Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Mehrsa Baradaran

Professor of Law, UCI Law & Author, The Color of Money and How the Other Half Banks

Mehrsa Baradaran Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Professor of Law, UCI Law & Author, The Color of Money and How the Other Half Banks

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Mehrsa Baradaran
Speaking Fee:
$10,000 to $20,000

Travels From:
AUS - Austin, TX

Primary Topic Category:
Legal Issues

Secondary Topic Category:
Authors & Storytellers

 

Mehrsa Baradaran Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Mehrsa Baradaran is a professor of law at UCI Law. She writes about banking law, financial inclusion, inequality, and the racial wealth gap. Her book, The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap, was awarded the Best Book of the Year by the Urban Affairs Association. Mehrsa's books have received significant national and international media coverage and have been featured in publications such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. She has advised U.S. Senators and Congressmen on policy, testified before the U.S. Congress, and spoken at national and international forums like the U.S. Treasury and the World Bank.

Mehrsa Baradaran is a distinguished scholar, author, and thought leader in the field of banking law and financial inclusion. Her insightful work has profoundly shaped conversations around racial wealth disparity and the historical underpinnings of economic inequality in America. Born in Tehran, Iran, Baradaran immigrated to the United States with her family in 1986 amidst political upheaval. Her early experiences in a new country have fueled her lifelong commitment to examining and dismantling systemic barriers in finance. Baradaran holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University and a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law. Upon completing her formal education, she gained practical legal experience at Davis Polk & Wardwell and then embarked on an academic career that has allowed her to meld research, teaching, and advocacy. She currently serves as a Professor of Law at the University of California, Irvine School of Law. Here, she brings her expertise in financial systems and public policy to aspiring legal professionals and broader audiences alike. Her seminal books, "The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap" and "How the Other Half Banks: Exclusion, Exploitation, and the Threat to Democracy," have garnered critical acclaim for their in-depth analysis and historical narratives. Through these works, Baradaran meticulously charts the trajectory of African-American financial institutions and underscores the persistent inequalities perpetuated by banking systems. Her research has influenced legislative discussions and policy proposals aimed at bridging the economic divide. Regularly sought after for her incisive commentary, Baradaran's work has been featured in top-tier media outlets like The New York Times, The Atlantic, and PBS. Her expertise is not confined to academia; she frequently advises policymakers, lending her voice to efforts geared toward meaningful reform. In testimony before the U.S. Congress, she has illuminated the pressing need for a more equitable financial system that serves all citizens, regardless of race or economic status. Mehrsa Baradaran is not only an academic and author but also a passionate advocate for change. Her life's work continues to inspire both informed public debate and actionable steps towards a fairer financial landscape. Through her ongoing research and engaging public speaking, she remains a pivotal figure in the ongoing quest for economic justice and equality.
Gotham Artists