Michele is a gifted communicator with an inspiring story of resilience, hope, and impact. She has shared her stories and insights in front of thousands around the world at events including TED, Dreamforce, SXSW, The Atlantic Festival, Global Citizen Festival, and many more.
We invite you to watch Michele’s story of determination and resilience in this inspiring talk at TEDWomen. In this candid talk, she speaks about the challenges she has overcome in life, highlighting the importance of acceptance and helping others succeed in the face of their unique challenges.
Speaking Topics
INSPIRATION, EMPOWERMENT, MOTIVATION, AND RESILIENCE
LIVE TO IMPACT OTHERS
SOCIAL IMPACT, INCLUDING THE POWER OF INVESTING IN GIRLS & WOMEN
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
POWER OF COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP
INTERSECTIONALITY BY DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Notable Experiences
Oct 2022 | SWE22 – Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference Keynote address on how each of us can make an impact.
June 2022 | NACE – National Association of Colleges and Employers Conference Keynote address on DEI and impact of resilience on the power of inclusion.
2021 | Caterpillar (On-Going) Speaker on Keys to Resiliency and Intersectionality & DEI
OCT 2021 | EBSCO Industries Speaker on Business Resiliency
SEP 2021 | MIT Speaker on Keys to Resiliency
2021 | National Electrical Contractors Association Speaker on “We Are All More Than You Can See: Intersectionality & Diversity”
2021 | American Society of Association Executives Keynote address on “It’s All About Perspective - Sharing Insightful Leadership Advice such as, Turning Obstacles Into Advantages”
2021 | Global Resiliency Conference Speaker on “Strategies To Enhance Resiliency”
2020 | Global Resiliency Conference Speaker on “Empowering Strategies”
FEB 2020 | Savannah Book Festival Speaker on C-SPAN live on leadership and philanthropy.
JAN 2020 | Michigan Farm Bureau Speaker at annual conference for Michigan Farm Bureau Presidents on how perspectives can change lives.
MAY 2019 | Circular Summit, powered by Alice
Goal and business planning to accelerate growth for high-growth female founders.
SEPT 2018 | The Atlantic Festival
Keynote address on the impact of advocacy grants
SEPT 2018 | Dreamforce
Keynote address on the power of resilience
AUG 2018 | Plywood Presents
Keynote address to social entrepreneurs on the strategic impact of disruptive collaboration
MAY 2018 | Bentonville Film Festival
Keynote address on the importance of Understanding Intersectionality
APRIL 2018 | Lincoln Leadership Dinner
Private meeting with Cherie Blair of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women
MARCH 2018 | SXSW
Principle panelist on panel of experts discussing the connection between lack of water access and poverty and the impact on women and girls; launch of the Value of Water global awareness campaign
• Hub Culture Live interview on the launch of the Foundation’s Value of Water campaign
FEB 2018 | Busy Bees Academy in Kigali, Rwanda
Remarks during school-wide honorary guest reception for Michele and her partner delegation
NOV 2017 | Glamour Feature
Interview with Michele in magazine feature alongside Ava Duvernay, Robin Wright, and Gayle Smith
OCT 2017 | Future of the Girl Campaign Launch with Glamour
Launch of #AskLikeAGirl campaign from the stage of Glamour’s International Day of the Girl Celebration
SEPT 2017 | Global Goals Week
Speaking engagements with other influencers to raise awareness of the Foundation’s work on behalf of women around the world
• Power, Influence + Gender Dinner, September 2017: Remarks alongside Robin Wright and Sue Desmond-Hellman in front of an audience of influential women and business leaders
JULY 2017 | Cosmopolitan’s Women @ Work Interview
Interview with Michele and other inspirational women on advice for women entering the workforce
MAY 2017 | Comcast Diversity in Tech Summit
Keynote address on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
CAREERS & the DisABLED
Magazine Awards Michele received the annual award and provided remarks during the award ceremony
APRIL 2017 | Brown University
Keynote address to the Watson Institute of International and Public Affairs on The Role of the Private Sector and Foundations in Policy and Foreign Affairs
Endorsements
“Michele was the absolute perfect combination of inspiration, motivation, and humor as we closed out our annual conference. With nearly 4,000 attendees listening to her, she shared so many amazing lessons with us to help motivate us to do better and strive for more. I believe that everyone left the room truly believing that they can impact the world and they can help make someone’s life better. I could not have asked for a better sendoff for our conference attendees.”
“Michele’s keynote gave new insights into diversity and inclusion as well as the impact of resilience on the power of inclusion. The keynote is an uplifting blend of humor and life experiences.”
“Michele Sullivan’s talk with our farmers was both gritty and heartfelt. Her lesson that asking for help is a strength is a paradigm shift for people who are accustomed to doing things on their own. Her life’s work and her personable message exemplify the value of focusing on our own strengths and recognizing the strength of others.”
“Michele is full of wisdom and wit! She has goal setting tips that every business owner needs to learn - while bringing the levity of laughter and storytelling to the audience.”
“Michele Sullivan graced the stage at Salesforce annual user conference, Dreamforce Women’s Network Reception, and she was phenomenal. Michele’s raw and candid anecdotes inspired those listening to reach higher than they knew they could. Her journey to equality is unique, but her perseverance and drive struck a chord with all 1,300 women and allies in the audience. From growing up as a person with a disability to how she advocates for women’s rights and education, her experiences are unique, but her messages, desires, and takeaways were relatable and connected to those around her in a way that only Michele could. I’m excited for her upcoming book.”
“Michele’s experiences connect with and inspire our diverse student population. She is the type of leader they are eager to learn from. Whether it be large or small, she continues to invest in our students and programs. We are grateful for the impact Michele continues to have on our college and community.”
“Dynamic. Inspirational. Empowering!
Michelle’s message focused on the power of resiliency and inspired everyone to face adversity by “Looking Up” with positivity.
Michelle’s presentation was one of the best talks I’ve experienced and her presentation brought the participants literally to their feet with a standing ovation.”
