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Deneen L. Garrett    

Art Curator, Storyteller & Diversity & Empowerment Advocate

Deneen L. Garrett is a visionary art curator, international speaker, and advocate for diversity and empowerment. Specializing in African American visual arts, she has collaborated with world-renowned institutions like Sotheby’s and Hauser & Wirth, working with artists and curators across the U.S. and U.K. Through her expertise in exhibition curation, public programming, and cultural engagement, Garrett fosters inclusive spaces that amplify underrepresented voices and spark meaningful dialogue.

Her corporate career at AT&T spanned over two decades, where she co-founded the AT&T Inclusion Council and led transformative Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, driving a 90% increase in diverse hiring. As the founder of Deneen L. Garrett LLC, she empowers Women of Color (WOC) through consulting, podcasting, and coaching. She is also the creator and host of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, the #1 searched WOC podcast on Apple Podcasts, dedicated to uplifting stories of resilience, leadership, and authenticity.

A sought-after speaker, Garrett has delivered impactful talks at Ford Motor Company, BEYA, and Divas of Colour London, engaging audiences on topics at the intersection of art, identity, and empowerment. Her thought leadership has been featured in Voyage Michigan, ShoutOut LA, and on the cover of Hoinser Global Media, with her image displayed in Times Square. She is a published author of the award-winning book "Upward: Leadership Lessons for Women on the Rise," which has been incorporated into university business courses.

Garrett’s dedication to arts advocacy extends to her nonprofit board service, including at the Detroit Institute of Arts and Friends of African and African American Art. Recognized as a U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award honoree and a Black Future Maker, she continues to inspire, educate, and challenge the status quo through storytelling, curation, and leadership.

Speech Topics

Art and Empowerment: Using Creativity to Drive Diversity

Art is a powerful tool for storytelling, advocacy, and social change. In this engaging talk, Deneen L. Garrett explores how creativity can be leveraged to amplify diverse voices, challenge systemic barriers, and foster inclusivity. Drawing from her experience as a bi-coastal art curator and diversity champion, she highlights the intersection of art and activism, showcasing how artists and institutions can drive meaningful conversations around representation.

Deneen shares insights from her collaborations with global institutions like Sotheby’s and Hauser & Wirth, as well as her curatorial work uplifting Black artists. She delves into how art can inspire cultural appreciation, create spaces of belonging, and push the boundaries of traditional narratives. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies on how to use creativity as a force for empowerment -- whether in the workplace, community, or personal advocacy.

Living Boldly: The Art of a Dream Lifestyle

What does it truly mean to live boldly? In this inspiring talk, Deneen L. Garrett explores the power of intentional living and embracing your dreams -- without waiting for permission. Drawing from her own journey as a visionary leader, art curator, and podcast host, Deneen empowers Women of Color to define success on their own terms and step into their fullest potential.

She shares actionable strategies for cultivating confidence, breaking through barriers, and using creativity as a tool for transformation. Through storytelling and lived experiences, Deneen highlights the importance of self-advocacy, representation, and aligning passion with purpose.

Attendees will leave inspired to take control of their narratives, embrace opportunities fearlessly, and create a Dream Lifestyle NOW. Whether in career, art, or personal growth, this session will ignite the courage to live with intention and impact.

The Intersection of Inclusion and Creativity in the Arts

Art is a powerful tool for storytelling, representation, and social change. In this dynamic talk, Deneen L. Garrett explores how inclusion and creativity intersect to shape cultural narratives, amplify diverse voices, and foster belonging in the arts.

Drawing from her experience as a curator specializing in African American Visual Arts and a champion for diversity, Deneen highlights the importance of equitable representation in exhibitions, collections, and leadership. She examines how artists, institutions, and advocates can work together to challenge systemic barriers, celebrate underrepresented perspectives, and drive meaningful change.

Attendees will gain insight into the role of creativity in advancing inclusion, learn strategies for fostering diverse artistic communities, and leave inspired to use art as a catalyst for empowerment. Whether you’re an artist, curator, or art enthusiast, this talk will encourage you to reimagine the arts as a space for innovation, advocacy, and transformation.

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