Stephanie Battaglino: Inclusivity Speaker
Workplace DEI speaker and transgender leadership expert Stephanie Battaglino helps organizations build inclusive, high-performing cultures through lived experience, strategic insight, and transformative LGBTQ+ workplace education.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- International keynote speaker on DEIB and LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion
- Founder of Follow Your Heart, LLC
- First transgender executive to transition at New York Life
- Recognized as a LinkedIn LGBTQIA+ Top Voice
- Formats: Keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, DEIB consultant, and executive trainer
- Audiences: Corporate leaders, HR and DEI teams, employee resource groups, and organizations committed to inclusive workplace transformation.
- Outcomes:
- Greater understanding of transgender and non-binary inclusion in the workplace
- Practical strategies for building belonging and psychological safety
- Stronger leadership alignment around DEIB values and action
- Travels from: Palm Desert, CA
- **Fee range: On Request
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Reflections from Both Sides of the Glass Ceiling
Finding My True Self in Corporate America
- Male privilege is a very real thing – it pervades all aspects of society, especially in the workplace, but what happens when you do not have it anymore?
- Stephanie was the first transgender person and appointive officer to come out – on the job – in the 160+-year history of New York Life – and in so doing had that happen to her
- Suddenly the glass ceiling is a very real thing. Is it because I am transgender? Or is because I am a woman in the workplace?
- The Good News is that she was accepted as a woman in the workplace, and the Bad News is she was accepted as woman in the workplace
- Stephanie’s unique and very personal experience provides a powerful trailblazing story of inspiration, self-discovery and perseverance
- Uniquely relevant in the #MeToo age
Reflections You Can’t Rest on Your D&I Laurels - Moving From “Policy to Practice”on Vulnerability and Privilege
- There are many companies that already feel they have “punched their ticket” with respect creating a workplace that is welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals of all stripes – in particular the transgender community.
- But as Stephanie uniquely points out, this work is far from over, in fact it is ongoing.
- Stephanie takes you on a journey on how to move your enterprise’s inclusion efforts from policy creation to literally imbuing your company’s culture with the principles it needs to embody this inclusion – each and every day, with each and every employee and with each and every interaction
The (R)Evolution of the Transgender Workplace Equality Conversation
- This information – packed talk informs your audience about all the necessary information and key issues that face the transgender community – inside and outside of the workplace
- Stephanie, through her own unique brand of personal storytelling, leads your audience through each of these areas with a sincerity and passion that can only be delivered by someone who has navigated the journey of discovery to her truest self.
Talent Short Bio
Stephanie Battaglino is an internationally recognized speaker, author, trainer, and workplace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging consultant. She is the founder and owner of Follow Your Heart, LLC and a leading voice in LGBTQ+ workplace equality, with a particular focus on transgender and non-binary inclusion.
Stephanie brings more than four decades of senior leadership experience within Fortune 100 companies, including her groundbreaking career as a corporate vice president at New York Life Insurance Company, where she became the first transgender person to transition on the job in the organization’s 165-year history. Her work bridges executive-level business strategy with deeply human storytelling that resonates across industries.
Known for her warm, candid, and engaging delivery, Stephanie helps organizations confront complex DEIB challenges while offering practical, actionable pathways to create truly welcoming workplaces. Her speaking and consulting work supports leaders, HR teams, and employees navigating gender identity, belonging, and organizational transformation.
Read Full Bio
As the founder and owner of Follow Your Heart, LLC., Stephanie Battaglino is an internationally recognized speaker, workshop presenter, trainer, author, coach, and workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant.
A major voice in the LGBTQ+ workplace equality movement with emphasis on transgender and non-binary individuals, Stephanie casts a bright light on all of the pertinent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) issues that companies and organizations must face to successfully transform their workplaces into a truly welcoming environment for all of their employees.
Stephanie’s warm and personal style has engaged and enlightened her audiences wherever she speaks.
She currently sits on the Board of PFLAG National, where she also serves as the Chair of the organization’s Business Advisory Council. She has proudly served on the Boards of the following organizations: the LGBT Community Center of New York and the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF).
