chemist, civil rights leader, NAACP Life Member, syndicated columnist, theologian, and author is currently the President and CEO of the NNPA.
Emmy-Award Winning Journalist, Bestselling Author, Global Communication Expert & CEO of Soulcast Media
Jessica Chen is an Emmy-Award Winner, a global communication expert, bestselling author, and speaker. She has taught over 2 million people how to improve their communication skills at work.
Founding Member for TIME’S UP Healthcare
A physician and popular health and science communicator, Esther Choo is known as a bold and innovative voice on gender and racial equity in healthcare and an advocate for new frameworks for building positive and productive workplaces.
2008 United States Vice-Presidential Candidate
Rosa Alicia Clemente is an award-winning organizer, speaker, political commentator, producer, independent journalist, scholar-activist and former vice presidential candidate.
Former Broadcaster & Professional Baseball Player
Roberto Clemente, Jr. is a universally respected philanthropist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, producer, former broadcaster, and professional baseball player.
Biden-Harris Presidential Appointee leading the Office of Women’s Business Ownership at the U.S. Small Business Administration
Natalie has provided some of the nation's most prominent CEOs of billion-dollar organizations, executives of global brands, senior advisors to the White House, and more with inspiration, insight and advice.
College President & Diversity Consultant
Speaker Johnnetta B. Cole is President Emerita of both Bennett College and Spelman College. She fights for diversity, justice, health, and safety.
Best-Selling Author, The Campus Color Line & Higher Education Thought Leader
Dr. Eddie R. Cole is Associate Professor of Higher Education and Organizational Change at UCLA. His research focuses on college presidents’ historic role in shaping racial policies and practices both inside and outside of the educational sphere.
Award-Winning Actress, “Taylor McKessie” in Disney’s High School Musical
Monique Coleman is an award-winning actress, producer, host, and humanitarian whose career has spanned over three decades. She’s most recognized for her role in Disney's High School Musical Franchise, but Monique's impact goes far beyond the screen.
Former Global Head of Inclusive Engagement at Uber
Bernard is the former Global Head of Inclusive Engagement at Uber Technologies Inc. In this role, Bernard drove the diversity and inclusion programs and his efforts spanned the boundaries of Uber working in close collaboration with people program areas.
Psychotherapist
Elliott Connie is a psychotherapist who practices in TX and an author. He has worked with numerous individuals, couples and families applying the solution focused approach to help them move their lives from the problems towards their desired futures.
TED Speaker & Space Exploration Engineer
As a child, Nagin Cox had a dream of exploring space. And through incredible determination, a fighting spirit and a never-quit attitude, she has done just that. Cox has been a spacecraft operations engineer at NASA’s JPL for over 2 decades.
Award-Winning Actress, Producer & Equal Rights Advocate
With various ‘firsts’ in her already impressive career, Laverne Cox is a four-time Emmy- nominated actress, Emmy-winning producer, and a prominent equal rights advocate and public speaker.
Sierra Leone Princess, Humanitarian & Author
Princess Sarah has an extraordinary journey that has been featured on CNN, GMA, BBC, and numerous other media outlets. Her story inspired the book she co-wrote, A Princess Found, which is being adapted into a live-action movie with Disney.
Filmmaker
The creative mind behind Monster's Ball, speaker Lee Daniels was the first African American producer of an Academy Award-nominated movie.
Former Head of Multicultural at Google
As director of multicultural strategy at McPherson Strategies, Paulita David brings deep expertise with multicultural consumers, including what motivates them, what matters most to them, and how they live in America today.
Physician & Inspirational Leader
One of three young men raised in poverty that made a pact to become doctors, NY Times best-selling author Davis told his story in The Pact and wrote Living & Dying in Brick City and The Stuff.
Author of The Queens’ English
Chloe O. Davis is a Broadway performer and debut author who works in the entertainment industry in New York. A graduate of Hampton University and Temple University, she has centered her creative platform on amplifying the narratives of Black culture.
Track & Field Athlete & 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist; YouTuber & Content Creator
Tara Davis-Woodhall is the reigning Olympic Gold Medalist in the long jump and has remained undefeated for the past two years.
Best-Selling Author, Educator & Thought Leader
Jennifer De Leon is author of the YA novel Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From which was chosen as a Junior Library Guild selection, and the essay collection White Space: Essays on Culture, Race, & Writing, which is a recipient of the Juniper Prize in Creative Nonfiction.
TV Critic/Media Analyst/Guest Host
Eric Deggans is NPR’s first full-time TV critic and media analyst, providing reviews, feature stories, commentary and guest hosting for the network’s shows such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
Decorated Clandestine Officer
Intelligence poacher-turned-gamekeeper, Shawnee Delaney is a decorated Intelligence Officer, licensed Private Investigator, and an Insider Threat Expert and Founder of Vaillance Group.
Wellness Advocate & Founder of Naaya
Sinikiwe Dhliwayo is a true creative and public speaker who for the last decade has made a home at the intersection of wellness and publishing. She is dedicated to shifting the perception of BIPOC and certain that love is a catalyst for great change.
Former Mayor of Miami
As former mayor, speaker Manny Diaz transformed Miami from a poor, crime-ridden, and economically stagnant city to a flourishing metropolis with a hurtling skyline.
Transformative Dignity, Inclusion & Belonging Expert & Award-Winning Trilingual Poet & Rapper
Dr. Omékongo Dibinga is the UPstander. His life’s mission is to inspire all across the globe to take a stand when they witness an injustice, no matter how small or large.
National Book Award-Nominated Author & Executive Editor of YES! Media
Evette Dionne, known across the internet as @freeblackgirl, is a journalist, critic, and magazine editor. She’s the National Book Award-nominated and Coretta Scott King honor author of Lifting As We Climb.
Global Sustainable Justice Vanguard
Dominique Drakeford is a mother, a non-traditional environmental justice educator, published writer, independent researcher and creative storyteller that has been a leader in reimagining sustainability for the past 15+ years.
Founder, Brown Girl Green; Environmental Media Host & Activist
Kristy Drutman, otherwise known as “Browngirl Green” is a speaker, consultant, media producer, and environmental educator passionate about working at the intersections between media, diversity, and environmentalism.
Trans Non-Binary Filipinx Activist & Educator; Creator of "Call Me They"
AC Dumlao (they/he) is a transgender non-binary first-generation Filipinx-American New Yorker. They were named a NYC/WorldPride Community Hero, during the 50th anniversary year of the Stonewall Uprising.
Performing Artist, Founder of the Sphinx Organization, & Best-Selling Author
Named a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, President Obama’s first appointment to the National Council on the Arts and member of President Biden’s Arts Policy Committee, Aaron P. Dworkin is former dean and current Professor at the University of Michigan.
Public Intellectual & Best-Selling Author
Featured on NPR and MSNBC, Professor Dyson melds scholarly insight with contemporary culture and examines civil rights and race relations. This thought-provoking talks foster social change.
Emmy Award Winning Storyteller
Sarah Eagle Heart is an Emmy award winning storyteller focused on education and advocacy on behalf of Indigenous Peoples whose deep perspective is rooted in her life story as Oglala Lakota activist raised on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Nobel Peace Prize-Winning Activist & Lawyer
Iranian lawyer and activist Shirin Ebadi is the first Muslim to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She speaks about democracy and the fundamental rights of women, children and every individual.
178th President of the American Medical Association
Dr. Jesse M. Ehrenfeld was the 178th president of the American Medical Association (AMA). Upon his inauguration in 2023, he made AMA history as the first openly gay president of the organization.
