At Changemaker Talent,
We Elevate the Voices
Shaping Tomorrow.
We connect world-class speakers and programs with audiences everywhere, bringing ideas that inspire, challenge, and spark deeper understanding.
Our Speakers Bureau Champions Authentic Storytelling.
For over 25 years, we’ve helped organizations and venues inspire their audiences and make change. From Pulitzer Prize–winning photojournalists and pioneering scientists to modern explorers and human resilience experts, our roster reflects the big ideas shaping culture, business, science, and society.
Today, Changemaker Talent represents more than 80 global speakers whose work invites audiences to imagine, to question, and to build a more sustainable future.
Meet the Changemaker Talent Team
A small (but mighty!) group committed to bringing meaningful programming to stages around the world.
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Deborah Benson
FOUNDER & CEO
Deborah founded Changemaker Talent to elevate bold ideas and spark meaningful conversation. She spent 20 years at National Geographic developing storytellers, expanding National Geographic Live, and co-creating its Speakers Bureau. Earlier roles include marketing leadership at Bravo, IFC, and SportsChannel Florida. Deborah has also served the TED community and advisory boards for Geffen Playhouse, Zoo Atlanta. -
Suzanne Yavor
VP, STRATEGY & CLIENT ENGAGEMENT
Suzanne co-founded Changemaker Talent and oversees strategy, client engagement and sales. She began her career at National Geographic, helping build its Speakers Bureau and grow its touring series National Geographic Live globally. In 2010, she earned her MBA at Georgetown University, then joined Marriott International, where she managed global brand, loyalty, and experiential marketing initiatives. -
Katherine Thompson
VP, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Katherine is a marketing strategist and talent coach with experience at National Geographic, Washington University in St. Louis, the US-China Business Council, and Ripple Effect Images. As director of programming for National Geographic Live, she collaborated with 70+ world-class photographers, filmmakers, scientists, and explorers. Her coaching clients have spoken at the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. -
Aya Mariano
DIRECTOR, EVENTS
Aya is a seasoned remote event director supporting organizations across the U.S. and Canada. She spent five years directing events for The Founding Moms, empowering women reentering the workforce. At Changemaker Talent, Aya brings dedication, precision, and a deep commitment to amplifying purpose-driven voices, ensuring seamless experiences for speakers, partners, and audiences.
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Dennis Patton
VP, PARTNERSHIPS
Dennis brings three decades of media and entertainment expertise to Changemaker Talent, advising on strategic partnerships and growth. He’s held senior roles at Time Warner Cable, National Geographic Channel, and XY.tv, and previously led MuchMusic (now FUSE), PRISM, and SportsChannel Philadelphia at Rainbow Media. He was also part of the launch team for American Movie Classics.
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Nacho Corbeila
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Nacho is a multidisciplinary storyteller whose work spans video, photography, animation, and design. He has created award-winning stories for National Geographic, NPR, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and most recently served as Executive Producer at Ripple Effect Images. His work has been honored by World Press Photo, the Emmys, and the Alfred I. duPont–Columbia Awards.
RYAN JENKINS
We believe in
A Roster 25+ Years in the Making
Over the last two decades, we’ve intentionally built a network of extraordinary people: explorers, scientists, creatives, innovators, journalists, resilience experts, and big-idea thinkers. These are speakers who bring audiences along, make complex ideas accessible, and open new doors. We can’t wait for you to meet them.