Stephanie Battaglino has been named to LinkedIn’s inaugural group of LGBTQIA+ Top Voices and GO Magazine’s 100 Women We Love 2022 list which celebrates women who’ve made significant achievements in their respective fields.
Stephanie’s new book, Reflections From Both Sides of the Glass Ceiling: Finding My True Self in Corporate America chronicles her life as a corporate vice president at New York Life Insurance Company, where she was the first transgender person to transition on the job in the 165-year history of the company. It is part memoir, part cautionary tale of what it is like to experience a career on both sides of the gender divide. Stephanie Battaglino frank, honest and vulnerable storytelling paints a vivid picture of what the intersection of gender and gender identity looks like from a decidedly unique point of view.
Stephanie possesses over 40 years of management and leadership experience in marketing, advertising and communications within the Fortune 100. Stephanie Battaglino holds a BA in Communication from the University of Delaware and an MBA in Marketing from the Samuel L. Silberman College of Business at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
She is also a graduate of the prestigious UCLA Anderson School of Management’s LGBT Leadership Institute. She resides in Palm Desert, California with her wife, Mari and their cats, Aengus and Fionna.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on LinkedIn
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- 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...
- (53)
Actress, author, talk show host, activist and philanthropist, Holly Robinson Peete has been touched by the entertainment industry all of her life. Her career as an actress dates back more than two decades and has led her to becoming a voice for her father, her son and her community. Robinson Peete can currently be seen […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Diversity Speakers
- (19)
- (6)
Chris Bashinelli, better known as “Bash”, is a celebrated Diversity, Equity & Inclusion speaker, Bash brings to life an inspiring message of empathy and connection that has birthed lifelong friendships around the world. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York to Lebanese and Italian-American parents. After a decade-long acting career including an appearance […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Diversity Speakers
- (33)
Dr. Lisa D Jenkins is a distinguished cultural strategist renowned for her expertise in cultivating environments of impactful cultural diversity within organizations. With a track record of excellence, she has garnered recognition as an award-winning professional speaker, empowering teams to thrive in multicultural settings. Lisa’s journey is enriched by her diverse background, including pivotal roles […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Diversity Speakers
- (21)
Ellie Shefi epitomizes resilience and determination. Despite enduring a lifetime of challenges, including abuse, homelessness, cancer, and ongoing health struggles, Ellie has consistently defied the odds and embraced a life of empowerment and service to others. Her journey is a testament to the power of mindset, resilience, and resourcefulness. As an attorney, entrepreneur, best-selling author, […]
- Travels from: Nashville, TN
- GBV Speakers
- (8)
- (1)
Andrea Guendelman is a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur who specializes in Expansive Leadership—helping individuals and organizations unlock potential through openness. She is a leading force in creating platforms for minority professionals and the tech industry. Through her own experiences as a Harvard-trained corporate lawyer and an entrepreneur, she co-created Bevisiblelatinx, Wallbreakers, and most recently, Speak – a […]
- Travels from: Denver, CO
- Leadership Speakers
- (53)
Angela Perez Baraquio is an inspiration, having etched her name in the annals of history as the First Asian-American Miss America. Crowned in 2001, Angela’s journey from being Miss Hawaii 2000 to attaining the prestigious title of Miss America serves as a testament to perseverance, cultural pride, and the pursuit of excellence. As a Catholic […]
- Travels from: Anaheim, CA
- Hispanic Speakers
- (99)
Aileen Lee is the founder of Cowboy Ventures. She partners at the earliest stages with enterprise and consumer-oriented startup teams to build products customers love, and to help teams build aspirational companies. She has over two decades of experience starting at seed stage and staying involved for many years beyond. Prior to Cowboy, Aileen spent […]
- Travels from: Palo Alto, CA
- Innovation Speakers
- (12)
Brandeis Marshall is a trailblazing figure in the realm of data ethics and education, passionately bridging the gap between technology, ethics, and social impact. As the Founder and CEO of the DataedX Group, she has redefined how organizations and individuals engage with data, championing ethical practices that align with inclusivity and fairness. Brandeis’s compelling vision […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Artificial Intelligence
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
