Maggie Anderson's biography
- Co-founder and CEO of The Empowerment Experiment Foundation
- Advocate for economic justice and empowerment
- Acclaimed author of "Our Black Year"
Maggie Anderson is a lawyer, author, activist, and leading voice on economic justice and empowerment. She previously studied law under Barack Obama, served as a legislative aide to Congressman John Lewis, and worked as an executive at McDonald’s, reporting directly to the CEO.
In 2009, Maggie and her family took a bold stand by pledging to “buy Black” exclusively for an entire year. "The Empowerment Experiment" was a deeply personal and challenging journey—her mother was battling terminal cancer, her family faced threats, and for months, they struggled to find essential goods from Black-owned businesses. Yet her efforts led to significant outcomes, including a landmark Kellogg study demonstrating that nearly one million jobs could be created with increased support for Black-owned firms. Major media outlets around the world covered their story, and it became a powerful symbol of both the challenges and the potential of Black entrepreneurship.
Her book about the experience, Our Black Year: One Family’s Quest to Buy Black in America’s Racially Divided Economy, was widely praised, with Publishers Weekly calling it “dynamite” and Library Journal describing it as an “effective probe” into racial disparities in the economy. Anderson’s work has always been about bringing people together—she advocates economic solidarity not just for Black communities, but as a broader solution to racial and economic inequality. She believes that supporting entrepreneurs of color is a way for all people, regardless of background, to fight systemic injustice.
A daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation American, Maggie's perspective is shaped by her family’s story of resilience. While she champions Black business empowerment, she believes that supporting entrepreneurs of color is a solution to racial and economic inequality that benefits all communities. A compelling speaker, she urges conscious consumers and committed corporations to engage with Black professionals and firms that can create jobs, opportunities, and wealth.
Maggie has appeared on CNN, The New York Times, and PBS NewsHour, where she highlights how economic injustice and the lack of Black business ownership destroy neighborhoods—and how economic unity can counter racism and inequality. For her sustained activism and powerful speeches, she has received numerous honors, proclamations, and awards from universities, corporations, municipalities, and rights groups, including the Partnership for a Racism-Free Society, BET, Harvard University, and New York Life. She was also named YWCA’s “Woman of the Year” two years in a row.
She now extends her platform through The Maggie Anderson Show, where she hosts business leaders, experts, and changemakers to share stories of success and struggle for businesses and communities of color. Maggie continues to challenge audiences worldwide to rethink economic equity, collective empowerment, and the role each of us can play in building a more just and prosperous society.
Maggie's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
The Empowerment Experiment: My Year of Buying Black
Maggie Anderson recounts her family's groundbreaking year-long commitment to supporting black businesses. This initiative highlighted the critical role of self-help economics in the black community and raised awareness of the challenges faced by black families. Attendees will gain insights into economic empowerment, conscious consumerism, and the importance of community support, all drawn from Anderson's experiences and her book, *Our Black Year*.
Conscious Consumerism: Make a Difference with Your Dollars
Maggie Anderson presents "Conscious Consumerism: Make a Difference with Your Dollars," highlighting the lack of black-owned businesses in Chicago despite significant spending by the black community. She critiques how corporations profit from this demographic without reinvesting in it. As a leader in the conscious consumerism movement, Anderson advocates for supporting minority-owned businesses to empower underserved communities. Attendees will learn how their purchasing choices can foster economic growth and equity, benefiting both minority communities and society at large.
Maggie Anderson addresses the urgent need to create jobs for minority groups affected by economic downturns. She explores America's racially divided economy, the lack of supplier diversity, and the economic disenfranchisement of these communities. Anderson also examines the implications of ethnic groups supporting their own businesses and how public perception varies. Attendees will gain insights into fostering community leadership and empowerment, inspiring them to become catalysts for positive change in their own communities.
A Call to Women: Find Your Cause
Maggie Anderson, an everyday mom, has sparked a transnational movement driven by her passion for social change. In her inspiring presentation, she encourages women—whether mothers, professionals, or homemakers - to discover their own causes and extend their impact beyond their immediate circles. Anderson's message highlights that anyone can make a difference, as she has demonstrated through The Empowerment Experiment. Attendees will learn how to harness their potential to effect positive change in their communities.
Why we recommend booking Maggie
Maggie Anderson, founder of The Empowerment Experiment Foundation, is a renowned speaker and author of "Our Black Year." Her insights on economic justice and Black business empowerment can transform teams and organizations. Book her as a speaker to inspire change and drive impact.
Maggie helped us to draw our largest crowd ever for a Black History Month event at Rutgers Business School. She inspired us all to reflect and to act.
Maggie presented at American Express's Black History Month event to support Black owned businesses. She captivated our audience from sharing facts about Black history to expressing the trials that she encountered during her Black Year. We were all moved and wanted to do more to support the Black community.
American Express, American Express
Maggie is both an engaging and inspirational speaker. Her conversation was tailored to our Company and teammates. And months after the fact, we still receive complimentary comments asking if we can find more speakers like her. I'm not surprised because I heard her speak in person years ago. But the COVID-limited, virtual Maggie was just as impressive!
