Maysoon Zayid
Renowned Comedian, Actress, Writer, and Disability Advocate
Biography
Renowned comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid jokes that if there were an ‘Oppression Olympics,’ she would win the gold medal: “I’m Arab, I’m Muslim, I’m a woman of color, I’m divorced, I’m disabled, and I live in New Jersey.” Known for her famed TED Talk “I got 99 problems…palsy is just one,” which has over 11M views, Zayid is a highly sought-after speaker for events with groups like the Ralph Lauren Foundation, Fidelity, Veeam, the Asia Society, Salesforce, and many more. Zayid has performed around the world, headlining the Arabs Gone Wild Comedy Tour and The Muslims Are Coming Tour, in which comedians toured the U.S. in an effort to counter Islamophobia. She is the co-founder and co-executive producer of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and The Muslim Funny Fest. In her New York Times bestselling memoir Find Another Dream, Zayid shares her hilarious and poignant journey of failures, successes, and insights about what it takes to make your dream a reality. Zayid served as a full-time on-air contributor for Countdown with Keith Olbermann, and has been featured on The Nick Cannon Show’s Cannon’s Comedy Club, Let’s Kiki with Miz Cracker, CNN, The Wall Street Journal’s Secrets of Wealthy Women podcast, in The New York Times, and Glamour, which nailed her as “the most fearless comic alive.” Her writing has been featured in Refinery29 and The Daily Beast, among many others. Her second book, a middle-grade graphic novel titled Shiny Misfits, is set to be published by Scholastic in 2024, with an audiobook distributed by Audible. A current Princeton University Arts Fellow, she teaches in-demand courses on comedy, brand messaging, and collaboration. Hilarious, disarming, and sharing a message of inclusion that matters, Zayid’s comedy and commentary resonate with audiences of all kinds.
Speech Topics
If I Cancan, You Cancan (DEI)
This extended version of Maysoon’s viral TED Talk takes listeners on her crooked journey as a multiple minority, dreaming big, and spinning failure into laughter. The comedian, writer, and disability advocate makes DEI fun, easy, and hilarious. As a multiple minority, she has learned the keys to creating a more inclusive and more productive environment. Maysoon will share her expertise and give the audience advice they do not want to hear but definitely need to.
Find Another Dream
The daughter of Palestinian immigrants, as a child Maysoon Zayid dreamed of one day dancing on Broadway. As a teen, a bubble-bursting choreographer told her to “find another dream”, so she set her sights on becoming a soap star, undeterred by the fact that the odds were against her. While chasing fame, Maysoon found her voice in stand-up comedy, performing in multiple languages in sold-out shows all over the world. In this talk, Maysoon tells tales of family, friendship, love, and career as she takes audiences on a hilarious, poignant journey of failures and successes. She inspires audiences to chase their dreams, ignore the doubters, and defy the odds.
Surviving Healthcare
Disability and healthcare go together like peanut butter and jelly, including the peanut allergy. Maysoon, who has Cerebral Palsy, deftly tackles the relationship between patient and provider, using her perspective as a life-long patient. In her most recent dalliance, she was paralyzed from her nose to her toes and had to learn to walk again. She will bring a laugh to your bored conference audience while creating a new understanding of the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
Stand Up Comedy Workshop
Are you looking for a fun team building activity for your leadership or executive board? Princeton Fellow and comedy coach Maysoon Zayid’s standup comedy workshop is the perfect fit for any event. Each participant will learn the tricks of the trade and will get a chance to take the mic. This workshop builds confidence, camaraderie, trust, and is laugh out loud fun.
Videos
Books
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Maysoon Zayid's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Maysoon Zayid'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 Maysoon Zayid's speaking fee?
The typical range for Maysoon Zayid's speaking fee is $20,000–$30,000. 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 Maysoon Zayid 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 Maysoon Zayid for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Maysoon Zayid'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 Maysoon Zayid 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 Maysoon Zayid

Lizzie Velasquez
Lizzie was born with a rare syndrome that makes it impossible for Lizzie to gain weight. At this time there are only 2 other people in the world that are known with this rare syndrome. Lizzie was bullied during her childhood and she credits her parents and loved ones for instilling in her the courage and strength to be herself. The negativity of others couldn’t stop her from reaching the goals she had set for herself including becoming a motivational speaker and an author. In 2010, she published an autobiography titled Lizzie Beautiful: The Lizzie Velásquez Story. Her second book, Be Beautiful, Be You, urged her readers to accept and love themselves for who they are. Her latest book is Dare to Be Kind: How Extraordinary Compassion Can Transform Our World. She has become one of the most popular TEDx Keynote Speakers including appearances at the TEDxYouth and TEDx Women events.
Fee Range: $10,000–$14,000
Travels From: TX

Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, MD
Dr. Oluwaferanmi Okanlami is an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Urology at Michigan Medicine, and the Interim Director of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) and Director of Adaptive Sports & Fitness within the Division of Student Life at the University of Michigan. He also serves as the Director of Adaptive Sports in the Michigan Center for Human Athletic Medicine & Performance and is the Spokesperson for Guardian Life in their Equal & Able Partnership.
Fee Range: $14,000–$25,000
Travels From: MI

Spencer West
The life of visionary and activist Spencer West has been marked by both obstacles and triumph. After losing both legs from the pelvis down at the age of five, he entered a world that might have easily defeated him. Instead, he tackled challenge after challenge, learning to navigate in a world set against those with disabilities. His many accomplishments and lessons learned along the way, led him to discover the techniques business professionals can use to redefine possible in their own lives and careers. Whether headlining corporate conferences, speaking at your AGM or company event, mesmerizing audiences in 20,000-seat stadiums or streaming virtually, Spencer’s words and actions have encouraged millions to stand up, face challenges and embrace change.
Fee Range: $15,000–$15,000
Travels From: Intl
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