Teacher & Diversity Trainer
Chosen as one of Peter Jennings' ABC-TV's "Person of the Week," Jane is the adaptor of the "Blue Eyes, Brown Eyes" discrimination experiment. This ground breaking exercise is the pinnacle of all other diversity programming in the country today.
Professor of Science Education & Author
Christopher Emdin teaches STEM classes at Columbia where he serves as Director of Secondary School Initiatives at the Urban Science Education Center. He wrote Urban Science Education for the Hip-Hop Generation.
NASA Aerospace Engineer, Defense Tech Strategist, Program Manager & STEM Educator
Named one of the top 50 minority women in science and engineering, Ericsson is the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in engineering from NASA’s Goddard Flight Center.
Professional Boxer, 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist & World Champion
Marlen Esparza made history as the first US female boxer to win a medal in the first-ever women's boxing games at the Olympics.
Transgender Public Scholar & Intellectual Activist
Dr. Roberto Che Espinoza is passionate about the politics of radical difference and the ways that our collective differences might shed light on how we become a better body together. He is also a teacher at heart and loves being with people and teaching the community.
Grammy Award-Winning Singer, NYT Best-Selling Author, Philanthropist & Humanitarian
One of the biggest new stars in the '80s, Gloria Estefan predated the Latin pop explosion by a decade, scoring dance hits rooted in rhythms of her native Cuba before shifting her focus to softer ballads.
Civil Rights Activist
Myrlie Evers-Williams was the first woman to lead and restore the NAACP’s credibility in a time of controversy. She continues to fight for racial and gender equality and co-authored Medgar Evers’ autobiography.
National Award Winning Author, Professor & Activist
Sanderia Faye (Smith) is an Assistant Professor of Practice at Southern Methodist University (SMU). She is also a professional speaker, activist and sommelier, where she pairs wine with books.
Nationally Acclaimed Litigator
Kristen Feden concentrates her practice on complex commercial litigation, securities litigation, education law, employment & labor, and white-collar defense. Most recently, she was prosecutor in the trial and re-trial of Commonwealth v. Cosby.
Deaf LGBTQ+ Writer, Producer & Actor
Deaf since birth, Josh Feldman is a writer, producer, and actor living and working in Los Angeles, California who is passionate about telling stories that feature intersectional, diverse, LGBTQ+ characters.
Award-Winning Educator, Entrepreneur & Author
Over the past decade, Brandon P. Fleming has become one of the most highly awarded and sought-after educators, entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers in the world.
Brother of George Floyd & Activist
On May 26, 2020, Floyd learned that his older brother, George “Perry” Floyd, Jr. had been murdered by four police officers in Minneapolis after a store clerk alleged that he passed a counterfeit $20 bill.
Pulitzer Prize Winning Author
James Forman, Jr. started the Maya Angelou Public Charter School and is a Professor of Law at Yale Law School. He also worked as a law clerk for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor of the U.S. Supreme Court and is a Pulitzer Prize Winning Author.
Executive Director at Waic Up, White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council Member
Jerome Foster II is an environmental justice activist, social entrepreneur, and renowned public speaker. At 18, he made history becoming the youngest person ever to advise the White House.
Inventor, CEO of Jara & Forbes 30 Under 30
Soraya Fouladi is the Founder & CEO of Jara, on a mission to ensure the 816 Million children in high-poverty and low-connectivity communities globally can get access to a quality education, anywhere, anytime, through her invention, the Jara Unit.
Actress & Producer
Vivica Fox has had a successful career in film, as well as on television. From humble beginnings, Fox has gone on to appear in numerous movies including Independence Day, Batman and Robin, and Kill Bill.
Businessman, Gospel Singer & Motivator
The first Gospel artist to go platinum and multi-platinum, Franklin has transformed the genre. He inspires audiences across generations with his touching story and views on faith and culture.
Educational Leader, Social Justice Advocate, Strategist & Author of Being Black in America’s Schools
Brian Rashad Fuller is educational leader, social justice advocate, strategist and author with a passion for addressing the needs of historically underserved students.
Mother of Trayvon Martin
After the death of her son made national headlines, Fulton channeled her loss to become a gun control law activist and motivational speaker.
Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Storyteller
A gifted storyteller, Marra is deeply dedicated to expanding and exploring belonging across multiple spectrums, offering personal insights about overcoming bias, and finding peace in a world that does not always embrace her.
Travel Host & Video Journalist
Josh Garcia is an Award Winning, Emmy-Nominated Travel Host and Video-Journalist best known for his work on The Voyager with Josh Garcia on NBC.
Board Certified Clinical Psychologist & Professor
Dr. Jeff Gardere is a board certified clinical psychologist. He is an Associate Professor and Course Director of Behavioral Medicine at Touro College.
Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter
Alicia Garza is someone who believes that black communities deserve what all communities deserve — to be powerful in every aspect of their lives. That’s what drives Garza as an innovator, strategist, internationally recognized organizer and writer.
Environmental Justice Warrior, Rhodes Scholar & Founder of Black Girl Environmentalist
Wanjiku "Wawa" Gatheru is an environmental justice advocate, writer and current graduate student at the University of Oxford.
Host of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior & CBS’s The Talk
Akbar is the host of NBC’s four time Emmy nominated series American Ninja Warrior, Universal Kid’s spin off show, American Ninja Warrior Jr.
Afghan American Actress & Activist
Azita Ghanizada began her journey to the U.S. as a political refugee when her family fled Afghanistan, where they gained asylum. It was the world of TV that captured her imagination and set her on a strictly tabooed path for a girl from Afghanistan.
Best-Selling Author & Harvard Professor of Education and African American Studies
Jarvis R. Givens is a professor of education and faculty affiliate in the department of African & African American studies at Harvard University.
Actor & Activist
The recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Academy Award, actor, producer and humanitarian Danny Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage and television for more than 30 years.
1st Legally Blind D1 Athlete & Ex NFL Free Agent
Aaron Golub is a professional speaker, entrepreneur, and consultant. He became the first legally blind division one athlete to play in a game when he played football at Tulane University.
Intersectional Activist & Co-Founder of March For Our Lives
X González (they/them) is a gun-violence prevention activist born and raised in Parkland, Florida. A survivor of the Marjory Stoneman-Douglas High School shooting, X became a leading voice in the gun-violence prevention movement.
Historian, Consultant & Lecturer
A recognized historian of the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II, Gorman educates people about the rich history, culture, language, and contributions of the Navajo people.
Chief of Staff to Chief Content Officer, Netflix
As Obama’s personal aide, Ferial Govashiri spent the past 10 years within arm’s length of one of the world’s most powerful leaders. She is now the Chief Of Staff to Chief Content Officer at Netflix.
Acclaimed Director of Straight Outta Compton
F Gary Gray is one of the industry’s most prolific directors as the mind behind Straight Outta Compton and The Italian Job. He is known for consistently pushing the envelope and spotting new trends and talent.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer Scholly
Raised in poverty and determined to help others go to college, Gray sparked the biggest fight in Shark Tank history with Scholly, his breakthrough app that helps students find scholarships.
Member of the "Little Rock Nine" / Consultant
One of the nine students that integrated Central High School in 1957, Green speaks out on the vestiges of past injustices, connecting them to present-day issues of race and education.
Activist, Pastor & Thought Leader
The Rev. Stephen A. Green is a global thought leader at the intersection of faith and social justice. He leads with radical love in action through his ministry at St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church in NYC.
Award-Winning Artist, Educator & Leader
Praised for his game-changing portrayal of Sitting Bull in Woman Walks Ahead, Greyeyes is a proud Nehiyawe (Plains Cree) blazing new trails for indigenous people in film.
