Top 10 Powerful Black Female Speakers For Hire

Throughout history, we have witnessed countless inspirational Black women contribute revolutionary things to society. From Rosa Parks taking a stand for her human rights in the Montgomery bus boycott to Alice Dunnigan who was the first Black female White House correspondent, to Althea Gibson who was the first African-American tennis player to win a Grand Slam tournament, these powerful Black women have overcome racial discrimination to make a difference in society.

Here at The BAME Speakers Agency, we are lucky to work with many inspirational Black women of the present day, from revolutionary STEM experts to sporting superstars. These speakers are perfect when looking to celebrate Black History Month, throughout the entirety of October, as they emphasise the achievements made by the Black community throughout history and the achievements that the community is continuing to make each day.

Below, we have compiled a list of the top 10 powerful black female speakers, perfect to hire for Black History Month or as inspirational speakers all year round!

Top 10 Powerful Black Female Speakers

Nicola Adams

“I thought it fabulous. She is truly remarkable and we were thrilled to have her“- Jonathan, Blackstone

Nicola Adams is regarded as Britain’s most successful female boxer, having made history when she became the first female to win an Olympic boxing medal after claiming Gold at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Since then, Nicola has also been the first British boxer to defend an Olympic title in 92 years and performed as the first same-sex couple on the iconic Strictly Come Dancing show.

She has also topped the 2012 Independent’s 101 Most Influential LGBT People in Britain and been named at the top of the DIVA Power List of the UK’s Most Eminent Lesbian and Bisexual Women. Having powered to the top of a male-dominated sport and made firsts for the LGBT community, Nicola Adams is a role model to many across the country.

Ayo Sokale

“Ayo’s presentation was definitely another success. Our audience totally loved her. Very inspiring and memorable. Thank you so much for such notable speakers” – Tolu, Facilities Manager Lead, NHS

Ayo Sokale is a pioneering woman in STEM, currently working as a BIM Lead at the Environment Agency. Named on The Independent’s Top 50 Women in Engineering Under 35, Ayo has also formerly been selected as one of Professor Lord Robert Mair’s Future Leaders as an ICE Eco-Warrior. One of the industry’s most passionate and acclaimed civil engineers, Ayo is paving the future for other budding female STEM experts.

Having also been a Councillor for Caversham Labour Party and competed in Miss Plymouth Galaxy and Miss Sussex pageants, Ayo is a versatile expert who is a role model in more ways than one. If you are looking for an inspirational female speaker who will focus on topics such as diversity, inclusion, women in engineering, women in STEM, mental health and neurodiversity, book Ayo Sokale today.

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah

“Phyll is a brilliant and exceptional human rights advocate and is an expert in LGBT+ human rights, intersectionality, race and workers rights and a whole lot more” – Louise, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Advisor, Bernardo’s

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah is a dedicated activist, who has committed her career to campaigning for the human rights of the Black and LGBT+ communities. Famed as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of UK Black Pride, Phyll is on a mission to create unity, inclusion and equality. Named on the Pride Power List in 2021 and the 100 Great Black Britons List in 2020, Phyll is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most prominent Lesbian activists.

Now the Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, an organisation dedicated to the human rights of LGBT+ people, and a Trustee of Stonewall, Phyll is booked as a speaker to share the importance of intersectionality and racism that continues to plague society. Having made waves in the LGBT+ and Black communities, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah is without a doubt a revolutionary Black woman who has marked her name in the history books.

Maggie Alphonsi

“Maggie is an incredibly inspirational speaker. Her presentation was topical and acknowledged the important roles that teachers, PE and sport plays in lives. She presented with high energy, emotion, empathy and humour and ignited the audience. She is awesome!” – Mike, National Association For Physical Education

Maggie Alphonsi has enjoyed a decorated career playing rugby, claiming the title of Sportswoman of the Year back in 2010. Playing in the team that won the Six Nations for seven consecutive years, Maggie stormed to the top of a male-dominated environment with ease. Now booked as a speaker, Maggie reflects on the racism and sexism that she encountered during her career.

Becoming the first woman to claim the prestigious Pat Marshall Award and joining the panel of the World Rugby Men’s Awards, Maggie is without a doubt an inspirational female role model in the world of sport and rugby. Having created an exceptional legacy for other Black female players to build on, Maggie Alphonsi has broken glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations.

June Sarpong

“The feedback was through the roof! – secure to say, members loved June and the valuable insight/delivery! So, yes – all went very, very well and exceeded expectations!! A huge thank you to you, Chris and June and her team for working with me to get the positive message on D&I delivered this IWD!” – Sandra, Network Officer Treasurer, Windrush Team, UK Visas & Immigration

June Sarpong is a leading pioneer of diversity and inclusion, currently working as the Director of Creative Diversity for the BBC. Also the Founder of Diversify Works, June is committed to spreading awareness of the social, moral and economic benefits of diversity. Having been a former panellist on Loose Women, June is no stranger to speaking her mind, and has been appointed both MBE and OBE for her Services to Broadcasting and Charity.

