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.

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.