Photographer & Founder, POSITIVE EXPOSURE
Rick Guidotti has spent the past 25 years collaborating internationally with communities to affect a sea of change in societal attitudes toward individuals living with genetic, physical, behavioral or intellectual differences.
Founder of Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education
Known as the” Teenage Security Supergirl,” Guru fuses together her experiences as a first-generation American teenager, her powerful insights from starting two nonprofits, and her vision to build a secure future for all.
Senior Fellow M-RCBG at the Harvard Kennedy School & Former College President
Gregory Haile has exceptional leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. By the time he was 40 years old, he had become the president of Broward College, one of the largest colleges in the United States.
Bravo’s Top Chef & Top Chef: All Stars
Carla Hall first won over audiences when she competed on Bravo’s Top Chef and Top Chef: All Stars and shared her philosophy to always cook with love.
Global AI/Metaverse Expert
Cortney Harding is a global thought leader, published author, and speaker on emerging technology and the role of virtual and augmented reality. She is the Founder and CEO of a transformational VR/AR agency focused on creating innovative experiences.
Actor & Youth Advocate
Known for his roles on CSI: NY and Covert Affairs, Harper wrote four best-sellers and founded the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation to empower underserved youth through mentorship.
Founder & CEO of charity: water, New York Times Bestselling Author
Scott founded the non-profit organization charity: water in 2006. He created public installations and innovative online fundraising platforms to spread international awareness of the issue.
Distinguished Health Leader, Author & Passionate Advocate for Population Health
Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck is a distinguished health leader, author, and passionate advocate for population health, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of health professionals and STEM enthusiasts.
CEO of Pharrell William’s Black Ambition Opportunity Fund
Felecia is the CEO of Pharrell William’s Black Ambition Opportunity Fund. Felecia is an innovative powerhouse, personal transformation speaker, entrepreneur and author.
Juvenile Court Judge & Star of Judge Hatchett
Nationally recognized as an expert on juvenile & social issues, Judge Glenda Hatchett garnered national appeal for her award-winning show, Judge Hatchett. She is the author of Dare to Take Charge.
Acclaimed Biographer & Pulitzer Finalist
Best-selling author, prize-winning journalist, acclaimed biographer and cultural historian Wil Haygood tells the story of America through the lens of history, politics, sports, race and the lives of change-making African-Americans.
Actor & Voice of Allstate Insurance Co.
Best known for his role on 24 and as the voice of Allstate, he also heads the Haysbert Humanitarian Foundation which provides education, food, energy and water to the next generation.
Former President of the American Civil Liberties Union
Former President of the ACLU, Susan Herman helps audiences understand today’s social issues in national security, marriage equality, women’s and voting rights, the criminal justice system and civil liberties.
Environmentalist, Educator & Founder of QueerBrownVegan
Isaias Hernandez is a full-time content creator for QueerBrownVegan and has experience in diversity inclusion work in environmental spaces, academic research, and creative work.
Actor / Writer / Spoken Word Poet
Joe Hernandez-Kolski’s, aka "Pocho Joe," performances challenge while they entertain. He combines poetry, comedy and his socio-political "Chicagoan" voice to create a talk that embraces the conundrums of the US.
New York Times Politics Reporter & Podcast Host
Astead W. Herndon is a national politics reporter for the New York Times and a political analyst for CNN. He reports and hosts "The Run Up," a political podcast from The New York Times that debuted ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.
Globally Recognized Authority on Leading & Creating Cultures of Dignity
Harvard’s Dr. Donna Hicks is an expert in human dignity and a specialist in conflict resolution. Through her work Dr. Hicks has identified a major obstacle in our human relationships and shares how to use dignity as a way of repairing relationships.
Writer & Social Justice Educator Focused on Gender, Race & Media
Dr. Higgins is a speaker, writer, and social justice educator who focuses on issues related to gender, race, and media. Named Business Equality Magazine’s “Top 40 LGBTQ Under 40” for 2020, they have written for numerous media outlets.
Expert on Anti-Black Violence & Historical Remembrance
Dr. Karlos K. Hill founded the Distinguished African American History Month Lecture Series at TTU. His research explores how black Americans have resisted racial violence and how black resistance has changed.
Broadway Star
One of the greatest voices of the new millennium, Jennifer Holliday gives concerts across the world. Having lived with depression for over ten years, she shares that there is a healing path out of the darkness.
Award Winning Television Executive & Creative Corporate Change Agent
Michelle D. Hord is a creative storyteller and media executive. As the President of Hope Warrior, Inc., and former Vice President of Creative Content and Talent Management for NBCUniversal, Michelle has produced content for television shows.
Actor & Activist
Appearing in Ghostbusters and The Crow, Ernie Hudson’s journey to Hollywood success was not without difficulties. He shares how he overcame seemingly insurmountable problems and inspires others to persevere.
Award Winning Corporate Head of DEI & Multidimensional Change Leader
Amy E. Hull, M.Ed. is the First Director and Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Paycor, Inc. She brings authenticity to the forefront of leadership, action, and learning in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Award-Winning Journalist
Civil Rights trailblazer Hunter-Gault discusses her historic entry into the University of Georgia as its first black female student and the road she took through the Jim Crow South to get there.
National/International Education Consultant & Author
Robert Jackson began his teaching career over 20 years ago in Indianapolis Public Schools with a No More Excuses teaching approach with all of his students. As an educator, he didn’t allow his students to feel sorry for themselves.
Founder & CEO of Simply Pure
James is the co-founder and CEO of Simply Pure and is a leading advocate in the cannabis industry. In 2009, she and her husband, Scott Durrah, became the first African Americans, legally licensed, to own a dispensary, a cultivation and edible company.
Dean, Brown University School of Public Health
A global leader driving public health research, policy, and practice, Dr. Jha is a trusted expert on major issues impacting public health, and a catalyst for new thinking and approaches.
Professor of Economics, London School of Economics
A Harvard-trained economist, Dr. Keyu Jin is a global authority on international macroeconomics, geopolitics, international finance and the Chinese economy.
NAACP President & CEO
In 2017, the executive committee of the NAACP National Board of Directors elected Derrick Johnson President and CEO. Derrick Johnson formerly served as vice chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors.
Olympic Hurdler & Bobsledder
Lolo Jones is a three-time summer and winter Olympian who competes in both track and field and bobsled.
Thought Leader & Founding Director, LBJ School of Public Affairs CSRD
In Fall 2015, Dr. Peniel E. Joseph joined the University of Texas at Austin as Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy.
Integrative Physician/Epidemiologist, Health Tech Consultant & Author of On Healing
Dr. Kalaichandran has given talks at Stanford University, Happify, and South by Southwest, while also regularly contributing to The New York Times (Well, Opinion, and Styles sections) on topics that deal with medical education, health, and wellness.
Professional Surfer & Phd Scientist
Dr. Cliff Kapono is a professional surfer, chemist and journalist. Born on the eastern shores of Hawai‘i, his life involves equal parts science as it does surf.
Founder of the Global Soap Project, Executive Director for Clean Production Action & Renowned Human Rights Activist
Derreck Kayongo's remarkable journey exemplifies the power of combining profit with purpose. As a successful entrepreneur, CEO, and renowned human rights activist, Derreck has demonstrated that businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on the world.
Professor of African American Studies & Author
Author and historian, Robin D.G. Kelley is one of the most distinguished experts on African American studies and a celebrated professor who has lectured at some of America’s highest learning institutions.
Professor of Sociology and American Studies, Princeton University; Co-Author of Sexual Citizens
Shamus Khan is the Willard Thorp professor of sociology and American Studies at Princeton University. He writes on culture, inequality, gender and elites.
