Welcome to our list of the top D&I Keynote Speakers of 2024.

D&I Speakers, or Diversity and Inclusion Speakers, are professional orators that discuss or catalyze a structural change of an organization’s culture. 

In the following list, we will introduce you to 10 of the top D&I speakers of 2024. These individuals are shaping the future or organizational success. Keep reading as we explore their unique perspectives, backgrounds, and credentials that bolster their groundbreaking ideas.

AK Ikwuakor

AK Ikwuakor, or Coach AK, is a leading D&I keynote speaker and Google Master Faculty Trainer. He has traveled to more than thirty countries working with corporations, CEOs, and displaced peoples across the world. Leading organizations hire Ikwuakor for his keynote speeches and workshops on identity, purpose, and sales. Moreover, AK Ikwuakor delivers powerful speeches on diversity and inclusion which include actionable takeaways for his audiences. 

Madison Utendahl

Madison Utendahl is a Forbes 30 Under 30, two-time Webby Award-winning Content & Social Media Director, specializing in brand-storytelling, social media strategy, and experiential marketing. In 2019, she launched Utendahl Creative, a female-focused branding, social media, and content strategy agency. Madison inspires CEOs, entrepreneurs, and teams to bring more fun into their workday. She is also an on-camera video host and producer, having interviewed notable figures such as Arianna Huffington and Marcus Samuelson.

Madison shares her personal journey confronting severe burnout and emphasizes its extensive consequences on well-being. She highlights the disproportionate impact burnout has on women and people of color, addressing systemic imbalances and societal pressures. Drawing from innovative burnout prevention policies implemented at her firm, Madison spotlights proactive solutions and calls for individuals and companies to challenge the always-on work culture and prioritize holistic well-being.

Daryl Davis

Daryl Davis is a renowned D&I Keynote Speaker, musician and activist, having convinced 200 members of the Ku Klux Klan to give up their robes. Over the past 40 years, Daryl has used civil conversation to break down the barriers of racism. Now, he delivers keynote speeches on what the world can learn from his experience.

Daryl Davis is a renowned blues and rock musician who’s toured the world. He’s played with musical legends including 32 years as Chuck Berry’s piano player. That’s his profession. But Daryl also has a unique obsession. Using civil conversation to ignite positive change with members of the Ku Klux Klan and other White supremacist groups. Encountering racism firsthand at ten years old, Daryl wondered, “How can they hate me when they don’t even know me?”.

Daryl started meeting his detractors in person over 40 years ago to have a patient conversation about their beliefs. With his highly acclaimed, nonfiction book, Klan-Destine Relationships, Daryl became the first Black author to write a book on the Klan from in-person interviews. Furthermore, Daryl’s TEDx talk has nearly 12 million views. Additionally, Daryl, who has been to 57 countries on 6 continents, is often selected by the U.S. State Department as a highly respected expert on race relations and conflict.

Marcus Allen

Marcus Allen, the first African American CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence (BBBSI), is a top D&I keynote speaker of 2024. With over 20 years of experience as a nonprofit executive, Marcus is a visionary leader. He has received prestigious awards, including the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO. Marcus has appeared on CNN, Oprah Winfrey, and various local and national news shows. Fortune 500 companies such as Bank of America and Deloitte have invited him as a keynote speaker. Marcus’s expertise and experience cover a wide range of topics, leaving audiences entertained and inspired by his experiential talks.

As Co-Chair of BBBSI’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee and a member of its National Leadership Council, Marcus is committed to creating positive change in the community.

Chris Waddell

Chris Waddell, a Paralympic & US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame inductee, is a highly acclaimed D&I keynote speaker and activist. With 13 Paralympic medals to his name, Waddell holds the record for the most medals won by a male mono skier in Paralympic history. Recognized as an Unsung Hero of Compassion by the Dalai Lama, he is known for his philanthropy and dedication to creating positive change. Through his powerful speeches, Waddell inspires audiences to embrace struggle, overcome adversity, and become champions in their own lives. His message resonates with a wide range of audiences, from Fortune 500 companies to non-profit organizations. He encourages individuals to believe in their ability to achieve the impossible.

