Bernadette Smith

Bernadette Smith (she/her) is Founder and CEO of the Equality Institute and an IBPA Benjamin Franklin booksellers Gold medal award-winning author of three books on LGBTQ inclusion. She is frequently requested as a keynote speaker to help promote an inclusive work environment and celebrate diversity. She has consulted with Fortune 500 companies and presented to a variety of audiences, including CEOs, leadership teams, human resource and diversity leaders, sales and marketing professionals and more.

Because of her insight and impact as a change agent, she has been featured in the New York Times, USA Today, the Washington Post, and Fast Company. She's appeared on CNN, the Today Show, the BBC, and National Public Radio. Bernadette has been named one of Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business.