Inspire Transformational Action for Equity and Fairness

Book Viana to speak at your next event and ignite meaningful change.

Viana Maya is an experienced and dynamic speaker whose mission is to inspire transformational action for an equitable society. With a focus on fairness, inclusion, and social justice, she opens powerful conversations on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, encouraging audiences to take real, actionable steps towards a more just world.

Book Viana Maya

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

🏆 Awards and Accolades

  • WISE100 Women 2024

  • 2021 Institute of Directors Award for Innovation

  • Finalist, Edinburgh Regional IoD Awards

Building Thriving Ecosystems with Ethical AI for Growth

At Prespect, equity comes first. We believe support has to be personalised, never delivered with a broad brush, if it is going to meet the real needs of marginalised individuals, ethnic minorities, and people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
That same principle now shapes how we think about technology: building ethical AI that widens access and opportunity rather than deepening the gap.
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ABOUT VIANA

Welcome, Visionaries and Game-Changers!

From Homelessness to Award-Winning Social Impact Leader and Business Innovator

Viana Maya is a transformative force in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a sought-after motivational speaker whose story resonates across the UK. Rising from homelessness to becoming an award-winning social impact leader and business innovator, she inspires audiences with a journey defined by resilience, adaptability, and innovation.

She is known for creating impactful solutions when they mattered most, including a digital food bank that supported communities through the pandemic, and resilience-building programmes that help people thrive through hardship. Her entrepreneurial coaching and community-focused initiatives have uplifted countless lives and established her as a trusted leader in sustainable change.

Beyond her community work, Viana's expertise in DEI, leadership development, and strategic innovation has made her a trusted adviser to organisations across many sectors. Her groundbreaking Untapped Talent report, recognised as a critical resource on the underutilisation of minoritised talent, continues to shape employment practices and training programmes in Scotland and beyond.

Her speaking blends actionable insight with lived experience, captivating audiences while empowering them to drive change. Whether advising the Scottish Government, managing grant budgets of £350k and more, or designing in-house leadership training for large organisations, she delivers tangible outcomes that foster equity, growth, and innovation.

Book Viana Maya to inspire your audience with her unforgettable story and practical strategies for resilience, equity, and transformational success.

Testimonial praising Viana as an outstanding conference speaker. The message highlights her engaging presentation skills, honesty, and humility. It recommends her for leadership roles and workshops. The testimonial is signed by Belinda Roberts MBE, CEO of WeDO Scotland, a champion of SME entrepreneurs, and a non-executive director and speaker.

Why Book Viana?

Benefit to Organisations

Elevate your organisation’s leadership and team dynamics with Viana’s powerful keynotes. Foster a culture of equity and people development that drives fundamental transformation beyond compliance.

Benefits to Leaders & Teams

Inspire and equip your leaders and teams with the tools and mindset to unlock their potential, champion inclusion, and create lasting impact within the organisation.

Benefit to Individuals

Transform your mindset and empower yourself to navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and become a stronger advocate for positive change in both your personal and professional life.

Recent Engagements

Viana has delivered thought-provoking, motivational keynotes and actionable insights at:

Major Leadership and Transformation Conferences, including WE Do Scotland

Executive and Leadership Networking Events, such as the Future X Ecosystem Builders Programme

Educational Institutions and Webinars

Social Impact and Inclusion Panels, including Common Purpose, IoD Scotland, PwC, SCOV Gathering

Speaking Services

Viana offers tailored keynote and motivational speaking engagements designed to inspire action, ignite leadership, and drive meaningful organisational change. Whether you're hosting a corporate event, leadership summit, or educational seminar, Viana’s talks will leave your audience empowered and ready to implement practical strategies for success.

Travel Request

For engagements outside of Edinburgh.

  • ‘Getting Viana Maya’s perspective on how the entrepreneurial ecosystem can become more inclusive was a eureka moment for me. Her honesty and clarity on where the system is failing and the steps we can take to improve it are issues I have already raised with my organisation.’

    Future X Leader

  • ‘Viana is a fabulous facilitator, with lived experience of the challenges, but also a passion to work collaboratively to make it better for all.’

    FutureX Leader

  • ‘ Viana inspired me to challenge my own perspectives.’

    FutureX

  • ‘She is a fantastic, passionate trainer - I can’t recommend her highly enough .’

    Cat Ward, Elevator