Mara Zepeda: Social Entrepreneurship

  • Highlights:
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Columbia, SC
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Keynote Topics

  • Zebras vs Unicorns 
  • Become a Doula for the New Economy
  • Call and Response: How Listening Leads to Social Change
  • Entrepreneurship & the Creative Process
  • From Moscow to Jung: An Entrepreneur’s Journey

Mara Zepeda is a Co-Founder and Managing Director of Zebras Unite, an international and intersectional hybrid cooperative creating the capital, culture, and community for the next economy. This global community of founders, investors, and are creating a more ethical, inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable approach to building businesses.

Prior, Mara was the founder of a venture-backed software company, Switchboard (now Hearken). It was through her experience as an entrepreneur of a different stripe that led her to co-found Zebras Unite, along with Jennifer Brandel, Astrid Scholz, and Aniyia Williams. Their manifesto,“Zebras Fix What Unicorns Break,” launched this timely, necessary, culture-shifting movement that has garnered broad recognition. It now boasts an online community of 10K+ strong, 100+ member-owners, and over 25 chapters around the world.

Mara Zepeda is a systempreneur and serial social entrepreneur. She has also co-founded and was the founding board chair of Business for a Better Portland and XXcelerate. BBPDX is a next-generation business organization 350+ members strong that forges public-private collaborations to advance systemic change, shared prosperity, and social justice and equity in Portland. XXcelerate provides business support, education, peer mentorship, and funding to 200+ Oregon womxn entrepreneurs.

She speaks about and leads workshops on education, trust, social networks, and the future of business internationally. Mara has spent her career at the intersection of community building, economic empowerment, and movement building.

Mara Zepeda speaks from her experience as an economic reporter for NPR, calligrapher, and child of bohemian and spiritually curious artists. She holds a BA in Russian from Reed College and an MS in Journalism from Columbia University where she graduated with honors. She grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

SPEAKS ABOUT

Alternative Funding, Entrepreneurship, Startup, Business, Community Building, Economic Empowerment, Movement Building, Social Change & Issues, Journalist

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

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!

View further speakers

  • (23)
Orlando Jones

Orlando Jones Emcee is an award-winning actor, comedian, writer, and producer, celebrated for his versatile talent and expertise in technology. Founder of Legion of Creatives, he earned the first-ever Virtual Reality Emmy in 2015. Jones has collaborated extensively with digital thought leader Shelly Palmer, delving into generative AI, Web 3, and emerging technologies. A board […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Celebrity Emcees
  • (80)

Jason Silva is a multifaceted individual renowned for his captivating storytelling, visionary ideas, and dynamic presence both on screen and on stage. As an Emmy-nominated TV personality, filmmaker, and futurist, Jason has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with his thought-provoking insights and impassioned delivery. Jason Silva’s journey into the realms of media and futurism […]

  • Travels from: Miami, FL
  • Digital Speakers
  • (71)
  • (4)
Michelle MACE Curran - Fighter Pilot to Fearless Keynote Speaker

Michelle Mace Curran, a distinguished and inspirational keynote speaker based in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Michelle is not merely a pilot; she is a trailblazer who navigates audiences through captivating journeys woven with her rich experiences in the aviation industry. With an unwavering passion for flying and a gift for storytelling, Michelle leaves […]

  • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (18)

A renowned speaker, and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics including addiction, stress and childhood development. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective […]

  • Travels from: Toronto, ON
  • Healthcare Speakers
  • (13)
Tyler Cohen Wood

Tyler Cohen Wood is a globally recognized expert in cybersecurity and digital intelligence, captivating audiences with her profound insights into navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. With a career spanning decades in top-tier government and private sector roles, Tyler has earned her place as a trusted authority in protecting sensitive information, combating cyber threats, and fostering […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Cybersecurity Speakers
  • (52)
Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly is a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who spent his entire NFL career as a Buffalo Bill. His hallmark as a player was his toughness. Jim is considered one of the elite quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League. He led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls in […]

  • Travels from: Williamsville, NY
  • Sporting Speakers
  • (12)
Marc Porat - Image 01 (January 19, 2026)

Marc Porat is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience driving innovation in the tech industry. He is best known for developing the concept of “The Information Economy” and cofounding General Magic, the iconic Apple spin-off that pioneered the first smartphones and intelligent agents. In his presentations, Marc shares his AI strategic vision […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (34)

Rana Florida is a name synonymous with creativity, innovation, and business transformation. As the CEO of the Creative Class Group, a global advisory services firm founded by her husband, renowned urban theorist Richard Florida, Rana has carved out a formidable reputation in the world of business. She is an influential author, thought leader, and business […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Business Speakers
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.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© 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.