US Army Lieutenant Colonel / Education Advocate
Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch is the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field in the US Army. She is recognized for her work on teen pregnancy, gang violence and parenting education.
Tireless Educator, Best-Selling Author & Business School Professor
Few individuals impact the day-to-day management of organizations as Dennis Kimbro. A tireless educator, best-selling author, and Business school professor, Dr. Kimbro is universally characterized as an authority on leadership, wealth, and success.
Son of Martin Luther King, Jr. & Civil Rights Activist
As the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III serves as an ambassador of his parent’s legacy of nonviolent social change.
Professor at Montclair State University in the Department of Teaching and Learning & the Department of Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies
Emily J. Klein is a professor at Montclair State University in the Department of Teaching and Learning, the PhD program in Teaching and Teacher Education, and the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.
Award-Winning Artist & Subject of the Hulu Series, Woke
Keith Knight is one of the funniest and most highly regarded cartoonists in America, and the creator of three popular comic strips. His life and cartoons are the inspiration of the Hulu streaming-series Woke, which he also co-created.
Legendary Music Mogul Behind Destiny's Child, Beyoncé & Solange
Mathew Knowles taps into every area of his expertise to deliver engaging, educational, and motivating keynotes that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Mental Health & Recovery Advocate, Actor & Entrepreneur
Kevin Kreider is an actor, speaker, the breakout star in Netflix's Bling Empire, and Founder/CEO of Sans by Taejin Beverage Inc. and Taejin Entertainment, LLC.
Emmy Award Winning TV Personality & Style Expert
Emmy Award winning TV personality, style expert, fashion designer, interior designer and New York Times best-selling author are some of the credits of the multi-talented and unforgettable Carson Kressley.
Climate Justice & Renewable Energy Advocate
Melina is a renowned advocate for climate justice, Indigenous sovereignty and women's rights. She is Lubicon Cree from Northern Alberta, Canada. She is the Founder of Sacred Earth Solar and a Climate Fellow at the David Suzuki Foundation.
Civil Rights Activist & Sociologist
Sociologist Joyce Ladner is one of the nation’s pre-eminent thought leaders. Her career was shaped by her involvement with the civil rights movement in Mississippi and as an organizer of the March on Washington.
Native American Environmentalist
An advocate for frontline native environmental groups and ecological balance, LaDuke was twice Ralph Nader’s vice-presidential candidate for the Green Party.
Award-Winning Journalist, Creator of Queer News Daily & Author
Nico Lang is a multi award-winning journalist, editor, culture critic, and essayist. In the decade they’ve spent in journalism, Lang has also served as the deputy editor for Out magazine.
Sociologist, Educator & Author
Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, a MacArthur prize-winning sociologist, is the Emily Hargroves Fisher Professor of Education at Harvard University, where she has worked since 1972, and the author of nine books.
Director of Racial Diversity Equity & Inclusion for Reconstructing Judaism
Rabbi Sandra Lawson received ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in June 2018. She uses her rabbinic training to bring Judaism to where people already are in their lives.
Award-Winning Director & Producer
Kat Lazo is a director, producer and host. As well as the Internet's favorite no-nonsense Latina who tells it how it is. The half Colombian - half Peruvian New Yorker has made a name for herself for educating folks on all things Latinidad.
Executive Public Policy Storyteller & Convener
Jeff Le has had a career at the highest levels of public policy and politics at the state, federal and international levels. He is a recognized thought leader in political advocacy and representation, and his analysis and opinion-writing has been featured in many publications.
Spoken Word Poet & Winner of Season 15 of America's Got Talent
Let Brandon Leake, the winner of America's Got Talent 2020 and an acclaimed spoken word artist deliver the keynote speech at your upcoming event or meeting.
Filmmaker
An outspoken social critic, Spike Lee has directed critically acclaimed, socially conscious films such as Do The Right Thing, Malcolm X, When The Levees Broke, 4 Little Girls and his latest, BlacKkKlansman.
Grief Advocate, Entrepreneur & Bestselling Author
Marisa Renee Lee is a called upon grief advocate, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Grief is Love: Living with Loss.
Most-Recognized Player of Both the WNBA & Team USA
When the "face" of your sport is a Wilhelmina model, you know you're off to a good start. Lisa Leslie is undoubtedly the most-recognized player of both the WNBA and Team USA, who brought considerably more than a stunning visage to the court.
Actress
Since her big break as Will Smith's love interest on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Nia Long has delivered outstanding work on both TV and at the box office with such hits as Love Jones, Soul Food, and Boiler Room.
Actress, Transparent & LGBTQ+ Advocate
Trace Lysette is an actress and advocate best known for her role of 'Shea' on Amazon's critically acclaimed series, Transparent. She is a strong advocate for transgender rights and representation in Hollywood.
Best-Selling Author & Community Activist
Author of the New York Times best-seller All Souls, Michael Patrick MacDonald shares his remarkable story of survival and redemption while examining the relationship between poverty and class he witnessed growing up in South Boston.
Global Ambassador for Technology & Inclusion, Disability Rights Activist
Srin is an entrepreneur who sold the company he co-founded, Accomable, to Airbnb. Srin has been a wheelchair user since childhood and co-founded Accomable to make it easier for people with disabilities to find accessible travel accommodation.
Author of The 7 Simple Habits of Inclusive Leaders
Melissa Majors has spent 25+ years of her career optimizing the business impact of education, innovation, inclusion, and leadership.
Social Justice Leader & Movement Strategist
Tamika D. Mallory is a Harlem born award-winning social justice leader, activist and mother. Quick-witted, strategic, and bold, Tamika speaks truth to power no matter the consequences. She is being hailed as one of the most influential Black voices.
Racial & Cultural Economics Expert
Provocative and progressive, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, is an economist, author, commentator and the 15th President of Bennett College for Women. She speaks on the economic impact of race, culture, and gender.
Award-Winning Author & Cultural Educator
Larry Spotted Crow Mann is a nationally acclaimed author, and citizen of the Nipmuc Tribe of Massachusetts. He is an award winning writer, poet, cultural educator and Traditional Story Teller.
President & CEO, TheCaseMade
Dr. Tiffany Manuel is the President and CEO of TheCaseMade, which is transforming communities by helping leaders effectively build the public's will to participate in equitable and inclusive systems change.
Identity Coach, Influencer & Co-Host of The EFF IT Madres Podcast
Welcome to the reintroduction of Romi Marie. Paired with an unmatched self-love, she wears every identity like a badge of honor: bisexual, entrepreneur, divorcee, mother.
Emmy-Nominated Storyteller, Classically-Trained Opera Singer & On Tour with NPR's "The Moth"
Prepare to embark on a powerful and inspiring journey with Deonna Marie as she shares her incredible story of triumph over adversity.
Former Treasurer of the United States
Rosario Marin firmly believes that "of him to whom much is given, much is expected." She served as the highest-ranking Latina in the Bush Administration and the first U.S. Treasurer born outside of the country.
Father of Trayvon Martin & Community Activist
Since the death of his son, Martin has committed his life to transforming tragedy into social change and awakening the nation’s conscience.
Human Rights Activist
Mburu has been doing human rights work for the last 20 years. First as an activist in Kenya, then at Harvard Law School, and then during his time at Amnesty International, Global Rights, and United Nations.
New York Times Best-Selling Author & Musician
McBride uses music and writing to share powerful stories such as The Color of Water, The Good Lord Bird and Miracle at St. Anna, which was adapted by Spike Lee.
