Mara Zepeda: Social Entrepreneurship

Highlights:
Formats:
Audience:
Outcomes:
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

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!

Talent Resources

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more
Was this profile helpful?

View further speakers

  • (96)
Simone-Biles-logo.png

Simone Biles has an astounding tally of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, she is not just a dominant force in her sport but also a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and grace. Her journey from a young girl with a dream to a global icon is a testament to her dedication and unyielding spirit. Beyond […]

  • Travels from: Houston, TX
  • Sporting Speakers
  • (13)
Ian Khan

A global metaverse authority, author and featured on CNN, Bloomberg, BCC, Fox and other global media, Ian Khan is a highly recognized technology Futurist and emerging technology expert. Ian speaks across industries including Manufacturing, Services, Retail, Accounting, Healthcare, Transportation and others on topics including Artificial Intelligence & Leadership, Blockchain & the Future of Trust, The […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (44)
  • (10)
Dan Gingiss

Dan Gingiss is a globally recognized customer experience keynote speaker, consultant, and author, known for his unique ability to turn ordinary customer interactions into extraordinary experiences. His philosophy centers on delivering remarkable customer experiences that not only meet but exceed expectations, transforming passive customers into enthusiastic brand advocates. Dan has spent over 20 years working […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Customer Experience
  • (40)
Cady Coleman - MISSION INTERPLANETARY

Former NASA Astronaut and Air Force Colonel Cady Coleman is a veteran of two Space Shuttle missions and a six-month expedition aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Onstage, Coleman draws from her time at NASA and in extreme “remote work” situations to discuss team building, leadership, and innovation. With her extraordinary photos and videos, Coleman delivers a […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Military Speakers
  • (13)
Amy Jo Martin

Amy Jo Martin is not just a speaker; she’s a force of nature in the digital world. With her contagious energy and insightful perspective, she’s redefining how businesses engage with their audience in the digital age. As the founder and CEO of Digital Royalty, a sought-after keynote speaker, and bestselling author, Amy Jo is at […]

  • Travels from: Austin, TX
  • Marketing Speakers
  • (12)
  • (3)

Sallie Krawcheck is one of the most influential and respected voices in the financial industry today. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Ellevest, a digital-first, mission-driven investment platform for women, she has redefined what it means to empower women financially. Her career spans some of the most significant financial institutions in the world, where she […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Finance Speakers
  • (31)
Karen McCullough

Karen McCullough is a nationally known keynote speaker and expert on change, generational opportunities and workforce trends. Karen helps organizations cut through the generational biases and get back to reality by leveraging their team’s strengths, enriching the work environment, and driving better results. Each of her presentations brings a realistic perspective on workplace trends, employee […]

  • Travels from: Houston, TX
  • Generational Speakers
  • (52)
DJ Kittie

Don’t let this pretty face fool you, DJ Kittie is a monster on the ones and twos. She is an ultra versatile DJ, mainly known for her up-tempo R&B and hip hop sets. This diva on the decks can spin and mix anything from electro-house to reggae to dance music. Born in Kansas City, this […]

  • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
  • 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 2025.  Designed using Voxel

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.