Empowered Caregiving Speakers
You've got a panel on caregiving, or a podcast episode dedicated to supporting family caregivers... but who's the right voice to bring in?
You search for someone who gets it, who's lived it or worked in it, and can actually connect with your audience.
But how do you find empowered caregiving speakers who are both informed and engaging?
Not just someone who reads stats, but someone who can speak from experience, share insight, and hold attention.
This page will help you figure that out.
We're spotlighting empowered caregiving speakers who do more than talk about care - they bring clarity, empathy, and action to the conversation.
These are speakers who understand the emotional weight and the day-to-day work of caregiving.
Whether they're authors, practitioners, or advocates, they're trusted voices your audience will respect.
I've seen how the right speaker can shift the tone of a room or reframe a topic in just a few minutes.
These folks do that.
Take a look through the featured empowered caregiving speakers below.
Find someone who fits your focus, and book with confidence.
Top Empowered Caregiving Speakers List for 2025
Jennifer Fink
Empowering caregivers to thrive at work and in life
Creg Effs
Unlocking Potential, Cultivating Resilience, Inspiring Growth - Your Empowerment Expert
Christina Keys
Empowering Family Caregivers and Businesses through education, advocacy, awareness, and story telling to help create positive change
Elizabeth Verwey
Writer and Speaker with brand new topic - a new post-divorce stage. New book-Brave New Endings: True Stories of Caring for an Ex.
Dr. Janice Fortman
Transforming Connections with Communication Expert Dr. Jan Fortman
Sherri Combs
“Entrepreneur, storyteller, and advocate inspiring reinvention, faith, and fearless new beginnings.”
Samantha Potter
Empowering caregivers with resilience and practical skills for holistic care.
Bethan Thompson
Empowering minds, healing hearts—your warrior for wellness
Pam Landry
Reconnecting caregivers to their inner wisdom & empowering them to feel appreciated through focused inquiry.
Alice Van Blokland
Empowering joy, unleashing potential—let's transform together!
What Makes a Great Empowered Caregiving Speaker
Take someone like Teepa Snow, for example. She doesn't just talk about dementia care-she gives caregivers tools, language, and strategies they can implement immediately. That's the kind of transformation a great speaker brings. They're not just storytellers. They're guides.
What also sets them apart is their ability to speak to both the emotional and practical sides of caregiving. They understand that caregiving is deeply personal, often exhausting, and sometimes isolating. But they also know how to deliver insights that help caregivers feel seen, heard, and equipped.
And let's not forget delivery. A great empowered caregiving speaker has presence. They know how to hold a virtual room, how to pace their message, and how to interact with hosts and audiences in a way that feels human, not rehearsed. Whether they're speaking on a podcast, summit, or virtual stage, they bring energy that resonates.
So if you're looking for someone who can truly move your audience, look for speakers who combine lived experience, practical knowledge, and a voice that makes people lean in-not just listen.
How to Select the Best Empowered Caregiving Speaker for Your Show
1. Define Your Audience's Needs.
- Are they professional caregivers, family members, or healthcare providers?
- What challenges are they facing-burnout, lack of resources, emotional overwhelm?
- Tailor your speaker choice to match those needs.
2. Search Smart Using Platforms Like Talks.co.
- Use keyword filters like 'caregiving', 'resilience', or 'health advocacy'.
- Look for speaker profiles with clear topics, past appearances, and audience reviews.
- Check if they've spoken at events similar to yours (e.g., virtual summits, nonprofit webinars).
3. Review Their Speaker Page Thoroughly.
- Watch their demo video-are they engaging and clear?
- Read their bio-does it align with your event's theme?
- Look at their topics-do they offer actionable takeaways or just personal stories?
4. Evaluate Fit and Diversity.
- Consider regional relevance-someone speaking to rural caregivers in India may offer different insights than someone focused on urban elder care in New York.
- Think about representation-do they bring a voice or perspective your audience hasn't heard before?
5. Reach Out and Ask the Right Questions.
- What's their approach to audience engagement?
- Can they tailor their talk to your format (panel, keynote, fireside chat)?
