Beverly Gooden Speaker Biography
#WhyIStayed Creator, Domestic Violence Activist, Consultant & Writer
Beverly Gooden is an accomplished diversity speaker, award-winning social activist, and influential women’s health advocate. Moreover, she is a successful content creator and the visionary behind the viral Twitter movement #WhyIStayed. Indeed, TIME recognized this powerful hashtag as one of the Top 10 Hashtags That Started a Conversation. Furthermore, CNN affiliate HLN acknowledged it as one of the 8 Hashtags That Changed The World. As a sought-after speaker on diversity and inclusion, Gooden brings a unique perspective shaped by her personal experiences and impactful activism. Her work as a diversity and social justice advocate has ignited crucial dialogues worldwide. Consequently, she is a powerful voice in promoting understanding and change. Gooden’s insights as a speaker on inclusion are invaluable for organizations seeking to foster more equitable environments.
Media Presence
Gooden’s impactful story has garnered significant media attention. For instance, she has made on-air appearances on prominent platforms such as Good Morning America and The Dr. Phil show. Additionally, she has been featured on Inside Edition, CNN, NPR, and NBC Nightly News. Furthermore, the Washington Post and Marie Claire have highlighted Beverly’s story and her profound social media impact. Similarly, USA Today, CNN Money, Bloomberg, and BBC News have also featured her work. As a result, her message as a diversity speaker has reached a vast audience. Her ability to articulate complex issues has made her a respected voice in national conversations about social change and diverse perspectives.
Publications and Collaborations
Beverly Gooden is a contributing writer for several notable publications. For example, she has created original content featured in TIME and The New York Times. Moreover, her insights have been published on the TODAY Show online and the U.S. Office on Women’s Health Blog. Furthermore, she participated in a panel at Verizon’s 2014 Domestic Violence Summit. Additionally, she is the co-author of “Deby Lyn & The Big Ouch!”. Through her writing and collaborations, Gooden extends her reach as a speaker on diversity, sharing her expertise and advocating for crucial social issues. Her diverse contributions underscore her commitment to raising awareness and fostering understanding as a respected inclusion speaker.
Accolades and Recognition
Gooden’s impactful work has earned her significant accolades. For instance, she was featured in the short film “Why We Stayed” by the Emmy-nominated producers of Private Violence. Moreover, in October 2015, Investigation Discovery and Glamour Magazine honored Beverly as their 2015 Inspire A Difference “Everyday Hero.” Subsequently, she was featured in the August 2016 issue of Glamour Magazine and the December 2015 issue of Redbook Magazine. These honors recognize her significant contributions as a diversity champion and her powerful voice as a speaker on social issues. Her recognition further amplifies her ability to connect with and inspire audiences as a leading diversity speaker.
Ella Mae Foundation and Keynote Speaker
Beverly Gooden’s commitment extends beyond speaking engagements. Indeed, she appears in a Toyota commercial discussing her impactful work with the Ella Mae Foundation. This not-for-profit organization, which she founded, provides crucial practical support, guidance, and services to victims of domestic violence. Furthermore, Investigation Discovery provides valued support and partnership to the foundation. As a passionate keynote speaker, Beverly is dedicated to making a positive difference in people’s lives. Consequently, she travels the country sharing her moving personal story in keynote addresses. Her powerful message resonates deeply with audiences, making her a highly sought-after diversity speaker who inspires meaningful change.
Beverly Gooden Speaking Topics
Why I Stayed: The Complexity of Domestic Violence
"Why I Stayed" is a revolutionary speech by Beverly Gooden, renown social activist and creator of the #WhyIStayed hashtag and global movement. In this radical talk, Gooden challenges the question “Why did he/she stay?” and reveals how the current way we interact with survivors is a house of cards. From faulty blame attribution, to designating only men as abusers, it’s easy to overlook the sheer volume of domestic violence when the issue has historically been framed as “them” and not “us”. That’s why, as Beverly argues, domestic violence is a community issue. Victims of violence can be women and men, LGBTQ and heterosexual, or even children. Victims of violence may have fought back, or remained silent. There is no perfect victim and no specific type of abuser. Beverly discusses her personal domestic violence story, reveals the most important questions to ask victims, and outlines how we all can help.
Race and Domestic Violence: A Closer Look
The #1 killer of black women ages 15-34 is homicide at the hands of a current or former partner. Young black women - whom statistics say are disproportionately murdered by the men they date, marry and with whom they share children - are often hesitant to call for help. Why? In this talk, Beverly delves into intimate partner violence using an intersectional lens. She describes how racism and sexism are the biggest obstacles for black women, how the American history of brutal violence towards black people contributes to non-reporting, and how the silence regarding intimate partner violence in the black community sends a negative message to black women – that their lives do not matter.
The Power of Storytelling
In this interactive speech, Beverly Gooden presents storytelling as a transformative art form. From Aesop's Fables to the emotive descriptions of Japanese internment camps, the retelling of a sequence of events has been an important part of history. Gooden walks through the history, purpose, and various forms of storytelling, and shares a spontaneous story from her life. Audience members will also have the opportunity to share their favorite story in 60 seconds or less.
The Age of Empowerment for Women
Beverly discusses how the current women's movement presents opportunities to speak out, but also to reflect on the past and examples of women who have led in previous generations/movements. The women who came before us created a framework for how we can move forward, together, today. Today the possibilities for women seem endless, from investigative journalism to political office, to women demanding that their abusers/harassers face consequences, to the women who work in the service industry organizing for better pay and fair treatment. The #MeToo movement has evolved into a larger women's empowerment movement based on our shared experiences and Bev will share why she believes this is just the beginning.
Beverly Gooden Books
Surviving: Why We Stay and How We Leave Abusive Relationships
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Deby Lyn & The Big Ouch!
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Beverly Gooden Speaker Testimonials
Beverly was incredibly generous with her time, took photos with new “fans” afterwards, and provided much needed information to our audience on this difficult and painful subject. She was an absolute delight. Such a warm and friendly person that I enjoyed having at our conference.
- | Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana
Beverly was fabulous, both as a presenter and as a person. She is so warm and genuine—you just can’t help but feel comfortable talking with her.
- Doan College |
Beverly Gooden is a dynamic, engaged speaker whose own story lays the groundwork for a critical conversation about the dynamics of abusive relationships. Her down-to-earth demeanor made students excited to connect with her as an advocate, survivor, and role model.
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign |
