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

    • (9)
    • (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
    • (13)

    DJ Pablo Bendr is an international music producer, DJ and pianist. His productions inhabit the terrain of melodic house, combining electronic dance elements with strong pop sensibility, featuring vocals from collaborating singers in the English and Spanish pop world. His songs currently rotate on several Top 40 radio stations across Chile, Argentina, Spain and California. […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Mobile DJ
    • (15)
    • (2)
    Adam Cheyer - Image 05 (February 20, 2026)

    Best known as a creator of Siri, Apple’s AI assistant, Adam Cheyer is a visionary pioneer in artificial intelligence and computer-human interaction. With a career spanning decades at the forefront of technological innovation, he has helped shape the evolution of AI, voice interfaces, and the future of human-computer collaboration. As an inventor with 39 patents, […]

    • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
    • Innovation Speakers
    • (24)
    Kien Vuu, MD - Image 05 (January 27, 2026)

    Kien Vuu, MD, popularly known as Doctor V is an assistant professor of Health Sciences at UCLA, speaker, media expert, founder of VuuMD Performance and Longevity, and best-selling author of Thrive State: Your Blueprint for Optimal Health, Longevity, and Peak Performance. Dr. V has been practicing medicine for over 14 years and combines his knowledge […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Healthcare Speakers
    • (8)
    Ovetta Sampson - Image 01 (April 27, 2026)

    Founder of Right AI, Ovetta Sampson specializes in the space that lies between AI and Design. Consulting with CEOs, design executives, and their teams, she helps small-to-mid-size businesses choose the path of least risk when building and implementing AI products. Formerly of IDEO, Microsoft, and Google, Ovetta has a unique background spanning journalism to AI/ML […]

    • Travels from: Chicago, IL
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • (6)

    Mari Carmen Pizarro stands at the forefront of leadership expertise, possessing over 25 years of dedicated experience in cultivating exceptional leaders and enhancing human performance. With an unwavering commitment to guiding leaders towards unparalleled success, she has become a revered figure in the realm of leadership development. Through her insightful guidance and transformative strategies, Mari […]

    • Travels from: Philadelphia, PA
    • Hispanic Speakers
    • (53)
    Jessie Camacho - Image 02 (April 14, 2026)

    Jessie Camacho has solidified her reputation as an experienced event moderator and emcee with over two decades of professional event hosting and facilitation experience. She has worked across various industries, including corporate, entertainment, nonprofit, and educational sectors, seamlessly engaging audiences of all sizes. Whether hosting large-scale corporate conferences, moderating high-stakes panels, or facilitating intimate roundtable […]

    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • Event Emcee
    • (14)
    Cam Marston | What's Working

    Cam Marston is an author, advisor, radio talk show host, and top-rated keynote speaker on the trends shaping the workplace and marketplace. His presentations are informative, engaging, humorous, and full of concrete research that is tailored to his audience. Cam enlivens the data with anecdotes, tales from the real business world, attention-grabbing visuals, and quips […]

    • Travels from: Mobile, AL
    • Business Speakers
    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.