- What tech setup do they need for a smooth virtual experience?
By following these steps, you'll not only find a speaker who fits your theme-you'll find someone who leaves your audience thinking, 'That was exactly what I needed.'
How to Book a Empowered Caregiving Speaker
1. Identify Your Top Choices.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to shortlist 3-5 speakers who align with your event goals.
- Look at their availability, past topics, and audience engagement.
2. Reach Out with a Clear Ask.
- Send a concise message through their speaker page or contact form.
- Include your event name, audience type, date, format (live, recorded, hybrid), and expected outcomes.
- Example: 'We're hosting a virtual summit for family caregivers in Southeast Asia. We'd love for you to speak on strategies for managing caregiver burnout. The session is 30 minutes, followed by Q&A.'
3. Confirm Logistics and Expectations.
- Discuss honorarium or speaker fee, if applicable.
- Clarify tech requirements (Zoom, StreamYard, etc.), time zone alignment, and promotional responsibilities.
- Ask if they're open to pre-event interviews or post-event follow-ups.
4. Send a Speaker Agreement.
- Even if it's informal, outline the date, time, topic, format, and any deliverables (e.g., slides, bio, headshot).
- Tools like DocuSign or Google Docs make this easy.
5. Promote Collaboratively.
- Share promotional assets with the speaker and encourage them to share with their audience.
- Tag them in posts, create audiograms or quote cards, and offer them a replay link they can use.
By keeping the process clear and collaborative, you'll not only secure a great speaker-you'll build a strong relationship that could lead to future partnerships.
Common Questions on Empowered Caregiving Speakers
What is a empowered caregiving speaker
They may come from diverse backgrounds-some are healthcare professionals, others are family caregivers turned advocates, and a few are authors or coaches with deep expertise in caregiving challenges. What unites them is their ability to turn personal or professional experience into actionable insights.
These speakers don't just talk about the hardships of caregiving. They offer frameworks for resilience, tools for managing stress, and strategies for navigating complex systems like elder care, disability support, or palliative services. For example, a speaker might walk through how to build a care team in a rural area with limited resources, or how to advocate for a loved one in a hospital setting.
Empowered caregiving speakers are especially relevant in virtual event spaces, where audiences are often global and diverse. Their ability to speak across cultural, economic, and systemic differences makes them valuable contributors to summits, panels, and online communities.
In short, they're not just sharing stories-they're shifting mindsets and offering solutions.
Why is a empowered caregiving speaker important
Caregivers often operate in isolation, especially in underserved communities or remote regions. An empowered caregiving speaker brings visibility to their struggles and solutions to their challenges. Whether it's a speaker addressing burnout in a corporate wellness summit or someone guiding immigrant families through elder care systems, the impact is real and immediate.
These speakers also help normalize conversations around caregiving. In many cultures, caregiving is expected but rarely discussed. By putting it on the virtual stage, they help reduce stigma and open up dialogue. That's crucial for building supportive ecosystems around caregivers.
From a content strategy perspective, they add depth to any event. If you're running a health-focused summit or a podcast on family dynamics, an empowered caregiving speaker brings a human-centered angle that resonates across demographics.
Ultimately, they help bridge the gap between information and action. And in a world where caregivers are often left to figure things out on their own, that bridge is essential.
What do empowered caregiving speakers do
- Educate Through Experience.
They use real-life examples to explain caregiving dynamics, from managing dementia to navigating healthcare bureaucracy. Their talks often include frameworks, like the '5 R's of Resilient Caregiving' or 'The Advocacy Ladder'.
- Offer Practical Tools.
Whether it's a checklist for hospital visits or a script for difficult family conversations, they provide tangible resources. For instance, a speaker might walk through how to create a care binder or use mobile apps for medication tracking.
- Inspire Confidence.
Through their tone, content, and delivery, they help caregivers feel less alone and more capable. This emotional reinforcement is often what attendees remember most.
- Tailor Content to Diverse Audiences.
Some speak to healthcare professionals, others to family caregivers, and some to policy makers. They adjust their language and examples accordingly-what works for a corporate HR wellness day may not work for a nonprofit caregiver support group.
