Book IWD Speaker: Denise Young

A powerful keynote inspiring women to rise, lead with authenticity, and uplift others through courage, connection, and collective empowerment.

Denise Young is a motivational and high-energy speaker who delivers a custom experience for every audience whether from your stage or through a virtual keynote to your screen. Denise meets with clients ahead of time to ensure your organization key messages and outcomes are integrated into the keynote therefore she delivers to a wide range of industries and sizes. Denise was awarded Woman of Inspiration accross North America and awarded Intercultural Trust Award by Province of British Columbial for her work in inclusion and belonging. Denise is author of Finding My Place, My Journey to Authentic Leadership.

Denise cultivates belonging and inclusion during her keynotes and she is driven to create change, impact culture and move teams to sustainable success. Denise teaches Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and completed a pan-Canadian research project on identifying barriers of women and nonbinary advancement into leadership roles. Denise has a Masters of Arts in Communication and Technology and a Bachelor of Management. The below are sample keynotes

Keynote #1: Give to Gain: Cultivating Belonging Through Authentic Leadership
45-minute Keynote

In a time when the 2026 International Women’s movement calls on us to rise together, Give to Gain explores how generosity, collaboration, and authentic leadership create cultures where everyone belongs. This keynote reframes leadership as a shared responsibility—one rooted in self-awareness, courage, and everyday action. Through storytelling and practical insight, participants are invited to see how leading from who you are can drive meaningful change in both personal and professional spaces.

Key Takeaways
Understand why self-awareness is foundational to authentic and inclusive leadership
Identify areas in your life where you are ready to lead more boldly and intentionally
Learn practical, real-world actions you can take today to foster belonging and inclusion
Experience an engaging, conversational delivery that speaks with the audience—not at them

Keynote #2: Empowering Change Through Conversations
45-minute Keynote

Aligned with the 2026 International Women’s focus on connection and collective action, this keynote highlights how real change begins with the conversations we choose to have—and how we have them. Empowering Change Through Conversations explores how intentional, courageous dialogue can break down barriers, strengthen relationships, and create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Key Takeaways

Define what transformative conversations are and why they are essential to inclusion and belonging
Learn practical tools to elevate everyday conversations—at work, at home, and in leadership
Build confidence in navigating difficult dialogue while honoring diverse voices and perspectives

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