Marketers, Pollsters, and Parents have tried to sort identities along generational lines for decades. Baby Boomers, Millennials, and X’ers are often defined by their art, their politics, and the products they consume. But human behavior doesn’t always follow easily identifiable patterns. Does every person born in the 1970’s list “The Breakfast Club” as their favorite movie? Are all Boomers unable to properly navigate Zoom etiquette?
The tropes assigned to generational categories often miss the mark. There is nuance and grey area that exists in all of us. But that won’t stop Madison Avenue executives from trying to decode your buying habits based on your birth year.
Gen Z presents a new challenge. They reject a lot of outdated myths around success and happiness. They have grown up under the shadow of economic uncertainty and toxic political divisions. Their desire for a more inclusive and just planet is both inspiring and confusing. There are a number of thought leaders who understand how the Zoomers will leave their mark.
Here are the most prominent and requested speakers on all things Gen Z.
Speakers on Gen Z
Ziad Ahmed is a Muslim-American youth activist who co founded the youth consulting firm JUV Consulting. He is now head of Next Gen at UTA Marketing. He continues to be one of the most in demand leaders connecting brands with the zeitgeist at the intersection of content, community, and culture.
Elora Dodd is a digital creator who has amassed a loyal following as @online1roomschoolhouse on TikTok and Instagram. With her dark humor and unapologetic messaging, Elora examines all areas of her identity including Queerness, Autism, and Generational Trauma.
Larissa May knows firsthand the dangers of growing up with social media. Her mental health and physical wellness suffered greatly as she was bombarded with false narratives around beauty and love. She has now turned her healing journey into an influential digital advocacy platform #HalfTheStory. As a global marketing guru, she is on a mission to break down the barriers surrounding social entrepreneurship for Gen Z.
Miracle Olatunji started her first business in her junior year of high school. Today she is an entrepreneur acknowledged as both a young futurist and game-changer. If you’re looking for an introduction to her unique perspective and expertise, her book “Purpose: How To Live and Lead with Impact” is a must read. Miracle is a highly sought after strategist by brands looking to be “future ready”.
Sara Mora is an Immigrant Rights Activist who works with some of the world’s top brands on moving towards activism. Sara’s unapologetic storytelling highlights the issues faced by undocumented immigrants. She often speaks on how purpose driven brands can engage the next generation on social impact.
Tarek Ali is a social media pioneer who currently hosts the GLAAD nominated podcast “THAT Conversation”. Well-known for his activism & positivity, Tarek continues to encourage space for self-acceptance and growth at every age. As he says in all of his talks “I never come to be right. I come to start the conversation.”
At age 15, Zyahna Bryant began her activism journey in Charlottesville, VA, drafting a petition for the removal of her city’s Confederate statues. But her work has always been much bigger than discarding problematic imagery. She now works with both brands and organizers to spark conversations about lasting change. Her vision for the future of activist spaces offers inspiration to ALL generations.
As a young, transgender Latina actress and influencer, Zoey Luna refuses to be defined by others expectations for her. After memorable appearances in “Dear Evan Hansen” and “The Craft: Legacy”, Zoey has used her acclaim on the big screen to create better narratives for marginalized youth. Her generational insights are in high demand by brands like Four Season Hotels, Rakuten, and Symphony.
Thómas Lopez Jr is an indigenous, Two Spirit, digital creator at the forefront of youth engagement. They have created a large and memorable social media presence by combining comedy, history, and culture. Our favorite Landback Baddie is now making an impact as head of IndigiQueer, an Indigenous
led creative alliance serving Queer, Trans, and Two Spirit BiPOC artists and organizers. They have seen the possibilities radically inclusive spaces hold and how far Queer BIPOC leadership and creativity can go when properly nurtured.