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Civil rights attorney & DEI leader

Michelle Coles

Michelle Coles helps organizations build inclusive leadership through civil rights expertise and storytelling. Michelle works with teams and young leaders on diversity and inclusion, racial equity, and civic engagement, delivering insights as a Department of Justice attorney, award-winning author, and John Lewis Foundation Good Troublemaker.
Michelle Coles

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Michelle Coles's biography

At a glance

  • Civil rights attorney and award winning author
  • Former Department of Justice attorney
  • Young adult novelist spotlighting Black American history
Michelle Coles is a civil rights attorney and award-winning author who reveals how forgotten stories of Black heroism can shape the next generation of leaders. Michelle spent over a decade at the Department of Justice and has written a young adult novel that illuminates the contributions of Black Americans who fought alongside White allies to fulfill the promise of democracy. The John Lewis Foundation named her a Good Troublemaker. Michelle's work connects historical struggles to present-day challenges, giving audiences a framework for understanding how racial inequality persists and what it takes to disrupt it. Her legal background grounds her storytelling in evidence, while her fiction reaches readers who might never pick up a policy brief. She shows how ordinary people drove extraordinary change. Audiences leave Michelle's sessions with a clearer understanding of the collaborative history of civil rights activism, practical approaches for recognizing and interrupting patterns that sustain inequality, and confidence that individual action still matters. Her message resonates particularly with young people searching for models of civic courage. Book Michelle Coles to give your audience both the historical context and the forward-looking inspiration they need to act.

Why we recommend booking Michelle

Michelle brings a rare combination of DOJ litigation experience and narrative craft that translates complex civil rights frameworks into actionable leadership principles. Her John Lewis Foundation recognition signals credibility with audiences seeking authentic voices on equity and institutional change. She'll give your team the historical grounding and practical tools to identify systemic patterns and build more inclusive decision-making processes.

frequently asked questions

Have Questions About Booking?

What topics does Michelle Coles specialise in?
Michelle Coles specialises in discussing civil rights law, black history and heroism, youth empowerment and more.
What is Michelle Coles's speaking style like?
Previous bookers say Michelle Coles connects well with audiences and speaks with clarity, confidence, and ease.
How can I book Michelle Coles for my next event?
Email michelle.coles@getapeptalk.com or call us 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 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. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Michelle Coles for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Michelle Coles's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Michelle Coles directly.
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