Now the Co-Founder of the WIE Network, an acclaimed conference bringing powerful women together to discuss enterprise and inspiration, June is a revolutionary Black female breaking glass ceilings each and every day. Author of The Power of Women and The Power of Privilege, June is the perfect speaker when looking for an empowering speech on tackling discrimination and creating a more inclusive and diverse world.

Kanya King

“It was great to have Kanya to speak – we have received some great feedback and our audience loved hearing your story” – Joanna, Partner, Ernst & Young LLP

Kanya King is famed as the Founder and CEO of The MOBO Awards, an awards ceremony dedicated to recognising the achievements of BME talent within music, arts, fashion, media and culture. Re-mortgaging her house to invest in her idea, Kanya’s investment paid off and she is now considered one of the most successful female entrepreneurs of the music industry.

Named as one of Britain’s 100 Most Entrepreneurial Women and one of the Evening Standard’s 1000 Most Influential People in London, Kanya has had a revolutionary impact on the music industry. Having also claimed the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Music Week Women in Music Awards, Kanya proves that anything is possible, no matter your race or gender.

Anita Asante

“I wondered if you’s be able to pass on a HUGE thank you to Anita. Her talk this afternoon was incredible – it was so inspiring, honest and authentic. It was one of the best speakers that we have had and we are already chatting about getting Anita back later in the year or early next year” – Jess, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, BDP

Anita Asante is a highly successful footballer, who has made her fame and fortune playing for Arsenal and the England national team. Throughout her career, Anita has made it her mission to promote the need for gender, LGBT+ and racial equality in sport, working with organisations such as Show Racism the Red Card, for whom she is an Ambassador, to ensure equality is achieved.

Having claimed awards such as FA Player of the Year, Anita is considered a role model to many budding footballers across the globe, having dominated a stereotypically male sport and reached the top of her game. Emphasising the discrimination that continues to exist in football and the sporting industry as a whole, book Anita Asante today for a truly powerful speech on equality.

Andreena Leeanne

“Please pass on my thanks to Andreena for being such a great keynote speaker for our Educate Empower Excel day” – Karen, Lilian Bayliss

Andreena Leeanne is a leading lived experience speaker, who is famed as the author of Charred: A Survivor Speaking Her Truth To Inspire. Having survived great adversity, from mental illness and homelessness to sexual abuse, Andreena now empowers others to speak out on their own adversity to eliminate the stigma surrounding ‘taboo’ subjects.

A Trustee of Action Breaks Silence and an advocate for Violence Against Women & Girls, Andreena hopes that sharing her own personal story will help to reduce suffering for others. Also the Founder of the Adult Survivors Open Mic and the Poetry LGBT Open Mic Night, Andreena was shortlisted for the 2021 Positive LGBT Role Model at the National Diversity Awards.

Baroness Floella Benjamin

“Please pass on our deepest heart-felt thank you to Baroness Floella Benjamin. She touched all our minds, hearts and souls today and it was a very special experience. The feedback so far from everyone has been overwhelmingly positive, it was a real highlight of the year!” – Havas Just

The first Trinidadian woman to be made a Life Peer and the recipient of a Special Lifetime Achievement BAFTA Award, Floella Benjamin is a highly influential actress who has continually campaigned for increased representation in the entertainment industry. Awarded a Damehood in 2020, Floella has well and truly marked her name in the history books as an iconic role model.

Having run the Olympic Torch through Peckham and won a Royal Television Society Award, Floella has also been the Governor of Dulwich College and been appointed the Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham. When looking to be inspired by a powerful Black woman who has enjoyed a successful career despite adversity, book Baroness Floella Benjamin today.

Viola Llewellyn

“She is an extremely professional individual, with a good sense of humour to boot. All around, Viola is a first rate human being and a total class act” – Steve, Executive Recruiter, Information Technology, Optum

Viola Llewellyn is the founding President of Ovamba, a leading FinTech company that is creating sustainable wealth for Africans. Named on the Women in FinTech Powerlist in 2016, 2017 and 2018, Viola is making a revolutionary impact on the FinTech industry and dominating the industry as an inspirational Black woman.

Having also claimed recognition on the Top 100 Women in FinTech 2019 list, Viola has been a member of the Women’s Economic Imperative Initiative, European Women’s Payment Network and the African Women in FinTech boards. Having delivered the TEDx speech titled A New Model of Microfinance for Africa and Beyond, Viola Llewellyn is a revolutionary figure of the financial technology industry, who inspires other women to follow in her footsteps.

Book an Inspirational Black Female Speaker For Your Next Event!

If you are interested in booking one of our powerful Black female speakers for your next event, or Black History Month event, contact the BAME Speakers Agency today! Get in touch by calling directly on 0203 9317 392 or by completing our online contact form.