Elizabeth Nyamayaro

EXCLUSIVE
  • Humanitarian and Voice for Global Social Change | Leadership & Future-of-Work Expert
  • Founder, HeForShe Global Solidarity Movement for Gender Equality
  • Former United Nations Senior Advisor on Gender Equality
  • Author of 'Human Skills'

Elizabeth Nyamayaro is an award-winning humanitarian, author, and former United Nations Senior Advisor on gender equality.  She is a leading voice on human skills, resilience, and the future of work in an AI-driven world with over two decades working on global development through her leadership roles at the World Bank, World Health Organization, UNAIDS, UN Women, and the United Nations World Food Programme. Her work helps organizations and institutions strengthen what technology cannot replace: human connection, critical thinking, adaptability, and purpose. 

Elizabeth is the mastermind behind HeForShe, a United Nations global solidarity movement for gender equality that took the world by storm, generating more than 1.2B conversations on social media and galvanizing men in every single country in the world in just five days. Her book Human Skills is a guide to strengthening relationships and leading a fulfilling life. With her TED Talk garnering more than 1M views in its first weeks alone, Elizabeth is a prominent thought-leader and has engaged at global forums such as World Economic Forum in Davos, Cannes Film Festival, Skoll World Forum, Harvard, Oxford, the British Parliament, among others.

Named as Apolitico’s "100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy" in 2018 & 2019, Elizabeth has been touted by The New York Times as “one of only two women transforming Davos.” She has been featured in Vogue, Fast Company, Wired, Fortune, Elle, BBC, and CNN. She has also served as a Glass Lions jury at Cannes Lions and has received the PR Council Trailblazer Award for Social Impact and the Feminist Majority Foundation’s Global Women’s Rights Award. A Political Scientist by training, Elizabeth holds a Masters of Science in Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science and leadership education from the Harvard Business School. 

 


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Past Hosts Include:
  • Worldpay
  • FICO
  • Empire Entertainment
  • Nutrition for Growth Year of Action
  • United Nations
  • World Economic Forum, Davos
  • Skoll World Forum
  • TED Women
  • Paris Peace Forum
  • The British Parliament
Rave Reviews About Elizabeth Nyamayaro
We couldn’t be more grateful to Elizabeth for bringing such energy, passion and confidence to our program. In addition to navigating a complex agenda in a challenging virtual environment, she brought her personal story and individual commitment in a way that made her one of the most memorable parts of our event. She was a delight to work with from start to finish.

More rave reviews

"It was such a good session and was received very well! Many of my colleagues messaged me after saying it was an impactful session and they enjoyed listening to Elizabeth, who is such an authentic, positive, inspiring person. It was a welcome change and a different perspective to all the business focused events we do, which added to how impactful it was."

-Worldpay

"Elizabeth was remarkable! Everyone was inspired by her talk and I only got positive feedback, even from those who did not attend the event but heard about it from others. Elizabeth was very generous with her time, speaking to every attendee during book signing and allowing everyone to take pictures with her. Everyone left the event inspired and some were even emotional when meeting with Elizabeth. Thank you for facilitating this."

-International Women's Coffee Alliance

"I so enjoyed talking with Elizabeth in advance and loved her presentation. I think the group was moved by her story and passion."

-FICO

"I have nothing but praise for Elizabeth. Would love to work with her again!"

-Empire Entertainment
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Elizabeth Nyamayaro: Creating equality | Stanley Center for Peace and Security - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Elizabeth Nyamayaro
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Human Skills in the Age of AI: What Technology Can’t Replace

A future-focused keynote that shows leaders why human skills—critical thinking, adaptability, and connection are the true competitive advantage in an AI-driven world. As artificial intelligence transforms how we work, many organizations are asking the wrong question: Which technical skills should we ...

A future-focused keynote that shows leaders why human skills—critical thinking, adaptability, and connection are the true competitive advantage in an AI-driven world.