- Engage in Multi-Format Events.
They appear in webinars, summits, podcasts, and even interactive workshops. Many also offer Q&A sessions, breakout discussions, or follow-up resources to deepen the impact.
In essence, empowered caregiving speakers are facilitators of change. They meet people where they are and help them move forward with more clarity and confidence.
How to become a empowered caregiving speaker
1. Define Your Core Message.
- What unique perspective do you bring to caregiving? Maybe you've cared for a loved one with dementia, or you've worked in elder care for decades. Pinpoint your angle.
- Tip: Focus on transformation. Audiences want to know how you navigated challenges and what they can learn from your journey.
2. Build Your Signature Talk.
- Structure your talk with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use personal stories, data, and actionable takeaways.
- Example: Start with a moment of crisis, walk through your caregiving evolution, and end with a framework others can apply.
3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile. Include your bio, headshot, talk titles, testimonials, and a short video clip.
- Bonus: Talks.co also helps connect you with hosts looking for speakers in your niche.
4. Start Small, Then Scale.
- Begin with local events: libraries, caregiver support groups, or nonprofit fundraisers.
- As you gain traction, pitch to conferences like Aging in America, Caregiver Summit, or even virtual summits hosted on platforms like Virtual Event Strategist.
5. Network and Collaborate.
- Join caregiving communities on LinkedIn or Facebook. Comment on posts, share insights, and build genuine relationships.
- Reach out to podcast hosts or webinar organizers in the caregiving or health space. Offer to speak or collaborate.
6. Collect Feedback and Improve.
- After every talk, ask for feedback. What resonated? What confused people? Use that to refine your message.
- Pro tip: Record your talks (with permission) so you can review and improve delivery, tone, and pacing.
Remember, empowered caregiving speakers aren't just educators-they're advocates. Your voice matters, and there's an audience waiting for it.
What do you need to be a empowered caregiving speaker
1. Personal or Professional Experience in Caregiving
Whether you've cared for a parent, child, partner, or worked in a professional caregiving role, your lived experience is your foundation. Audiences connect with authenticity, so your story is your most powerful asset.
2. A Clear and Compelling Message
You need to articulate what makes your perspective valuable. Are you advocating for policy change? Sharing tools for caregiver burnout? Teaching communication strategies for families? Define your niche.
3. Speaking Skills
You don't need to be a TED-level orator, but you should be able to engage an audience. Practice storytelling, pacing, and using visuals or props. Consider joining Toastmasters or taking a public speaking course.
4. A Professional Platform
Having a speaker page-like the ones you can create on Talks.co-is crucial. It acts as your digital resume. Include your bio, speaking topics, testimonials, and a short video clip.
5. Connections to Hosts and Events
You'll need to build relationships with event organizers, podcast hosts, and summit producers. Platforms like Talks.co help by connecting speakers with hosts actively looking for experts in caregiving, health, and wellness.
6. A Willingness to Learn and Adapt
The caregiving landscape is always evolving. Stay updated on trends, research, and policy changes. This keeps your content fresh and relevant.
In short, being an empowered caregiving speaker is about combining your story with strategy. When you align your message with the needs of your audience, you create real impact.
Do empowered caregiving speakers get paid
1. Type of Event
- Nonprofits and Support Groups: These often have limited budgets. Speakers may be offered a small honorarium or travel reimbursement.
- Conferences and Summits: Events like the Caregiver Expo or Aging in America often pay speakers, especially if they're keynote-level or have a strong following.
- Corporate Wellness Programs: Companies bringing in speakers for employee caregiving support often have larger budgets.
2. Speaker Experience and Branding
- First-time speakers may speak for free to build credibility.
- Established speakers with a media presence, published books, or a Talks.co profile with strong testimonials can command higher fees.
3. Monetization Strategy
Some speakers waive fees in exchange for lead generation-offering a free resource or course at the end of their talk.
Pros of Paid Speaking
- Income diversification.
- Recognition of your expertise.
- Motivation to refine and scale your message.
Cons of Paid Speaking
- Competitive landscape.
- Some caregiving events rely heavily on volunteers.
