Brenda Darden Wilkerson Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000
Travels From:
Contact Us for Primary Airport
Primary Topic Category:
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) / Social Justice
Secondary Topic Category:
Education
Brenda Darden Wilkerson Speaker Profile: At A Glance
Brenda Darden Wilkerson is the President and CEO of AnitaB.org, a leading nonprofit focused on expanding opportunities for women and nonbinary technologists. She is the founder of the groundbreaking “Computer Science for All” initiative in Chicago Public Schools, which later inspired national policy. A longtime advocate for equitable access to education and opportunity in tech, Wilkerson has been recognized as a pioneer in bridging the digital divide. Her leadership continues to shape inclusive practices across the tech industry and beyond.
Related Speakers
JAKE Small
Poetry Author | Education Researcher | DEI Practitioner
JAKE Small is a justice-driven researcher, education equity consultant, and public speaker. He has nearly a decade of experience in education leadership coaching. JAKE supports professionals at every level of seniority and companies across every industry to operationalize justice and build truly emancipatory policies, practices, and attitudes.
JAKE is a TEDx speaker and the author of a poetry book amplifying his research on the mattering of marginalized youth as a tool for academic persistence and longterm professional success.
Caitlyn Collins
Assistant Professor of Sociology at Washington University | Author of Making Motherhood Work | Speaker on Gender Inequality, Work, and Social Policy
Caitlyn Collins is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Washington University in St. Louis. Her research centers on gender inequality, work, and family policy, with a focus on how different countries support working mothers. She is the author of Making Motherhood Work, a well-regarded book that examines the challenges women face balancing careers and caregiving. Collins’s work has contributed to important discussions on social policy and gender equity. She is a sought-after speaker on topics related to gender, work, and social justice.
Cornel West
Presidental Candidate 2024 | Philosopher | Professor | Advocate for Social Justice, Equality & Education Reform
Cornel West is a prominent and provocative democratic intellectual. He is Professor of the Practice of Public Philosophy at Harvard University and holds the title of Professor Emeritus at Princeton University. He has also taught at Union Theological Seminary, Yale, Harvard, and the University of Paris. Cornel West graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard in three years and obtained his M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy at Princeton.
Jos Dirkx
Founder & CEO of Beenova AI | World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer | Best-Selling Author on AI & Education | Global Speaker on Diversity, Inclusion, & Innovation
Jos Dirkx is the Founder and CEO of Beenova AI, a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer, and a best-selling author. She has lived in over 15 countries, leveraging her global experiences to inspire change through her keynotes on diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Jos's work spans AI, education, and leadership, making her a sought-after speaker and consultant worldwide.
Rashawn Ray
Senior Fellow at Brookings Institution | Professor of Sociology at University of Maryland | Public Intellectual on Race, Inequality, & Social Justice | Award-Winning Sociologist
Dr. Rashawn Ray is a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and a Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland, College Park. He specializes in social inequality, focusing on race, social justice, and public policy. Dr. Ray is also the Executive Director of the Lab for Applied Social Science Research (LASSR) and has been recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to sociology and public engagement.
Tressie McMillan Cottom
Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill | MacArthur Fellow | NYT Opinion Columnist | Authority on Race, Gender, and Technology
Tressie McMillan Cottom is an associate professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, a MacArthur Fellow, and a New York Times opinion columnist. Renowned for her work on race, gender, and technology, she is an influential voice in sociology and cultural criticism. Her acclaimed books, including "Lower Ed" and "Thick," address pressing social issues with sharp analysis and storytelling.
Ruby Bridges
Civil Rights Icon & Activist | Founder of the Ruby Bridges Foundation | Inspirational Speaker on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Education
Ruby Bridges is a renowned civil rights icon and activist best known for her role in desegregating an all-white elementary school in New Orleans at the age of six. She is the founder of the Ruby Bridges Foundation, which promotes diversity and inclusion through educational initiatives. Ruby continues to inspire audiences with her powerful messages on social justice and the importance of education.