As artificial intelligence transforms how we work, many organizations are asking the wrong question: Which technical skills should we develop next? In this keynote, ELIZABETH NYAMAYARO reframes the conversation by focusing on what will matter most when technology becomes ubiquitous—human skills. Drawing from her book Human Skills, she explores why capabilities such as connection, empathy, ethical judgment, adaptability, and cultural fluency are becoming the true differentiators in the AI era. While machines excel at speed and scale, they cannot replace trust, critical thinking, or creativity. Audiences learn how AI is reshaping leadership expectations, collaboration, and decision-making—and why investing in human skills is no longer optional, but essential for performance, innovation, and resilience. This keynote offers practical frameworks that leaders can apply immediately to future-proof their teams, without relying on fear-based narratives or ideology. 

Ideal for organizations navigating digital transformation, this talk leaves audiences energized, grounded, and clear-eyed about the future—one in which technology advances fastest when guided by deeply human leadership.

Resilience as a Leadership Skill: Thriving Through Change and Uncertainty

A timely keynote that equips leaders with the mindset and tools to sustain effectiveness, adaptability, and clarity amid constant change. In an era defined by disruption, resilience is no longer a personal trait—it is a core leadership skill. In this powerful keynote, ELIZABETH NYAMAYARO redefines ...

A timely keynote that equips leaders with the mindset and tools to sustain effectiveness, adaptability, and clarity amid constant change.

In an era defined by disruption, resilience is no longer a personal trait—it is a core leadership skill. In this powerful keynote, ELIZABETH NYAMAYARO redefines resilience as the ability to adapt, recover, and grow stronger through uncertainty. Grounded in her lived experience growing up in Africa and building a global career, she brings authenticity and depth to the conversation, moving beyond clichés to practical, actionable insights. Audiences learn how resilience is built through mindset, habits, relationships, and purpose—not just endurance. This talk explores how leaders can remain steady amid change, make clear decisions under pressure, and foster resilient cultures without burnout. Participants gain tools to reframe setbacks, manage ambiguity, and sustain momentum during periods of transformation.

Ideal for leaders, students, and organizations facing rapid change, this keynote leaves audiences with renewed confidence in their ability to navigate challenges—and the clarity to turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Leading with Humanity: The New Competitive Advantage

A practical leadership keynote on how trust, clarity, and human-centered leadership drive performance and results in today’s high-pressure environments. The most successful organizations of the future will not be the most automated—but the most human. In this keynote, ELIZABETH NYAMAYARO, a renown ...

A practical leadership keynote on how trust, clarity, and human-centered leadership drive performance and results in today’s high-pressure environments.

The most successful organizations of the future will not be the most automated—but the most human. In this keynote, ELIZABETH NYAMAYARO, a renowned humanitarian, challenges leaders to rethink performance, culture, and leadership through the lens of humanity. As expectations of leaders evolve, employees and students alike are looking for environments where they feel seen, valued, and trusted. This talk explores how leading with humanity drives engagement, accountability, and results—without sacrificing rigor or excellence. Drawing on her decades-long humanitarian career and real-world examples, Nyamayaro demonstrates how empathy, clarity, and purpose enhance—not weaken—leadership effectiveness. Audiences gain a practical framework for balancing results with relationships in fast-moving, high-demand environments.

Ideal for senior leaders, executives, and emerging leaders, this keynote offers a compelling case for why humanity is not a “nice-to-have,” but a decisive advantage in an increasingly complex and digital world.

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Speaker News

Women Making History: Former UN Advisor Elizabeth Nyamayaro – Founder of HeForShe – joins the London School of Economics Inclusion Initiative

Award-winning humanitarian and author ELIZABETH NYAMAYARO has joined the Advisory Board of The Inclusion Initiative (TTI) at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Holding a Masters of Science from LSE, Nyamayaro returns to her alma mater as a foremost expert on social equity, drawing on her experience as a former United Nations Senior Advisor on gender equality and founder of HeForShe – a global solidarity movement for gender equity. Her long career advocating for women’s rights makes her a vital voice for any Women’s History Month programming.

