Shaun Harper
Provost Professor of Management and Organization; Clifford and Betty Allen Chair in Urban Leadership; USC Race and Equity Center Executive Director
Biography
Shaun Harper is one of America’s most highly respected diversity, equity, and inclusion experts. He is a Provost Professor in the Rossier School of Education, Marshall School of Business, and Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California. In 2022, he was appointed University Professor, a distinction bestowed only to 30 of 4,700 USC full-time faculty members. Dr. Harper also is the Clifford and Betty Allen Chair in Urban Leadership, as well as founder and executive director of the USC Race and Equity Center. He served as the 2020-21 American Educational Research Association president and the 2016-17 Association for the Study of Higher Education president. He was inducted into the National Academy of Education in 2021. A prolific public intellectual, Professor Harper has authored more than 125 articles for the Washington Post, Forbes, Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, and other widely-read newspapers and magazines. In addition, he has published 12 books and over 100 academic papers. His research has been cited in over 23,000 published studies across a vast array of disciplines, in multiple amicus briefs submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, and on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Additionally, he has procured more than $37 million in grants and contracts for his center. He has worked with more than 400 businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, and other organizations: U.S. Air Force, Nike, Zoom, T-Mobile, Google, Microsoft, Mattel, NBC Universal, Anheuser-Busch, Major League Baseball, and the National Football League, to name a few. The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, The Atlantic, and several hundred other news outlets have quoted Dr. Harper and featured his research. He has been interviewed on CNN, MSNBC, ESPN, and NPR. He also has testified twice to the United States House of Representatives and spoken at numerous White House convenings. Additionally, he has served on President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Advisory Council; on the national education policy committee for the Biden-Harris Campaign; and on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s statewide task force on education, racial equity, and COVID-19 recovery. In October 2022, President Joe Biden appointed him to the National Board for Education Sciences. The recipient of dozens of top awards in his fields and four honorary degrees, Professor Harper was ranked the nation’s 4th most influential professor in Education Week for 2023. His bachelor’s degree is from Albany State, a public Historically Black University in Georgia. His master’s and Ph.D. are from Indiana University.
Speech Topics
Customized Topics on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Addressing Homophobia and Heterosexism • Advancing Women to Senior Leadership Roles • Communicating Commitment to EDI • Educational Equity • Eliminating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace • Evolving with Client/Customer Demographics • Facilitating Difficult Conversations about EDI • Hiring and Strategically Diversifying the Workplace • Making Workplace Environments Trans Inclusive • Managing Intergenerational Tensions • Meeting the Needs of Employees with Disabilities • Navigating Partisanship Diversity and Political Polarization • Recognizing and Reducing Implicit Bias • Recovering from Diversity-Related Crises • Resolving Racial Tensions at Work • Retaining and Advancing Employees of Color • Supporting Employee Networks/Resource Groups
Engaging in Productive Conversations About Race
Most employees deliberately avoid engaging in conversations with their colleagues about racial issues in society and in the workplace. University of Southern California Marshall School of Business Professor Shaun Harper, founder and executive director of the USC Race and Equity Center, will help attendees more deeply understand what many Americans and others across the globe were protesting throughout the month of June 2020. He will also explain the consequences of avoidance and the benefits of making race salient in workplace conversations, policies, and practices. Dr. Harper will conclude with several practical strategies and creative activities that can be used to make conversations about race less uncomfortable, more productive, and ultimately useful to the company and its employees. He will share tips for minimizing the risk of race-focused conversations becoming explosive and harmful.
Videos
Testimonials
"“Our event was a great success and Shaun did an awesome job. He delivered beyond our expectations and provided our directors with some much needed guidance for the next phase of the their work. My team and I am pleased beyond words, thank you!”"
"“As expected, Dr. Harper was fantastic! He was insightful and funny. We’ve had nothing but rave reviews from attendees.”"
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Shaun Harper's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Shaun Harper'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 Shaun Harper's speaking fee?
The typical range for Shaun Harper's speaking fee is $14,000–$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 Shaun Harper 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 Shaun Harper for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Shaun Harper'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 Shaun Harper 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 Shaun Harper
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
Angela Davis
Angela Y. Davis is professor emerita of history of consciousness and feminist studies at University of California, Santa Cruz. An activist, writer, and lecturer, her work focuses on prisons, police, abolition, and the related intersections of race, gender, and class. She is the author of many books, from Angela Davis: An Autobiography to Freedom Is a Constant Struggle. Her most recent books are, Abolition.Feminism.Now., written with Gina Dent, Erica Meiners and Beth Richie, and a collection of essays entitled Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol 1.
Fee Range: $30,000–$60,000
Travels From: CA
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
Yusef Salaam
In 1989, Yusef Salaam was among five boys—four black and one Latino—that were tried and wrongfully convicted of raping a young woman in New York City’s Central Park. They became known collectively as “The Central Park Five.” Since his release, Yusef has committed himself to advocating and educating people on the issues of false confessions, police brutality and misconduct, press ethics and bias, race and law, and the disparities in America’s criminal justice system.
Fee Range: $31,000–$32,000
Travels From: NY
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