Princess Sarah Culberson
Sierra Leone Princess, Author, Humanitarian, Trumpet Award Recipient
Biography
• Princess Sarah shares her incredible personal journey, along with actions we can take to build community with our co-workers, clients, and in our personal lives. • She helps individuals transform how they connect with their team and their customers and bring allyship to the fore front to build a better support system. Princess Sarah has an extraordinary journey that has been featured on CNN, GMA, BBC, and numerous other media outlets. Her story inspired the book she co-wrote, A Princess Found, which is being adapted into a live-action movie with Disney. With over 15 years of experience in education, Princess Sarah has presented and created curriculum for schools, universities, and corporations. As a keynote speaker, the President and Co-founder of her nonprofit, Sierra Leone Rising, and a businesswoman in the entertainment industry, her work spans the globe. Through Sierra Leone Rising, Princess Sarah has helped young girls stay in school with a sanitary pad program, provided clean drinking water by building wells, and bridged the gap between cultures through coding initiatives. Her efforts in education and technology have led to upcoming projects that connect children to cultures worldwide. In connection with her impactful work, she connects with global royalty and leaders in her new podcast called, Modern Royalty Podcast.
Speech Topics
Fear to Fabulous: Overcoming your Fears & Taking on Dreams
In ‘Fear to Fabulous’ Sarah Culberson explores how she achieved her dream of connecting with her biological family: an experience that changed the trajectory of her life for the better. She began her journey faced with the fear of rejection but stepped into a fabulous world where she met her family, connected with her tribe, and accepted the responsibility of supporting those with low visibility. Discovering her heritage revealed a new purpose where she actively works alongside community leaders in order to promote various infrastructure, public health, and female empowerment initiatives throughout Sierra Leone. With both a BFA and MFA in theater, Sarah mastered public speaking and acts as an advocate to campaign for diversity, equity, and self-discovery. Sarah inspires others with her experience of how she embraced the unknown and ventured into a wonderful world where she found what she is meant to do in her lifetime.
Princess Found: You Are More Than Your Title
Raised in West Virginia by her adopted parents, Sarah Culberson had little knowledge of her ancestry. She grew up in a loving, white household, but she had questions about her identity and biracial roots that led her to hire a private investigator. When she began her unforgettable journey to find her family, she never imagined what she would discover or how it would change her life: she was related to African royalty. Her biological grandfather is the Paramount Chief of a village in Sierra Leone, West Africa and Sarah is considered a Mahaloi, with the status of a princess. Princess Sarah takes an audience on her journey from princess to humanitarian. She shares that everyone has to earn their title, whether it’s that of being a mother, a company leader, or new team hires. The title alone does not give a person success. Sarah’s talk focuses on core values that attendees can use personally and professionally: • Build a community and culture • Embrace diversity and inclusion • Overcome your fears to live your dreams From a dancer to princess, to humanitarian (where she co-founded a non profit, Sierra Leone Rising, to support rebuilding education, public health, and female empowerment), to being an educator (as director of Outreach at the Oakwood School in LA), Princess Sarah uses warmth and humor in her keynote to provide a unique experience filled with stories, images, art, and above all, kindness. The result of her keynote is a challenge, to all attendees, to make their own discovery of self identity and transformation.
Better Together: How to Build a Culture of Belonging
The landscape of leadership and organizations have changed. Whether in a corporate or volunteer setting, team members want a sense of community and belonging. However, building this kind of culture doesn't happen on its own, rather it’s based on action. Princess Sarah’s keynote is for groups who are serious about recognizing differences and taking on people challenges to solve and innovate. Princess Sarah uses her personal experience as an adopted child growing up in a bi-racial family, as well as understanding a whole new culture when she discovered that she was a real-life princess in Sierra Leone. In addition to this inspiring journey, she draws from her business side as an entrepreneur (in entertainment and gaming). In this keynote, filled with stories and value, Princess Sarah covers three areas: • Embrace your assumptions to elevate yourself and those around you. • Be willing to get uncomfortable and have the challenging conversations • Navigate with compassion and use humanity to listen and learn to drive decisions Building a culture of belonging is more than top-down leadership and operating on the mindset that it’s someone else's responsibility. Princess Sarah focuses on empowering YOU, the individual, to take action and build a tribe that is meaningful, passionate, and sustainable. Princess Sarah customizes her talks for each group based on their needs (in leadership, teams, culture, and D&I).
Videos
Books
Testimonials
""Princess Sarah was amazing, the audience loved her! I got a lot of great feedback about her keynote. Princess Sarah is both engaging and her story is powerful.""
""I’m sending this with sincere appreciation! The event was truly wonderful. Princess Sarah engaged the audience, which was probably 75% high school students; the rest were a broad range of community members. The Q&A had to be cut short, yet people had so many questions and comments. Princess Sarah insisted on talking with each person individually as she signed books. A prominent, long-time community member said it was the best event he’d seen/attended ever in his time at Zanesville. One thing I CAN fret about is this: how do we follow an event this good and this engaging next year?""
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Princess Sarah Culberson's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Princess Sarah Culberson'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 Princess Sarah Culberson's speaking fee?
The typical range for Princess Sarah Culberson's speaking fee is $17,000–$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 Princess Sarah Culberson 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 Princess Sarah Culberson for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Princess Sarah Culberson'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 Princess Sarah Culberson 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 Princess Sarah Culberson

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

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

Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Yassmin trained as a mechanical engineer and worked on oil and gas rigs around Australia for years before becoming a writer and broadcaster in 2016. She published her debut memoir, Yassmin's Story, with Penguin Random House at age 24, and followed up with her first fiction book for younger readers, You Must Be Layla, in 2019. Yassmin’s critically acclaimed essays have been published in numerous anthologies, including the Griffith Review, the best-selling It’s Not About The Burqa and The New Daughters of Africa. Yassmin founded her first organization, Youth Without Borders, at the age of 16, leading it for nine years. Since, Yassmin has co-founded two other organisations and now shares her learnings through keynotes and workshops. Yassmin has spoken in over 20 countries on unconscious bias and inclusive leadership. Her TED talk, What does my headscarf mean to you, has been viewed over two million times and was one of TED’s top 10 ideas of 2015.
Fee Range: $10,500–$20,000
Travels From: Intl
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