Dara Duguay
Former Director of Citigroup's Office of Financial Education
Biography
Dara Duguay is the Executive Director of the Credit Builders Alliance. Prior to joining the Credit Builders Alliance, she ran her own consulting practice and advised clients such as TD Bank, the World Bank Group, Experian, Visa, and SunTrust Bank on their financial education efforts. Ms. Duguay was also the Director of Citi’s Office of Financial Education and oversaw a $200 million global commitment. Preceding her work at Citi, she served as the Executive Director of the Jumpstart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, which advocates for increased financial education for youth. She started work in the field as the Director of Education for the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Los Angeles. Ms. Duguay is considered a national expert on personal finance. Her media experience includes interviews in major U.S. print publications and she has regularly appeared as a guest on many national television and radio networks. She is the author of three critically acclaimed personal finance books: The Citi Commonsense Money Guide for Real People; Please Send Money: A Financial Survival Guide for Young Adults on Their Own; and Don’t Spend Your Raise: And 59 Other Money Rules You Can’t Afford to Break. An accomplished public speaker, Ms. Duguay has spoken at hundreds of major conferences, including: the G8 summit in Moscow on financial literacy; the European Commission’s summit on financial capacity; the OECD annual meeting; the National Association of State Treasurers; the Society of American Business Editors and Writers; and the American Bankers Association. Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Duguay has received the Medal of Merit from the U.S. Treasury’s Savings Bond Volunteer Committee and was appointed to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Economics Steering Committee. Ms. Duguay received her B.A. in Communications from the University of Michigan and received her M.A. in International Relations from Schiller University in Paris, France. She currently resides in Washington, DC.
Speech Topics
Money Rules You Can't Afford to Break
Personal finance is terrifying to many people. They feel they need to be an investment guru in order to have the skills to be an effective money manager. However, you don’t need a degree from the Wharton Business School in order to make wise financial decisions for your family. By following these simple but effective money rules, Dara Duguay shows you how you can start turning your money mistakes into money successes.
Young Adults: Leaving the Nest... Only to Return
Young adults are hit by a double whammy in today’s economy. College graduates are leaving school with overwhelming levels of student loan debt and are confronting a job market with too few good paying jobs. This phenomenon has led countless young adults to move back home, primarily for economic reasons. In this presentation Dara Duguay covers all the necessary financial strategies to help young adults through these challenging times. It gives parents and caregivers solid tips to avoid a culture of dependency but still provide the support that allows young adults to build up the discipline and skills to eventually live independently.
How to Improve your Credit Score
This topic will provide an in-depth understanding of credit reports, credit scores and the ways that they have become the “passport” to the new economy. No longer is your credit report just being used to approve you for credit, it is now used to screen future tenants, price your car insurance and by 50% of employers during the hiring process. Attendees will learn how to correct errors, understand how long negatives stay on their credit report and strategies to improve one’s credit score. They will also leave with insight into the complex and confusing world of credit scores and understand how to evaluate their own score.
Credit Building Strategies
The term “credit building” is increasingly becoming a part of the American credit vernacular. Good credit is essential to your financial health and well-being. It is important to use credit wisely in order to strengthen your financial well-being. The more you understand about credit, the more successful you can be in paying off old debt, saving money and using future credit responsibly. These are all manageable steps toward a lifetime of financial health. This presentation will focus on effective strategies to build good credit in order to impact financial goals and long-term financial stability. Attendees will learn how to identify and prioritize credit building activities including addressing debt and credit issues, and mapping out a long-term strategy for success.
Economic Opportunity for All or Chasing the Rich
Opportunity is one of our country’s most cherished ideals and one of our most valuable national assets. However, the promise of opportunity seems like more of a broken promise to many Americans. They feel overwhelmed by barriers that are limiting them from reaching their full economic potential. In this inspiring speech, Dara Duguay talks about the many financial decisions (payday lending, rent-to-own, no retirement plan, etc.) that often trap people in a vicious cycle of debt and poverty. Thankfully, this fate is not predetermined. Duguay lays out the smart financial choices that Americans can make, regardless of their income level, in order to set them on the path to achieve Economic Opportunity for All.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Dara Duguay's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Dara Duguay'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 Dara Duguay's speaking fee?
The typical range for Dara Duguay's speaking fee is $7,500–$12,000. 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 Dara Duguay 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 Dara Duguay for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Dara Duguay'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 Dara Duguay 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 Dara Duguay

Robert Kleinhenz
Robert Kleinhenz, Ph.D. is Principal Economist and Founder of the firm Kleinhenz Economics. A leading voice on the economy at the national, state, and local level, Dr. Kleinhenz taps over 30 years of experience to present his outlook for the economy and its leading industries, and to offer his perspectives on leading policy issues.
Fee Range: $5,000–$10,000
Travels From: CA

Mehrsa Baradaran
Mehrsa Baradaran writes about banking law, financial inclusion, inequality, and the racial wealth gap. Her scholarship includes the books How the Other Half Banks and The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap, both published by the Harvard University Press. Mehrsa Baradaran is a professor of law at UCI Law. Previously, she was the Robert Cotten Alston Chair in Corporate Law and Associate Dean for strategic initiatives with a focus on diversity and inclusion efforts and national and international faculty scholarship recognition at the University of Georgia School of Law. Baradaran and her books have received significant national and international media coverage and have been featured in the New York Times, the Atlantic, Slate and American Banker; National Public Radio’s Marketplace, C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, and as part of TEDxUGA. She has advised U.S. Senators and Congressmen on policy, testified before the U.S. Congress, and spoken at national and international forums like the U.S. Treasury and the World Bank.
Fee Range: $14,000–$20,000
Travels From: CA
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