top of page

Speaking Inquiries

Sheprd Group partners with organizations, schools, and communities to deliver thoughtful, engaging conversations on leadership, talent, and building inclusive, high-performing teams.

​

Our speaking engagements are grounded in real-world experience, research, and practical insights that leaders can immediately apply.

Dr. Gabriela Valverde

Gabriela is a people and culture leader, educator, and researcher whose work focuses on leadership, identity, and culture, with a particular emphasis on Latina leaders and women in leadership. Her research and professional experience explore how identity, power, and organizational systems shape leadership journeys and access to opportunity.

​

Common topics include:

  • Latina leaders and navigating leadership spaces

  • Women in leadership and representation

  • Inclusive leadership and culture building

  • Identity, belonging, and leadership development

  • Leading with intention in times of change

​

Gabriela brings both academic depth and practical experience, creating conversations that are honest, inspiring, and grounded in action.

IMG_2690.jpeg

Jackson Shoaff-Bembry 

Jackson is a talent acquisition leader and strategic advisor who helps organizations scale thoughtfully and strategically through people, proving that business growth and values do not have to be at odds.

​

His professional experience centers on how talent decisions, culture, and leadership behaviors shape organizational outcomes, particularly during periods of rapid growth, change, or market expansion.  Jackson brings a people-first, business-minded lens to talent strategy, helping leaders uncover opportunities to strengthen their organizations in ways they didn’t know they needed. 

​

Common topics include:

  • Scaling teams thoughtfully in fast-growing and evolving markets

  • Talent strategy as a driver of business growth and competitive advantage

  • Partnering with executives and founders through critical hiring moments

  • Building high-impact teams across industries and non-traditional talent pools

  • Aligning talent, culture, and leadership for sustainable growth

​

Jackson blends practical, real-world experience with candid insight, creating conversations that are strategic, approachable, and immediately actionable for leaders navigating growth and complexity.

speaking.jpg
bottom of page