Women’s History Month, celebrated each March, is a time to celebrate trailblazers who’ve reshaped industries, inspired movements, and opened doors for future generations. For event organizers, it’s also a chance to bring those voices directly to your audiences. The right speaker doesn’t just honor the month; she brings a story of resilience, leadership, and innovation that leaves a lasting impact. Here are six powerful speakers whose stories and expertise can elevate your Women’s History Month programming.
1. Sylvia Acevedo — Leadership Expert, Former NASA Rocket Scientist & CEO of Girl Scouts USA
Sylvia Acevedo’s journey from NASA rocket scientist to C-suite executive makes her a compelling voice on leadership and innovation. At NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, she contributed to the Voyager 2 mission before moving into senior roles at Apple, Dell, and IBM. Later, as CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA, Acevedo oversaw the largest program expansion in a century, introducing 146 new STEM, entrepreneurship, and civics badges that reached millions of girls nationwide.
Now serving on the boards of Qualcomm and Credo Technologies, Acevedo continues to champion technology, education, and diversity. Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Top 50 Women in Tech, she shares her story in the bestselling memoir “Path to the Stars.” Her keynotes inspire audiences to embrace change as a catalyst for innovation and to lead with vision in times of transformation.
2. Gabby Thomas — Two-Time Track & Field Olympian & Gold Medalist; Public Health Advocate
Olympic champion Gabby Thomas is redefining what it means to be a high achiever. At the 2024 Paris Games, she made history by winning three gold medals, the 200m, 4×100, and 4×400. cementing her place as one of the fastest women in history. Beyond the track, she is a Harvard-educated neurobiologist with a Master of Public Health who actively serves underserved communities through the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic in Austin, Texas.
With grace and determination, Thomas uses her platform to advocate for health equity while inspiring audiences with her story of resilience, focus, and the pursuit of excellence. Whether discussing her record-breaking races or her passion for improving healthcare access, she embodies the spirit of Women’s History Month, breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others to thrive.
3. Elaine Welteroth — Award-Winning Journalist, TV Host & Maternal Health Advocate
Elaine Welteroth has built a career on amplifying underrepresented voices and inspiring bold change. At 29, she became the youngest editor-in-chief in Condé Nast history, transforming Teen Vogue into a platform for activism and cultural dialogue. She is the bestselling author of “More Than Enough,” an NAACP Image Award winner, and now reaches audiences as a Washington Post columnist, TV host, and judge on Bravo’s Project Runway.
In 2024, Welteroth launched birthFUND, a groundbreaking maternal health initiative that has already raised more than $1.3 million to expand access to safe and affirming birth care. Named to the TIME100 Next list, she continues to drive national conversations on identity, equity, and leadership. On stage, she blends sharp insight with authentic storytelling, encouraging audiences to embrace purpose-driven lives and careers.
4. Amanda Nguyen — Civil Rights Activist, Sexual Abuse Survivors Advocate & Nobel Peace Prize Nominee
Amanda Nguyen is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and one of today’s most influential civil rights activists. She authored and passed the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act, has championed human rights at the United Nations, and founded Rise, a social movement accelerator teaching grassroots organizing. She also helped ignite the Stop Asian Hate movement, bringing global attention to anti-Asian discrimination.
Nguyen’s advocacy extends beyond policy. In 2024, she made history as the first Southeast Asian woman to fly on Blue Origin’s all-women spaceflight, symbolizing both progress and possibility. Recognized as a TIME Woman of the Year and named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, her achievements span government, activism, and even the arts. Nguyen’s keynotes deliver more than inspiration; they empower audiences to fight for justice and believe in the power of individual action to change the world.
5. Brandi Chastain — Two-Time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion & Olympic Gold Medalist
Brandi Chastain is a legend in women’s sports whose iconic penalty kick in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup final remains one of the most celebrated moments in sports history. Over her career with the U.S. Women’s National Team, she won two World Cups and two Olympic gold medals, helping shape the future of women’s soccer.
Today, Chastain continues to empower the next generation. She co-founded the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI) to bring fitness and leadership opportunities to girls in underserved communities. A Hall of Fame athlete and dedicated coach, she is also the author of “It’s Not About the Bra,” sharing lessons on perseverance, teamwork, and joy in competition. On stage, Chastain motivates audiences with her journey of grit, triumph, and the enduring impact of women in sports.
6. Erica Dhawan — Leading Authority on Teamwork, Collaboration & Innovation; Bestselling Author
Erica Dhawan is a leading voice on how to collaborate and innovate in the 21st century workplace. Named one of the world’s top 50 management thinkers by Thinkers50, she is the author of the bestselling books “Digital Body Language” and “Get Big Things Done.” Her work provides leaders with strategies to unlock the potential of their teams, build trust across distances, and create authentic engagement in fast-changing environments.
Dhawan has spoken on global stages from the World Economic Forum to Fortune 100 boardrooms, delivering actionable insights for companies like Coca-Cola, Goldman Sachs, Walmart, and Cisco. Known for her practical frameworks and dynamic style, she equips audiences with the tools to thrive in an era defined by rapid technological change and shifting workplace norms.
Each of these speakers represents the essence of Women’s History Month: resilience, innovation, leadership, and a commitment to paving the way for others. Booking one of these dynamic voices ensures your event honors women’s history not just in words, but through stories that spark action and inspire lasting change. Contact us today to get started.