Elijah McKenzie-Jackson

Award-Winning Artist, Co-Founder of WaicUp.org, Best-Selling Author & UN Collaborator

Elijah McKenzie-Jackson

Award-Winning Artist, Co-Founder of WaicUp.org, Best-Selling Author & UN Collaborator

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Biography

Elijah McKenzie-Jackson is an acclaimed visual artist, global civic leader, and the author of Blue, an extended essay exploring the intersection of art and social impact. Named one of eight global youth leaders by The New York Times, McKenzie-Jackson has spent his career deeply dedicated to merging contemporary art with systemic change. As a leading voice in culture and climate innovation, his work empowers the next generation to drive cultural shifts through creative exploration.

Having served as an advisor for Google and a member of the Business Insider Advisory Board, his distinct blend of art and civic action has propelled him to the global stage. He has led high-impact collaborations in the Amazon Rainforest and delivered powerful presentations at some of the world's most prestigious institutions, including the EU Parliament, the UK House of Lords, the United Nations, and the White House.

In the art world, McKenzie-Jackson’s bold, thought-provoking creations merge retro aesthetics, pop-art influences, and 20th-century civic messaging to challenge conventional norms. Employing ink, acrylic, and spray paint, his work provokes thought, evokes emotion, and inspires immediate action. His notable sculpture, There's No Place Like Home, dubbed "the world's most expensive megaphone", famously debuted on Times Square billboards on New Year's Eve 2023.

Hailed as a “visionary in contemporary art” by The Industry Times and described as "the meteoric rise of an art prodigy," his contributions have garnered critical acclaim across global media. Featured in British Vogue, GQ, and the BBC, McKenzie-Jackson continues to bridge the gap between grassroots organization and institutional change, cementing his status as a defining cultural voice of his generation.

Speech Topics

From the Canvas to the Global Stage: Building Your Blueprint

What does it take to turn a passion into a platform for impact? Elijah McKenzie-Jackson shares the remarkable journey that took him from emerging artist to addressing the European Parliament, collaborating with global brands including GQ and Vogue, and exhibiting his work in Times Square before the age of 22. Through candid stories about co-founding the nonprofit WaicUp.org, helping lead the international advocacy campaign ‘Legalise Love,’ and building relationships with decision-makers around the world, he demystifies what it takes to create meaningful change from the ground up. Elijah explores the realities of overcoming self-doubt, navigating age-related barriers, and finding the confidence to trust your own voice. More importantly, he offers a practical framework for transforming ideas into action by building strategic partnerships, mobilizing communities, and creating opportunities where none seem to exist. This inspiring keynote challenges audiences to think bigger about their potential and equips them with the tools to turn passion into purpose and purpose into impact.

Audiences will learn:

How to transform personal passions into meaningful projects, organizations, and movements
Practical strategies for building partnerships and engaging influential stakeholders
Ways to overcome self-doubt, embrace authenticity, and lead with confidence at any age

Artivism: Scaling Impact Through Creative Partnerships

What happens when creativity becomes a catalyst for change? Elijah McKenzie-Jackson explores how art can move beyond self-expression to influence conversations, build movements, and inspire action on a global scale. Drawing on his collaborations with organizations including the United Nations, the Clinton Foundation, and the Captain Planet Foundation, Elijah shares how he transformed creative ideas into high-impact partnerships that advanced environmental and social causes. Through stories from his own work as an artist and advocate, he demystifies the process of pitching ideas, building credibility, and securing support from established institutions. He also examines the unique power of visual storytelling to make complex issues accessible, emotional, and impossible to ignore. This inspiring and practical keynote equips audiences with a blueprint for using creativity, collaboration, and purpose to create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Audiences will learn:

How creative expression can be used to drive awareness, engagement, and social impact
Practical strategies for building partnerships with organizations, institutions, and decision-makers
Ways to transform ideas into scalable initiatives that spark meaningful change

Designing the Future: The Power of ESTEEM in Innovation

The most transformative innovations rarely emerge from technical expertise alone. Elijah McKenzie-Jackson makes the case for integrating the Arts into traditional STEM education through the concept of ESTEEM, arguing that creativity, design, and imagination are essential drivers of innovation. Drawing on his experience advising Google and serving on the Business Insider Advisory Board, Elijah explores how artistic thinking fosters the adaptability, curiosity, and problem-solving skills needed in a rapidly changing world. He challenges audiences to move beyond the false divide between creativity and technical knowledge, demonstrating how the most successful breakthroughs often emerge at the intersection of both. Through practical examples and insights from his own career, he highlights the value of creative confidence in shaping the future of business, technology, sustainability, and leadership. This engaging keynote inspires audiences to think differently about innovation and the role creativity plays in solving tomorrow’s biggest challenges.

Audiences will learn:

Why creativity and artistic thinking are essential components of innovation
How ESTEEM prepares individuals and organizations for an evolving workforce
Ways to combine analytical rigor with creative problem-solving to drive better outcomes