Malala Yousafzai
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; Author of 'I Am Malala'; Advocate for Girls' Education and Women's Rights
Malala Yousafzai is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and global advocate for girls' education. Surviving a Taliban attack in 2012, she has become an influential voice for human rights. Malala co-authored the international bestseller "I Am Malala" and founded the Malala Fund, which champions education for girls around the world. She is also the youngest-ever United Nations Messenger of Peace.
Abby Ferber
Author of 'White Man Falling' | Professor of Sociology at the University of Colorado | Speaker on Race, Gender, and Social Justice
Abby Ferber is a renowned sociologist and expert in issues of social justice, race, and gender. She is a professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and co-founder of The Matrix Center for the Advancement of Social Equity and Inclusion. A prolific author and researcher, Abby has published numerous influential works in her field. Her impactful presentations have made waves at national and international conferences, earning her recognition as a leading voice in her area of expertise. Abby Ferber's knowledge and engaging speaking style leave audiences inspired and informed.
Ananya Grover
Founder of Reflections Magazine | Activist for Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment | Speaker on Women's Rights and Social Change
Ananya Grover is the founder of Reflections Magazine, an influential platform that amplifies diverse voices and perspectives in today's dynamic world. As a passionate activist, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives focused on social justice and education. Her leadership has earned her commendations from notable organizations and a respected voice in her field. Ananya's engaging storytelling and insightful perspectives make her a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences worldwide.
Ann Mullen
Author of 'Degrees of Inequality' | Sociology Professor at the University of Toronto | Speaker on Social and Gender Inequality
Ann Mullen is a distinguished sociology professor at the University of Toronto, specializing in social and gender inequality. She is best known for her insightful book "Degrees of Inequality," which explores disparities in higher education. Her research has made significant contributions to understanding structural inequalities in society. Mullen's work has been recognized in top academic journals and she is a sought-after speaker at international conferences. Her expertise provides valuable perspectives on contemporary social issues.
Audrey Henderson
Founder & Owner of Knowledge Empowerment | Advocate for Lifelong Learning | Speaker on Education Innovation and Personal Growth
Audrey Henderson is the Founder and Owner of Knowledge Empowerment, a visionary organization committed to unlocking human potential through education and innovation. With over two decades of experience in leadership development, she has transformed the learning landscape for countless professionals and organizations. Recognized as a dynamic keynote speaker, Audrey has captivated audiences at national and international conferences with her insightful perspectives on personal and professional growth.
Zaretta Hammond
Author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain | Educator & Teacher Trainer | Speaker on Equity, Education, and the Science of Learning
Zaretta Hammond is an educator, author, and nationally recognized expert in culturally responsive teaching. She wrote Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain, a widely used resource for educators seeking to create more equitable learning environments. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, consultant, and professional development leader, she helps schools apply neuroscience to improve student engagement. Hammond has worked with educators across the country to close achievement gaps and foster independent learning. Her work bridges research and practice, making complex ideas accessible and actionable.
Beverly Tatum
Author of 'Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?' | Former President of Spelman College | Expert on Race Relations and Higher Education Leadership
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College, is a clinical psychologist, educator, and nationally recognized authority on race relations. She led Spelman from 2002–2015, earning the Carnegie Academic Leadership Award for her visionary impact. Author of the bestselling Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?, Tatum is a sought-after voice on racial identity, inclusive learning environments, and higher education leadership. Her groundbreaking work has earned numerous honors, including the APA Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contributions to Psychology.
Brandon Leake
Award-Winning Spoken Word Poet | CEO of Called To Move | Artistic Educator and Speaker on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Brandon Leake is an award-winning spoken word poet and the CEO of Called To Move, an organization dedicated to inspiring change through artistic expression. He gained national recognition as the first spoken word poet to win NBC’s America’s Got Talent. As an artistic educator, Brandon uses his powerful storytelling to engage audiences on topics of diversity, equity, and social justice. His work bridges poetry and activism, creating meaningful conversations in schools, corporations, and community events. Brandon’s voice continues to inspire and motivate individuals to embrace empathy and change.