National Leader on Belonging & New York Times Bestselling Author
Rev. Ben McBride is a native of San Francisco, spiritual leader, and longtime activist for peace and justice in the Bay Area.
Subject of the Disney+ film Safety
The Disney+ film Safety shares Ray Ray’s story as a shining example of perseverance triumphing through repeated adversity and the message of family above everything.
Award-Winning Social Entrepreneur, Cultural Thought Leader, Founder & CEO of NOOR by Grant Blvd
Dr. Kimberly McGlonn is an award-winning social entrepreneur, cultural thought leader, and motivational speaker who inspires bold, intentional living at every level — from how we build businesses to how we design our lives.
Global Head of Social Impact, Google
Reggie McKnight has been a champion for corporate social impact and economic equity throughout his 20-year career as a leader within some of the world’s largest corporations, including Google, Facebook, and BP.
Mother of Michael Brown
McSpadden is the mother of Michael Brown, the slain Missouri teen who was killed by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson following an altercation at a convenience store in St. Louis city in August 2014.
Actor & Comedian
Star of the Emmy-winning miniseries Into the West, Means uniquely uses the history of Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans as a backdrop to speak about equality and advancement.
Expert on Interfaith, Interracial & Multicultural Experiences
Samira K. Mehta is the Director of Jewish Studies and an Associate Professor of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research and teaching focus on the intersections religion, culture, and gender.
Host of Fox NFL Sunday
Veteran studio and game broadcaster Curt Menefee hosts FOX NFL SUNDAY, America’s most watched NFL pregame show the last 27 years. The high-spirited FOX NFL SUNDAY was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Hall of Fame in 2019.
Acclaimed Cinematic Pioneer & CalArts Faculty
Considered a cinematic feminist pioneer and one of America’s foremost independent filmmakers, Menkes has shown widely in major international film festivals including multiple premieres at Sundance, the Berlinale, Cannes and more.
Bilingual TV Personality & Life Coach
Television star Rosie Mercado is capturing hearts and imaginations across the globe with her compelling story, electric persona and breathtaking beauty.
Writer, Journalist, Rabbi, Meditation Teacher & Scholar of Religion
Jay Michaelson is a writer & journalist, rabbi & meditation teacher, keynote speaker, and scholar of religion.
The People's Court Judge
Judge Milian joined The People's Court in January 2001, with more than 19 years of legal experience on the bench, becoming the first female judge to preside over The People's Court.
Chairman, Jordan Brand Advisory Board
Best known for leading Nike’s Jordan Brand from a $150 million sneaker company to a $4 billion global apparel juggernaut, Larry Miller is one of the most successful Black executives in the country.
Olympic Gold Medalist & Motivator
A Lakota Sioux raised in one of the poorest communities in America, Mills inspired the film Running Brave. He authored Wokini, a book about finding happiness and satisfaction in life.
Disability Rights Advocate, Former United States Special Advisor on International Disability Rights
Sara Minkara is a world-renowned, in-demand speaker and visionary who masterfully shatters conventional wisdom about leadership, disability, and human potential.
Author & Journalist
Azadeh Moaveni is a journalist, writer and associate professor at NYU, where she directs the Global Journalism Program. Her books and articles explore the interaction between gender and armed conflict, and how women’s rights are impacted by war and authoritarianism.
President of National Urban League
In a distinguished professional career that has spanned 25 years, Marc Morial has served as one of the most accomplished servant-leaders in the nation.
Lawyer, Neurodiversity Expert & Author
Haley Moss is a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, and the author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges.
Human Rights Activist & Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; President & Chairwoman of Nadia’s Initiative
Human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad became a leading advocate for survivors of genocide and sexual violence after surviving the horrific Yazidi Genocide in Iraq carried out by the Islamic State (ISIS).
Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law at NYU School of Law
Melissa Murray knows the transformational power of women’s rights and gender justice. As a leading scholar of constitutional law and reproductive rights and justice, she researches and writes about the structures, systems, and institutions.
Civil Rights & Peace Activist
A pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement, Nash helped form the Nashville Student Movement and coordinated the Freedom Ride from Birmingham to Mississippi. Her work was featured in the PBS film Freedom Riders.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author & Journalist
Nazario has spent over 20 years writing about social issues including immigration. Her acclaimed book, Enrique’s Journey, recounts a Honduran boy’s struggle to find his mother in the U.S.
Harvard Career Advisor & Best Selling Author
Gorick Ng is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Unspoken Rules: Secrets to Starting Your Career Off Right. Gorick Ng is a career adviser at Harvard College, specializing in coaching first-generation, low-income students.
Award-Winning Journalist & Humanitarian
A journalist and humanitarian, Betty Nguyen’s work has taken her across the globe. Her striking authenticity and powerful storytelling moves audiences to explore pressing issues that affect us all.
One of the Nation’s Leading Scholars on Race, Inequality & Education
Pedro Noguera is the Dean of the Rossier School of Education, and a Distinguished Professor of Education at USC. He is one of the nation’s leading scholars on issues related to race, inequality, and education.
Creator of Noonoouri
Joerg Zuber combined love for fashion, beauty, and self-expression led him to create Noonoouri, one of the most successful virtual influencers on Instagram.
Academy Award Nominated Director
Noujaim's controversial documentary Control Room, about the Arabic-language news station Al Jazeera, called into question the prevailing images and positions offered up by the US news media about the war in Iraq.
Award-Winning Diversity Activist, Changemaker & Political Commentator
Subject of the #1 Netflix film WHITE HOT: The Rise and Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch Ben is known for his transformative work in culture, politics, and entertainment.
Musician & Reality TV Star
Born blind in his left eye due to congenital glaucoma, standout musician Blessing Offor of The Voice emigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria. With a love of people and energy, Offor is making his dreams come true.
Award-Winning Author, Poet & Spoken Word Artist
José Olivarez is the son of Mexican immigrants. His debut book of poems, Citizen Illegal, was a finalist for the PEN/ Jean Stein Award and a winner of the 2018 Chicago Review of Books Poetry Prize.
Geneticist, Professor, Mentor & TEDx Speaker
Dr. Tiffany Oliver is a dynamic motivational speaker, author, professor, and scientist. For almost 20 years, she has captivated audiences with her research and presentations on leadership, persistence, and excellence.
Writer, Speaker & Internet Yeller
Ijeoma Oluo (ee-joh-mah oh-loo-oh) is a writer, speaker and internet yeller. She is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller So You Want to Talk About Race and most recently, Mediocre.
1st Actively & Openly Serving Transgender U.S. Military Member
Shane Ortega is a human rights equity advocate, diversity educator, fitness model, DJ, and mixed-media artist. He/they are retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Marine Corps Veteran.
Author, Emcee & Producer
Dubbed "the conscience of rap" by Rolling Stone, KRS-ONE's Temple of Hip-Hop Kulture, is a hip-hop preservation society that promotes hip-hop as a strategy toward health, love, awareness and wealth.
Corporate Women's Leadership and Resilience Consultant & Coach, and Former Civil Rights Attorney
Full of energy, a passion for advocacy, confidence and courage, Diana R. Patton, Esq has helped hundreds of women leaders, and the organizations that they work for, to do their greatest work.
(fka Ron Artest) NBA Champion & All-Star, Coach
We have long admired athletes for coming back from injuries, addiction or other hardships, but until NBA champion Ron Artest (nka Metta World Peace), none had so publicly triumphed over mental illness to reach the highpoint of their career.
Lawyer, Judge Cristina’s Court, Activist
Known as the internationally popular judge on Telemundo’s La Corte de la Familia and Cristina's Court, Perez is also a sought after lawyer with a practice specializing in immigration and nationality law.
