Anna Maria Chavez
Gender Equality Advocate; Forbes Top 50 Over 50 Women Leaders; Former CEO of Girl Scouts of America
Biography
As one of the world's top experts on women's leadership, youth development, and aging, Anna Maria Chávez is a dedicated advocate for helping others across every stage of life. With 25 years of public service and non-profit leadership experience, Chávez is passionate about teaching the value of teamwork, inclusion and diversity, resiliency, strong leadership, and self-motivation. Her keen insights and dynamic presentations have inspired thousands of individuals and global organizations to lead authentically, work more collaboratively, and create dynamic impact. Chávez was named one of FORTUNE’s World’s Greatest Leaders (2016) and honored as one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company (2014). And in 2021, she was named one of the top 50 Over 50 Women leaders by Forbes Magazine. She was inducted into the U.S. News & World Report’s STEM Leadership Hall of Fame. Recognized for her work supporting and empowering Hispanic communities, Chávez was the recipient of the Excellence in Community Service Award from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), as well as the Graciela Olivarez La Raza Award from UnidosUS (formerly the National Council of La Raza). She is also a member of the National Board of Directors for MALDEF and Board Chair for the SCAN Foundation. From 2011-16, Chávez was the first woman of color to lead the iconic Girl Scouts of the USA, where she helped bring the 104-year-old institution into the future with an historic girl-centric organizational redesign. Additionally, she instilled a focus on teaching girls about technology and social entrepreneurship, including adding new badges in fields like financial literacy and STEM education. In April 2017, Chávez joined the National Council on Aging (NCOA), our nation’s oldest advocacy organization dedicated to helping Americans navigate the challenges of aging, as their chief strategy officer and senior vice president of external affairs. She was ultimately appointed to serve as NCOA’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. On June 1, 2020, Chávez became the Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of the National School Boards Association (NSBA) and served as an ex-officio director on its Board of Directors. Then in July 2021, EdTech company, Encantos, the storyteaching platform connecting creators with kids to inspire them to learn 21st-century skills, appointed Chávez to the newly created position of Chief Impact Officer (CIO) and President of Encantos.org, a new non-profit focused on advancing the understanding of the importance of 21st-century learning, literacy, and life skills for children through the development of research, programs, and fellowships. Chavez has appeared on top national news outlets including ABC News, CBS News, NBC’s The Today Show, FOX News Channel, CNBC, CNN, PBS, Bloomberg Radio, Telemundo, Univision, and NPR. Chávez earned a bachelor's degree from Yale University and a juris doctorate at the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona. She has been admitted to the Bar of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, the Arizona Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Speech Topics
Leading Transformational Change – Secrets of successful leaders
As we move forward into a new decade, everyone will be confronted with opportunities to lead transformational change for ourselves and our organizations. We will also have to take on a more concerted effort to inspire leadership at all levels of organizations and communities. For all stakeholders to believe that change is necessary, we must show the urgency for change and why change is necessary. But people don’t follow taglines or winning proposition statements. They follow leaders who walk the talk and inspire the behavioral change that is necessary. In order to assist you in leading this transformational change, Anna has assembled powerful insights for anyone who wants to be successful in leading and thriving in their lives.
The Economic Impact of Investing in Women and Girls
Through her own experience growing up as a girl of color in a low-income family, Anna knows what it’s like to face personal, cultural and economic challenges. And she recognizes how difficult it is for today’s girls to feel confident enough to imagine their future, as they encounter everything from social-media-driven peer-pressure, to societal constructs that subtly and overtly question their worth. Unfortunately, girls and women turn down power and do not self-Identify as leaders – even when in a leadership position – and are less likely to positively recognize other female leaders. The current 14-billion-dollar leadership-training industry is failing to produce quality leaders across sectors. So it’s no wonder that 86% of people believe we are facing a leadership crisis. But Anna has some solutions to redefine the image of a successful leader and how to change the leadership pipeline in this country.
Fail and fail spectacularly, because if you don’t fail, you’re not innovating
Anna Maria Chavez has experienced the highs and lows of leadership. As the first women of color in many roles in her career, she has led a national conversation about women and the need to invest in equity and inclusion in our society. Recounting her personal narrative and lessons learned in this compelling and dynamic presentation, Anna also weaves in stories of other accomplished women who have overcome roadblocks and forged new paths—women who have similarly learned to live an authentic life by taking risks, failing and picking themselves up to inspire others to do the same. Offering tools to improve resiliency and self-awareness to tackle new opportunities, Anna inspires and energizes audience members to pursue their passion and help reshape the future our country.
Women and Leadership
Thanks to the “Year of the Woman” in 2018, we saw more women run for political office and make a prominent mark on our political dialogue. But, despite the promising progress that’s been made thus far, there’s still significant work to be done. Let’s discuss how we can support more women to take on leadership roles in their community, in their jobs and in politics and how gender affects every organization, every community, and every legislative battle.
Lead like a Girl Scout – Lessons for Everyday Leadership
When she was appointed as the first woman of color to lead the Girl Scouts of the USA, the organization was experiencing serious membership decline and lack of relevancy. But with determination and grit, Anna led the Girl Scouts to become one of the top 10 most innovative nonprofits in the world, and Chávez earned recognition as one of the top 50 world leaders. Anna shares her experiences and lessons learned leading a 100-year-old legacy organization into a new century and practical advice for anyone interested in leading in these turbulent and exciting times.
Gender Equality - Why does it matter?
Do you feel that? That's the cultural shift that's happening because women are creating modern-day movements towards real change now. And it's a real necessity, because when you look at the latest statistics, we still have a long way to go. Today, just 57 percent of the world's working-age women are in the labor force, compared to 70 percent of working-age men. Women with full-time jobs still earn only about 77 percent of their male counterparts' earnings. And 62 million girls are denied an education all over the world. While women have made important inroads into political office across the world, their representation in national parliaments at 23.7 per cent is still far from parity. Let’s discuss why we, as a country and as global citizens, must change these statistics.
You Deserve to Lead Your Life to it’s Fullest Potential
In a life-changing presentation, Anna brings her fresh approach to achieving work success and life wellness to your organization or conference. Anna also has extensive experience as a college commencement speaker and has inspired people across the country including a graduation ceremony with 40,000 attendees. After years of working with thousands of professionals who aim to perform at the highest levels, Anna has also created a framework to help men and women manage their lives for ultimate success and satisfaction. Countless audiences have been inspired and driven to make changes big and small using Anna's inspirational message and real life solutions for personal and professional fulfillment.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Anna Maria Chavez's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Anna Maria Chavez's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Anna Maria Chavez's speaking fee?
The typical range for Anna Maria Chavez's speaking fee is $10,000–$27,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Anna Maria Chavez to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Anna Maria Chavez for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Anna Maria Chavez's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Anna Maria Chavez through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Anna Maria Chavez

Tererai Trent Dr.
Dr. Tererai Trent is one of the world’s most acclaimed voices for women’s empowerment and quality education. She is the founder of Tererai Trent International, an educator, motivational speaker, and Oprah’s “favorite guest of all time.” Tererai received her doctorate in interdisciplinary evaluation from Western Michigan University and teaches courses in Global Health at Drexel University. She has published two highly acclaimed children’s books and is the author of the award winning, The Awakened Woman – Remembering & Reigniting Our Sacred Dreams. Tererai was recently named Global Ambassador of Education and Peace by the UN General Secretary and High Commissioner. She also serves as the president of The Awakened Woman LLC, a company dedicated to empowering women with tools to thrive as they achieve their dreams.
Fee Range: $22,000–$40,000
Travels From: VA
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