Bill Drayton Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Bill Drayton is a pioneering figure in social entrepreneurship, best known as the founder and CEO of Ashoka: Innovators for the Public. Born in 1943 in New York City, he was influenced by a family deeply committed to social causes; his ancestors were active in the early anti-slavery and women's rights movements. Drayton's mother emigrated from Australia, and his father was an American explorer, instilling in him a global perspective from an early age. His academic journey reflects a dedication to understanding and addressing societal challenges. Drayton earned a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University in 1965, where he founded the Ashoka Table, facilitating dialogues between students and prominent leaders. He continued his studies at Balliol College, Oxford, obtaining a Master of Arts in 1967, and later received a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 1970. At Yale, he established Yale Legislative Services, engaging a significant portion of the student body in legislative initiatives. Professionally, Drayton's career spans both public service and consultancy. He served as Assistant Administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency during the Carter administration, where he introduced innovations like emissions trading. His tenure at McKinsey & Company as a consultant further honed his strategic skills. In 1981, driven by a vision to support social innovators, he founded Ashoka. The organization has since expanded to operate in over 90 countries, supporting more than 3,600 fellows dedicated to transformative social change. Drayton's contributions have been widely recognized. He was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 1984, which enabled him to focus entirely on Ashoka. He holds honorary doctorates from institutions including Yale and New York University and is a Fellow of Balliol College, Oxford. His accolades reflect his unwavering commitment to fostering a world where everyone is empowered to be a changemaker.