The Future of Work is Uncertain—These Speakers Help Your Audience Navigate It
/From the rise of AI to labor strikes, workplace culture shifts to the demand for more inclusive leadership—the way we work is changing fast. For committees, programming teams and event planners, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: How do you create programming that helps your attendees stay ahead in an evolving world?
This year’s Black History Month theme, "African Americans and Labor," isn’t just about the past—it’s about the future of work. Whether you’re planning professional development events for your association, speaker series for your school, or workforce summits for your industry, the biggest issues shaping the economy, careers, and leadership demand fresh perspectives.
With a diverse range of expertise and topics, these speakers offer bold insights and practical strategies.
The Data Futurist: Dr. Brandeis Marshall
In a world obsessed with AI, Dr. Brandeis Marshall asks the questions no one else is asking: Who controls the data? Who’s left out of the equation? As a computer science educator and data equity advocate, she reveals how biased algorithms and exclusionary tech structures impact our careers, our economy, and our futures.
If data is the new oil, she’s making sure it fuels progress, not oppression.
Popular Topics:
➡️ Future-proofing Your Organization: Why AI Will Not Replace You
➡️ Don't "Move Fast and Break Things": The Case for Equitable Tech
📰 News Hook: OpenAI’s CEO recently admitted that AI could replace entire jobs, but the real question is: Who’s programming the future? AI bias isn’t a distant concern—it’s shaping hiring, policing, and decision-making right now.
🔥 Why Book Her? Brandeis isn’t just warning about AI’s risks—she’s showing businesses, universities, and policymakers how to fight algorithmic discrimination and build a fairer digital workforce.
The System Disruptor: Dr. Terence Keel
We assume science is neutral, but Terence Keel peels back the layers of history to reveal how racial biases are baked into medicine, technology, and even the way we think about health. His work is a wake-up call for industries that claim to be objective—but operate on outdated and flawed assumptions.
Popular Topics:
➡️ Why Racism is a Public Health Issue: From Heart Disease to Police Profiling
➡️ How Knowing Science Can Help Us Be Antiracist
📰 News Hook: The healthcare and biotech industries are finally reckoning with how racial bias is embedded in medicine—from flawed diagnostic tools to outdated research. (Think: pulse oximeters failing Black patients.)
🔥 Why Book Him? Terence uncovers how bad science still shapes labor, leadership, and opportunity today—and what organizations must do to rethink outdated systems and policies.
The Creative Powerhouse: Jonathan Batiste
Grammy-winning musician and cultural ambassador Jonathan Batiste doesn’t just make music—he transforms culture. His work is a testament to the labor of creativity, showing how art is both a profession and a revolutionary force. From jazz clubs to the Oscars stage, he reminds us that creative labor isn’t just entertainment—it’s the heartbeat of society.
Popular Topics:
➡️ How Music Can Unite America Right Now
➡️ Social Music: Gathering Humanity Through Song & Sound
📰 News Hook: When Jon took home an Oscar and Grammy for Soul and We Are, he didn’t just win awards—he redefined how art can shape identity, belonging, and social change.
🔥 Why Book Him? At a time when burnout and disconnection are at an all-time high, Jon Batiste proves that creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s fuel for innovation, leadership, and community-building across industries.
The Global Connector: Tayo Rockson
We assume cultural competency is a soft skill, but Tayo Rockson proves it’s a business and leadership necessity. In an era of globalization, immigration shifts, and DEI backlash, he helps teams navigate cultural differences with confidence.
Popular Topics:
➡️ Becoming a Behavioral Diplomat
➡️ How to Connect Effectively Across Cultures
📰 News Hook: Cross-cultural leadership is no longer optional—globalization and shifting demographics mean businesses, universities, and institutions must learn to engage diverse audiences or risk falling behind.
🔥 Why Book Him? Tayo equips professionals with the skills to bridge cultural divides, foster inclusion, and lead with impact in a rapidly evolving world.
The Talent Architect: Watchen Nyanue
A strategist who has worked with some of the biggest brands, Watchen Nyanue helps organizations stop hiring for “culture fit” and start building culture wealth. She shows leaders how to tap into multi-generational, diverse talent and rethink what effective leadership actually looks like.
Popular Topics:
➡️ Bridging the Gap: From Campus to Career Success
➡️ High Impact Mentorship
📰 News Hook: With Gen Z entering the workforce in record numbers, companies that fail to adapt will struggle to attract and retain top talent. Younger employees expect transparency, inclusion, and flexibility—leaving old leadership styles behind.
🔥 Why Book Her? Watchen helps organizations move beyond diversity buzzwords to create workplaces where talent thrives, leadership evolves, and innovation flourishes.
Your programming shapes how your audience adapts to change. Whether you’re preparing students for the workforce, helping professionals upskill, or driving innovation within your industry or organization, these speakers don’t just comment on trends—they equip your audience with the strategies, tools, and mindsets to lead the future.
This Black History Month and beyond, make sure your programming isn’t just relevant—it’s visionary.
Plan an event that prepares your audience for what’s next.