Melinda Briana Epler: Business Innovation

Melinda Briana Epler has over 25 years of experience developing business innovation and inclusion strategies for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and global NGOs. As CEO of Change Catalyst, Melinda currently works with the tech industry to solve diversity and inclusion together. Using her background in storytelling and large-scale culture change, She is a strategic advisor for […]

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Keynote Topics

Based on Melinda Briana Epler popular TED talk, this workshop provides actionable steps anyone can take to be a better ally and advocate for underrepresented people in the workplace. A roadmap for all of us to lead with empathy and become better allies for each other.

In order to build empathy and understanding, we discuss some experiences colleagues might be going through, such as tokenism, impostor syndrome, stereotype threat, biases, microaggressions, harassment, bullying, marginalization and systemic inequities.

Then we’ll focus on solutions: learning ways to avoid unintentionally offending or harming people, identifying key biases and microaggressions and their effects, developing a deeper understanding of allyship and empathy, hearing several examples of allyship and advocacy, and committing to tangible, actionable steps to be a better ally and advocate for underrepresented people in the workplace.

In this session, Melinda Briana Epler works with team managers, executives or groups to create more inclusive teams.

We discuss methods for creating welcoming team environments; building psychological safety; engaging colleagues through opportunities, processes and programs; retaining team members through transparency and authenticity, growth opportunities, and pathways for professional development; and creating a culture where everyone is valued for their unique experience and expertise and feels they belong.

We walk through some key inclusive leadership skills, share best practices for modeling DEI for your team, as well as strategies for holding individuals accountable for building an inclusive team together, and we leave time to work through questions and troubleshoot key blockers for leaders.

Melinda Briana Epler has over 25 years of experience developing business innovation and inclusion strategies for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and global NGOs. As CEO of Change Catalyst, Melinda currently works with the tech industry to solve diversity and inclusion together. Using her background in storytelling and large-scale culture change, She is a strategic advisor for […]

Melinda Briana Epler has over 25 years of experience developing business innovation and inclusion strategies for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and global NGOs.

As CEO of Change Catalyst, Melinda currently works with the tech industry to solve diversity and inclusion together. Using her background in storytelling and large-scale culture change,

She is a strategic advisor for tech companies, tech hubs, and governments around the world.

Melinda co-leads a series of global solutions-focused conferences called Tech Inclusion, where she has partnered with over 450 tech companies and community organizations and hosted 43 solutions-focused diversity and inclusion events around the world.

Melinda Briana Epler

Previously, Melinda was a Marketing and Culture Executive and award-winning documentary filmmaker – her film and television work includes projects that exposed the AIDS crisis in South Africa, explored women’s rights in Turkey, and prepared communities for the effects of climate change.

She has worked on several television shows, including NBC’s The West Wing.

Melinda Briana Epler is a TED speaker. She speaks, mentors and writes about diversity and inclusion in tech, allyship, social entrepreneurship, underrepresented entrepreneurs and investing.

Spoken on hundreds of stages around the world, including SXSW, Grace Hopper, Wisdom 2.0, the World Bank, Obama White House, Clinton Foundation, Black Enterprise, Google, Indeed, Capital One and McKinsey.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

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

View further speakers

  • (75)
  • (1)
Brittany Hodak

Brittany Hodak is not just a speaker; she’s a force of nature in the world of business and entrepreneurship. With a remarkable track record of inspiring audiences worldwide, she stands as a beacon of insight, innovation, and inspiration. An international keynote speaker and an award-winning business leader, Brittany has left an indelible mark on the […]

  • Travels from: Franklin, TN
  • Customer Experience
  • (50)
Candace Nelson

Candace Nelson is a name synonymous with innovation, passion, and sweet indulgence in the culinary world. Renowned as the co-founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes, the world’s first cupcake bakery, Candace has revolutionized the dessert industry and created an iconic brand that has become a household name. Her journey from a finance professional to a celebrated pastry […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Chefs Speakers
  • (57)
Larry Weaver

Larry Weaver is a nationally-touring funny speaker and clean comedian. He delivers 100% clean humor that is highly professional, culturally sensitive, and hilariously funny. Larry grew up in the rural village of Saxapahaw, NC and spent much of his childhood working (involuntarily) on his uncle’s farm. From topping tobacco, to picking beans, to shucking corn, […]

  • Travels from: Cary, NC
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (21)
Sugar Ray Leonard

Sugar Ray Leonard, a name synonymous with boxing excellence and indomitable spirit, is a legendary figure whose impact extends far beyond the ring. With a career that has seen numerous world titles and accolades, Leonard’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and triumph. As a speaker, he brings the same intensity and passion to the […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Sporting Speakers
  • (24)
Winston Ma

Winston Ma, CFA & Esq., is an esteemed figure in the global digital economy, whose multi-faceted career has made him a sought-after speaker, advisor, and thought leader in Chinese economics and global tech investment. His journey spans roles as an investor, attorney, author, and educator, giving him a broad, yet incisive, understanding of the dynamic […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • AI Technology Speakers
  • (136)

Sarah Schauer is a force of unfiltered humor and raw authenticity in the world of comedy. With a straightforward demeanor and a penchant for calling it like she sees it, Sarah has carved out a unique niche for herself in the digital realm as a self-proclaimed “Youtuber when I feel like it, Ex-Viner, and all […]

  • Travels from: Greenville, SC
  • Social Influencer
  • (25)
Susan Feniger

Susan Feniger is a celebrated chef, author, and entrepreneur. Her professional collaboration with Mary Sue Milliken (CITY, Ciudad, Too Hot Tamales) has led to the groundbreaking Border Grill empire, with locations in Santa Monica, Downtown LA, LAX Airport Tom Bradley International Terminal, Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay, and a second outpost in Las Vegas at […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Chefs Speakers
  • (26)
Chelsea Miller

Chelsea Miller stands at the forefront of the racial justice movement as a visionary keynote speaker, educator, and advocate. Known for her impassioned approach to speaking, Chelsea has become a prominent voice in social justice, particularly in Black racial justice. Chelsea Miller | Racial Justice She leverages her experiences, academic background, and deep commitment to […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Social Justice
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