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Available to book

DEI speaker & disability advocate

Mark Travis Rivera

Transform workplace inclusion through Mark Travis Rivera, speaker, DEI consultant and professional storyteller. Mark empowers organizations with disability advocacy and LGBTQ+ leadership expertise, delivering impactful insights at Harvard, MIT and global corporations across five continents.

Trusted by Harvard, MIT

Mark Travis Rivera, Speaker | Creative Entrepreneur, CEO
Mark Travis Rivera

Mark Travis Rivera

Atlanta, United States

Typical fee range

$6k–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Atlanta, United States

Starting from

$6k–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Mark Travis Rivera's biography

At a glance

  • Founder of The Professional Storyteller
  • Founder of the marked dance project
  • TEDx Speaker on embracing potential
Mark Travis Rivera is an award-winning creative entrepreneur and CEO of The Professional Storyteller. He uses the power of storytelling to promote inclusivity. Mark's writings have appeared in The Bergen Record, Herald News, The Star-Ledger, Fox News Latino, and The Huffington Post. He contributed to the anthology Crisis and Care: Queer Activist Responses to a Global Pandemic (PM Press, 2022) and published his debut collection, Drafts: An Imperfect Collection of Writing, in August 2017. At 17, Mark founded marked dance project, becoming the youngest person in the U.S. to lead an integrated dance company for disabled and non-disabled dancers. As a person with cerebral palsy, he was inspired to help dancers find their artistic voices. As a Puerto Rican queer man, he was among the few artistic directors of colour in the U.S. disability dance field. Recently, he participated in Ballet Hispanico’s Instituto Coreográfico program as the first physically disabled Latinx choreographer. Mark has spoken at institutions like Harvard, MIT, Rutgers, and NYU. As a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant, he has addressed corporate audiences globally, including in the UK, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Israel, China, and India. His 2014 TEDx Talk, “Embracing Yourself, Embracing Your Potential,” was a success at Bergen Community College. A first-generation high school and college graduate, Mark earned a bachelor's degree in women's and gender studies with a minor in public relations from William Paterson University. He received the Campus Pride National Voice & Action Award in 2013 for his LGBTQ advocacy. He also won the Audre Lorde Award for Social Justice from John Jay College and the Lavender Legacy Award from William Paterson. Mark is a member of the WE CREATE SPACE global collective of LGBTQ+ leaders and a speaker for River + Green Speakers Bureau. He also serves as a Senior Consultant for Unlock Creative.

Mark's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Mark

Book Mark Travis Rivera as a speaker to inspire your team with his groundbreaking work in integrating disabled and non-disabled dancers and his unique perspective as a Puerto Rican queer man with cerebral palsy. His powerful storytelling and extensive experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion will provide invaluable insights and motivation. Mark's acclaimed TEDx Talk and contributions to prestigious institutions and publications make him an exceptional choice for any event.

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Trusted by Harvard, MIT

Featured Projects

Mark Travis Rivera - Drafts: An Imperfect Collection Of Writing book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Mark Travis Rivera for my next event?
Email mark.travis.rivera@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Mark's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Mark Travis Rivera's speaking style like?
Mark delivers impactful presentations that blend storytelling with inclusivity, inspiring diverse audiences. His engaging style and personal experiences resonate deeply, making him a sought-after speaker in various global contexts.
What topics does Mark Travis Rivera specialise in?
Mark Travis Rivera specialises in discussing storytelling, inclusivity, diversity and inclusion and more.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.