SPEAKING

I’m a keynote speaker passionate about empowering audiences to step into their purpose. I love speaking to corporate audiences, nonprofits, organizations, and women's groups to share my story and create an engaging experience that resonates. 

A woman with short curly hair, wearing glasses, a striped orange and white button-up shirt, gold earrings, and a gold necklace, standing outside near a brick archway and flowering plants, smiling with her hands in front of her.

YOLANDA GREEN BARNES

What I Bring To Your Stage 

Before I ever stood in front of a leadership cohort, I spent nearly two decades in front of a camera.

I built my career in broadcast media as a host, interviewer, and community storyteller, sitting across from athletes, entertainers, authors, artists, and elected officials to share stories that mattered. I learned that the most powerful communication starts with presence, trust, and a willingness to meet people where they are.

My broadcast work earned eight Emmy nominations in the first two years of a single program, but the impact I’m most proud of goes beyond awards. A public service campaign I created and led helped more than 5,500 children in foster care find permanent, loving homes. It reinforced what I believe today: communication has the power to create real change.

I carry that same standard to every stage I step onto today, from corporate keynotes and national conferences to the stage of my own alma mater, where I delivered the keynote address to the next generation of leaders stepping into their purpose. Every experience is intentional, customized, and designed to leave people with practical insights they can carry forward long after they leave the room.

When you bring me to your stage, you are not booking a speaker. You are creating a moment your audience will not forget.

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For Corporate Audiences

My corporate keynotes are designed for conference audiences, leadership summits, company all-hands, annual kickoffs, and more. I take a dynamic, story-driven approach that challenges how people see themselves, their potential, and the impact they are capable of creating.

What is included: 

  • Discovery conversation to align on organizational context, audience, and goals 

  • 30-60 minute keynote speech

  • Optional facilitated Q&A or small-group breakout conversation


What your audience will walk away with: 

  • A shared language and a fresh perspective on their leadership role and impact 

  • A renewed sense of possibility that challenges leaders to think differently, grow intentionally, and lead with greater impact

  • A compelling catalyst for a broader culture or development initiative 

  • Clear, actionable perspective on the immediate changes leaders can make in how they lead, show up, and perform

Activating Your Ashayé

SIGNATURE TOPICS

Resilience in Times of Change

Executive
Agility

Leading vs Performing

Stepping into Your Power

In addition to leadership development, I also speak to nonprofits, organizations, and women’s groups about the power of purpose, resilience, and possibility. Drawing from my own journey of overcoming obstacles and creating impact, I inspire audiences to believe in what’s possible and take intentional steps toward their goals.

A woman with short, curly, blonde hair and black glasses smiling while sitting on a beige/straw-colored couch in a living room. She is wearing a red blazer, a white top, pearl earrings, and a pearl necklace. Behind her, there is a framed picture on the wall, a ceramic or decorative sculpture on a side table, and some books or magazines stacked.

Beyond the Stage

When you book me to speak, you gain a partner who understands what it takes to create a meaningful experience. As an experienced speaker, leadership program designer, and former participant, I bring insight beyond the stage, understanding what organizers need, what audiences connect with, and how to create lasting impact.