Speaking & Writing

Are you interested in having me speak at your event or write a think piece? You can review my areas of expertise and credentials below and then contact me about your next event.

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Press and Speaking Inquiries

If you’re a member of the media working on a story, or you’re interested in having me speak at your event, please *******@******li.com” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>get in touch.

Speaking

Are you looking for a speaker for your next event or podcast? Below are some of my frequent speaking topics. Fill out the questionnaire below to discuss my joining your next event.

I can deliver any of the topics below in-person or online as a formal talk, panel discussion, podcast interview, or workshop format.  I can write blog posts and articles on these topics as well.

  • Self-Care/Collective Care
  • Black Women/BIPOC Women Leading in White Spaces
  • Nonprofit leadership for BIPOC staff
  • Professional Development for Middle Managers of Color
  • Affinity Spaces/Employee Resource Groups

Writing

Much of my writing can be found on my blog. I am a long-form writer who can also deliver shorter pieces to be shared on your website. I am available to write think pieces and op-eds about Black women, philanthropy, and leadership.

Portfolio

This Womanist Work Podcast

Kelli and her best friend Kendra Ross are the co-hosts of a podcast called, This Womanist Work (TWW). TWW is a bi-weekly podcast covering politics, pop culture, faith, and f(r)amily, and community. As two recovering church girls, we’re on a mission to unpack things together. Join us in the group chat by subscribing to the podcast and following us on Instagram. We’d love to engage with you there!

Here are some of Kelli’s recent speaking gigs:

Top Posts on the Blog
Black at Work: How Black Men Show Up for Black Women in LeadershipBlack at Work: How Black Men Show Up for Black Women in Leadership
Historically Courageous Leaders: Black Women Leading the Way Then and NowHistorically Courageous Leaders: Black Women Leading the Way Then and Now
Black at Work: PrideBlack at Work: Pride

Photo Gallery of Speaking Events

This image shows Kelli King-Jackson, a Black woman standing at a clear acrylic podium, speaking into a microphone on a stage with a vibrant blue and teal textured curtain backdrop. She is wearing a bright red dress, a leopard print scarf, and black cowboy boots with a detailed pattern. Her expression is confident and engaged, suggesting she is delivering a speech or presentation at a formal event or conference. Two water bottles are visible at the base of the podium, adding to the professional stage setting.
Speaking on the main stage during Funding Forward 2025.
This image shows Kelli King-Jackson, a Black woman standing at the front of a classroom or conference room, actively speaking to an audience. She is wearing a red top and scarf under a black cardigan, using expressive hand gestures as she presents. Behind her, a projector screen displays a Zoom link and digital materials, suggesting a hybrid or virtual component to the session. The audience, seen from behind, includes a diverse group of individuals seated with laptops open, attentively listening. The setting reflects a professional development or capacity-building workshop.
Facilitating as session for a nonprofit cohort.
This image shows Kelli King-Jackson and three other individuals standing side by side and smiling at a conference or panel event. From left to right, there are three women and one man, all wearing conference name badges. The second person from the left, a Black woman in a red top with a matching shawl, stands out as a likely panelist or speaker. The background features banners with phrases like "ROOTS, BOOTS AND TRUTH" and "#WeArePhilanthropists," suggesting the event centers on philanthropy or social impact. The setting is a well-lit conference room with leather chairs and a stage setup, indicating a professional gathering.
Panel photo at the Community Investment Network conference.
This image shows a panel discussion at the 2019 Funding Forward conference, organized by Funders for LGBTQ Issues. Five panelists, including Kelli King-Jackson, a Black woman in a red scarf seated second from the left, are engaged in conversation at a long table with microphones, water bottles, and laptops. A sixth person, standing at a podium with the conference logo, looks toward the panelists. Behind them is a projected slide that reads: “Engaging Local Philanthropy: What We Can Learn from Regional, Statewide, and Local Initiatives to Increase LGBTQ Funding.” The room is softly lit with natural light coming through tall curtains, giving the scene a professional yet welcoming atmosphere.
Panel discussion at the 2019 Funding Forward conference.
This image shows Kelli King-Jackson, a Black woman speaking into a microphone while holding a phone, referencing notes during a Gathering on the Vineyard 2024. She is wearing a black outfit with a white and red geometric pattern, an Apple Watch with a red band, and a beaded bracelet. Her hair is styled in locs, and she stands under a canopy with string lights and greenery in the background. Behind her is a colorful banner featuring a lighthouse graphic, suggesting a themed or branded event, possibly outdoors. The setting feels warm, intentional, and community-centered.
Introducing T.D. Jakes at Gathering on the Vineyard 2024.
This image shows a panel discussion at a conference titled “Roots, Boots and Truths,” as displayed on the banner behind the speakers. Four individuals are seated in armchairs on stage—three women and one man—engaged in a conversation. Kelli King-Jackson, the woman in the center, is wearing a red shawl and appears to be speaking, while the others listen attentively. The stage is flanked by banners with phrases like “boots,” “truths,” and “#WeArePhilanthropists,” suggesting a focus on equity and community in philanthropy. Water bottles rest on the coffee tables in front of the panelists, and the overall setting is professional and warmly lit.
Participating in a panel discussion during the 2016 Community Investment Network Conference.
This image shows a panel discussion at a professional conference related to LGBTQ liberation and philanthropy. Three individuals are seated on a white couch on the left, attentively listening, while Kelli King-Jackson, a Black woman in a black dress with a bold pink shawl and long necklace is speaking from a white chair on the right. She gestures expressively with one hand while holding a tablet in the other, appearing to moderate or lead the conversation. The backdrop features a vibrant geometric design with orange, purple, green, and white elements. Two water bottles rest on a nearby table, reinforcing the formal event setting.
Moderating a panel discussion during Funding Forward 2019.
This image shows Kelli King-Jackson speaking at a formal event inside what appears to be a government venue, likely the White House. She stands confidently holding a microphone and papers, wearing a green shawl over a white top and black skirt. A large screen beside her displays her name and title—Senior Program Officer at The Simmons Foundation—alongside fellow speaker Eva Thibaudeau, who stands in the background near a wooden podium. Attendees are seated in the foreground. The setting suggests a panel or presentation focused on ending youth homelessness, as indicated by the hashtag visible on the screen.
Presenting at a White House briefing on youth homelessness in 2016.
This image shows Kelli King-Jackson, a Black woman speaking during an interview discussion at the University of Houston–Downtown. She is seated at a table with a UHD-branded coffee mug in front of her and gestures with one hand while speaking, appearing thoughtful and engaged. She wears a dark top, hoop earrings, and a necklace, with a microphone clipped to her shirt. The background is a bright blue wall, and part of a laptop screen is visible in the lower right corner, suggesting a digital or recorded format for the discussion.
Speaking on a nonprofit YouTube show.
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