DEI KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Set the stage for DEI leadership and learning.
Our gifted DEI keynote speakers and facilitators have years of experience broaching the subjects of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion with a range of audiences at events across the country. We understand that everyone brings their own lived experience to the room. Our talks are designed to engage with even the most skeptical audiences, making them comfortable enough to engage with DEI topics, reflect on their own biases, and open their awareness to the root systems of inequity that continue to exist in our
communities.
What Clients Say About Us
Elevate Oregon
We knew we needed to take our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the realm of the abstract, "of course we believe in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; we live it daily" to real and concrete actions that will allow us to keep our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the heart of our work. [Construct the Present’s] work with our staff, youth, and Board was phenomenal and helped people lean into the work and feel confident in the direction that we are going, seeing how this work, even if uncomfortable, will help Elevate Oregon thrive.
Multnomah County
We hired Construct the Present to help our managers and supervisors explore the concepts of whiteness in supervision and white supremacy culture in the workplace. They listened carefully to our needs, and developed a curriculum that was engaging, thought provoking and informative. Our managers commented that this was one of the best equity trainings they've been exposed to as a supervisor, and helped set them at ease with such a heavy topic. I would gladly engage with Construct the Present for future training initiatives!
ARQ
Construct the Present did an amazing job working to ensure that our team arrived at the same baseline understanding of important DEI issues through a mix of head and heart experiences and trainings. Since consulting with CTP, it has become common practice for team members at ARQ to confidently bring up the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion as it relates to almost any department, issue, or initiative. We recognize that DEI work will be a continuous and essential effort, and we are very happy to now have more knowledge and frameworks for continuing this important work at ARQ. Thank you to the CTP team!
Portland Trail Blazers
Construct the Present has an exceptional ability to hold space for large, complex conversations. Their team facilitated an engaging and honest session with over 100 of our staff, creating an environment where people felt both challenged and supported. Their skill in navigating difficult topics with clarity and care is unmatched.
Travel Portland
As a Black femme-led organization, working with Construct The Present felt deeply aligned—not just in terms of shared values, but in how they actually showed up in the work. That alignment brought a level of authenticity and understanding that made a real difference in how the training was facilitated and how our team engaged.
Alexis Braly James
Key areas of expertise: Racial Equity, Women in the workplace, Equitable leadership, Whiteness/White supremacy and more
What sets our DEI keynote speaker Alexis Braly James apart from the rest?
Alexis is grounded in real educational experience.
Alexis Braly James is a former classroom teacher who brings her experience and knowledge of education, learning, and team dynamics to every keynote event. Her sessions are more than theory, as she understands how people learn and apply new ideas, helping the DEI topics she brings up leads to lasting, meaningful change.
Alexis centralizes marginalized voices through strategy.
Alexis commits herself to designing comprehensive solutions with marginalized voices at the center of each conversation. As a biracial, Black, cis woman, she brings her lived experience into all of her strategies, ensuring that her initiatives and talks as a DEI keynote speaker are built for real impact instead of optics. She strives for long-lasting, structural change.
Alexis is trusted by major institutions.
Alexis has a reputation as a DEI innovator through collaborations with institutions such as the Smithsonian, City of Portland, Metro Regional Government, and Multnomah County Library. She provides a unique, refreshing blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and an engaging delivery style, and can connect with audiences of all sizes and kinds.
Liana Avendano
Key areas of expertise: LGBTQIA+, Gender, Equitable Feedback, Neurodiversity, DEI and more
The unique spark Liana Avendano brings as your DEI keynote speaker:
Lived experiences across intersections.
Liana Avendano brings an authentic perspective as a queer, nonbinary, neurodivergent, Mexican child of immigrants. This makes Liana’s approach deeply informed by lived experience, allowing them to advocate for those who have faced persistent oppression. Liana’s perspective shines a light on real-world barriers that may be invisible to your organization, focusing on meaningful, systemic change
Expertise rooted in diverse industries.
Liana has also worked in a wide variety of industries, from marketing and event management to leadership, operations, and service work. This background gives Liana a unique edge when speaking with organizations of all kinds, as they understand the realities of workplace inequities from the ground up.
Champion of anti-Black racism and trans liberation work.
Liana stands out for their commitment to tackling anti-Black racism and transphobia in the workplace. This dedication shapes their work when it comes to coaching organizations through cultural transformation, building strategies, or fostering leadership development. Liana always pushes toward justice and liberation for the most marginalized.
Frequently Asked Questions About DEI Keynote Speakers for Your Next Event:
What is a DEI keynote speaker?
Keynote speakers with a focus on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) deliver presentations to broach the sensitive topics of DEI principles. They share their unique insights on the subject, help engage even the most skeptical audiences in a personable, comfortable way, and help inspire and educate. Keynote speakers can be a great first step towards creating a more inclusive culture in your workplace.
Why should we hire a keynote speaker for our event?
Hiring a DEI keynote speaker to your next event can be a great first step to broaching sensitive DEI subjects. This is because our speakers are talented at engaging even skeptical audiences across a variety of industries. We can:
- Create awareness of diversity and inclusion issues
- Provide actionable strategies
- Demonstrate your organization’s values
- Help your team feel more comfortable about these topics
Can keynote speakers tailor their presentations to our organization’s needs?
Yes, we have years of experience as gifted speakers and facilitators. We can work in a collaborative way with your organization to focus on subjects that are relevant and impactful for your team. We can also make sure that our keynote aligns with issues you want to address or specific goals or challenges you’d like to broach with your audience in a non-judgmental, open way.
What topics do DEI speakers usually cover?
We can address a wide variety of topics relating to DEI, including but not limited to unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, racial equity, accessibility, belonging in the workplace, gender equity, cultural humility, and strategies for creating more diverse and equitable organizations. We are also able to tailor our talks to emerging issues like intersectionality, allyship, and dismantling systemic barriers.
How much does it cost to hire a DEI keynote speaker?
The cost depends on a variety of factors, including your event’s size and location. Contact us today and fill out our quick form with details about your next event, and we’ll talk with you to learn more about our services and rates.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Schedule an intro with our team
If you’re not sure which service would benefit your team most, we can help. A 30-minute consultation will give us a chance to find your best direction forward. We’ll talk about your concerns and needs, observations about your organization, and areas you’ve identified for improvement. Then we’ll come back to you with recommendations for next steps.
Subscribe to receive our monthly newsletter and updates.