March 8, 2026 is International Women’s Day, and your event deserves a pioneering CEO, tech leader, or innovator as this year’s keynote speaker.
International Women’s Day speakers celebrate progress, spotlight influential voices, and foster inclusive leadership. These speakers bring firsthand expertise, compelling stories, and proven results that align with your mission.
As a Women Owned Business (WBENC Certified), The Mollie Plotkin Group takes pride in working with the top women in tech, business, and motivational speaking. From world-class athletes to business magnates and celebrities, our top International Women’s Day speakers are available to be booked in 2026 and tailored for your next event.
This list features women who lead industries, inspire change, and deliver powerful keynotes that make an impact.
Top 15 International Women’s Day Speakers
Julie Wainwright
- Founder and Former CEO of The RealReal
- Tech Industry Veteran
- Forbes Cover – 50 Over 50
Julie Wainwright is a pioneering entrepreneur and technology leader best known for founding The RealReal, the world’s largest luxury resale platform.
After the dot-com bubble burst, she rebuilt her career by creating a billion‑dollar company that reshaped both retail and sustainability.
Julie’s keynotes explore resilience, reinvention, and leading through uncertainty, offering practical lessons for entrepreneurs and corporate leaders alike.
Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan
- Fortune 5 Tech Veteran
- Former Microsoft Executive
- Employee Engagement Speaker
Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan is a leadership expert and founder of The Infinite Impact Group, where she helps organizations unlock performance through belonging.
With decades of experience at Microsoft and other global brands, she developed The Outsider’s Edge™, a framework that turns difference into advantage.
Lakshmi’s talks inspire leaders to build cultures where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to perform at their best.
Henna Pryor
- SUCCESS Magazine Woman of Influence
- Bestselling Author of Good Awkward
- Workplace Performance Speaker
Henna Pryor is a high‑energy keynote speaker and executive coach known for blending behavioral science with humor and real‑world strategy.
She helps leaders overcome resistance, embrace smart risk, and strengthen confidence during times of change.
Henna’s practical insights make her a powerful choice for organizations navigating growth, disruption, and evolving workplace dynamics.
Laura Gassner Otting
- Regular Guest on GMA and TODAY
- 3-time WSJ Bestselling Author
- Purpose & Bold Leadership
Laura Gassner Otting is a sought‑after leadership speaker who challenges audiences to stop playing small and start leading with purpose.
With experience in executive search, public service, and entrepreneurship, she brings a bold perspective on ambition, fulfillment, and impact.
Laura’s talks motivate professionals to align their work with what truly matters — and to pursue success without limits.
Barbara Butcher
- Featured Expert on Netflix and Oxygen Series
- Manhattan’s First Long-Tenured Female Death Investigator
- Resilience & Trauma
Barbara Butcher is a trailblazing forensic expert and former Assistant Chief of the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office.
Over her career, she investigated more than 5,500 death cases and became known for her calm leadership in high‑stress environments.
Barbara’s keynotes deliver profound lessons on resilience, emotional strength, and managing trauma with compassion and clarity.
Dr. Jody Carrington
- Bestselling Author
- Clinical Psychologist
- Mental Health & Belonging
Dr. Jody Carrington is a clinical psychologist and best‑selling author known for her powerful work on connection and emotional regulation.
She speaks to organizations about burnout, trust, and rebuilding human connection in demanding environments.
With humor and authenticity, Jody helps audiences feel seen while offering tools to lead — and live — with empathy.
Susie Wolff
- Motorsport Executive
- Former Formula 1 Driver
- Leadership & Inclusion
Susie Wolff is a former professional Formula 1 driver and respected motorsport executive who broke barriers in elite racing.
She brings lessons from high‑performance sport to conversations about leadership, teamwork, and inclusion.
Susie’s story inspires audiences to challenge limits, build confidence, and drive meaningful change.
Nicole Malachowski
- First Woman Thunderbird Pilot
- White House Fellow
- Courage & Adaptability
Nicole Malachowski made history as the first female pilot selected for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Her career exemplifies precision, courage, and adaptability in extreme environments.
Nicole’s keynotes inspire audiences to overcome adversity, lead with confidence, and perform under pressure.
Bobbi Brown
- Beauty Industry Titan
- Would-Renowned Makeup Artist
- Authentic Leadership
Bobbi Brown is a globally recognized entrepreneur who revolutionized the beauty industry by championing authenticity.
She built an iconic brand rooted in confidence, simplicity, and self‑expression.
Bobbi’s talks focus on creativity, leadership, and building businesses that align with personal values.
Carey Lohrenz
- First Fully Qualified Female Naval F-14 Pilot
- Leadership Expert
- High‑Performance Teams
Carey Lohrenz is a former F‑14 Tomcat pilot and one of the first women to fly combat missions for the U.S. Navy.
She brings lessons from aviation to leadership, decision‑making, and risk management.
Carey’s keynotes help organizations build trust, accountability, and resilient teams.
Ruth Buscombe
- Formula 1 Strategist & Engineer
- Performance Analyst
- Decision‑Making Under Pressure
Ruth Buscombe is a highly respected Formula 1 strategist and engineer known for her analytical expertise and calm decision‑making.
She translates the fast‑paced, data‑driven world of motorsport into lessons on collaboration, adaptability, and precision.
Ruth’s talks resonate with organizations focused on performance, innovation, and teamwork under pressure.
Alexa Fischer
- Actress
- Fortune 500 Peak Performance Coach
- Personal Growth
Alexa Fischer is a motivational speaker who helps audiences reconnect with confidence and courage.
Her keynotes focus on overcoming fear, navigating uncertainty, and taking bold action toward meaningful goals.
Alexa’s relatable storytelling and practical frameworks leave audiences energized and empowered.
Amanda Freitag
- Chef & Restaurateur
- Television Personality
- Creativity & Teamwork
Amanda Freitag is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for her leadership in high‑pressure kitchens.
She shares lessons on teamwork, creativity, and perseverance drawn from years in the culinary spotlight.
Amanda’s story resonates with audiences seeking inspiration from excellence forged through discipline and passion.
Claire Williams
- Formula 1 Executive
- Former Deputy Team Principal
- Strategic Leadership
Claire Williams is a senior motorsport executive who played a key role in leading one of Formula 1’s most storied teams.
She offers insight into leadership, culture, and navigating change in elite competitive environments.
Claire’s experience makes her a compelling voice for organizations facing transformation and pressure.
Julia Landauer
- History-making NASCAR Driver
- Stanford-trained strategist
- Forbes 30 Under 30
Julia Landauer is a two-time champion driver and advocate for women in STEM fields.
She combines technical expertise with powerful storytelling about persistence in male‑dominated industries.
Julia’s talks inspire audiences to pursue excellence, curiosity, and confidence in challenging environments.
Book an International Women’s Day Speaker
International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026 is an opportunity to bring a powerful voice to your stage and give your audience ideas they can act on right away.
If you are planning an International Women’s Day keynote, The Mollie Plotkin Group can help you choose the best-fit speaker for your theme, audience, budget, and format. We will confirm availability, share options quickly, and handle the details from start to finish.
Ready to book your keynote speaker?
Request availability for anyone on this list, or tell us your event goals and we will recommend the strongest matches.
