Hisham Tawfiq
Actor, Retired FDNY Firefighter & Former United States Marine Corps
Biography
Long before becoming widely known as "Dembe," a Sudanese Freedom Fighter and right hand man to Raymond Reddington on NBC's hit show The Blacklist, Hisham Tawfiq discovered his passion for the arts in his High School while performing the poem "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou. Tawfiq then studied at the world renowned Negro Ensemble Theater Company which has brought forth such notable actors as Denzel Washington, Ossie Davis and Phylicia Rashad. He also studied with Susan Batson, whose known for coaching actors such as Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, and Jennifer Connelly. Throughout his career, Hisham continues to call on his life experiences and training to inform his choices as an actor and artist. Be it as a Marine in Desert Storm, A Correction Office at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, or as one of New York's Bravest FDNY firefighters. Evidence of this work ethic can be seen in his dramatic episodic work on FX "Lights Out" and the NBC dramas "Law & Order SVU" and "Criminal Intent." Tawfiq also starred in the groundbreaking one hour drama "Gun Hill" as Capt. Sanford, alongside stars Larenz Tate, Tawny Cypress, and Aisha Hinds. He has also starred in episodes of 30 Rock and Nurse Jackie. He is incredibly proud to have starred opposite Simone Missick in the feature film "Jinn," directed by Nijla Mumin. Twafiq is the grandson (his wife’s mother) of Little Rock Nine member Minnijean Brown-Trickey.
Speech Topics
From Harlem to Hollywood
Embark on an inspiring journey as we delve into Hisham's exploration of success secrets —from knowing your roots to fostering unwavering self-belief, putting in the hard work, and the magic of faith and gratitude.
Conversations about Men, Mental Health, & The Importance of Self Care.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Hisham Tawfiq's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Hisham Tawfiq'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 Hisham Tawfiq's speaking fee?
The typical range for Hisham Tawfiq's speaking fee is $14,000–$20,000. 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 Hisham Tawfiq 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 Hisham Tawfiq for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Hisham Tawfiq'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 Hisham Tawfiq 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 Hisham Tawfiq
Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu
As the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Naomi Tutu struggled to find her own place in the world. As a human rights advocate, she pulls from her personal challenges of growing up black and female in apartheid South Africa. Her professional experience ranges from being a development consultant in West Africa, to a program coordinator for race and gender-based violence in education at the African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town. In addition, Tutu has taught at the University of Hartford and Brevard College in North Carolina. She also leads workshops on conflict resolution and racism. In addition to speaking, Tutu is a consultant for the Spiritual Alliance to Stop Intimate Violence (SAIV), founded by renowned author Riane Eisler and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Betty Williams, and the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa (FHSSA). Audiences are captivated by her story growing up in apartheid South Africa and moved by her message of healing and wholeness.
Fee Range: $12,500–$15,000
Travels From: GA
Sampson Davis, MD
Sampson Davis, MD, is an infectious, compelling storyteller that all should hear. His true rags-to-riches journey leaves audiences inspired and filled with motivation. Growing up in one of America’s toughest cities, he made the transition from life-threatening quarters to a highly sought-after professional speaker, best-selling author and specially skilled, life-saving physician. Davis spends his time practicing medicine and traveling the country delivering keynote speeches with timely messages. Davis believes it is important to give education a sense of style and fashion. To glorify and glamorize education is the key. A face must be present, a concrete image that all individuals across America can draw inspiration from. Davis considers his 3 D’s, Dedication, Determination and Discipline, as the necessary ingredients to success. Davis’ speeches will detail topics including mental health, substance abuse, diversity in the medical field and his calling to care as an act of reciprocity.
Fee Range: $15,000–$30,000
Travels From: NJ
Linda Johnson Rice
As Chairman Emeritus of Ebony Media Holdings, Chairman of Johnson Publishing Company, LLC, and second-generation leader of the largest African-American-owned publishing company in the United States – producing the iconic magazines Ebony and Jet – Rice has not only chronicled much of American history, she has lived it and shaped it. Throughout her extraordinary life as a woman entrepreneur in the media and beauty industry she has given voice to millions and helped tell the story of the African-American experience in America, with all its many trials and triumphs. Now, audiences can hear as she shares the invaluable lessons she’s gained by building a world-renowned business brand, as well as her view of how far we’ve come as a nation and where we go from here. While Rice is visually impaired, she continues to remain actively engaged in her leadership role and speaking events.
Fee Range: $18,000–$25,000
Travels From: IL
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