Elizabeth Nyamayaro’s voice is highly sought after among both the private and public sectors in conversations about gender equity. She has advised Fortune 500 companies on DEI and served in leadership roles at the World Bank, WHO, and the UN. For creating the viral UN HeForShe social media campaign, Nyamayaro has earned the PR Council Trailblazer Award for Social Impact and the Feminist Majority Foundation’s Global Women’s Rights Award.

Elizabeth Nyamayaro, a powerful voice in the global equity space, is the perfect fit to help lead TTI towards its goal of fostering inclusive leaders and workplaces. Upon joining the TTI Advisory Board, she said, “it is my firm belief that building a truly inclusive workplace isn’t just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage that fuels innovation, collaboration, and business growth. I have witnessed firsthand the meaningful impact that embracing DEI can have not only for achieving business success but also towards positively impacting society at large.”

Elizabeth Nyamayaro speaks on creating a social movement live at NASA >>

Dr. Elizabeth Nyamayaro’s Human Skills imparts the power to connect with anyone

Leveraging her extensive experience as a former senior advisor to the United Nations and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, DR. ELIZABETH NYAMAYARO a global authority on social change, reveals how to harness your human skills to effortlessly forge connections, enhance trust, boost your influence, nurture meaningful relationships, and effectively navigate differences in the workplace in her book Human Skills. If you’re a leader looking to inspire your team, a professional striving to elevate your career, or anyone keen to enhance daily interactions, this book is your pathway to unlocking true fulfillment and success.

Watch Dr. Elizabeth Nyamayaro speak at NASA >>

Elizabeth Nyamayaro brings the theme of Ubuntu to life in empowering keynotes, consistently receiving rave reviews

When global activist ELIZABETH NYAMAYARO takes the stage, she radiates hope and makes a lasting impact on her audience. The author of I Am A Girl From Africa uses the power of storytelling to share how she grew up in Zimbabwe during a devastating drought and the lessons she learned that would guide the rest of her life. Now one of the most respected champions of our shared humanity, Nyamayaro has held influential positions at the UN, WHO, World Bank, and in corporate America. In powerful keynotes, she shares a stunning message – the African theme of Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are” – illuminating how we are all deeply connected as human beings, no matter who we are.

At global forums such as World Economic Forum in Davos, Cannes Film Festival, Skoll World Forum, Harvard, Oxford, the British Parliament, among others, Nyamayaro consistently receives glowing praise, such as:

  • "I so enjoyed talking with Elizabeth in advance and loved her presentation. I think the group was moved by her story and passion." (FICO)
  • "I have nothing but praise for Elizabeth. Would love to work with her again!" (Empire Entertainment)
  • ”We couldn’t be more grateful to Elizabeth for bringing such energy, passion and confidence to our program. In addition to navigating a complex agenda in a challenging virtual environment, she brought her personal story and individual commitment in a way that made her one of the most memorable parts of our event. She was a delight to work with from start to finish.” (Nutrition for Growth Year of Action)

Watch Elizabeth Nyamayaro at World Denver’s IWD event >>

Watch Elizabeth Nyamayaro on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah >>

Elizabeth Nyamayaro's 'I Am a Girl From Africa' is the inspiring journey of a girl whose near-death experience sparked a dream that changed the world

When severe draught hit her village in Zimbabwe, ELIZABETH NYAMAYARO, then eight years old, had no idea that this moment of utter devastation would come to define her life purpose. Unable to move from hunger, she encountered a United Nations aid worker who gave her a bowl of warm porridge and saved her life. This transformative moment inspired Elizabeth to become a humanitarian, and she vowed to dedicate her life to giving back to her community, her continent, and the world. Grounded by the African concept of ubuntu — “I am because we are” — I Am a Girl from Africa charts Elizabeth’s quest in pursuit of her dream from the small village of Goromonzi to Harare, London, New York, and beyond, where she eventually became a Senior Advisor at the United Nations and launched HeForShe, one of the world’s largest global solidarity movements for gender equality. For over two decades, Elizabeth has been instrumental in creating change in communities all around the world; uplifting the lives of others, just as her life was once uplifted. The memoir brings to vivid life one extraordinary woman’s story of persevering through incredible odds and finding her true calling—while delivering an important message of hope and empowerment in a time when we need it most.

