CELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF SHAPING THE MARKETPLACE OF IDEAS MY SPEAKER LIST () 646.227.4900
  1. Home
  2. Our Speakers
  3. MJ Acosta-Ruiz

MJ Acosta-Ruiz

EXCLUSIVE

ADD TO MY SPEAKER LIST
  • Emmy Award-Winning Sportscaster
  • Host of 'The Association' on NBA TV and 'Becoming Undefined' Podcast
  • Former Anchor and Reporter, ESPN
  • Advocate for Women's Empowerment, Representation, Equality, and Marginalized Communities

Emmy Award-winning journalist MJ Acosta-Ruiz has built a nearly 20-year career by refusing to let any one title define her. A bilingual TV host and sportscaster, she has brought her voice to the studio and sidelines for ESPN, NFL Network, and Netflix, and currently hosts The Association on NBA TV. She is also the creator and host of the Becoming Undefined podcast, where she explores what happens when we move beyond the labels and expectations that can limit who we become.

Drawing on her journey through sports and entertainment, Acosta-Ruiz speaks about owning what makes you different, navigating spaces where you may not see yourself represented, and building a career on your own terms. A longtime advocate for representation and equality, she works with women’s empowerment organizations including A Seat at the Table and Feral and serves on the Board of Directors of Health in the Hood. Onstage, Acosta-Ruiz brings the same candor and energy that have defined her broadcasting career to conversations about authenticity, resilience, representation, and becoming more than any single definition of success.

 
MJ Acosta-Ruiz headshot
Past Hosts Include:
  • Google
  • Scholastic
  • Talking Rain Beverage Company
  • KPMG, LLC
“
Yesterday was anything short of amazing. MJ did an amazing job. People resonated with her message and still buzzing about it on our social media platforms.
”

MJ Acosta-Ruiz on Changing the Game: the NFL Pro Bowl Goes Virtual | Paley Center - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with MJ Acosta-Ruiz
Expand section

Break Barriers and Blaze Trails

Drawing on her experience of being the first ever Afro-Latina and woman of color to host a major NFL show and working in a male-dominated field, MJ ACOSTA RUIZ knows what it takes to overcome obstacles and rise to the top. Her success did not come easily and took a decade to make, refine and shine. Before her entrance onto the national scene, Acosta-Ruiz strategized her steps as if they were a military plan and then defeated rejection, insecurity, loneliness and even gender bias to reach her goal. Her inspirational story is one of hard work, endless preparation, and embracing what makes her different.

Expand section

Embracing Your Authentic, Professional, Beautiful Self

As an Afro-Latina with a career in media, MJ ACOSTA RUIZ opens up about her journey from being told how to look and present herself to the audience, to being an unapologetic curly hair advocate. For some it may seem trivial: “It's just hair. Who cares?” But for MJ it was about owning and loving what made her special and presenting her true and authentic self to the world. When she started her television career over 10 years ago, there was no scenario where she would be allowed to wear her curly, textured hair as it grew out of her head — none. A chemical hair relaxer was like a rite of passage for most of the women in her family, who were taught for generations to hide their pelo malo, or bad hair. It took MJ over 30 years, a lot of internal work, and self-love to get to a place where she felt confident in her own skin and in her own beautiful curly crown. In this talk, Acosta-Ruiz encourages and inspires everyone to present their true selves at work, and move past traditional beauty standards of professionalism.

Expand section

MJ Acosta-Ruiz is a Gifted Moderator for Your Next Event

Emmy Award-winning journalist and trailblazing sportscaster MJ ACOSTA RUIZ is a gifted moderator, asking thoughtful questions and cultivating powerful conversations on today’s biggest issues. With more than a decade of experience in journalism and entertainment, Acosta-Ruiz is the perfect choice to make your next event or panel a memorable one.

Expand section

Commencement & Fundraisers

Emmy Award-winning journalist and trailblazing sportscaster MJ ACOSTA-RUIZ shares touching remarks for large audiences. Comfortable presenting to groups of any size, Acosta-Ruiz delivers unforgettable moments that will inspire audiences for a lifetime.

Biography
Expand >
More ideas that might interest you:
Black Heritage & History Month
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Exclusive to HWA
Hispanic Heritage Month
Intersectionality
Journalists & Media
Moderators & Interviewers
New Realities: Race, Social Justice & Community
News & Media
Personal Growth & Inspiration
Social Change
Social Justice & Equity
Sports Broadcasters & Journalists
Sports Inspiration
Women Speakers