Growing up as the only daughter of a single Puerto Rican mother in Northern Virginia at a time when the area was far less diverse than it is today, Ortiz-McGhee recounts the challenges and traumas she experienced and the feelings of doubt they left behind. More importantly, she takes audiences on her remarkable journey as she overcomes imposter syndrome and self-doubt to find success and joy in her personal and professional life. A dynamic presenter, Ortiz-McGhee customizes her inspirational presentation to fit a wide-range of audiences from corporate audiences to the non-profit and educational sectors.

Defining authenticity is often challenging and yet we all know when we see it. In this compelling and interactive keynote, Carmen unpacks the origins of authenticity and how we can find it for ourselves. Drawing upon her years in different environments, she shifts the paradigm of understanding on the origins of authenticity starting with The Myths We Tell Ourselves. She then identifies the Five Things we can all start doing today to be our truest selves, for ourselves and for others. Audiences will leave this session renewed and reconnected to their life purpose and mission.

From selling educational books one summer in Utah to living in Mexico as part of an exchange program, from the nonprofit space to finance and the risk & health sector, to today serving as Chief Operating Officer for a major industry trade association, Carmen Ortiz-McGhee has always found herself in environments that were completely different than what she had previously known. Those experiences taught her valuable lessons that she shares in this captivating keynote inspired by her favorite childhood book, Dr. Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go! No matter where in one’s career they are, they will glean powerful insights from this presentation that will help audiences find their voice and build their confidence to succeed no matter the environment.

A nation that has long grappled with its rapidly increasing diversity needs a new framework for establishing equity and finding the common good. Carmen Ortiz-McGhee provides that perspective honed from years of successfully creating access and opportunity for underrepresented communities. Those experiences have led her to one powerful conclusion: if we are to move beyond crisis responses on matters of equity we will have to focus on wealth. Carmen leads audiences through solutions that are having real and measurable impact for diverse communities across the country and that have broader implications for the country as a whole.

Fewer things have as strong an impact on society as empowered women. This can be elusive because women still find themselves in the shadows in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. When women are able to fulfill their maximum potential and lead with the fullness of their hearts, minds, spirits and intellect, the space around them changes for the better. A passionate champion of women, Carmen Ortiz-McGhee is a powerful and authentic voice on the subject of uplifting them, gleaned from years of advocating for and empowering women. From Giving Yourself Grace, to Battling Imposter Syndrome, From Straightening Your Crown to Finding Your Tribe, Carmen takes audiences through a compelling journey of lessons learned and skills honed to elevating all of the women around them.