Ruha Benjamin Named 2024 MacArthur Fellow: A Visionary Scholar Transforming Innovation and Social Justice

 Ruha Benjamin Named 2024 MacArthur Fellow: A Visionary Scholar Transforming Innovation and Social Justice

Congratulations to the brilliant Ruha Benjamin, our newest 2024 MacArthur Fellow! Her groundbreaking work explores the intersection of science, technology, and social justice, shining a light on how innovation can perpetuate inequity. From her insights on the "New Jim Code" to empowering communities to reimagine a more just future, Ruha challenges us to rethink the systems shaping our world.

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New TED Talk from Ruha Benjamin on Ustopia, Imagination & the Future of Technology

New TED Talk from Ruha Benjamin on Ustopia, Imagination & the Future of Technology

A rare and record four times on the TED stage, Sarah Jones spoke at TED Possibilities 2023 to call on allies with good intentions into the conversation around cancel culture and how to take individual actions that will ultimately lead to collective action and healing.

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A World of Good: Inspiring Stories That Make a Difference

In a world often clouded by challenges and adversity, we look to inspirational acts of radical empathy and innovative change-makers as beacons of hope and promise. Here at Outspoken, we are home to some remarkable speakers who channel their passion and resilience to make a profound difference. Their dedication to social change is at the center of their stories—all stories that inspire others to believe in their potential to create positive change through choices, big and small. Looking for some feel-good inspo? Need some motivation for your team? We’ve got you covered.


Samantha Nutt, an esteemed humanitarian, doctor, and founder of War Child, has dedicated over two decades to aiding children and families in crisis zones worldwide. Samantha’s acclaimed book, Damned Nations, and her TED Talks have inspired audiences worldwide to rethink policy, business practices, and branding from a human-centered, social justice perspective. Her talks have helped top leaders identify some of the most pressing issues in their organizations and implement strategies on how to create an effective strategy around social responsibility that results in real, lasting global improvement.

WATCH: The Real Harm of The Global Arms Trade


Through his work across the full spectrum of sustainability and education, technology and innovation, startups and large enterprise, Adam Braun has combined his passion for impact and people to build multiple industry-defining organizations. Adam is a “for purpose” founder, serial entrepreneur and speaker leading the corporate charge to drive sustainability success and Net Zero outcomes across organizations with his company, Climate Club, which works with Fortune 500 companies to generate a competitive advantage through sustainability. A New York Times best-selling author, Adam has spent the last decade-plus building several successful organizations and movements—both inspiring and captivating audiences with his story of being an ordinary person, creating extraordinary change with everything he does. Well-known as the founder of Pencils of Promise, Adam started the award-winning organization with just $25, and has gone on to build nearly 600 schools worldwide.


Shantell Martin is a renowned visual artist, philosopher, and educator whose work spans a variety of industries and organizations. Her one-of-a-kind visionary perspective explores intersections of art, philosophy, design, and technology, delving into themes like identity, play, and the value of creative problem-solving. With solo exhibitions in prestigious art institutions and collaborations with iconic brands like Tiffany and Co. and Boston Ballet, Shantell is committed to inspiring others through art. In her talks, she shares the candid story of her journey through these universal themes of finding and trusting yourself, unlearning and relearning, identity, regaining confidence and freedom. Shantell inspires a closer connection with one’s own identity, helping audiences discover the confidence necessary for self-acceptance.

WATCH: How Drawing Can Set You Free


Award-winning filmmakers and activists, Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci, have immersed themselves in challenging experiences worldwide, from living on $1 a day in Guatemala to documenting the life of an undocumented boy in New York City. Co-founders of the nonprofit, Optimist, their films have raised $92 million for various causes and changed over 329,623 lives. They've garnered acclaim for their compassionate storytelling, earned accolades alongside influential leaders, and are known for documentaries like “Living On One Dollar" and "Salam Neighbor." And their latest film debuted recently at Tribeca Film festival to rave reviews. Their inspiring talks humanize complex global issues, leaving audiences empowered to make a difference.


As the founder of One Red Paperclip, Kyle MacDonald embarked on a remarkable journey of online bartering, starting with that single red paperclip, and ultimately trading his way to a house within a year. This unconventional adventure, marked by trades for items like a doorknob, ski-doo, and even time with Alice Cooper, captured global attention. Kyle's story inspired countless interviews, media coverage, and even Guinness World Records, making him an inspirational figure known for his creative pursuits and unorthodox goals. Recently, Kyle’s story inspired a TikTok influencer to trade her way from a bobby pin to a house.

WATCH: What if you could trade a paperclip for a house?


Outspoken Agency is a women-owned speaking agency representing leaders, founders, public intellectuals, authors and entertainers for paid keynotes, workshops and panels at in-person and virtual events. Learn more about our female founders here.

Ready to cool down with fall celebrations? Us, too. Here's a preview!

Ready to cool down with fall celebrations? Us, too. Here's a preview!

We’ve got less than a month left of summer, so we’re already gearing up for fall! Between the welcome chill in the air and all-things-cozy, there is so much to celebrate! Check out our preview of notable months, weeks, and days below—and don’t miss your chance to book our speakers to commemorate these dates for in-person or online events for your organization.

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Honoring Black History Month: Black Resistance

Honoring Black History Month: Black Resistance

Here at Outspoken, we are so lucky to represent some of the leading voices within the ongoing black resistance movement. With their contributions ranging across every corner of our society, we’re highlighting some of our speakers below whose work is an undeniable force in social justice, technology, science, wealth, health, education, and more.

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