ALLY · ADVOCATE · ACTIVIST · ACCOMPLICE
Stephen Chukumba
Founder of The Dads Foundation and executive producer of The Dads, amplifying trans youth and their families through storytelling, advocacy and education.
FEE RANGE
In Person Keynote: $10,000
Virtual Keynote: $5,000
TRAVELS FROM
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FORMATS
In-Person Keynote, Virtual Keynote
About Stephen
Stephen Chukumba is an activist, advocate, and ally, working actively to support and raise awareness about the myriad of issues impacting LGBTQ+ people and communities.
Stephen Chukumba is the founder and Executive Director of The Dads Foundation, a national nonprofit supporting fathers of transgender and nonbinary children through storytelling, community-building, and advocacy. He is the executive producer of The Dads, a feature-length follow-up to the Emmy Award-winning Netflix short of the same name, which brings together a diverse group of fathers united in love and support for their gender-expansive kids. Stephen is also the co-host of the Parent Advocate podcast, where he amplifies the voices of trans youth and their families while confronting disinformation and advancing equity through informed, compassionate dialogue.
Speaking Topics
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From the silence of grief to the volume of systemic change. Moving beyond "support" to active, life-changing intervention.
This talk is a deep dive into the difference between being a passive ally and a radical advocate. I share the pivotal moment my late wife’s passing and my son’s coming out merged into a singular mission: ensuring no one walks their path alone. I share how this intersection forced me to find a voice I didn't know I had, transforming me from a bystander into a leader. Finding your "Why" when the world feels like it's falling apart.
I share the framework of "Radical Advocacy"—how to identify systemic gaps, the courage required to stand in them, and why advocacy is a lifelong commitment rather than a one-time gesture. The anatomy of a "Change-Maker"—identifying your unique "voice," overcoming the "imposter syndrome" of new advocacy, and the mechanics of mobilizing others toward a common goal.
The takeaways:
Strategies for building inclusive environments
"Listen-First" methodology for advocates
How to use your platform to amplify voices that are often silenced.
Practical steps to speak up in intimidating spaces
How to craft a narrative that inspires action
The "Resilience Toolkit" for long-term leadership.
Who this is for: Emerging leaders, non-profit sectors, and anyone feeling called to lead but unsure of where to start. Corporate leaders, HR professionals, and community organizers looking to move the needle on Inclusion and genuine belonging.
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In a world of performative marketing, authentic advocacy is the only currency that matters. I explore how my personal experience fighting for my son’s rights mirrors the way brands must fight for their customers.
Audiences learn how the "Mirror Effect"—how an organization's internal advocacy for its employees (and their families) creates a ripple effect of external brand champions and fierce customer loyalty.
The takeaways:
A blueprint for identifying "Value Pillars"
How to avoid "rainbow washing," and inauthentic displays of support.
Metrics for measuring the impact of social advocacy on brand equity.
Who this is for: Marketing executives, Founders, and Brand Strategists who want to lead with purpose and profit.
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Failure isn’t just about business—it’s often about the moments we feel we’ve failed as leaders or parents. I discuss the steep learning curve of self-advocacy and how admitting what you don’t know is the first step toward true growth.
I share my personal journey of unlearning old biases to show up for my transgender son, and how the "failure" of our initial understanding became the foundation for a stronger, more authentic relationship.
The takeaways:
How to practice self-advocacy to set boundaries and seek resources
Techniques for "failing forward" during high-stakes transitions
The art of the humble pivot.
Who this is for: Individuals facing major life transitions, middle management, and anyone struggling with the fear of "getting it wrong."