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:
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Latina leaders and navigating leadership spaces
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Women in leadership and representation
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Inclusive leadership and culture building
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Identity, belonging, and leadership development
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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.
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:
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Scaling teams thoughtfully in fast-growing and evolving markets
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Talent strategy as a driver of business growth and competitive advantage
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Partnering with executives and founders through critical hiring moments
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Building high-impact teams across industries and non-traditional talent pools
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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.