The book quickly gained media attention and lots of buzz, The New York Times gave it a glowing review, calling it "adamantly committed to inspiration, and in that, the memoir is victorious," Nyamayaro was featured on Good Morning America, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and in People, Oprah Daily, Harper's Bazaar, in conversation with Anne Hathaway for Marie Claire, a Q&A on Instagram with Kate Bosworth, a Q&A on Instagram with Gillian Tett, an episode of Porter's Incredible Women podcast, and more. The book has made quite a few lists, including TIME's 15 New Books to Read in April, Good Morning America's "Escape into 34 Books This April," Marie Claire's "25 Great 2021 Memoirs to Pre-Order Now," Bustle's "41 Best New Books to Read This April," Town & Country's "The Best Books to Read This April," and more. 

Agent of change Elizabeth Nyamayaro tells her story to inspire solidarity among the human collective

ELIZABETH NYAMAYARO is one of the most powerful international social voices, and in her speeches she shares how she moved from near starvation in her native Zimbabwe to influential positions for change at the UN, WHO, World Bank and corporate America. From her TED Talk to virtual events around the globe, Elizabeth's electric message is unequivocally clear: all humans deserve dignity, equality, opportunity and security. What is different about Elizabeth's message however, is that she challenges us to advocate for ourselves, and also challenges us to stand up for others. Not with platitudes, but with action grounded in the African philosophy of Ubuntu.

Elizabeth is former United Nations Senior Advisor on Gender Equality and the Global Head of the HeForShe movement, and AfricaYouth.org. A strong advocate for women rights and economic empowerment, Elizabeth has worked at the forefront of the global development agenda for more than two decades in both public and private sectors, and previously held positions with UNAIDS, World Health Organization, the World Bank, Merck and UN Women. A Zimbabwe national and Political Scientist by training, Elizabeth holds a Masters of Science in Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science, and leadership education from the Harvard Business School. 

In addition to her countless speeches at global conferences for women's empowerment, she has also spoken to corporations such as Barclays and HSBC; universities in Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, New York, Hong Kong, and more; major trade associations such as the Human Resources Professionals Association. She has been profiled everywhere from the New York Times to Fortune to Fast Company. Elizabeth is a an electrifying force, leaving the audience inspired and hopeful.

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Biography

Elizabeth Nyamayaro is an award-winning humanitarian, author, and former United Nations Senior Advisor on gender equality. Born in Zimbabwe, Elizabeth has worked at the forefront of global development for over two decades improving the lives of underserved populations and has been instrumental in fighting global inequalities, advancing social justice, and challenging the status quo to accelerate women’s rights around the world – through her leadership roles at the World Bank, World Health Organization, UNAIDS, UN Women and the United Nations World Food Programme.

Elizabeth is the mastermind behind HeForShe, a United Nations global solidarity movement for gender equality that took the world by storm, generating more than 1.2 BILLION conversations on social media and galvanizing men in every single country in the world in just five days. With her TED Talk garnering more than 1 MILLION views in its first weeks alone, Elizabeth is a prominent thought-leader and has engaged at global forums such as World Economic Forum in Davos, Cannes Film Festival, Skoll World Forum, Harvard, Oxford, the British Parliament, among others.

Named as Apolitico’s 100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy 2018 & 2019, Elizabeth has been touted by The New York Times as “one of only two women transforming Davos”, and has been featured in Vogue, Fast Company, Wired, Fortune, Elle, BBC and CNN. She has also served as a Glass Lions jury at Cannes Lions, and has received the PR Council Trailblazer Award for Social Impact and the Feminist Majority Foundation’s Global Women’s Rights Award.

A Political Scientist by training, Elizabeth holds a Masters of Science in Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science and leadership education from the Harvard Business School. Elizabeth wrote a memoir about her life and experiences, I Am A Girl From Africa.

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