Personal Branding, Global Diversity & Inclusion Thought Leader, Spiritual Teacher & Author
Colette Phillips has captivated many audiences with her amazing speaking skills and her motivational presence.
Internationally Bestselling Author, Award-Winning Journalist & Podcast Creator
Jo Piazza is a bestselling author, podcast creator and award-winning journalist. Jo is the national and international bestselling author of many critically acclaimed novels and nonfiction books including We Are Not Like Them.
Emmy Award-Winning Co-Anchor of ABC's Nightline & Best-Selling Author
Byron Pitts is an award-winning journalist who has covered some of the most horrific and dangerous news stories in the world, from Sept. 11 to Hurricane Katrina to the Boston Marathon to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Keynote Speaker & Blind Golf Champion
As a renowned keynote speaker and blind golf champion, Jeremy inspires audiences to achieve the extraordinary.
GRAMMY-Nominated Poet; Human & Civil Rights Activist; Filmmaker; Author of 16 Books
Kevin Powell is one of the most celebrated political, cultural, literary, and hip-hop voices in America today. Kevin has gone on to author 14 books, including When We Free The World, his new short essay collection about freedom in America.
Award-Winning Journalist & Author of The Family Roe
For more than twenty years, Joshua Prager, a former senior writer for The Wall Street Journal, has written about historical secrets. His work has shed new light on our cultural touchstones.
Editor, Writer, Co-Author of We Are Not Like Them & You Were Always Mine
Christine Pride is a writer, editor and long time publishing veteran. She’s held editorial posts at many different imprints including Doubleday, Broadway, Crown, Hyperion, and Simon and Schuster.
ABC News Correspondent & U.S. Army Reserve Major
Stephanie Ramos is a correspondent for ABC News based in NYC. She has been front and center on every major news story and has covered everything from the White House, the COVID pandemic, the tragic Parkland shooting, and more.
Attorney, Trayvon Martin & Michael Brown Family
Known for her representation of the Trayvon Martin family, Jasmine Rand excels in the civil rights arena. Rand is currently scheduled to provide lectures worldwide on her I Am the Change World Tour.
DEI Expert, Bestselling Author & Award-Winning Former Nonprofit Leader
Ruth Rathblott is an expert on inclusion and diversity. She is a TEDx and inspirational speaker, bestselling author, and an award-winning former nonprofit leader.
Former Mayor of Cambridge
Ken Reeves is a Cantabridgian who served as a Cambridge City Councilor for 23 years. He served three terms as Mayor of Cambridge.
Peabody and GLAAD-Award Winning Actress and Journalist
Eva Reign is a Peabody and GLAAD Award winning Brooklyn-based actress, writer and artist from St. Louis, Missouri.
CEO of Rappler & 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Maria Ressa is the co-founder and CEO of Rappler.com, an online news organization in the Philippines. Maria’s courage and work on disinformation and ‘fake news’ culminated in being awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize.
Scientist, Inventor & Entrepreneur
Christalyn Rhodes is a scientist, inventor and entrepreneur. She is a pioneering biotech innovator and strategist responsible for the innovation strategies at 3 VC funded biotech startups.
Founder & CEO of Go Together Global, & Best-Selling Author
Shola Richards is a dynamic keynote speaker, the best-selling author of Making Work Work, and Go Together, an in-demand workplace civility expert, and a prolific writer with a passionate worldwide following.
Director of Cycling Content, Peloton
As the Director of Cycling Content at Peloton, Cody reminds everyone in his class to push themselves, but have a good time doing it, because we all need to have a little more fun.
Olympic Medalist, Figure Skater, On-Air Host & LGBTQ+ Activist
Artist. Athlete. Activist. Adam Rippon is a combination of all three. One of the most dramatic figure skaters on the planet, Adam won the hearts of America and the world at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Domestic Violence Activist, Actor & Author
Born in Cuba, Rivers came to the US at the age of two, endured horrific child abuse and witnessed domestic violence at the hands of his father, which he chronicles in his bestseller, A Private Family Matter.
One of the "Little Rock Nine"
Dr. Roberts was one of the first to integrate the Little Rock Public Schools. In his presentations, he guides participants through the lessons to be learned from the chaotic episode at Central High School.
The “TikTok Pastor,” Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church, Author, Activist & Public Theologian
Rev. Brandan Robertson is a public theologian working at the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social renewal. Robertson is as the “TikTok Pastor”, creating videos which have garnered over 215k followers and 5 million views.
33-Year Veteran of NASA & TIME Magazine 100 Most Influential People of 2022
A 33-year veteran of NASA, Gregory Robinson is the former director of the $10 billion dollar James Webb Space Telescope (Webb). With 100 times more power than its predecessor, the Hubble Telescope, Webb is considered one of NASA’s greatest achievements of the 21st century.
Award-Winning Producer, Transgender Fashion Model & Activist
Geena Rocero, born and raised in Manila, Philippines, is an Award Winning Producer, Writer, Director, Model, Public Speaker, Trans Rights Advocate and co-host of the Webby Awards honoree TV Show ASPIREist, broadcasted on HLN/CNN.
Host, Voiceover Artist & Content Creator
Attorney, educator, journalist, producer, host, moderator, voiceover artist and author, Angélique Roché believes in the power of story and the impact that fiction and non-fiction narratives can have.
"Culture Vulture" on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
Most recognized for his role in Bravo’s culturally groundbreaking series Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, Jai created a niche role on the Emmy Award-winning series as the ‘Culture Vulture,’ a youthfully savvy addition to the show’s dynamic cast.
Award-Winning Scholar & Professor of Political Science at Brown University.
Melvin Rogers is an award-winning scholar and stands as a distinguished academic renowned for his insightful contributions to the discourse on race and democracy within the realms of American culture and politics.
Founder of Money Mindset Wealth Management & a Trailblazer Reshaping the Finance Landscape
Meet Scarlette Joyce Rojas, a trailblazer reshaping the finance landscape with her unparalleled mix of financial acumen and behavioral science expertise.
Star of Little People, Big World
The star of TLC's Little People, Big World, Matt Roloff inspires audiences around the country through his determination to succeed in life despite being born with a rare form of physically debilitating dwarfism.
Executive Director of the ACLU
The first Latino and openly gay head of the ACLU, Romero has transformed the ACLU into an organizational powerhouse championing civil liberties, individual freedom and human rights.
Beauty Boss, TV Personality & Positivity Preacher
Celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal has dedicated her life to helping people feel like the best version of themselves by mirroring their outward appearance with their inner beauty.
ESPN Analyst & Former NBA Player
Current ESPN/ABC studio analyst and former 13-year NBA veteran Jalen Rose is one of the select professional athletes to maintain a high profile post-retirement as a philanthropist and entertainer.
Actress, Black-ish
A Golden Globe-winning and Emmy-nominated actress, Ross stars in “Black-ish” and starred in Girlfriends. She encourages audiences to tap into their own creativity and inner joy.
Diversity, Inclusion, Social Justice Advocate
A seminal thought leader on addressing unconscious bias, best-selling author Howard Ross is one of the nation’s most influential diversity consultants and workplace experts, specializing in corporate culture change and leadership development.
Bestselling Author & Screenwriter
Steven Rowley is the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus, a Washington Post Notable Book of 2016, The Editor, named by NPR and Esquire magazine as one of the Best Books of 2019.
Award-Winning Gender Economist, Data Scientist & CEO of Pipeline
Katica Roy is an award-winning gender economist, former Global 500 global executive, programmer, data scientist, and the CEO and founder of an award-winning SaaS company, Pipeline.
