As we continue to pursue a more inclusive world, intersectionality is quickly becoming a popular topic at diversity & inclusion-themed events. Described as the way in which a person’s social and political identities combine to create discrimination and privileges, the term was originally coined by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw.

Encompassing race, religion, gender, sex, disability, caste, sexuality and physical appearance, the term acknowledges that such factors of a person’s identity intersecting may be either empowering or oppressing. With that in mind, it is more important than ever for employers to pay attention to how such factors affect workplace experience, as they could ultimately lead to a high staff turnover.

Here at Champions Speakers, we have collated a list of our top speakers on intersectionality, who are perfect additions to diversity and inclusion conferences to create inclusive conversations.

Top Speakers on Intersectionality

1. Paul Sinha

Famed for his appearance as one of the ‘Chasers’ on ITV’s The Chase, Paul Sinha is an award-winning quizzer, broadcaster and comedian. Throughout his career, Paul has spoken openly about his identity, coming out as gay and revealing his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. When booked as an intersectionality speaker, Paul shares his experience of coming out as gay in a conservative Bengali family and his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s Disease, and how both factors affect his life.

2. Pauline Miller

Pauline Miller has forged a successful career working as the Head of Talent Development and Inclusion for Lloyd’s of London. An expert in diversity and inclusion, Pauline has dominated the industry as a Black woman, breaking glass ceilings on her way to the top. Leading the way for diversification in corporate environments, Pauline is the perfect choice as an intersectionality speaker, creating conversations on how employers can be inclusive of all identities.

3. Katie Piper

Back in 2008, Katie Piper fell victim to a horrific acid attack, which left her with catastrophic burns on her face and body. Having undergone surgeries to reconstruct her face, today Katie is a passionate advocate for positive body image. Having written several books on her story, Katie is an empowering female who encourages others with facial disfigurements to be confident in who they are.

4. Dame Inga Beale

Inga Beale is a successful businesswoman, who broke glass ceilings with her appointment as the CEO of Lloyd’s of London, the first female CEO in 328 years! During her time at Lloyd’s, Inga embedded modernisation and cultural change, becoming the first openly bisexual female person named on the OUTstanding & FT Leading LGBT Executive Powerlist. When booked as an intersectionality speaker, Inga creates inclusive conversations, sharing her story of being an LGBT female dominating the industry.

5. Ade Adepitan

Ade Adepitan is a renowned broadcaster and former member of Team GB’s Paralympic basketball squad. Having contracted polio as a baby, Ade has used a wheelchair for many years, and today shares his experience of growing up disabled. Along with his experiences of having a disability, Ade also speaks on how his parents faced racism when he first came to the country. Booked as an intersectionality speaker, Ade can bring perspectives to D&I conferences as both a member of the Black and disabled community, allowing employers to be more inclusive.

6. Jean Tomlin

Jean Tomlin is an HR professional, formerly working as the HR Director of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Group HR Director of Marks and Spencer. A pioneer of diversity and inclusion, Jean has dominated her industry as a Black woman, empowering others to follow in her footsteps. As an HR professional, Jean is booked to speak on intersectionality so employers are aware of it within their own HR policies and can create a positive working culture.

7. Kate Richardson-Walsh

Kate Richardson-Walsh has enjoyed a successful career as a hockey player, having claimed an Olympic Gold medal and 375 caps for her country. Openly gay, Kate and her wife Helen have made many firsts, such as becoming the first same-sex couple to win an Olympic Gold medal together. Having formerly spoken at the Rainbow Laces LGBT summit, Kate is a fantastic intersectionality speaker who shares her experience of being an LGBT+ female in a male-dominated industry.

8. Kanya King

Kanya King is a pioneering figure in the music industry, famed as the founder of the MOBO Awards. Having established an awards ceremony that honours the achievements of Black artists, Kanya has made the music industry more diverse and inclusive than ever before. Named as one of the Top 20 Ethnic Minorities in the Media by the Guardian, Kanya is booked as an intersectionality speaker to share her story of reaching the top of the industry as a Black female.

9. Reni Eddo-Lodge

Reni Eddo-Lodge is an award-winning author, famed for writing the book titled ‘Why I Am No Longer Talking To White People About Race’. A Sunday Times Bestseller, the book has earned Reni recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and she became the first Black British woman to be number 1 in the book charts. Now booked as an intersectionality speaker, Reni shares her experiences of racism and sexism, transforming perceptions of diversity and inclusion.

10. Elaine Sihera

A pivotal figure in the battle for a more inclusive world, Elaine Sihera is famed as the founder of the British Diversity Awards and the Windrush Achievement Awards. Recognising the achievements of minorities in society and diversity in businesses, Elaine is now booked as an intersectionality speaker to share her stories as a Black woman pioneering diversity and inclusion.

11. Shanaze Reade

Shanaze Reade enjoyed a career as a professional BMX rider, having competed in the Olympics for Team GB and won three BMX World Championship Gold medals. Now Shanaze is a popular intersectionality speaker, booked to share her experience of being a minority in a sport where there were very few Black people. Also a member of the LGBT+ community, Shanaze explores how various challenges in her life have shaped her and allowed her to reach the top of a male-dominated field as an empowering Black LGBT+ female.

Interested in Hiring an Intersectionality Speaker?

When looking to host an event themed around diversity and inclusion, intersectionality speakers are a must-have. Exploring their personal experiences of being affected by multiple forms of discrimination, from sexism and racism to homophobia and ableism, these speakers drill home the importance of inclusion.

Interested in booking one of our speakers? If so, don’t hesitate to get in contact with one of our dedicated agents, either by filling out our online contact form or by calling directly on 0207 1010 553.

Browse our other intersectionality or diversity & inclusion speakers today!

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