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

  • (38)
Anthony Trucks

Anthony Trucks is not your average motivational speaker. With a remarkable journey that encapsulates resilience, determination, and the power of identity transformation, he has captivated audiences worldwide. From his humble beginnings in the foster care system to the pinnacle of professional football and beyond, Trucks’ story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to […]

  • Travels from: Antioch, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (18)
  • (1)
Kerry Bodine - Image 05 (January 27, 2026)

Kerry Bodine is a globally recognized independent customer experience (CX) consultant, known for her deep expertise in human-centered design, marketing, and branding. With over two decades of experience, Kerry has helped transform some of the world’s leading brands, guiding organizations to create meaningful connections with their customers. As a keynote speaker, author, and advisor, Kerry […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Customer Experience
  • (32)
Kim Lear - Image 05 (January 23, 2026)

Kim Lear is a leading expert on generational patterns, demographic shifts, and cultural change. She is the founder and content director of Inlay Insights, where she leads research that helps organizations understand how evolving values, behaviors, and expectations shape the future of work and consumer engagement. Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, Kim Lear undergraduate research […]

  • Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (19)
  • (1)

As a humanitarian, Mallory Brown uses empathy and a focus the person, rather than the problem, to create the positive change. Her current documentary series, “Walk A Mile”, embarks on a global marathon for women’s empowerment. As a keynote speaker, Mallory shares the humanitarian mindset, with real-life stories of human connection, to provide tools to help […]

  • Travels from: Detroit, MI
  • Adventure Speakers
  • (28)
Chef Sean Sherman - Image 04 (January 28, 2026)

Chef Sean Sherman has dedicated his career to supporting and promoting Indigenous food systems and Native food sovereignty. Sean’s cooking style is based on pre-colonial Indigenous food systems, using only ingredients that are native to North America. His menus are inspired by the seasons and the land, featuring traditional ingredients like bison, hand-harvested wild rice, […]

  • Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
  • Chefs Speakers
  • (37)

Sybil Clark Amuti stands as a beacon of inspiration, a catalyst for change, and a bridge between people and their potential. With a magnetic presence, an unwavering commitment to empowerment, and a passion for fostering connections, Sybil has carved a distinctive niche as an event host, on-air personality, and community builder. Sybil Clark Amuti is […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Event Emcee
  • (9)
Video Thumbnail: When The Saints Go Marching In - Louis Armstrong (Brass Band Cover)

Brass Animals is a cutting-edge entertainment group that takes the essence of a traditional marching band and reinvents it for a modern audience. This dynamic ensemble fuses popular hits across multiple genres with the timeless power of brass and percussion, creating high-energy, unforgettable performances. Brass Animals | Corporate Performers From corporate events to private functions, […]

  • Travels from: Nationwide
  • Speciality Acts
  • (62)
DJ Cocoa Chanelle

DJ Cocoa Chanelle is a Black Girls Rock recipient, and award-winning Deejay / On-Air personality with over 16+ years of radio experience in the #1 market in the United States, New York City’s HOT 97, and 7 years of on-air experience with BET Networks as the Deejay for their popular talk show Teen Summit, Making Cocoa the first DJ in history hired as an […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Mobile DJ
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.