In this talk, Morgan DeBaun breaks down the behind the scenes of building Blavity and encourages entrepreneurs of all ages to ignore the statistics or the naysayers. If not you… then who? If not now… then Blavity and encourages entrepreneurs of all ages to ignore the statistics or the naysayers. If not you… then who? If not now… then when?
At the age of 25, Morgan DeBaun made history as one of the first 20 Black women to raise over a million dollars in venture funding, defying the odds of a dying publishing industry by Blavity and encourages entrepreneurs of all ages to ignore the statistics or the naysayers. If not you… then who? If not now… then when?
The growth of STEM jobs has outpaced the growth of overall employment in the country. Of the 25% of women in tech roles, only 3% are Black women. While diversity, equity, and inclusion in other Blavity and encourages entrepreneurs of all ages to ignore the statistics or the naysayers. If not you… then who? If not now… then when?
Morgan DeBaun is a pioneering entrepreneur, digital media strategist, and business leader who has transformed the way Black millennials and Gen Z engage with content, culture, and community. As the Founder and CEO of Blavity Inc., she has built a media empire that reaches millions, shaping the conversations around entrepreneurship, technology, and diversity.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Morgan’s passion for business and leadership emerged at a young age. She attended Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied political science and gained valuable experience in strategy, business operations, and organizational leadership. After graduating, Morgan DeBaun began her career in Silicon Valley, working at Intuit as a product manager. This experience gave her first-hand insight into the world of startups, technology, and product development—knowledge that would later fuel her journey as a founder.
However, Morgan DeBaun recognized a major gap in media representation for Black millennials. While working in the tech industry, she saw the need for a platform that catered specifically to young Black professionals, offering news, career insights, and cultural content that reflected their experiences. In 2014, at just 24 years old, she took a bold step and launched Blavity Inc., a digital media company designed to give a voice to Black creators, innovators, and thought leaders.
Under her leadership, Blavity Inc. has grown into one of the largest Black-owned digital media companies in the world, encompassing multiple brands that serve different aspects of the Black experience. These include AfroTech, one of the premier Black tech conferences, 21Ninety, a lifestyle brand focused on empowering women of color, and Travel Noire, a community-driven platform for Black travelers. Through these brands, Morgan has cultivated an ecosystem that not only informs but also connects and empowers individuals to pursue their dreams.
As an entrepreneur, Morgan has faced and overcome the challenges that come with building and scaling a company, particularly as a Black woman in the tech and media industries. She is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), frequently speaking on the importance of representation in business and technology. Her expertise in launching and scaling businesses has led her to share her knowledge on platforms such as Forbes, Fast Company, and CNBC.
Beyond her work at Blavity Inc., Morgan DeBaun is dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs succeed. She has developed workshops, online courses, and mentorship programs to provide practical insights on business growth, digital marketing, and leadership. She has also launched successful coaching initiatives like WorkSmart, a platform where she shares her expertise in business strategy, team management, and productivity.
Morgan DeBaun’s impact extends beyond the media landscape—she is a recognized leader in the startup and investment ecosystem. She has advised numerous startups and frequently speaks at conferences focused on technology, venture capital, and economic empowerment. Her ability to break down complex business strategies into actionable insights has made her an in-demand speaker at events around the world.
Hashtags: #MorganDeBaun #KeynoteSpeaker #Entrepreneurship #TechInnovation #BlackExcellence #WomenInBusiness #BlavityInc #DiversityAndInclusion #StartupSuccess #AfroTech #Leadership #DigitalMedia
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
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.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Brittany Hodak is not just a speaker; she’s a force of nature in the world of business and entrepreneurship. With a remarkable track record of inspiring audiences worldwide, she stands as a beacon of insight, innovation, and inspiration. An international keynote speaker and an award-winning business leader, Brittany has left an indelible mark on the […]
At 19, Jeremy Poincenot was just like any other sophomore at San Diego State University—enjoying life with friends, sports, and fraternity activities, all underpinned by his perfect 20/20 vision. However, life took an unexpected turn when Jeremy started losing his sight without any prior warning. Diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare genetic […]
Former NFL Player Wade Davis is a thought leader, public speaker, and writer on gender, race, and orientation equality. Wade is currently the Vice President of Inclusion Strategy for Product at Netflix and has consulted for companies including Google, Procter & Gamble, Viacom, and others to co-create transformative solutions to build inclusive corporate cultures. Additionally, […]
Lisa Forte is a globally recognized keynote speaker and cybersecurity expert, specializing in ethical hacking, cyber resilience, and social engineering. With a dynamic approach to cybersecurity, she combines her deep technical knowledge with a talent for delivering impactful and relatable talks that engage audiences worldwide. Lisa has earned a reputation for transforming complex cybersecurity concepts […]
DJ BLAZE is one of the hottest DJs in Las Vegas!! A musician from birth, a remixer, and a respected industry leader, he can truly do it all. Blaze performs on the Las Vegas strip at the top casinos and pool parties, and travels the country to DJ at the hottest nightclubs and events. He […]
Scott Bales is not just another technology enthusiast; he is a luminary guiding the world through “The Digital Shift.” As a technology guru, Scott navigates the intricate landscape where innovation, culture, design, and mobility converge in our increasingly digital world. His expertise extends far beyond mere technical proficiency; Scott delves deep into the realms of […]
Josh Linkner is not your typical speaker. With over two decades of experience in igniting creativity and innovation, he stands as a beacon for leaders seeking to unlock their full potential. As an entrepreneur and CEO, Josh has left an indelible mark on the business world, having founded and led multiple tech companies that collectively […]
Dr. Vivienne Ming stands at the intersection of science, technology, and human potential. As a theoretical neuroscientist, delusional inventor, and demented author, she has dedicated her career to exploring how cutting-edge advancements can unlock and maximize human capacity. With a reputation for being one of the most innovative and thought-provoking speakers of our time, Dr. […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
