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Mayor, crisis leader & urban innovator

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

Former Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake helps organizations lead through crisis, drive urban innovation, and balance fiscal accountability with community impact. She chairs the Airbnb Housing Council, advises Fortune 500 clients including MasterCard, and served as first Black woman president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Trusted by Airbnb, MasterCard, SRB & Associates

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Speaker | Former Mayor
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

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

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Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's biography

At a glance

  • Youngest person elected to Baltimore City Council
  • Former mayor who led Baltimore through major crisis
  • First Black woman to lead US Conference of Mayors
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake became the youngest person ever elected to the Baltimore City Council at 25 and went on to serve as mayor of Baltimore for six years, guiding the city through one of its most turbulent periods. As mayor, she led Baltimore through the 2015 Freddie Gray protests and left office with the city holding its highest bond rating in over 40 years. She was the first Black woman to serve as president of the United States Conference of Mayors, and her Vacants to Value initiative won the Urban Land Institute's Robert C. Larson Workforce Housing Public Policy Award. Stephanie draws on direct experience managing a major American city through crisis, fiscal reform, and community rebuilding. Her work creating Baltimore's first long-range financial plan, reducing property taxes by more than 20% over a decade, and launching award-winning urban development programs gives her a practical framework for turning policy ideas into measurable outcomes. She now chairs the Airbnb Housing Council and leads SRB & Associates, advising clients from MasterCard to municipal governments. Audiences leave her sessions with concrete strategies for leading through public crisis, a roadmap for building coalitions that drive urban innovation, and a clear-eyed understanding of what it takes to balance fiscal responsibility with community investment. Book Stephanie to bring hard-won lessons in leadership, racial justice, and city-building to your next event.

Why we recommend booking Stephanie

Rawlings-Blake steered Baltimore through the Freddie Gray crisis while achieving the city's highest bond rating in four decades, giving her rare credibility on leading through public pressure without sacrificing fiscal discipline. Her tenure as the first Black woman to chair the U.S. Conference of Mayors and her current work advising Fortune 500s and municipalities positions her to translate crisis management and coalition-building into frameworks your leadership team can apply immediately.

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Trusted by Airbnb, MasterCard, SRB & Associates

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Stephanie Rawlings-Blake for my next event?
Email stephanie.rawlings.blake@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 Stephanie'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 Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's speaking style like?
Previous bookers say Stephanie Rawlings-Blake connects well with audiences and speaks with clarity, confidence, and ease.
What topics does Stephanie Rawlings-Blake specialise in?
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake specialises in discussing urban leadership, housing policy, racial justice 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.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show.

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.