Monique Coleman

Award-Winning Actress, “Taylor McKessie” in Disney’s High School Musical & Activist for International Youth, Women and Girls' Empowerment

Monique Coleman

Award-Winning Actress, “Taylor McKessie” in Disney’s High School Musical & Activist for International Youth, Women and Girls' Empowerment

Add to List Availability & Fees

Biography

Monique Coleman is an award-winning actress, producer, host, and humanitarian whose career—spanning more than three decades—is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering belief in possibility. Raised with big dreams and an even bigger work ethic, Monique pursued a path in entertainment knowing the odds were rarely designed in her favor. Through persistence, discipline, and self-belief, she built a career defined not by a single moment, but by continual growth and purpose. While she is globally recognized for her role in Disney’s High School Musical franchise, Monique has always seen the spotlight not as a destination, but as a platform.

At the height of her mainstream success, Monique made a bold choice to expand her impact beyond Hollywood. She became the first—and to date only—United Nations Youth Champion, traveling to 24 countries to listen to young people, elevate their stories, and advocate for solutions to the most urgent challenges facing youth worldwide. This chapter reshaped her understanding of leadership, grounding her work in empathy, global citizenship, and service. Her passion for storytelling with purpose led her to create, produce, and host Gimme Mo’, a Daytime Emmy–nominated docuseries for Discovery Life that explored wellness, identity, and self-discovery through honest, human conversations.

Monique recently starred in and executive produced the Lifetime thriller Trapped in the Spotlight, marking a powerful evolution in her career and reinforcing her voice as a creative leader both in front of and behind the camera. Her partnerships with COACH’s annual “Dream Day,” Hello Sunshine, AT&T, and the U.S. Figure Skating Team reflect a career aligned with empowerment, storytelling, and aspiration. At every stage, Monique has chosen courage over comfort—proving that success is not a straight line, but a series of brave steps forward.

With a career rooted in perseverance and a mission driven by impact, Monique Coleman stands as an inspirational female leader who has never stopped fighting for her dreams—and continues to invite others to believe in theirs.

Speaker Videos

Turning Setbacks into Strength

Alphabet Affirmations: Building Mindset One Letter at a Time

Passion Unlocks Purpose

Where Our Attention Goes, Our Energy Flows

Our Value is in How We Serve Others

Reason and Purpose

Redefining Age

Becoming

See Fewer Videos

Speech Topics

We’re All In This Together

Over the last several years, people across every community have been navigating unprecedented change, uncertainty, and emotional strain. In this uplifting keynote, Monique Coleman reflects on how shared challenges can either divide us or bring us closer together. Drawing from her personal journey and global advocacy work, she explores what it means to show up for one another during difficult moments. With warmth and honesty, Monique reminds audiences that strength is built through connection, compassion, and collective care. This talk offers reassurance, hope, and a renewed sense of togetherness—at a time when many need it most.

Audiences will learn:

A reminder that no one is navigating challenges alone
Insight into how connection helps people endure difficult times
Encouragement to support others with empathy and kindness

Passion Unlocks Purpose

What begins as a dream can become a life of impact when passion is paired with perseverance. In this inspiring keynote, Monique Coleman shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in South Carolina to building a multifaceted career in entertainment and global advocacy—defying expectations at every turn. Best known for her role as Taylor McKessie in Disney’s High School Musical, Monique reveals how that milestone was not the finish line, but the doorway to deeper purpose. Her work as a United Nations Youth Champion took her across the world, reinforcing her belief that passion grows when it’s used in service of others. With honesty and encouragement, Monique empowers audiences to trust their dreams, stay resilient, and align their passions with meaningful purpose.

Audiences will learn:

How passion can evolve into purpose over time
Why perseverance matters more than having a perfect plan
Encouragement to pursue goals even when the odds feel stacked

Why Mattering Is the Foundation of Belonging

Belonging is more than inclusion—it is the deep human need to feel seen, valued, and respected. In this empowering keynote, Monique Coleman explores how wellbeing, confidence, and performance improve when people believe they truly matter. Drawing from her experiences as an actress, humanitarian, and global youth advocate, she connects personal stories to universal truths about human motivation and growth. Monique challenges audiences to rethink how belonging is created—not through words, but through everyday actions that affirm worth. This talk inspires individuals and organizations to build environments where people don’t just show up, but thrive.

Audiences will learn:

A clear understanding of what “mattering” really means
Why feeling valued improves wellbeing and performance
Simple ways to help others feel seen and respected

Empowering Youth to Lead, Serve, and Create Change

Impact doesn’t begin with fame or influence—it begins with caring enough to act. In this inspiring keynote, Monique Coleman shares how her journey as an actress evolved into a life of global advocacy, shaped by listening to young people and learning about the challenges they face around the world. Drawing from her experiences as a United Nations Youth Champion, she explores what it means to use your voice, talents, and values to create positive change. Whether speaking to young people imagining their future or the educators and mentors helping guide them, Monique offers a message rooted in purpose, compassion, and possibility. This talk empowers audiences to see themselves as changemakers and take meaningful steps toward a more just and hopeful world.

Audiences will learn:

How everyday actions can lead to real impact
Why young voices—and those who support them—matter
Simple ways to start creating positive change in your community

Testimonials

“Monique Coleman delivered a keynote that was powerful, inspirational, and deeply personal, connecting with the audience in a way that few speakers achieve. Her intentional engagement resonated strongly, and we heard multiple attendees say that Monique was the best speaker they had ever seen at one of our conferences. She set the tone for the entire event and elevated the overall experience for everyone in attendance. Her impact was felt well beyond the stage and throughout the conference.”

- NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

“Monique Coleman was an absolute inspiration during her visit to the University of Connecticut, connecting with students in a deeply authentic and meaningful way. Even before arriving on campus, Monique took time to listen carefully to the challenges students were facing and thoughtfully shaped her message to reflect what mattered most to them. On campus, she engaged students through honest conversations about mental health and a powerful keynote that reminded everyone it is okay to not be okay. We are grateful for the lasting impact Monique made and the message of care, openness, and hope she left with our community.”

- University of Connecticut

“Monique Coleman was absolutely amazing—warm, accommodating, and truly inspirational. She connected effortlessly with our students, and their enthusiasm and appreciation for her were unmistakable. Monique’s presence made a meaningful impact on our community, and her message resonated long after the program ended.”

- Fordham University