Robert Paylor

Robert Paylor is a D&I keynote speaker whose remarkable journey is best summed up by the phrase he uses most Paralyzed to Powerful. His impactful, memorable and moving keynote will inspire you to recognize the power you have, and the gifts you are given, each and every day. Whether our challenges are visible or not, the approach to overcoming adversity is universal. The skills Robert uses to overcome quadriplegia can be used by all to optimally perform. His story and the tools he shares to go from paralyzed to powerful inspire others to access their full potential and conquer their challenges no matter how daunting they may seem.

In the 2017 Collegiate Rugby National Championship, Robert Paylor broke his neck and his life changed in an instant. Immediately, he was told he would never walk or move his hands again. Robert didn’t accept that reality and courageously willed himself to walk again, against all odds. Then, as featured in Sports Illustrated, Paylor walked across the stage at his graduation ceremony.

Leslie Maxie

Leslie Maxie, a 1988 US Olympian and D&I keynote speaker, is a renowned entrepreneur and interviewer of top entertainment and sports personalities. With a focus on tackling ageism in the modern workplace, Maxie addresses the challenges faced by business professionals in dealing with generational diversity. From young interns struggling to be taken seriously to older employees facing unfair layoffs, Leslie provides insights and solutions to these pressing issues. In 2022, she delivered a powerful speech on this topic at the Women in Retail Leadership summit. As a self-made entrepreneur who has excelled in male-dominated industries, Leslie also empowers women in the workplace through her highly sought-after keynotes. In 2022, she captivated the Mississippi BAR Association with her empowering message.

Meb Keflezighi

Meb Keflezighi, an Eritrean-born All-American athlete, D&I keynote speaker, and U.S. Olympic Medalist, is an inspirational speaker and the face of leading brands such as Sketchers, Oakley, and Sony. In 2014, Keflezighi made history by becoming the first American man to win the Boston Marathon since 1983, catapulting him into American popular culture. However, his success did not start there. Keflezighi won the silver medal in the 2004 Olympic games for marathon running and had an exceptional collegiate career at UCLA, earning numerous All-American awards and accolades. His journey embodies the essence of the American Dream.

Meb Keflezighi arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Eritrea with his family of ten children. Keflezighi became a naturalized citizen in 1998. Moreover, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services recognized Meb Keflezighi as an Outstanding American by Choice. Currently, he is sponsored by Sketchers, Sony, Oakley, Inc., New York Athletic Club, and other leading organizations. Meb Keflezighi continues to inspire audiences with his story of perseverance and achievement.

Homa Tavangar

Homa Tavangar is a sought-after voice for navigating learning and leading in an increasingly complex and connected world. Her presentations, workshops, and coaching help diverse organizations and schools build new mindsets. Then they unlock the power of purpose, innovation, and belonging. With over 20 years of experience in international development, Homa Tavangar is a best-selling author and has worked with organizations such as the World Bank and USAID. She is also the co-founder of many philanthropic, leadership, and education-based organizations. Homa advised top media companies such as NBC Universal on cultural bias. Additionally, she is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers on global diversity and global inclusion initiatives. She has earned interdisciplinary recognition from the likes of Dr. Jane Goodall and the BBC. 

Jean Oelwang

Jean Oelwang is the leading D&I keynote speaker and founding CEO and President of Virgin Unite, where she has dedicated over 15 years to fostering strong partnerships that drive significant social impact. Known for her ability to unite people and organizations, Jean promotes collaboration and creates opportunities that aim for a better world. She is also the author of Partnering: Forge the Deep Connections That Make Great Things Happen. Her work explores the power of deep connections in achieving extraordinary outcomes. Jean’s extensive leadership experience includes roles such as the joint CEO of Virgin Mobile in Australia. Additionally, she led mobile phone companies across various countries including South Africa, Bulgaria, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and the US. Her speeches not only inspire but also provide practical insights into building successful partnerships in professional and personal spheres.

Hire Top D&I Keynote Speakers

At the Mollie Plotkin Group, we represent a diverse roster of accomplished D&I Keynote Speakers who are not only experts in their field but also engaging storytellers. They are equipped to inspire, educate, and motivate your audience towards personal growth and organizational success.

We understand that every event is unique, and we are committed to providing a tailored experience that aligns with your specific goals. Our team is ready to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect speaker for your event.

Reach out to us today at the Mollie Plotkin Group and let’s start making a positive impact together.