Malala Yousafzai

Female activist and youngest ever prize winner of the Nobel Prize, Malala Yousafzai is a woman unlike any other. But her story, one of pain and danger, is all too common for the girls of Pakistan. After the Taliban banned women from education, Malala took it upon herself to change the lives of millions of girls. Since making worldwide news, she now uses her platform to spread awareness for education, promoting the importance of gender inclusion and raising money for good causes. As far as speakers go, few are as inspirational or awe-inspiring as Malala. Audiences of her speeches come away empowered, encouraged by her story to rewrite their own lives.

Malala is most recognised for her advocacy, even in the face of danger. Inspired by her father, who taught at an all-girls school, she spent her life raising her voice for the women who couldn't. Her first act on a global scale was as a blogger for the BBC Urdu blog, where she offered insight into the life of a Pakistani girl. When girls were banned from school, she shouted louder, until the Taliban revoked their ruling. Any audience who listens to her story, can't help but be inspired by Malala. They take away from her speeches a new sense of determination.

Following a string of death threats, Malala was shot in the head in 2012 by the Taliban. Angered by her activism, they set about silencing her, but, with the help of military doctors, she survived. The attack hadn't just failed, it spurred Malala on, who woke up from her coma to the eyes of the world watching. Millions of people signed petitions, protested in the streets and offered her their support, inspired by Malala to actively fight for equal education. Malala appeared in interviews with such influential figures as Barak Obama, further extending her reach.

From the ashes of the shooting, grew a new hope. Malala founded the Malala Fund, a charity dedicated to increasing opportunities for girls in school. Through its fundraising, the charity invests in global educational activists, schools and campaigns, drastically improving the standard of education for young women. As a speaker, any event including Malala instantly demands attention, drawing audiences from far and wide who want to hear her speak. Malala's speeches stay with her audience long after the event has finished, inspired to join her movement.