Julissa Arce: Social Justice

    Immigration keynote speaker Julissa Arce inspires audiences with her journey from undocumented immigrant to Wall Street executive, offering powerful insights on equity, identity and social justice.

    Julissa Arce - Image 05 (April 23, 2026)

    Quick Facts:

    • Highlights:
      • Bestselling author of My (Underground) American Dream
      • Immigration advocate and co-founder of the Ascend Educational Fund
      • Former vice president at Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch
      • National thought leader on immigration, equity and social justice
    • Formats: Keynote speaker on immigration, equity, social justice, identity and resilience.
    • Audiences: Corporations, universities, DEI teams, advocacy groups, nonprofits, community organizations and audiences seeking personal insight into immigration and social change.
    • Outcomes:
      1. Deeper understanding of the immigrant experience and the complexities of undocumented life.
      2. Inspiration to challenge stereotypes and advocate for equitable opportunities.
      3. Practical insights into building inclusive cultures that honor diverse identities and backgrounds.
    Reading time: 1 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • **Fee range: On Request

    Talent Services

    Keynote Topics:

    From Undocumented to Wall Street & Immigration Advocacy

    Julissa’s inspiring story of how she rose through the ladder at Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch and eventually became a nationally best selling author and prominent advocate for immigrant rights, Latino representation, and education equality.

    Julissa discusses the challenges of Latininad in the Workplace and what this new generation of talent needs to truly be empowered and what past generations can come to terms with and all reflect on a new way forward of inclusivity, leadership, orgullo, and celebration of our uniqueness, origins, and the beauty of the differences that actually make us Americans.

    Powerful discussion against the myth that assimilation leads to happiness and belonging for immigrants in America.

    Julissa’s education story as an undocumented Mexican student- and what educators did to help her belong, and what they didn’t do that would have helped her to feel included. Some brief Latino history, children’s books statistics, and conclude with some food for thought to implement in the classrooms and schools.

    Talent Short Bio

    Julissa Arce is a bestselling author, immigration advocate and keynote speaker whose remarkable life story has made her a leading voice in national conversations about equity, belonging and the immigrant experience. Born in Mexico and brought to the United States as a child, Julissa spent years navigating life as an undocumented immigrant while pursuing her education and building a career in finance. Her memoir, My (Underground) American Dream, chronicles her rise from living in the shadows to becoming a vice president at Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch—an achievement that defied expectations and reshaped perceptions of what undocumented individuals can accomplish.

    Julissa’s expertise is grounded in lived experience and strengthened by years of advocacy, policy study and nonprofit leadership. As co-founder of the Ascend Educational Fund, she has helped expand access to scholarships and opportunities for immigrant students across the country. 

    A sought-after speaker for corporations, universities and social impact forums, Julissa uses her storytelling to bridge personal narrative with broader issues of immigration, identity and justice. She brings depth, clarity and urgency to her keynotes, empowering audiences to understand the human stories behind policy debates and inspiring them to take meaningful action in their own spheres of influence.

    Julissa Arce is a trailblazing immigration advocate, keynote speaker, and the bestselling author of My (Underground) American Dream, her powerful memoir recounting her journey as an undocumented immigrant who rose to become a Wall Street executive.

    Her incredible life story highlights her perseverance and dedication to creating a more equitable and just society for immigrants. Julissa is passionate about advocating for the rights of those living in the shadows, making her a sought-after keynote speaker at events that seek to inspire, inform, and empower.

    With her captivating personal story, Julissa bridges the gap between individual narratives and national conversations on immigration, social justice, and diversity.

    Looking to book this speaker for your next event?
    At Speakers Inc., we connect you with the perfect speaker for your audience.

    👉 Contact our team to check availability and secure your speaker
    https://speakersinc.com/contact-us/speakers-inc/

    👉 Watch more speaker videos on YouTube
    https://www.youtube.com/@speakersincUSA/

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

    Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

    The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

    Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

    Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    You may be interested in...

    Mariana Atencio - Image 03 (April 24, 2026)

        She empowers audiences to lead with authenticity and confidence.

        • Event Host
        Lolita Taub - Image 10 (March 10, 2026)
        • (7 reviews)
          Lolita Taub champions community-driven innovation, empowering underestimated founders and funders with proven strategies for early-stage growth, inclusive investing and lasting social impact.
          • Latino Innovation
          Noramay Cadena - Image 02 (April 23, 2026)

              She helps leaders innovate across food, culture, and emerging technologies.

              • Hispanic Inspiration
              Carey Lohrenz - Image 04 (April 21, 2026)

                  She helps leaders perform under pressure and lead with confidence.

                  • Former Naval Pilot
                  Andrea Guendelman
                  • (1 reviews)
                    Leadership keynote speaker Andrea Guendelman unlocks expansive leadership through openness, blending business strategy and mindful growth to help teams innovate, collaborate
                    • Leadership Expert
                    The JASMINE STAR Show - Image 03 (March 18, 2026)
                        Motivational business strategist Jasmine Star empowers entrepreneurs to build standout brands, master social media and pursue bold ambitions using proven strategies from 15 years of real-world success.
                        • Business Strategist
                        Claudia Romo Edelman
                            DEI keynote speaker Claudia Romo Edelman empowers organizations to advance inclusion, elevate Hispanic voices and drive social impact using insights from 25 years of global leadership
                            • Social Entrepreneur
                            April Hernandez Castillo - Image 05 (April 23, 2026)
                            • (1 reviews)

                              She inspires resilience through storytelling rooted in real life experiences.

                              • Inspiring Speaker
                              Disclaimer
                              The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

                              These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

                              Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

                              All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

                              Speakers Inc.

                              Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

                              We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

                              Find the Perfect Speaker

                              Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

                              © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

                              AI Assistant
                              Speakers Inc Logo 2024
                              Privacy Overview

                              This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.