"Authentic.
Courageous.
Transformative."

Calvin D. Lawrence the Global Speaker

Calvin D. Lawrence is a renowned global speaker who captivates audiences with his insights on technology and ethical leadership. His engaging presentations inspire listeners to embrace innovation while prioritizing integrity and social responsibility.

Focusing on the intersection of technology and humanity, Calvin empowers individuals and organizations to harness AI and cloud solutions for positive impact, guiding them to navigate the evolving tech landscape effectively.

A Trusted Perspective from Dr. Seth Dobrin,

Qantam AI, CEO and Former IBM Chief Global AI Offcer

"As a leader in the ethical and responsible AI field, Calvin has a wealth of experience that would make him an invaluable addition to your program. I have known Calvin professionally for over four years during my time as IBM’s Global Chief AI Officer. In that time, he has proven himself an exceptionally talented technologist and a thoughtful advocate for diversity equity, and inclusion in AI."

Learning Objectives

Explore how artificial intelligence algorithms are shaped by systemic racism and how they disproportionately harm Black and marginalized communities in areas such as policing, healthcare, and employment.
Examine the three most significant threats that biased AI models pose to communities of color, exacerbating social inequities and perpetuating injustice.
Learn practical, hands-on strategies to identify, mitigate, and prevent racial bias in AI systems, promoting fairness and justice in AI design and deployment.
Breakdown the deep-seated racism embedded in AI design and development, using Calvin D. Lawrence’s four-step framework to push for structural change within the tech industry.
Gain exclusive insights into Calvin D. Lawrence’s proprietary 5-step methodology for detecting and correcting racial bias in AI, ensuring ethical and equitable AI solutions.

Speaker Fee Range

The speaker fee typically ranges between $5,000 and $30,000+, depending on the scope of the event, audience size, and any additional services requested. 

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Accommodations included

All keynotes can be customized to fit the audience and industry needs. All keynotes can be delivered in-person or virtually.

Keynotes are specifically designed for:

Corporations

Nonprofits

Educational Institutions

Professional Tradeshows

Seminars

Conferences

And lots more! Contact us with your event details today, and we ’ll walk through what a speaking engagement with Calvin can do for your organization

Book Calvin for Speaking

Ready to elevate your event with insights from a leading technology expert?
Book Calvin D. Lawrence for your next speaking engagement!

What Our Clients Have to Say About Their Experience With Calvin

Calvin D. Lawrence’s keynote at Mondelēz International was a powerful and eye-opening experience. He skillfully demonstrated how unchecked AI can reinforce existing stereotypes and deepen systemic racism, compelling us to critically examine our use of technology. Drawing from his vast experiences designing real-life AI systems coupled with his book Hidden in White Sight, Calvin’s message was both insightful and urgent, pushing us to prioritize ethical AI solutions that promote equity. His leadership in this space is paving the way for a more responsible and inclusive future in technology

    Lauren Flanigan
    Lauren Flanigan

    Global Marketing Leader at Mondelēz International

    Calvin Lawrence delivered an electrifying keynote at Blackhawk Network that left a lasting impact. His profound knowledge of AI and its impact on systemic racism pushed us to confront the uncomfortable truth: technology, when carelessly designed, can reinforce harmful biases. Drawing from his extensive experience in building real-world AI systems and the powerful insights from his book, Hidden in White Sight, Calvin inspired us to take action. His message was clear—'it's time to lead the charge in creating ethical, inclusive AI'. Calvin’s visionary leadership is at the forefront of shaping how we can use technology as a force for social good, and his words continue to drive our commitment to responsible innovation.

      Danita Oliver
      Danita Oliver

      Vice President, Global Diversity, Culture & Belonging at BlackHawk Network

      Calvin’s talk was both enlightening and thought-provoking. He expertly highlighted how AI, when left unchecked, can reinforce biases and contribute to systemic racism, challenging us to approach technology with greater responsibility. Through the lens of his book Hidden in White Sight , Calvin provided actionable insights on how ethical AI practices can drive more equitable outcomes. His expertise and leadership are invaluable in guiding organizations like ours toward a more just and inclusive future.

        Dr. Kelly Malone
        Dr. Kelly Malone

        Senior DIR of Trust, Application, and Product Security at RingCentral

        On behalf of the entire SIX team at Starbucks, we would like to thank you for your participation and thought leadership at this year’s SIX:FLOW. Your talk was key in the success of SIX, and we would like to convey our genuine appreciation for the considerable time and effort you put into sharing your knowledge with us. Following your talk, partners were abuzz, and it undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all who attended.

          The Starbucks SIX Planning Team
          The Starbucks SIX Planning Team

          Kathy Doiron, Melinda Haynes & Jasmine Reed at Starbucks

          Empowering organizations across sectors with insights on ethical AI, technology innovation, and transformative solutions

          Contact Calvin D. Lawrence

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          The impact of AI bias on society

          Calvin Lawrence explores how AI bias affects daily lives, from job opportunities to healthcare access, emphasizing the need for fairness and transparency in AI systems.

          AI's impact on systemic racism

          Unveiling the deep ties between AI and systemic racism, Calvin Lawrence reveals how flawed algorithms perpetuate inequality and what must be done to break the cycle.

          AI in Education

          Calvin Lawrence demonstrates how AI can revolutionize education while addressing the risks of bias in tools used for grading, student tracking, and resource allocation.

          Why AI Scares the Hell Out of Black People

          In this eye-opening session, Calvin Lawrence discusses why Black communities often mistrust AI and technology, highlighting historical and ongoing misuse in surveillance and policing.


          Deep Fakes in Media & Entertainment - Stolen Goods

          Calvin Lawrence explores the surge in AI-based deepfakes and the growing concern over intellectual property theft, highlighting how AI not only threaten creative ownership but also undermine credibility and blur ethical boundaries in media and entertainment. As deepfakes evolve, the line between genuine and fabricated content becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish, putting artists, creators, and industries at risk of exploitation and unauthorized use of their work.

          Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in an AI World

          Calvin Lawrence advocates for AI that is built by diverse teams, showing the dangers of homogenous development and how inclusive AI can benefit everyone.

          AI Profit Versus Social Responsibility

          In this discussion, Calvin Lawrence tackles the conflict between profit-driven AI development and its social impact, promoting responsible innovation for the greater good.


          Why You Need an AI Ethics Board

          Calvin Lawrence outlines the critical role of an AI ethics board in preventing harmful consequences, ensuring companies build technology with accountability and integrity.



          Policy and Regulations for Ethical AI

          This session by Calvin Lawrence reviews the evolving landscape of AI regulations, stressing the need for robust policies that prevent unethical use of AI technologies



          AI in Policing & the Judicial System

          Calvin Lawrence uncovers how AI is shaping law enforcement and the judiciary, warning of the risks of biased policing algorithms and judicial outcomes.




          AI in Healthcare

          Calvin Lawrence highlights how AI is transforming healthcare while addressing the pressing concerns of bias in diagnostics, treatment recommendations, and health disparities.





          AI Designers’ Dilemma

          Calvin Lawrence dives into the ethical struggles AI designers face when balancing innovation with fairness and the consequences of neglecting responsible AI practices.


          Understanding deep fakes in politics

          In this timely topic, Calvin Lawrence exposes the political dangers of deep fakes, from disinformation campaigns to undermining trust in democratic institutions.