- Payment timelines can vary widely.
Bottom line: Yes, empowered caregiving speakers can and do get paid, but the path to consistent income often involves a mix of paid gigs, strategic free talks, and other monetization methods (see the next section).
How do empowered caregiving speakers make money
1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Conferences, summits, and corporate wellness events often pay speakers.
- Rates vary based on experience, audience size, and event budget.
2. Online Courses and Workshops
- Many speakers create digital products like caregiving bootcamps, stress management courses, or communication training.
- Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi make it easy to launch.
3. Coaching and Consulting
- Some speakers offer 1:1 coaching for caregivers or consulting for organizations looking to support employee caregivers.
- Example: A speaker might help a tech company design a caregiver-friendly HR policy.
4. Book Sales and Licensing
- Publishing a book builds authority and creates passive income.
- Licensing your content (like a caregiver training module) to hospitals or nonprofits can generate recurring revenue.
5. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships
- Partnering with caregiving tools, apps, or services can bring in affiliate income.
- Example: Promoting a caregiving planner or elder law service during talks.
6. Virtual Summits and Webinars
- Hosting your own events lets you control the revenue.
- Use platforms like Zoom to feature other speakers, charge for access, and build your list.
So while speaking fees are one piece of the puzzle, the real income often comes from what you offer before and after the talk. Smart speakers diversify their streams to build sustainability.
How much do empowered caregiving speakers make
Entry-Level Speakers
- Often speak for free or for small honorariums ($100-$500).
- Focus is on building credibility, testimonials, and a speaker reel.
Mid-Level Speakers
- Can earn $500 to $2,500 per talk.
- Often have a Talks.co profile, a book, or a signature course.
- May supplement income with coaching or digital products.
Established Speakers
- Command $5,000 to $15,000 per keynote.
- Often speak at national conferences, corporate events, or government summits.
- Have multiple income streams: books, courses, consulting, and licensing.
Top-Tier Speakers
- Rare in the caregiving niche but possible.
- May earn $20,000+ per talk if they have mainstream recognition or media presence.
- Example: A bestselling author or former government official speaking on elder care policy.
Annual Income Range
| Speaker Level | Estimated Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Beginner | $0 - $10,000 |
| Intermediate | $10,000 - $50,000 |
| Advanced | $50,000 - $150,000 |
| Top-Tier | $150,000+ |
How much do empowered caregiving speakers cost
1. Speaker Experience and Reputation
- New Speakers: $250 - $1,000 per event. Often local or virtual, with limited exposure.
- Mid-Level Speakers: $1,000 - $5,000. These speakers have a Talks.co profile, testimonials, and a polished presentation.
- High-Profile Speakers: $5,000 - $20,000+. These are authors, media personalities, or thought leaders in caregiving.
2. Type of Event
- Nonprofit or Community Events: Typically lower budgets, often request discounted rates or pro bono work.
- Corporate Events: Willing to pay more, especially if the speaker addresses employee caregiving or wellness.
- Conferences and Summits: Vary widely. Keynotes may command higher fees, while breakout sessions are lower.
3. Format and Duration
- A 20-minute virtual talk may cost less than a full-day in-person workshop.
- Add-ons like Q&A sessions, panel moderation, or custom content can increase the fee.
4. Travel and Logistics
- In-person events often require covering travel, lodging, and per diem.
- Virtual events reduce costs significantly.
Sample Pricing Table
| Speaker Type | Virtual Talk | In-Person Talk |
|---|---|---|
| New Speaker | $250 | $500 - $1,000 |
| Mid-Level Speaker | $1,000 | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| High-Profile | $3,000+ | $10,000+ |
Who are the best empowered caregiving speakers ever
Teepa Snow. A globally recognized dementia care educator. Her Positive Approach to Care method has transformed how caregivers support people with cognitive decline.
Zachary White. Co-author of 'The Unexpected Journey of Caring' and a communication professor who blends academic insight with personal caregiving experience.
Leeza Gibbons. Emmy-winning TV host turned caregiving advocate after caring for her mother with Alzheimer's. Founded Leeza's Care Connection to support families.
