SPEAKER. CULTURAL EXPERT. STORYTELLER.

Book Dr.
Jessica Berry

Bringing the power of Gullah Geechee language, culture, and leadership to stages, classrooms, boardrooms, and communities across the nation.

✉ Submit a Speaking Inquiry
ASHA
National Presenter
ASHA National Convention Speaker
HULU
Featured Expert
Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi
IAAM
Keynote Speaker
International African American Museum
FULBRIGHT
State Department
U.S. Department of State Panelist
600+
Educators Trained
Charleston County School District
NPS
Commissioner
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
Speaking Topics

Full Topic Roster by Audience

Choose the audience category that best fits your event. Every presentation can be customized to align with your goals, attendees, and desired outcomes.

For Educators & Schools

  • Encouraging Inclusive Language Practices in Education
  • The Gullah Geechee Language: History, Heritage, and What It Means for Your Classroom
  • Dialect and Diversity in Communication Disorders

For Corporations & Nonprofits

  • Whose Language Is It? Power, Identity, and Communication in the Workplace
  • Beyond Diversity Training: What Cultural Intelligence Actually Requires
  • The Gullah Geechee Lesson: Resilience, Identity, and Belonging

For Faith Communities

  • A Language That Would Not Die: The Gullah Geechee Story of Faith and Persistence
  • Honoring the Voices in the Room: Linguistic Diversity as a Spiritual Practice

For Women Leaders & Conferences

  • Rooted to Lead
  • Lead Like Her
  • Rooted in Heritage. Rising in Leadership.
  • Executive Edge: Growth, Influence, Impact

For Universities & Academic Conferences

  • Legacy, Leadership, and Linguistic Justice
  • Dialect, Equity, and the Future of CSD Practice

For Cultural & Heritage Organizations

  • Gullah Geechee: A United States Treasure
  • The Evolution of Gullah Geechee: From Turner 1949 to the Children Who Speak It Today
Custom Topics Available. Describe your audience, goals, and event objectives in your inquiry form, and Dr. Berry will tailor a presentation specifically for your event.
Speaking Experience

Past Speaking Venues

A selection of organizations, institutions, and events where Dr. Berry has presented, taught, moderated, and delivered keynote addresses.

National Professional Associations

ASHA National Convention (Boston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia), NBASLH, TESOL International Convention, CAPSD

Universities

Louisiana State University, South Carolina State University, Columbia College, San Diego State University, University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina University

Cultural Organizations

International African American Museum, Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, BrookGreen Gardens, Association for the Study of African American Life and History

Federal & Government

U.S. Department of State (Fulbright Events), National Park Service

Media

Hulu's Taste the Nation, Cherry Bombe Magazine Panel

Corporate

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Institute of International Education

BOOKING INFORMATION

Format & Logistics

Every engagement is thoughtfully tailored to the audience, event goals, and desired outcomes. Whether you're planning a keynote, workshop, panel discussion, or conference session, presentations are designed to educate, inspire, and create lasting impact.

Format Options
45–60 minute keynote · 90-minute extended keynote · Half-day workshop · Full-day institute · Panel participation · Fireside chat · Sunday morning message
Availability
Available for in-person engagements nationwide and virtual presentations worldwide.
Honorarium
Speaking fees and travel requirements are available upon request through the speaking inquiry form.
Lead Time
A minimum of 4–6 weeks is preferred for in-person engagements whenever possible.
Submit a Speaking Inquiry
Speaker Bio & Media Kit

Meet Dr. Jessica Berry

Dr. Jessica Berry grew up speaking Gullah Geechee in Huger, South Carolina—and then spent the next two decades making sure the world understood why that matters.

A nationally certified speech-language pathologist and Ph.D. researcher, she has trained hundreds of educators, published groundbreaking research on dialect and assessment equity, coached actors on authentic Gullah dialect, consulted with screenwriters and gaming studios, spoken to major corporations and faith communities, and appeared as a featured language expert on Hulu's Taste the Nation.

Today she leads LeadHERitage Co., the O.K.R.A. Soup Foundation, and one of the most distinctive cultural consulting practices in the country.

Download Media Kit (PDF)

Speaking Inquiry Form