GBV Speakers

April Hernandez Castillo’s journey from aspiring actress to influential keynote speaker is a testament to her resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication. Her career took a defining turn with her breakthrough role as the “Yo girl” in the Visa Check Card commercial featuring Yao Ming and Yogi Berra. This moment marked the beginning of a remarkable […]

Venus Morris Griffin is an award-winning real estate agent and international motivational speaker known for her compelling story of resilience, perseverance, and success. With over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, Venus has not only built a reputation as one of the top agents in the Southeast but also as a powerful […]

Alison Botha is a beacon of strength, resilience, and inspiration. Her journey from survivor to motivational speaker has touched the hearts of people worldwide. Born in South Africa, Alison’s life took a drastic turn in December 1994 when she became the victim of a horrific crime that would change her life forever. Despite enduring unimaginable […]

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, […]

Elizabeth Smart is an inspirational keynote speaker, advocate for change regarding child abduction, and author. The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time. Elizabeth’s example is a daily demonstration that there really is life after tragedy. The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most […]

Zainab Salbi is a world-renowned humanitarian, social entrepreneur, and author whose life’s work has been dedicated to advocating for women’s rights and global peace. As the founder of Women for Women International, Salbi has directly impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of women survivors of war, providing them with the resources and support needed […]

Born and raised in Lima, Peru as a child Silvia Vasquez-Lavado endured a period of sexual violence that would haunt her for much of her adult life. Nearly 30 years later, while attending a meditation retreat in Peru, she had a vision of reconnecting to her inner child and the two of them walking in […]

Madeleine Black is an International Speaker, Patron for Say Women, Story Teller for The Forgiveness Project, Author of ‘Unbroken’ and Psychotherapist. Madeleine Black has an unusual personnel story which she uses to inspire and motivate others.  She chose to forgive the two men who gang raped her at thirteen years old and she shares her […]