A Voice that must be heard: The Intersection of Identity and Inclusion
In this powerful keynote, Deonna Marie, a trailblazer in the world of performance, film acting, and music, takes audiences on a deeply personal journey of resilience, self-empowerment, and transformation. From her tumultuous upbringing as the "black sheep" in a broken system, Deonna Marie emerged as a global powerhouse in the arts. Now, she uses her voice to speak not only to personal empowerment but to the greater need for inclusion and understanding in the workplace and beyond.
Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming addiction, trauma, and societal rejection, Deonna highlights the intersection of identity and inclusion, challenging audiences to break down the barriers that separate us, in both personal and professional spaces. Through the lens of her life story and musical performance, Deonna encourages us all to find strength in our differences, celebrate authenticity, and create spaces where everyone’s voice can be heard and valued. This speech isn’t just about overcoming adversity—it’s about using our unique identities to drive positive change, not just within ourselves, but within our organizations, communities, and society at large.
Why this keynote lands:
Humanizes the challenges of growing up unseen and misunderstood
Empowers audiences to reclaim their voices and personal narratives
Inspires courage to defy systems and rewrite limiting beliefs
Resonates deeply with those navigating intersectional identities
Audience Takeaways:
Breaking Through Barriers:
Understand how personal experiences of exclusion and adversity can be reframed as sources of power and leadership, driving inclusion and belonging in professional environments.
The Power of Vulnerability:
Learn how embracing vulnerability and authenticity fosters deeper connections, promotes diversity of thought, and cultivates empathy among teams.
Driving Change from Within:
Gain practical tools for championing diversity and inclusion within your workplace, ensuring every voice is heard and every individual is empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work.