Morgan DeBaun: Diversity Speaker
- Highlights:
- Keynote at AfroTech, one of the largest Black tech conferences in the U.S.
- Featured speaker at major business summits and leadership events
- Frequent guest on media outlets discussing entrepreneurship and digital transformation
- Travels from: Nashville, TN
- **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000
Keynote Topics
Defying the Odds Through Innovation and How Leaders Can Adapt to Change
In this talk, Morgan DeBaun breaks down the behind the scenes of building Blavity and encourages entrepreneurs of all ages to ignore the statistics or the naysayers. If not you… then who? If not now… then Blavity and encourages entrepreneurs of all ages to ignore the statistics or the naysayers. If not you… then who? If not now… then when?
Women in the C-Suite: How to Break Free of Self Doubt
At the age of 25, Morgan DeBaun made history as one of the first 20 Black women to raise over a million dollars in venture funding, defying the odds of a dying publishing industry by Blavity and encourages entrepreneurs of all ages to ignore the statistics or the naysayers. If not you… then who? If not now… then when?
Leading with Purpose: Diversity and Inclusion in Technology
The growth of STEM jobs has outpaced the growth of overall employment in the country. Of the 25% of women in tech roles, only 3% are Black women. While diversity, equity, and inclusion in other Blavity and encourages entrepreneurs of all ages to ignore the statistics or the naysayers. If not you… then who? If not now… then when?
Read Full Bio
Morgan DeBaun is a pioneering entrepreneur, digital media strategist, and business leader who has transformed the way Black millennials and Gen Z engage with content, culture, and community. As the Founder and CEO of Blavity Inc., she has built a media empire that reaches millions, shaping the conversations around entrepreneurship, technology, and diversity.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Morgan’s passion for business and leadership emerged at a young age. She attended Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied political science and gained valuable experience in strategy, business operations, and organizational leadership. After graduating, Morgan DeBaun began her career in Silicon Valley, working at Intuit as a product manager. This experience gave her first-hand insight into the world of startups, technology, and product development—knowledge that would later fuel her journey as a founder.
However, Morgan DeBaun recognized a major gap in media representation for Black millennials. While working in the tech industry, she saw the need for a platform that catered specifically to young Black professionals, offering news, career insights, and cultural content that reflected their experiences. In 2014, at just 24 years old, she took a bold step and launched Blavity Inc., a digital media company designed to give a voice to Black creators, innovators, and thought leaders.
Under her leadership, Blavity Inc. has grown into one of the largest Black-owned digital media companies in the world, encompassing multiple brands that serve different aspects of the Black experience. These include AfroTech, one of the premier Black tech conferences, 21Ninety, a lifestyle brand focused on empowering women of color, and Travel Noire, a community-driven platform for Black travelers. Through these brands, Morgan has cultivated an ecosystem that not only informs but also connects and empowers individuals to pursue their dreams.
As an entrepreneur, Morgan has faced and overcome the challenges that come with building and scaling a company, particularly as a Black woman in the tech and media industries. She is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), frequently speaking on the importance of representation in business and technology. Her expertise in launching and scaling businesses has led her to share her knowledge on platforms such as Forbes, Fast Company, and CNBC.
Beyond her work at Blavity Inc., Morgan DeBaun is dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs succeed. She has developed workshops, online courses, and mentorship programs to provide practical insights on business growth, digital marketing, and leadership. She has also launched successful coaching initiatives like WorkSmart, a platform where she shares her expertise in business strategy, team management, and productivity.
Morgan DeBaun’s impact extends beyond the media landscape—she is a recognized leader in the startup and investment ecosystem. She has advised numerous startups and frequently speaks at conferences focused on technology, venture capital, and economic empowerment. Her ability to break down complex business strategies into actionable insights has made her an in-demand speaker at events around the world.
Hashtags: #MorganDeBaun #KeynoteSpeaker #Entrepreneurship #TechInnovation #BlackExcellence #WomenInBusiness #BlavityInc #DiversityAndInclusion #StartupSuccess #AfroTech #Leadership #DigitalMedia
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Morgan DeBaun
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- 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
- (13)
Dr. Deborah Gilboa, affectionately known as “Dr. G,” stands as a beacon of resilience in today’s chaotic world. As a board-certified family physician, she brings a unique perspective to the table, merging medical expertise with a profound understanding of human psychology. Dr. G’s mission is clear: to empower families, educators, executives, and businesses with the […]
- Travels from: Pittsburgh, PA
- Resilience Speakers
- (19)
Kudzi Chikumbu, a dynamic force in the realms of lifestyle influence and digital creativity. As the Global Head of Creator Marketing at TikTok, Kudzi is at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of social media and empowering creators worldwide. With a wealth of expertise, a passion for storytelling, and a commitment to driving positive […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Digital Speakers
- (27)
- (3)
Robb Holman is a globally renowned expert in personal transformation and the driving force behind the Inside Out Leadership philosophy. As a highly sought-after keynote speaker and best-selling author of four books, Robb has shared the stage with some of the most influential leaders of our time. As the CEO of Holman International, a leading […]
- Travels from: West Chester, PA
- Leadership Speakers
- (22)
Electrifying speaker Jess Todtfeld has an incredible talent for inspiring audiences: his magnetic speeches are entertaining and teach audiences how to gain more results in various fields. With more than 20 years of experience in the media industry, Todtfeld helps CEOs, spokespeople, authors, experts and public relations representatives with achieving real results. From the beginning of his career, […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Communication Speakers
- (46)
Jamie Clarke is a trailblazing adventurer, sought-after motivational speaker, and resilience expert. Known for his dynamic, captivating keynotes, Jamie draws upon his experiences as a mountaineer and expedition leader, having successfully summited Mount Everest twice and crossed the Arabian Desert by camel. Jamie’s messages on overcoming adversity, pushing limits, and cultivating resilience resonate powerfully with […]
- Travels from: Calgary, AB
- Adventure Speakers
- (15)
Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is a globally recognized strategic futurist, keynote speaker, and thought leader on artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the future of work. As an in-demand speaker, he equips organizations with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate digital disruption, drive innovation, and prepare for the rapidly changing technological landscape. His ability to translate […]
- Travels from: Sydney, NSW
- Futurists Speakers
- (17)
Noramay Cadena is a Managing Partner at Supply Change Capital, a pioneering venture firm that strategically invests in the convergence of food, culture, and technology. With a distinguished career path deeply rooted in venture capital, Noramay’s expertise spans the realms of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. Previously, she served as a Managing Partner at MiLA […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- STEM Speakers
- (7)
- (3)
Dominic Thurbon has cracked the code for making change happen, with the ultimate formula to drive innovation, future-proof your workforce and design brands that really matter. Dom is an internationally engaged speaker and facilitator who helps individuals and organisations drive behaviour change in the face of external disruption. He is a Partner in the Climate […]
- Travels from: Sydney, NSW
- Artificial Intelligence
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