Real Life Hero of Hotel Rwanda
Known as the "Rwandan Schindler," speaker Paul Rusesabagina saved countless lives during the Rwandan genocide. His story is chronicled in the film Hotel Rwanda.
Principal & CEO of IMPACT Strategies
Angela Rye is Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies. Featured as an influential politico, lawyer, and advocate by several media outlets, Rye has an unwavering commitment to ensuring positive change in politics.
World Renowned Multicultural Visual Artist
Saint James is a multicultural visual artist, an award winning author and/or illustrator of 17 children’s books. She designed the first Kwanzaa Stamp for the USPS and the cover art for the book Waiting to Exhale.
CEO at REVOLT Media & TV
Detavio Samuels serves as CEO of REVOLT, America’s fastest growing Black-owned media company.
Executive Editor/Founder of The Diversity Council at America's Test Kitchen
If you could only use one word to describe Elle Simone Scott, it would be warrior. The Executive Editor and Founder of The Diversity Council at America’s Test Kitchen fought for herself—navigating a career and life full of extreme highs and lows.
Organizational Psychologist & Belonging Expert
Dr. Jessica Sharp, who uses she/her pronouns, is on a mission to change the world through love and belonging. Jessica is a social entrepreneur and sought-after leadership development consultant and speaker.
Political & Social Activist
A leading voice in civil rights, speaker Al Sharpton is founder and president of the National Action Network, which supports community businesses and combats corporate racism.
Founder of LiberatED
Dr. Dena Simmons is the founder of LiberatED, a liberatory approach to social and emotional learning, racial justice, and healing. She is also the inaugural scholar-in-residence at the Institute for Racial Justice at Loyola University of Chicago.
Former Senior White House Official, CNN Political Contributor & Co-Host of the Trailblaze Podcast
Jamal Simmons has been at the nexus of politics and media for three decades. He is currently a Political Commentator on CNN and Co-Host of the TralBlaze Podcast on Politicon.
CEO of Lobos 1707, Brand Building & Leadership Expert, Market Disruptor
One of the country’s few female and African American CEOs, Dia Simms is renowned for her expertise in leading brand strategies and launching brands, as well as being a trailblazing leader.
Founder of Pacific Educational Group, Inc.
A product of public elementary and independent secondary school, Singleton founded Pacific Educational Group, Inc. (PEG) to support families in their transitions within and between K–12 and higher education.
Africa’s First Elected Female President
Known as “Africa’s Iron Lady,” Nobel Peace Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won international acclaim for leading Liberia through the Ebola Crisis and through reconciliation and recovery following her nation’s decade-long civil war.
Award-Winning Journalist at NBC News & Author of The Sing Sing Files: One Journalist, Six Innocent Men, and a Twenty-Year Fight for Justice
Dan Slepian is an award-winning journalist at NBC News and a veteran producer of its esteemed newsmagazine, Dateline. For more than two decades at NBC, Slepian has spearheaded dozens of documentaries, hidden camera investigations, and more.
Political Commentator & TV Personality
From his conversations with world figures to his work to inspire the next generation, Tavis Smiley—broadcaster, author, publisher, advocate, and philanthropist—has emerged as an outstanding voice for change.
Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation
A force in building self-sufficient Native American nations, Smith speaks passionately about developing leadership, improving education, and preserving cultural values and language.
Doctor, Author & Media Consultant
A medical expert on Celebrity Fit Club and author of The 4 Day Diet, Ian Smith is a medical correspondent for NBC and a health columnist for Men's Health.
Author & Criminal Justice Advocate
Smith attended the prestigious Hampton University, but what happened at her campus was a nightmare, and led to a 24.5-year sentence in a federal prison. In 2000, after serving 6.5 years, President Clinton commuted her sentence to time served.
Legendary Lawyer & Noted Mental Health Advocate
Rolling Out magazine calls Corey Minor Smith a “legendary lawyer, renowned attorney, noted mental health advocate, prominent media fixture, and New York Times celebrated author.”
1st African American Female Coach in NFL History
Collette V. Smith is the Founder and President of Believe N You, Inc. and the NFL’s 1st African American Female Coach in the History of the National Football League by way of being the 1st Female Coach in NY Jets Franchise History, Coaching the Defensive Backs in 2017 during Training Camp.
Actress & Singer
Known for her roles in Eve's Bayou and Friday Night Lights, speaker Jurnee Smollett is also a member of ANSA, which combats HIV/AIDS and assists at-risk youth.
Rap Artist & Community Activist
Performer, author, and activist Sister Souljah organizes community youth events that encourage activism. Her best-selling books include No Disrespect.
Actress, Model, Disability Advocate & Lifestyle Influencer
At just 14 years old, Lauren “Lolo” Spencer was diagnosed with ALS and given five years to live. The news was devastating. But instead of letting it define her, she made a life-changing decision—she would live fully and fearlessly.
Psychologist & Stereotype Expert
Speaker Claude Steele is an expert on "stereotype threat," the notion that students who belong to negatively stereotyped groups are likely to perform less well.
Deputy Director for Transgender Justice, ACLU LGBTQ & HIV Project
Called a “beacon of hope for transgender people around the country,” Chase Strangio is Deputy Director for Transgender Justice with the ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Project and a nationally recognized expert on transgender rights.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Author
The author of Life, Animated (inspiration for the Academy Award nominated film of the same name) shares his journey of connecting with his son, who has autism, through Disney movies.
Award-Winning Actor, Activist & Author
A breakout star of FX’s Golden Globe-nominated series, Pose, Ryan Jamaal Swain is a triple-threat actor, dancer, and singer who was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for his LGBTQIA+ activism.
Speaker, Author & Thought Leader
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College, is a clinical psychologist widely known for both her expertise on race relations and as a thought leader in higher education.
Disability Advocate, Educator & Best-Selling Author, Sitting Pretty
Rebekah Taussig will challenge everything you think you know about disability as she invites us into her experience of living in a body that looks and moves differently than most.
Founder & CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement
The visionary that built the Essence brand, Taylor left the magazine to found an organization devoted to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty among African-Americans.
Author & Community Advocate
What is your why? What is your purpose? These two questions are asked by Logan Taylor to ensure that his audiences are maximizing their full potential. The founder of Y.B.Normal?, Taylor has spoken to thousands upon thousands of people worldwide.
Director of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies & Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at Montclair State University
Monica Taylor is the Director of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, a professor in the Department of Educational Foundations, as well as in the teacher education and teacher development doctoral program at Montclair State University.
Founder of Intersectional Environmentalist & Author of The Intersectional Environmentalist
Coining the term ‘eco-communicator’ to describe her style of environmental activism, Leah uses her passion for writing to explore and advocate for the critical yet often overlooked relationship between social justice and environmentalism.
Champion for Women's and Refugee Rights, First Rhodes Scholar from Afghanistan & Founder of Dosti Network
Summia Tora is the founder of Dosti Network, an organization dedicated to empowering Afghans both within Afghanistan and those living as refugees with crucial resources and education.
Filmmaker & Former CEO, the Black Family Channel
Raised by a single mom on the West Side of Chicago, Townsend transcended his environment to become an actor, writer, director, comedian, producer and ultimately, the President and CEO of the Black Family Channel.
Creator, "Secret Asian Man" Comic
A self-described product of creativity bred in the midst of multicultural experiences, Toyoshima opens up the dialogue on the challenges that Asian-Americans face in mainstream culture.
Former NFL Player Turned Transformational Identity-Shift Coach
Anthony Trucks is a former NFL player turned transformational identity shift coach. He believes a transformational shift is what your life is missing to reach your full potential, always operating at your peak performance.
Daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Educator, Author & Human Rights Activist
The daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Naomi carries on the family legacy to heal the wounds of racism. After years spent as a development consultant, educator and race and gender activist she accepted her call to ordained ministry.
Actor, Activist & Philanthropist
An actor known for his roles on Sex and the City and In Treatment, speaker Blair Underwood is the co-founder of Artists for New South Africa.
Founder of the Theory of Enchantment
Chloé Valdary is a speaker, writer, musician, and founder of the Theory of Enchantment, a New York-based startup that trains and develops inclusion and belonging strategies for businesses.
Lawyer, Author & TV Personality
From welfare mother to New York Times best-selling author, NAACP Image Award winner Vanzant is one of the most influential and acclaimed spiritual life coaches of our time.
President, Futuro Media & Founder, Latino Rebels
As Editorial Director for Futuro Media, Julio (Julito) Ricardo Varela is responsible for the overall editorial vision and voice of Latino USA, Latino Rebels and In The Thick.
Criminal Legal Reform Activist
With more than 23 years of lived experience, incarcerated for a crime he did not commit, Mr. Velazquez has worked tirelessly to redefine the humanity of men who are or have been incarcerated.
Gender Fluid Drag Queen, Artist, LGBTQ Activist & Ru Paul's Drag Race Winner
Sasha Velour is a gender-fluid drag queen and visual artist. As a drag artist, Velour has toured the world with her acclaimed one-queen drag spectacular Smoke & Mirrors, bewitching audiences on 3 continents.
Leading Mental Health Speaker & Teamwork Facilitator
Mike Veny loves working with leaders who are tired of bringing the same old textbook presentations on mental health or Diversity & Inclusion to their events.
Author, The Color Purple
A gifted, prolific novelist and a leading voice among African-American women writers, Walker authored the Pulitizer Prize winning book, The Color Purple.
Author, Feminist & Activist
Rebecca Walker contributes to the global conversation about gender, identity, power, and the evolution of the human family through writing books, collaborating with artists and thought leaders, teaching at the university level, and more.
Author, Educator & Inspirational Speaker
Rodney Walker is an American author, educator, entrepreneur, and inspirational speaker. He is the bestselling author of A New Day One, and is most known for his work in trauma-informed education.
NY Times Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur & CEO of Inherit Learning Company
Nicole Walters is on a mission to inspire people to not only live better lives but also leave a legacy. Known as the coach you need in your business and life, she is adept at identifying ways to turn influence into income and popularity into profits.
Financial Expert & Social Activist
As the founder of YourBlackWorld.com, speaker Boyce Watkins fights for economic and social justice in America. He is the resident financial expert for AOL Black Voices.
Former President, Center for the Advancement of Women
Faye Wattleton's distinguished career has amassed an extraordinary track record for leadership. Wattleton is the former President of the nation's oldest & largest voluntary reproductive health provider, Planned Parenthood.
CNN News Anchor
As an anchors on CNN Newsroom and a network correspondent, speaker Fredricka Whitfield reports on breaking news events worldwide.
Veteran TV Actor & Emmy Award Nominee
Veteran TV actor Dondré Whitfield is a 3 time Emmy and NAACP Image award nominee and best known for his role as Remy Newell, a trusted friend working on the Bordelon land as a water irrigation specialist on the critically acclaimed series Queen Sugar.
CEO, Core Health & VP, Centene Corporation
Speaker Gloria Wilder is the founder of Core Health, which helps health providers in underserved communities improve their quality of service.
NBA Hall of Famer & Businessman
Speaker Dominique Wilkins demonstrates the team-building and leadership skills that helped him on the court, in the community, and in his battle with diabetes.
Columnist & Law Professor
The recipient of the MacArthur Foundation "Genius Award," speaker Patricia J. Williams is the author of Seeing a Color-Blind Future.
Actress & Recording Artist
A versatile performer, speaker Vanessa Williams has conquered Broadway, film, and TV. She has sold over 4 million albums worldwide and inspires others to seize opportunity.
Political Analyst, Social Justice Activist & Creator of Sunday Civics Podcast
Recognizing the need for civics education and engagement in an accessible format, L. Joy Williams created the hit show and podcast Sunday Civics to teach civics using the current political landscape.
Cultural Critic, Author & The Atlantic Contributing Writer
A cultural critic for extraordinary times, Thomas Chatterton Williams brings his insightful perspective to subjects of race, Black identity and history, cancel culture, social justice and inequality in America and the world.
CEO of Unpacking
Kristina Ashley Williams is a leading voice in people cultures, strategic design and futurist thinking in business. She is known for her illuminating personality and experiential learning innovations specialized in interactive collaboration.
Guest Shark on ABC’s Shark Tank, Atlanta Falcons Limited Partner
Rashaun Williams is a trailblazing investor, entrepreneur and financial literacy advocate who has carved out a unique role in the world of venture capital.
Former Host of the Nightly Show
An Emmy Award winner, Wilmore is a comedic force on and off-screen, speaking out on diversity, politics, current events, culture and beyond.
Serial Social Entrepreneur, Storyteller & Author
Growing up in Washington, DC, Chris Wilson was surrounded by violence and despair. At 18, he was sentenced to life in prison, with no hope of parole. While behind bars, Chris embarked on a remarkable journey of self-improvement.
Public Intellectual, Author & CNN Commentator
Theo Wilson is a founding member of the Denver Slam Nuba team, who won the 2011 National Poetry Slam. Wilson is the executive director of Shop Talk Live, Inc. The organization uses the barbershop as a staging ground for community dialogue and healing.
Founder & CEO of Technology Startup Resilia
Sevetri Wilson is the Founder and CEO of technology startup Resilia, founded in 2016. Sevetri is a 2010 recipient of the Nobel Prize for Public Service, the Jefferson Award; and her work was featured in the U.S. Senate report to the White House.
Emmy Award-Winning Actress
Emmy-winning Alfre Woodard has acted in Desperate Housewives and The Practice. She co-founded Artists for New South Africa, a nonprofit promoting AIDS awareness.
Actor, Comedian, Seinfeld & Activist for the Disability Rights Movement
Danny Woodburn is perhaps best known for Mickey Abbott, Kramer’s volatile friend on NBC’s Emmy-winning, history-making show, Seinfeld. Danny raises awareness of the need for inclusion and understanding of people with disability.
Three-Time Paralympic World Medalist
At only 21 years of age, Hunter Woodhall is redefining what it means to be an athlete, entrepreneur, and trailblazer, and setting a new tone for the next generation of dreamers.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist
Sheryl WuDunn, the first Asian-American reporter to win a Pulitzer Prize, is a business executive and best-selling author. She co-founded FullSky Partners, a consulting firm focusing on double-bottom line ventures in new media, technology and health.
Corporate Transformation Leader & Author
With more than 30 years of experience, earning serious results for some of America’s best known corporations, Keith Wyche has risen to become a successful corporate president and one of the highest-ranking African-American executives in the U.S.
Award-Winning Advocate and Trans Justice Leader & Campaign Manager at the ACLU
LaLa B Zannell is an advocate, organizer, and artist working towards liberation for transgender and nonbinary communities, with a particular focus on trans women of color and trans sex workers.
Journalist & Author
Kristal Brent Zook, Ph.D. is a professor of journalism at Hofstra University in New York. Her entertainment, cultural, and social justice journalism have appeared in dozens of publications, including Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Life, and Entertainment Weekly.
Expert on Race Relations
Leading the way as an academic voice on race relations, Dr. Tukufu Zuberi is an inspiring champion for social justice. He hosts PBS's The History Detectives.