Melinda Briana Epler: Business Innovation

    Melinda Briana Epler | As An Ally
    • Highlights:
    Reading time: 1 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • 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 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

    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

    • (22)
    Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo - Image 14 (March 18, 2026)

    Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo is the authority on how to crush your inner critic so that you can live a life of purpose, fulfillment and True Success™. She’s America’s most trusted celebrity psychologist with over 100 national media interviews including The Today Show, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, Fox Business News, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and […]

    • Travels from: Chicago, IL
    • Motivational Speakers
    • (55)

    For the more than over 50 million Hispanics in the United States, Julie Stav is not only a financial expert and educator, she is considered by many as a leader and inspirational role model, creating a following that now wishes to emulate her image and success. With a revolutionary multi-media communications platform, Julie inspires and […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Hispanic Speakers
    • (29)
    Butterscotch Clinton - Image 03 (January 29, 2026)

    Butterscotch Clinton, the vocal percussionist virtuosa, uses her powerful voice to defy gender and music social constructs. She began her career in the underground male-dominated beatbox battle scene, where she was crowned the world’s first female beatbox champion. Soon thereafter, a breakthrough performance on America’s Got Talent lead her to place third on the hit […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Empowerment Speakers
    • (8)
    • (4)

    The Swing Kittens are a vibrant and talented swing vocal trio hailing from the heart of Orange County, California. Renowned for their harmonious blend of vintage style and modern charisma, The Swing Kittens have quickly established themselves as a premier act in the entertainment industry. Their engaging performances captivate audiences with a nostalgic nod to […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Singers
    • (21)
    Andrew Busch

    Andrew Busch, a distinguished economic futurist and the former 1st Chief Market Intelligence Officer for the US government, brings unparalleled expertise and insight to audiences worldwide. With a profound understanding of global economic trends and market dynamics, Andrew Busch delivers keynote addresses that enlighten, engage, and empower his audiences. Andrew boasts a rich background in […]

    • Travels from: Charlotte, NC
    • Futurists Speakers
    • (44)
    Sophia-the-Robot-2

    Sophia the Robot is a marvel of artificial intelligence and robotics, captivating audiences worldwide with her human-like appearance and advanced conversational abilities. As the world’s first robot citizen and the inaugural robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, Sophia embodies the intersection of technology and humanity. Her presence challenges our perceptions of AI […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Humanoids
    • (16)

    Dr. Catriona Wallace is a globally recognized thought leader in artificial intelligence (AI), ethics, and digital transformation. A trailblazer in the tech industry, Dr. Wallace is one of the few women at the helm of an AI-driven enterprise, leading the charge to create technology that not only solves problems but also fosters positive societal impact. […]

    • Travels from: Sydney, NSW
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • (35)
    • Featured
    Prof. Anima Anandkumar - Image 01 (April 23, 2026)

    Anima Anandkumar is Bren Professor at Caltech. She previously was a Senior Director of AI Research at NVIDIA and Principal Scientist at Amazon Web Services. She received her B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, and her Ph.D. from Cornell University. She did her postdoctoral research at MIT and an assistant professorship at the […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Artificial Intelligence
    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.

    Speakers Inc.

    Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

    We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

    Find the Perfect Speaker

    Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

    © 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.