Afua Hagan: Leading Voice on Diversity & Inclusion Speaker

A Trailblazer in Media, Advocacy, and Social Mobility

Afua Hagan is an award-winning journalist, celebrated TV presenter, and one of the UK’s most influential diversity keynote speakers. With a career spanning major national platforms and international advocacy work, Afua has dedicated her voice to championing inclusion, representation, and equality across media, business, and public life.

Recognised for her unapologetic honesty, commanding presence, and empathetic insight, Afua inspires audiences to not just talk about change—but to lead it. Whether moderating a high-profile panel or delivering a keynote at a corporate inclusion summit, she has become synonymous with conversations that matter.

Afua Hagan’s Story: From Broadcasting to Advocacy

Born in London and raised in Ghana, Afua’s bi-cultural upbringing shaped her global perspective and passion for identity-driven storytelling. She began her media career in radio before moving into television, where she has worked as a presenter, reporter, and producer across channels including Sky News, ITV, Channel 5, and the BBC.

Afua was previously Editor-in-Chief at Glam Africa Magazine and is currently a regular contributor to news programmes on Good Morning Britain, Jeremy Vine on 5, BBC Radio London, and LBC. Her commentary on Social Mobility, race relations, and inclusive policy has positioned her as a go-to voice for national media outlets seeking clarity and credibility on diversity issues.

Afua Hagan diversity keynote speaker

Inclusion Speaker with a Global Impact

Afua is a sought-after speaker on global diversity and inclusion topics, known for her compelling delivery and commitment to driving action beyond applause. As an inclusion speaker, she addresses critical themes such as:

  • Building anti-racist organisations
  • Intersectionality in the workplace
  • Inclusive leadership and policy design
  • Representation in media and brand storytelling
  • Tackling unconscious bias and systemic barriers

She has spoken for leading organisations including Google, NHS England, HSBC, the UN Global Compact, Women in Journalism, the British Red Cross, and Creative Access. Afua’s talks are not only rooted in personal experience but also in deep research and industry best practice.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): A Practical Framework

Afua doesn’t just speak about values—she delivers frameworks that businesses can adopt. Her approach to DEI is centred around:

  1. Listen and Reflect: Encouraging leaders to interrogate existing structures through honest feedback and cultural assessments.
  2. Educate and Empower: Creating environments where learning about bias, privilege, and inclusion is continuous.
  3. Implement and Measure: Guiding teams in setting inclusion goals and creating KPIs that go beyond tokenism.
  4. Sustain and Amplify: Embedding equity into organisational DNA through mentorship, policy, and storytelling.

Her workshops and consulting sessions have helped HR teams, leadership boards, and marketing departments build more inclusive and equitable strategies.

TEDx Speaker and Keynote Talent

Afua’s TEDx talk, “The Power of Privilege,” has been praised for its bold, clear, and motivating message. In it, she calls on those with influence to use their platforms to dismantle inequalities and become active allies in the push for systemic change.

As a keynote speaker, Afua’s versatility allows her to connect with:

  • Corporate leaders rethinking their DEI strategies
  • Public sector professionals navigating inclusive policy
  • Creative industries exploring equitable representation
  • Youth groups learning to find and use their voice

Her keynote titles include:

  • “Brave Conversations: Talking About Race at Work”
  • “Why Representation Changes Everything”
  • “Allyship, Advocacy, and Action: The Next Step for Business Leaders”
  • “Gender, Identity, and the Future of Inclusion”

A Moderator with Unmatched Poise and Presence

Afua is a polished, dynamic moderator who has chaired everything from UN panels to literary festivals. Her style combines journalistic rigour with warmth, humour, and adaptability.

She has hosted events for:

  • Women of the World Festival
  • The Media Diversity Institute
  • National Inclusion Week
  • Edinburgh TV Festival
  • Tech conferences and brand-led DEI forums

Event organisers consistently commend her for:

  • Her thorough preparation and research
  • Balanced moderation that gives all voices a platform
  • Keeping complex panels engaging and inclusive

Media Commentary and Advocacy

Afua is a frequent media guest known for her unapologetic takes on Social Mobility , representation, and equity. She has spoken on live national television and radio about:

  • Black maternal health
  • Institutional racism in UK schools
  • Misrepresentation in media headlines
  • The gender pay gap and parental bias

She regularly writes opinion columns and contributes thought pieces for publications such as The Independent, Metro, Stylist, and HuffPost.

What People Say About Afua Hagan

“Afua challenged our leadership team with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Her talk was one of the most powerful we’ve ever had.” — Head of DEI, Global Financial Institution

“She managed to make a panel of five CEOs feel at ease and accountable at the same time. An exceptional moderator and a joy to work with.” — Conference Producer, Tech4Good

“Afua’s keynote was described by staff as ‘life-changing’—and that’s not a word we use lightly.” — HR Director, Public Sector Inclusion Forum

Why Book Afua Hagan as Your Diversity Keynote Speaker or Moderator?

  1. Credibility: With a career that blends frontline media, executive editorial roles, and policy advocacy, Afua is the real deal.
  2. Customisation: She tailors each session to your industry, audience, and event tone—from formal conferences to bold town halls.
  3. Impact: Afua’s sessions lead to real shifts in awareness, behaviour, and culture—measurable through post-event feedback.
  4. Storytelling: Audiences don’t just learn—they connect. Her personal stories are raw, relatable, and inspirational.
  5. Presence: Whether on a virtual platform or a live stage, Afua’s charisma and clarity are unmatched.

Sample Events & Appearances

  • UN Global Compact: Gender & Media Summit
  • Creative Access “Diversity in Production” workshop
  • NHS England DEI Leadership Training
  • HSBC Inclusive Innovation series
  • Women in Journalism Masterclass

Afua Hagan keynote speaker

Topics Tailored for Your Event

Afua can deliver one-off keynotes or full-day masterclasses on:

  • Inclusive Leadership for Boards
  • How to Be an Ally at Work
  • The Role of Media in Shaping Race Narratives
  • DEI in Recruitment, Retention, and Culture
  • Racial Equity in the Creative and Corporate Sectors
  • From Privilege to Purpose: Personal Action Planning

Book Afua Hagan for Your Next Event

If your event demands bold thinking, authentic storytelling, and transformational dialogue on diversity, inclusion, and Social Mobility, Afua Hagan is the speaker to lead the charge. Whether you’re planning a global leadership summit, an internal DEI initiative, or a high-profile public forum, Afua brings more than just insight—she brings action, clarity, and real-world impact.

Her experience across broadcasting, activism, and corporate consultancy allows her to speak to audiences from all backgrounds—leaving them engaged, educated, and empowered to build more inclusive futures.

👉 Visit Afua Hagan’s Profile to book her now through Riva Media UK, her exclusive representative.

Afua Hagan is more than a diversity keynote speaker—she’s a catalyst for change. Secure her for your event and spark the conversations that move people and organisations forward.