Book IWD Speaker: Virginia Mendez

Virginia Méndez helps organisations, schools and communities move beyond awareness of gender inequality towards practical, sustainable action. Through engaging keynotes, workshops and training, she equips people to recognise bias, challenge limiting stereotypes and build cultures where more people feel seen, respected and able to contribute.

Her sessions combine research, lived experience, storytelling and practical tools. They are challenging without being shaming, honest without being abstract, and designed to leave audiences with language, confidence and actions they can use immediately.

*Why book Virginia*
Virginia brings a rare combination of corporate insight, feminist expertise, coaching skills and hands-on experience of cultural change.

Expert author: Author of Everyone Pays teh price, the bilingual Mika & Lolo children’s book series, Through My Lens,Writing Out Loud and life in progress. She is also one of 125 contributors to Diverse Educators: A Manifesto, published by University of Buckingham Press.

Organisational credibility: Former consultant at Deloitte and PwC, with an understanding of how workplace culture, leadership, recruitment and everyday behaviour shape inclusion and performance.

Proven reach: More than 5,000 children have taken part in her school workshops, while more than 30,000 teachers, employees and adults have attended her training and talks.

Practical, not theoretical: Sessions blend evidence, reflection and actionable strategies, tailored to the audience, sector and desired outcome.

An engaging, human speaker: Virginia creates spaces where people can think critically, ask questions and be challenged without feeling judged. Her style is warm, direct, humorous and grounded in real life.

Flexible delivery: Available for in-person events across the UK and Ireland, as well as virtual sessions internationally.

POPULAR TALKS

*Breaking Bias: Inclusive Workplaces Without Sexism*

*Allyship: From Good Intentions to Real Action*

*Intersectionality: The Tapestry of Privilege and Oppression*

*Parenting Beyond Gender Bias*

A DISTINCTIVE VOICE
Virginia does not offer vague inspiration or a one-size-fits-all diversity talk. She helps audiences examine the beliefs, habits and systems that quietly shape their choices, then supports them to act with greater intention.

Her work sits at the intersection of personal growth, gender equality and cultural change. She brings warmth, humour and a social justice lens, helping people feel safe enough to reflect honestly and courageous enough to do things differently.

TESTIMONIALS
“From start to finish Virginia was an absolute pleasure to deal with. We would highly recommend utilising Virginia for events. Her passion for change and honesty around her continued learning was admirable and shone through, even in the virtual world! “ Hal Shal, director of Gender IQ, AON insurances

“Virginia was instrumental in our successful DiveIn event for He, she, they; together championing for change. From her engaging session to moderating an insightful panel discussion. We couldn’t recommend Virginia more and we look forward to working again with Virginia in the future.” Jane Harley, Gender Inclusion Network (GIN) Co-chair.

“Virginia is a natural communicator, she is engaging and thought-provoking. She is really personable and relatable and it will be impossible to watch tv, buy books or go shopping for my kids without her words resonating in my head. “  Sarah Brady, feedback from the Human Rights Festival talk.

“Virginia is a natural born communicator delivering a powerful message with clarity and honesty.“  Una Carlin, owner of Carlin Creative Events and Communications

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