Why We Champion for Women and Underrepresented Speakers
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From the desk of Outspoken Agency co-founder and CEO, Caitie Bradley Shea
As a co-founder of Outspoken, an agency representing primarily women and underrepresented voices, I often get asked the same question: why? Why focus on this specific pool of talent when it still feels like an uphill battle to see true diversity on stages and at podiums? The answer, for us, is crystal clear: it's about representation, opportunity, and impact.
Being female founders, we understand the challenges women still face both in the proverbial boardroom and in the process of securing speaking opportunities. Sure, there’s now an awareness and a pressure to diversify conference stages, but what we know as speakers agents is that behind the scenes, the gender pay gap is still real and women continue to be undervalued compared to their male counterparts. This systemic devaluing of women’s expertise undermines the entire concept of equal representation and creates an inherent collective mindset that women’s work is NOT in fact, equal to their male counterparts. And it simultaneously sends a message to talented women and underrepresented groups that their voices are less valuable and their experiences less meaningful.
That's where OA comes in. We amplify voices that have been silenced or marginalized. We connect event organizers with the brilliant women and underrepresented speakers who deserve to be heard and ensure they are valued based on their expertise and experience. Our diverse roster includes experts in STEM, business, entrepreneurship, social justice, and more – passionate individuals with unique stories and powerful messages to share.
Why is this important? Beyond fostering inclusivity and equity, there are tangible benefits to having diverse voices on stage.
Enhanced creativity and innovation: When we expose ourselves to different perspectives, we challenge our own thinking and unlock new possibilities. Diverse teams have been proven to outperform less diverse ones.
Increased audience engagement: People connect with stories and experiences they can relate to. By offering a wider range of perspectives, we ensure that everyone in the audience feels seen and heard.
Positive social impact: When underrepresented groups have a platform to share their stories, it inspires others and drives positive change in our communities.
Being a women-owned business isn't just about our identity; it's about our values. We believe in creating a level playing field, in showcasing the incredible talent that often goes unnoticed. OA is not just a speakers bureau; it's a platform for amplifying diverse voices and changing the narrative.
Want to help move the needle? Here's how you can help:
Hire diverse speakers and PAY them accordingly: When planning your next event, consider speakers from underrepresented groups. Check out our roster or explore other speakers bureaus championing diversity.
Amplify diverse voices: Share the stories and expertise of these speakers on your own platforms. Let's collectively raise the volume on their voices.
Be an advocate: Speak out against the lack of diversity in the speaking industry. Encourage others to make inclusivity a priority.
Together, we can create a world where every voice is heard, every perspective valued. Let's rewrite the narrative, one powerful speaker at a time.
Join us. Amplify the change. Check out some of our diverse options in the topics pages by clicking each button below.
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.