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The Power of Being Seen

Thought-provoking keynotes connecting leadership, literacy, inclusion and entrepreneurship to the opportunities that help people and organisations thrive.

Keynote Speaker | Author | Literacy Strategist | Inclusion & Social Impact Leader

Ndah Mbawa is a business leader, author, literacy advocate and inclusion strategist who explores how organisations create cultures where people can belong, contribute and thrive.

Keynote speaker and founder of Happier Every Chapter, she works across schools, local authorities, corporates and philanthropic organisations. 

Ndah speaks at the intersection of literacy, identity, belonging and long-term social outcomes, helping organisations move beyond surface-level diversity efforts into measurable, system-level impact. 

With over 20 years of experience leading transformation programmes across banking, energy and wealth management, Ndah brings a rare combination of corporate strategy delivery at scale, education insight backed by her lived experiences.

Her work positions literacy not as enrichment, but as critical social infrastructure.

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Jane Doe

Tapping into the Goldmine of Intentional Inclusion

Gateshead Education

Jane Doe

Fostering Belonging & Cultivating Inclusive Excellence

Open University

Jane Doe

Tapping into the Goldmine of Intentional Inclusion

Gateshead Education

Jane Doe

Global Week of Inclusion

Fresenius Medical Care

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From Inclusion to Impact: How Belonging Changes the Way People Work 

You might remember the Dell computer commercials in which a youth reports.

Tapping into the Goldmine of Intentional Inclusion

You might remember the Dell computer commercials in which a youth reports.

The Diversity Debt: What Organisations Owe the People They Overlook

You might remember the Dell computer commercials in which a youth reports.

The Literacy Dividend: Why Literacy Is Everyone's Business

You might remember the Dell computer commercials in which a youth reports.

The Power of Being Seen, Heard & Valued: The  Leadership Power of Representation

Why reading is the most underutilised lever for: social mobility mental wellbeing identity formation long-term economic outcomes

From Corporate Career to Entrepreneurial Impact

Moving beyond diversity metrics into: identity safety cultural inclusion psychologically safe learning environments

Testimonials

Ndah spoke at a recent event with Primary senior leaders from across our network about building an intentionally inclusive culture through the curriculum. She shared latest data, along with personal experience, to encourage colleagues to reflect upon their own practice as well as giving practical advice on how to make meaningful changes. Ndah is a brilliant speaker, with vast knowledge and a warm, personable style. I look forward to welcoming her back to work with our network again in the future.

Laura Burton, Senior Education Lead Primary (SSAT)

Ndah is a very passionate and engaging speaker whose content makes you to travel her story line with her. How I love and admire her ingenuous measured view of the world of Equity ,diversity and inclusion. Ndah has a way of opening those plasters with care and instilling self examination, reflection and awareness into her audience. Engage into a conversation with Ndah or invite her for a talk and you will find your whole organisation soon after rejigging your approach to one that will yield to a truly meaningful and inclusive workplace. You have been amazing each time you’ve come to talk to us at the OU as a guest speaker. You are gifted, Ndah, a natural! Thanks for being you.

Tessy Mbofung, Senior HR Business Partner @ The Open University

Ndah is an extraordinary person - with an incredible story about her stories. Audiences hang on her every word - and quite right too. If you’re considering working with her, don’t. Don’t just consider it. Get on and book her excellence right now!

Nic Ponsford, Founder, The Global Equality Collective (GEC)

An amazing job. It was such a pleasure being in your presence. If you haven't been told, you exude inclusivity and acceptance. Thank you for being our keynote.

Dr. Cristina Trevizo , Health Equity Strategist, Fresenius Medical Care

Ndah delivered a wonderful keynote presentation for my organization's Week of Belonging. She was engaged as a thought partner from our very first meeting. Her talk on inclusion and belonging resonated with our employees and we all came away with a call to action to improve inclusion and belonging in our personal and professional lived. Thank you, Ndah, for being a champion of this work! I hope we can have you back soon!

Jessica Parker, MBA, PMP, Strategic Partner, Fresenius Medical Care

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What Makes Ndah Different

Ndah’s work is grounded in both evidence and execution. She is not just a speaker. She is a builder of systems, programmes and measurable outcomes. 

✔ Delivered literacy interventions across schools and institutions 
✔ Partnered with local authorities, hospitals and national organisations 
✔ Designed book-based programmes for children in care and vulnerable groups 
✔ Advises corporates on ESG, social value and literacy impact 
✔ Founder of a business supplying inclusive, curriculum-aligned book solutions 

Her approach integrates: public health thinking (prevention vs intervention) education strategy behavioural insight identity and belonging frameworks.

    

Who Ndah Speaks To

  • Local authorities and children’s services 
  • Virtual School Heads and fostering teams 
  • School leaders, MATs and educators 
  • Corporate ESG, CSR and social impact teams 
  • Foundations, philanthropists and UHNW individuals 

 

Sessions are particularly relevant for those aligned to: Social Value, ESG commitments Education, inclusion strategies & National Year of Reading 2026 initiatives


Outcomes Organisations Can Expect 

Audiences leave with more than inspiration. They leave with clarity, language and action frameworks. 

✔ Clear understanding of literacy as a preventative strategy 

✔ Practical ways to improve reading engagement and belonging

✔ Stronger alignment between inclusion and outcomes ✔ Confidence to implement evidence-informed approaches 

 ✔ Strategic insight that is defensible at leadership and board level

  

“Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice & Inclusion is an action. Now more than ever, it is vital to create and hold space in your organization for Inclusion and Diversity, to foster a Sense of Belonging so that everyone on your team feels seen, heard, understood and included!”
Ndah Mbawa

Diversity & Inclusion Speaker

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