Aurora James, Creative Director and Founder of luxury accessories brand Brother Vellies and founder of the non-profit advocacy organization, Fifteen Percent Pledge, has long worked to make the global economy a more equitable place for historically excluded groups.
Brother Vellies was founded in 2013 with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive. The brand supports artisan communities around the world, creating timeless pieces that celebrate various cultural histories and honor the individuals that make them through fair labor practices and job creation.
The first Brother Vellies collection was a single style of vellies that Aurora James sold at the Hester Street Fair in New York. Today, Brother Vellies is handmade across the globe and has expanded into handbags and other accessories categories, including a home goods subscription service, Something Special.
In June 2020, Aurora founded the Fifteen Percent Pledge, a non-profit advocacy organization that is closing the racial wealth gap by partnering with retailers to diversify their shelves and commit 15 percent of their purchasing power to Black-owned businesses.
Under Aurora James leadership, what initially began as an Instagram post has now expanded to a full-fledged organization with ten full-time staff members. To date, the Pledge has partnered with nearly 30 major companies across industries, including Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta Beauty and more.
By 2030, the organization aims to drive $1.4 trillion of wealth generation by Black entrepreneurs and increase Black business representation by 14.6 percent.
As a result of her advocacy work, Aurora has been awarded the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Founders Award, and named to the 2021 TIME100 and the 2020 Bloomberg 50.
Aurora currently splits her time between New York City and Los Angeles with her dog, Mr. Chow.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
No reviews available for this post.
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.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
A professional variety comedian with numerous television and Las Vegas credits, Frank Miles died in a hang gliding accident and was revived by emergency room doctors. True courage – he came to realize – is not facing death in daredevil pursuits. True courage is facing life every day. After a full recovery, Frank Miles left one successful […]
Rebeca Hwang is a Professor of Practice at Thunderbird and the Senior Director for Thunderbird’s new Center for Global Entrepreneurship and Family Business. Ms. Hwang is also a Managing Partner at Kalei Ventures. Rebeca is a venture capital investor who has collected experiences as innovator and inventor, founder and entrepreneur, social entrepreneur, educator and ecosystem builder. […]
Dr. Ted James is a pioneering figure in healthcare transformation, celebrated for his impactful contributions to advancing the future of care delivery. As a Medical Director within the prestigious Harvard healthcare system and a clinical advisor in healthcare technology, Dr. James has become a sought-after voice for organizations aiming to navigate the complexities of today’s […]
Angela Perez Baraquio is an inspiration, having etched her name in the annals of history as the First Asian-American Miss America. Crowned in 2001, Angela’s journey from being Miss Hawaii 2000 to attaining the prestigious title of Miss America serves as a testament to perseverance, cultural pride, and the pursuit of excellence. As a Catholic […]
Porsha Williams is known for her comedic verve and quick-witted screen presence, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star has emerged as one of the most prominent celebrity voices against police violence in the past year. From marching on the frontlines of Black Lives Matter protests to speaking out against systemic racism to her over six million social […]
Adam Braun is a distinguished figure renowned for his multifaceted expertise in professional upskilling, the future of work, and sustainability. As a New York Times bestselling author and prominent leader, he navigates the realms of entrepreneurship and philanthropy with unparalleled vision and impact. Currently serving as the CEO of Climate Club, Braun spearheads initiatives that […]
Ghida Fakhry is an internationally recognized broadcast journalist, moderator, and corporate event host with over 25 years of experience in the global media landscape. Having worked for prominent news organizations such as Al Jazeera, Ghida has established herself as a trusted voice on international affairs, global politics, and media. As a dynamic moderator and opinion […]
Clint Pulver is an award-winning keynote speaker, author, and mentor, renowned for his dynamic and impactful presentations that inspire organizations to retain, engage, and lead their people more effectively. With a message that blends storytelling, humor, and real-world research, Clint is not only a motivational speaker but a workplace advocate, addressing critical issues in employee […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel