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 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.
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
No reviews available for this post.
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
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!
Taraji P Henson is a powerhouse in Hollywood and beyond, known not only for her award-winning performances but also for her remarkable work as a mental health advocate and social activist. A celebrated actress with roles in acclaimed films like Hidden Figures and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Henson has used her platform to […]
Nichole Pitts is a visionary leader, strategist, and advocate for ethical business practices and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As the founder and CEO of Ethintegrity, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, helping clients navigate the intricate landscape of ethics, compliance, and DEI with finesse and innovation. Nichole is […]
Guy Kawasaki is currently serving as the Chief Evangelist of Canva, a leading online design platform, he continues to shape the way businesses and individuals approach creative expression. Kawasaki is also the creator and host of Guy Kawasaki’s Remarkable People podcast, where he interviews a diverse array of individuals who have made significant impacts in […]
Dr. Vin Gupta, MD, MSc, MPA is a practicing pulmonologist and an affiliate professor at the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, where he’s led large, multinational epidemiologic studies on the global burden of respiratory disease. In parallel, he is a Commissioned Officer (O-4, Major) in the United States Air Force Medical […]
Erin Hatzikostas is a former Corporate CEO turned Professional Pot-Stirrer. Erin is an internationally recognized leader on the impact of authenticity in the workplace. She is the founder of b Authentic Inc, where she’s leading a movement to eradicate the workplace of its BS and make it a fundamentally more authentic place. She is a […]
Victoria Arlen’s life story is one of remarkable resilience and triumph over adversity. At the tender age of eleven, her world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with two rare conditions, Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. This devastating diagnosis robbed Victoria of her ability to speak, eat, walk, and move, plunging her […]
Gregory Offner is a multi-talented individual, with a passion for entertaining and educating others. His keynotes, workshops, and corporate consulting engagements help the worlds leading organizations create high performing, highly fulfilled leaders. Prior to this work, Greg led global sales and marketing efforts for several Fortune 100 organizations; brokered complex Risk Management and Insurance programs for large […]
Tom Turcich is not just a keynote speaker; he’s a living testament to the power of human resilience, the spirit of adventure, and the boundless possibilities of the human experience. As the tenth person to walk around the world and the first to do so with a dog, Tom Turcich has captured the world’s imagination […]
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
