Time and again we’re told diversity is a hot topic in the business world, but many arguments fail to mention that a diverse, inclusive workforce brings with it the double benefits of a more pleasant workplace and an increased bottom line. Diversity is not a “nice to have,” it’s a must have, and leaders must actively work to foster inclusive workplaces if they don’t want to fall by the wayside.

With deep insights into the importance of acceptance and inclusion, LGBT speakers’ messages are appropriate for academic and corporate audiences. These speakers’ backgrounds and experiences run the full gamut, and our roster features neuroscientists and economists alongside performing artists and famous athletes.

Briana Scurry is a U.S. Soccer legend, brain injury awareness advocate, and champion LGBT speaker. After a debilitating concussion led to an untimely retirement, she pivoted, making use of her incredible willpower and harnessing the visibility she enjoys as a top athlete to educate and advocate.

Writer, director and producer Scottie Madden is a deeply insightful leadership and LGBT speaker who shares stories of her dual journeys in her personal life and career as a top survival showrunner. With clarity, wit and humor, she discusses her struggles as a late-stage trans woman, confronting societal and familial expectations, and eventual success on her own terms.

DE&I expert and nationally recognized speaker Jonathan Lovitz is the Senior VP at the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. An advocate for equal opportunity and empowerment, his message is suitable for any audience, but especially effective with college and university students looking to make a difference in their communities.

Mad scientist Vivienne Ming is a top theoretical neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and passionate speaker on the topics of AI and LGBT inclusion in tech. Frequently featured in The Financial Times, The Atlantic, and the New York Times, she works with several nonprofits and organizations on AI systems that vary from monitoring and treating diabetes and reuniting orphaned refugees with extended family members.

Social entrepreneur Jessica Shortall is a top LGBT speaker and gender equality advocate working to help people find common ground in a world that feels increasingly polarized. The Managing Director of Texas Competes, she heads up a coalition of over 1200 Texans dedicated to making the case for LGBTQ acceptance in Texas.

LGBT speaker, educator and comedian Mo Barrett is one of the speaking circuit’s most successful failures. After almost flunking at the Air Force Academy, she leveraged hard work, humor and optimism to build a 25 year career as a pilot and then as an entertaining, inspiring keynote speaker with insights into life as a multi-minority.

Talonya Geary is a LGBT speaker and leadership expert with over 20 years of experience in business and professional development. With a passion for growth, authenticity and accountability, she has been coaching and advising professionals of all stripes for the last decade.

Activist, artist and  LGBT speaker Io Wright is a mentor by nature, dedicated to making it easy to address the unfamiliar and uncomfortable. With a warm, humorous approach to examining biases and expanding our understanding of ourselves and others, his gentle guidance leaves audiences with shifted perspectives and a well of inspiration.

Entrepreneur, tech and economics thought leader and top LGBT speaker Leanne Pitsford is the CEO & Founder of Lesbians Who Tech, a community focused on visibility, intersectionality, and creating opportunity for its 40,000 members. An active mentor, creator of the Tech Jobs Tour, and a hiring and retention expert, she provides a font of inspiration for the next generation of tech talent.

Shane Feldman is a leadership visionary and LGBT speaker who founded the social entrepreneurship incubator Count Me In, which has initiated over 30,000 ventures worldwide. A community builder, in his work as a keynote speaker he helps teams build strong cultures that allow them to perform at their very best.