Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and an outspoken advocate for women’s rights in sports, has made waves beyond the pool. A 12-time All-American swimmer with five SEC titles, she was a celebrated athlete at the University of Kentucky with a promising path to a career in dentistry.
However, her future took an unexpected turn after her experience competing against Lia Thomas, a biological male swimmer, at the 2022 NCAA Women’s Swimming Championship. That moment not only altered Riley’s life trajectory but also became the catalyst for her advocacy, pushing her to the forefront of the movement for preserving fair competition and female spaces in sports.
With personal experiences and a steadfast commitment to protecting women’s rights, Riley Gaines is now a sought-after keynote speaker, known for her unwavering voice on women’s empowerment, athletic equity, and courage to stand up against adversity.
Riley Gaines’ expertise in athletic competition and advocacy stems from both her extraordinary achievements and her direct encounters with the challenges faced by women in sports today. Her time at the University of Kentucky was marked by her dedication, resilience, and passion for excellence, earning her prestigious accolades including 12 All-American honors and five SEC titles. But it was her experience competing against a biological male athlete under controversial circumstances that solidified her resolve to stand up for female athletes.
This lived experience has provided Riley with a unique and authentic perspective on the issues facing women in sports today. She understands the struggles and mental tolls of navigating a landscape that sometimes undermines female athletes’ efforts, achievements, and rights. This background gives Riley a deep-rooted understanding of her subject, enhancing her ability to connect with audiences who share her concerns about equality, respect, and fair play.
As an advocate for maintaining fairness in women’s sports, Riley Gaines has emerged as an expert on the ethical and societal implications of allowing biological males to compete in female athletic categories. Her insight extends beyond sports, encompassing broader themes of women’s rights, safety, and the preservation of spaces designed specifically for women.
Riley Gaines’ experience extends beyond the swimming pool. Following her championship moment, she transitioned into a public advocacy role, speaking out courageously about the need for women’s rights in sports. Her experiences have prepared her well for this role: not only does she possess firsthand knowledge of the mental and physical demands of competitive sports, but she also understands the complexities and implications of today’s policy decisions on female athletes.
With experience speaking at various events, including major women’s empowerment conferences and athletic symposiums, Riley has established herself as a knowledgeable and persuasive voice for her cause. She has connected with audiences across the nation, sharing her story, her insights, and her conviction to protect spaces for female athletes.
In her speeches, Riley combines the expertise gained through years of elite athletic training with her powerful advocacy, emphasizing the necessity of fairness in competitive sports. Her experiences as a female athlete and her courage in facing public scrutiny make her not only an informed speaker but also an inspiration to women everywhere who strive to protect their spaces and their rights.
Riley Gaines stands as a powerful advocate for women’s rights in sports, bringing a unique blend of athletic excellence and unwavering commitment to the stage. Her firsthand experience as a champion swimmer who faced adversity has fueled her passion for protecting spaces for female athletes. Riley’s ability to speak with authenticity and conviction resonates deeply with audiences, making her a compelling keynote speaker who inspires action and awareness.
For event planners seeking an impactful speaker on women’s empowerment, athletic equality, and perseverance, Riley Gaines is an exceptional choice. Her story and her advocacy continue to make waves, inspiring audiences to take a stand for fairness and integrity. Through her partnership with Speakers Inc, Riley Gaines is accessible to those who seek to empower, inform, and inspire.
View All Speakers 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.
Erin Stafford is the Head of Marketing for the largest healthcare staffing company in the United States, Erin’s leadership was instrumental in the company’s phenomenal growth, overseeing the largest deployment of healthcare personnel in history. With a remarkable track record that includes growing the company by nine fold within just two years, Erin has established […]
With a trailblazing spirit and a commitment to excellence, Carey Lohrenz has soared to remarkable heights both in the sky and on the ground. As the first female F-14 Tomcat pilot in the United States Navy, Carey shattered stereotypes and paved the way for women in military aviation. Her journey is not just one of […]
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, […]
Watchen Nyanue is a force to be reckoned with in the world of strategic marketing, business development, and professional speaking. Her journey from surviving the Liberian civil war to becoming the Founder and CEO of I Choose the Ladder is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Since immigrating to Chicago, […]
Deirdre Van Nest is the undisputed, go-to expert in the insurance and financial services industry on the topic of speaking! She is the creator of the Crazy Good Talks™ Blueprint, a system that teaches financial professionals how to build their brands and bring in business through the power of speaking. She is the host of […]
At Speakers Inc, we are honored to present Dan Cnossen, a remarkable individual whose journey exemplifies resilience, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. As an inspirational speaker, Dan captivates audiences with his gripping narrative of overcoming life-altering challenges and emerging as a decorated Paralympic athlete, a distinguished Navy SEAL, and a beacon of hope for […]
James Lawrence, widely recognized as the Iron Cowboy, stands as a testament to human endurance and the power of determination. Renowned for his astonishing feat of completing 50 Ironman-distance triathlons in 50 consecutive days across 50 states, James Lawrence transcends the boundaries of physical achievement. His journey from a humble beginning in Calgary, Alberta, to […]
A natural born storyteller, Ramsey Bergeron uses examples from his life (including dropping out of an Ironman race, a 10-day silent meditation experience, and the loss of his father and best friend) to illustrate that it’s not what happens to us, but how we react that determines our legacy. He connects to his audience using […]
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