Gary Barg. Founder of Today's Caregiver magazine and the Fearless Caregiver Conference. A longtime voice in caregiver advocacy and education.
Carol Levine. A MacArthur Fellow and longtime advocate for family caregivers, especially in healthcare policy and ethics.
Dr. Pauline Boss. Known for her work on ambiguous loss, which is crucial for caregivers dealing with dementia or chronic illness.
Maria Shriver. While not a full-time speaker on caregiving, her work with The Women's Alzheimer's Movement has brought massive visibility to caregiving issues.
Rick Lauber. Canadian author and speaker who writes and speaks about the male caregiver experience, a lesser-discussed topic.
Dr. Jennifer Olsen. CEO of the Rosalynn Carter Institute and a frequent speaker on caregiver policy and systemic change.
Who are the best empowered caregiving speakers in the world
Dr. Naoko Muramatsu (Japan). A gerontologist who speaks globally on aging and caregiving in Asian cultures.
Dr. Samir Sinha (Canada). Director of Geriatrics at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. A frequent speaker on elder care policy.
Dr. Elizabeth Mestheneos (Greece). Former president of AGE Platform Europe, advocating for caregivers across the EU.
Dr. Shereen Hussein (UK). A leading researcher and speaker on the global caregiving workforce and aging demographics.
Rosalynn Carter (USA). Her global influence through the Rosalynn Carter Institute continues to shape caregiver support worldwide.
Dr. Rima Salah (Jordan). A speaker on intergenerational caregiving and family resilience in conflict zones.
Dr. Aisha Ahmad (Pakistan/Canada). Known for her talks on caregiving in crisis zones and cultural caregiving norms.
Dr. Debra Parker Oliver (USA). A palliative care researcher and speaker who focuses on technology and caregiving.
Dr. Nandini Chatterjee Singh (India). A neuroscientist and speaker on caregiving for children with neurodivergent needs.
Common myths about empowered caregiving speakers
1. They only speak to healthcare professionals.
This is a common assumption, but it's far from accurate. Empowered caregiving speakers often address a wide range of audiences: from corporate HR teams looking to support employees with caregiving responsibilities, to community centers, schools, and even tech conferences. For example, speakers like Ai-jen Poo have presented to policy makers and business leaders alike, showing that caregiving is a societal issue, not just a medical one.
2. You need to be a nurse or doctor to be credible.
Not true. While some speakers come from clinical backgrounds, many are family caregivers, advocates, or entrepreneurs who've built tools or communities around caregiving. Their lived experience, combined with research and storytelling, makes their message resonate. Think of someone like Rosalynn Carter, who championed caregiving from a policy and advocacy standpoint, not a medical one.
3. Caregiving talks are always emotional and heavy.
Sure, caregiving is deeply personal. But empowered caregiving speakers often blend humor, data, and practical strategies into their talks. They're not just sharing stories of hardship... they're offering solutions, hope, and even laughter. Speakers like Zachary Alti have been known to use storytelling and light-hearted moments to keep audiences engaged while still delivering powerful insights.
4. There's no real market for caregiving speakers.
This one's outdated. With aging populations in the US, Europe, and Asia, and more people balancing work and caregiving, demand is growing. Conferences like Aging2.0, HLTH, and even SXSW have featured caregiving-related sessions. Plus, companies are increasingly booking speakers to address caregiver burnout and workplace inclusion.
5. It's only relevant in Western countries.
Actually, caregiving is a global issue. In Japan, for instance, the concept of 'kaigo' (elder care) has led to national policy changes and a surge in caregiving innovation. Empowered caregiving speakers from Asia, Latin America, and Africa are increasingly stepping onto global stages to share culturally specific insights and solutions.
Bottom line: empowered caregiving speakers are diverse, impactful, and increasingly in demand. Don't let outdated assumptions keep you from recognizing their value or stepping into the space yourself.
Case studies of successful empowered caregiving speakers
Take the case of Dr. Sheri Y. Williams. A former family caregiver turned public health consultant, she began speaking at local churches and community centers in Atlanta. Her talks combined personal caregiving experiences with actionable public health strategies. Over time, she was invited to speak at the CDC and later at international aging conferences. Her secret? She knew how to connect policy with personal narrative.
