Inspire Transformational Action for Equity and Fairness
Book Viana to speak at your next event and ignite meaningful change.
Viana Maya FRSA is an experienced and dynamic speaker whose top priority is inspiring transformational action for an equitable society. Focusing on fairness, inclusion, and social justice, Viana opens powerful conversations on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, encouraging audiences to take actionable steps toward creating a more just and inclusive world.
🏆 Awards and Accolades
WISE100 Women 2024
- 2021 Institute of Directors Award for Innovation
- Finalist in the Edinburgh regional IoD
Welcome, Visionaries and Game-Changers!
From Homelessness to Award-Winning Social Impact Leader and Business Innovator
Viana Maya is recognised as a leading DEI and motivational speaker whose journey from homelessness to becoming an award-winning social impact leader and business innovator has inspired many. Her ability to pivot and innovate has transformed not only her own life but the lives of countless others. By creating a digital food bank, offering resilience-building support, and providing entrepreneurial coaching, Viana ensured that communities most impacted by societal challenges remained engaged and empowered.
Her expertise extends beyond the pandemic. She has played a pivotal role in providing critical insight to the Scottish Government and third-sector organisations, contributing to policy development and national recovery strategies. Viana’s Untapped Talent report has been recognised as essential research in the Scottish employment and training sectors, spotlighting the underutilisation of minoritised talent.
Managing a £350k grant budget and generating an additional £100k plus, she ensured that food and well-being security support continued year-round. Viana established both a Limited company and a CIC, enabling grassroots and small businesses to thrive, all while moving her family from homelessness to financial stability.
Speaking Topics
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Inspiring Personal Motivation
From Homelessness to Award-Winning Social Impact Leader and Pandemic Pivot Trailblazer
In this intimate keynote, Viana shares her powerful story of resilience, from homelessness to becoming an award-winning social impact leader and business innovator. Her journey is an inspiring blueprint for overcoming adversity and leading with vision and determination. -
Motivating Change-Makers
Effective Allyship for Executives: Driving Radical Change in the Third Sector
Uncover the challenges of equitable funding and systemic barriers. Learn how executives can drive radical system change, especially within the third sector, by championing equitable funding and inclusion. -
Empowering Inclusive Leadership
Building an Inclusive Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs
Inclusivity is not just a checkbox—it’s a business imperative. Learn how to embed inclusivity at your organisation's core to create a culture that drives entrepreneurial success and fosters innovation. -
Breaking Comfort Zones
Moving Beyond Talk: Embracing Antiracism and Allyship
Challenge ingrained biases and step into action. Viana guides leaders and teams through practical steps for embracing antiracism and becoming genuine allies, ready to foster systemic change. -
Leadership & Mindset Transformation
Leadership Development: Unleashing Your Inner Change-Maker
Master empathy, courage, and strategy. Viana’s session equips leaders to harness these skills and lead with confidence to foster real, lasting change in their organisations.Entrepreneurial Confidence: Turning Challenges into Assets
Viana shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity and building a successful business, inspiring audiences to transform obstacles into opportunities and grow with resilience.
Viana is an advisor to the following organisations:
Banking
Arts
Third sector
Independent and government funding bodies
Scottish Government policy round-tables focusing on equity and equality
Testimonial from Jim McCormick - CEO, The Robertson Trust
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
Executive and Leadership Networking Events
Educational Institutions and Webinars
Social Impact and Inclusion Panels
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, Viana requires first-class travel and accommodation in 4-5-star hotels to ensure she is well-rested and prepared to deliver a top-tier experience.