Then there's Rajiv Mehta, a Silicon Valley innovator who co-founded Atlas of Caregiving. He didn't come from a traditional speaking background. But his data-driven approach to mapping caregiving networks caught the attention of both tech and healthcare audiences. His TEDx talk on visualizing care relationships went viral in caregiving circles, and now he's a regular speaker at digital health summits.
In Australia, Grace Chen, a second-generation immigrant and caregiver to her mother with dementia, started sharing her story on YouTube. Her bilingual videos resonated with Asian-Australian communities. Eventually, she was invited to speak at multicultural health forums and partnered with local councils to run caregiver workshops. Her authenticity and cultural insight made her stand out.
And don't overlook speakers like Michael Verde, founder of Memory Bridge. His talks blend neuroscience, philosophy, and caregiving. He's spoken at universities, hospices, and even prisons, showing how caregiving intersects with empathy and human connection.
What ties these speakers together isn't just their message - it's their ability to tailor that message to different audiences. Whether through data, culture, policy, or emotion, they each carved a unique path and built a platform that reflects their voice and values.
Future trends for empowered caregiving speakers
First, virtual and hybrid events are expanding access. Caregiving speakers are no longer limited to local conferences or health expos. Platforms like Hopin and Airmeet are enabling speakers to reach global audiences without the travel barrier. This is especially important for those who are still active caregivers themselves.
Second, there's a growing demand for intersectional perspectives. Caregiving intersects with race, gender, disability, and economic status. Audiences are looking for speakers who can speak to these overlaps. For example, Black caregivers in the U.S. face unique systemic challenges, and speakers who can address those nuances are being sought out by DEI-focused events and nonprofits.
Third, corporate wellness programs are opening new doors. Companies are realizing that many of their employees are caregivers - often silently. Empowered caregiving speakers are being brought in to lead workshops, webinars, and lunch-and-learns that help employees navigate work-life balance, burnout, and mental health.
Here are a few trends to watch:
- Micro-niche specialization. Speakers focusing on specific caregiving scenarios (e.g., autism, elder care, long-distance caregiving) are gaining traction.
- Story + strategy formats. Talks that combine personal stories with frameworks or tools are more in demand than ever.
- AI and tech integration. Speakers who can talk about caregiving in the context of smart home tech, AI companions, or digital health platforms are being booked at tech-forward events.
- Global storytelling. International speakers sharing culturally specific caregiving models are being invited to global forums, from Geneva to Nairobi.
Empowered caregiving speakers who stay agile, tech-savvy, and culturally aware are going to thrive in this next chapter.
Tools and resources for aspiring empowered caregiving speakers
1. Talks.co. This podcast guest matching tool is a goldmine for emerging speakers. You can create a profile, pitch yourself to podcast hosts, and get booked for interviews that build your credibility and reach.
2. SpeakerHub. A platform where you can list your speaking profile, search for speaking opportunities, and connect with event organizers. It's especially useful for speakers in the nonprofit, healthcare, and education sectors.
3. Canva. Use Canva to design your speaker one-sheet, social media graphics, or presentation slides. Their templates make it easy to look professional even if you're not a designer.
4. Otter.ai. Record and transcribe your practice talks or live presentations. Reviewing transcripts can help you refine your message and identify what resonates most with your audience.
5. LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn on Creator Mode to showcase your speaking topics, publish thought leadership posts, and attract event organizers who are searching for caregiving voices.
6. The Caregiving Years Training Academy. Offers certifications and training for caregivers who want to become advocates or speakers. Their programs help you structure your story and build authority.
7. Eventbrite. Not just for finding events - you can also host your own virtual talks or workshops here. Great for building a following and testing your message with real audiences.
8. Zoom Events. If you're planning to run your own webinar series or virtual summit, Zoom Events gives you the tools to manage registration, engagement, and analytics all in one place.
Each of these tools serves a different purpose - from visibility to content creation to networking. Start with one or two, and build your toolkit as your speaking journey evolves.