Speaker

Writer

Poet

Presented For

A woman with dark hair styled in a bun, wearing a white blazer, earrings, and a necklace, listening in dark theater.

I've listened to ten thousand stories.

I’ve been in conversation with tremendous minds.

Matriarchs of movements.

Scholars of courage.

Titans of technology.

  • I have been blessed to see Michelle work her brilliance as a writer and artist in Bay Area communities and concert halls for 25 years. Times have changed, but the urgency of her voice has not. There is never a better time than the present to bring Mush’s vision and wisdom to the evolving task of building power with a new generation of leaders to bring truth, beauty, and wonder into a world in need. 

    -Jeff Chang, author of Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America, host, cultural organizer

  • Mush creates groundbreaking opportunities for artists and cultural communities. Whether it’s disrupting anti-Asian violence or activating cultural leaders in the national movement to re-image public safety, Mush combines her mastery of narrative strategy and her sharp political analysis to help communities understand what’s possible at the local level.

    — Favianna Rodriguez , President & Co-founder, The Center for Cultural Power

  • I can say without hesitation that Michelle Mush Lee is one of the most visionary and grounded leaders I’ve ever known. At Youth Speaks, Michelle didn’t just sustain a legacy. She reimagined what it could become. Michelle has an uncommon ability to connect. She coaches with insight and care. She sees potential before others do. She is also an exceptionally effective fundraiser. Michelle understands people, she understands systems, and she understands how to navigate the space between vision and execution.

    — James Kass, Executive Director, KALW Public Media; Founding Executive Director, Youth Speaks Inc./Brave New Voices

  • Michelle Mush Lee is a true civic leader. Mush brings passion, considerable leadership, strategy and coalition-building, along with a nuanced understanding of government systems and the needs of the community in addressing the myriad issues facing an under-resourced city. Mush is someone who is respected in equal parts by the community she serves, as well as the elected officials she advises on cultural policy.  

    —Diane Sanchez, Chair (2019-2023), Cultural Affairs Commission, City of Oakland

  • I have witnessed Mush’s exemplary leadership as the executive director of Youth Speaks. Mush’s work exemplifies a shared belief that arts and culture belong to everyone. Her spirit and resilience reminds all who are in her presence of the transformative power of creative leadership to build bridges, heal divisions, and help us imagine a just and vibrant future.

    —Ted Russell, former Program Officer, The Kenneth Rainin Foundation

  • Michelle is a force. When she steps in the room, you feel it. She brings an authenticity, power, vulnerability and expertise that is infectious and inspiring. You will be positively transformed by her presence.

    —Candice Wicks-Davis, Founder & CEO, Edutainment for Equity

  •  I have traveled with Mush to speak for the All the Women in My Family Sing anthology. When Mush speaks the room whirls with fire. Her mastery in calling out dominant systems with truth and love is remarkable. Mush is a light.

    —Deborah Santana, author, producer, activist for peace and social justice

Three children talking to a woman at a neighborhood event, with a sign that says 'Talk to Your Neighbor,' outdoors with trees and houses in the background.
Three people seated on stage, engaging in a panel discussion. The woman in the center wearing a mustard yellow sweater with a colorful skirt is holding a microphone and laughing. The person on the left wearing glasses and a white jacket is clapping and smiling. The background features a screen with text partially visible, including the words "Oakland for."
A woman standing on a stage with a microphone in her hand, in front of two beige armchairs and a patterned rug, with a green brick wall and shelves with plants and decorative items in the background.

I've delivered over 300 public talks, invocations, commencements, and keynotes. I've traveled across the country and have performed in 100+ venues and universities, from historic black-box theaters to major performance halls.

Convincing people of the transformative power of culture isn’t always easy.

But stories have allowed me to connect deeply and profoundly with remarkable people of uncommon journeys.

Get in touch if you’d like me to speak at your next event or conference.

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Book Me to Speak

Speaking Topics

topics tailored TO audiences

  • Authors

  • Communications

  • Courage

  • Enterprise

  • Belonging & Policy

  • Nonprofit

  • Millennial & Gen Z
    Leadership

  • Business Storytelling

  • Narrative Power

  • Hip Hop & Youth

  • AAPI

  • High Energy

  • Health & Culture

  • Racial Justice

  • Motivational

  • Wellness

  • Virtual

  • Women of Color

Performances

Inspire your conference or event with a live powerhouse performance that blends humor and heart.

Fee: Starts at $1,500 and ranges by event

Keynotes & Talks

Bring Mush’s candor, insights, and unique journey from poet to policy wonk to your next panel or talk.

Fee: Starts at $2,500 and ranges by event

Commissions

Collaborate for an upcoming campaign, milestone event, or passion project.


Fee: Starts at $10,000 and ranges by project

Got another idea?

Get in touch if you have a project that you’d like to collaborate on.


Get in Touch

Select Highlights

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Notable Venues

Davies Symphony Hall, Great American Music Hall, Aspen Institute, UC Berkeley, Asian Art Museum, Museum of African Diaspora, American Institutes for Research

Diverse speaking contexts

From intimate fireside chats to global conferences, I’ve spoken across diverse contexts and communities, shaping messages to meet each audience where they are.

Stages With Leading Voices

I've had the honor of sharing stages with global celebrities and local legends like Harrison Ford, Janice Mirikitani, Genny Lim, Natalie Baszile (Queen Sugar), David Banner, Mos Def, Hope Solo, George Clinton (Parliament-Funkadelic), Samina Ali, Chancellor Carol Christ, Saul Williams, Jeff Chang, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, and more.

Presentation types

Keynotes, panels, plenaries, invocations, moderator and host, feature performance, commissioned writing for national campaigns, films, and speeches.

Large theater filled with a crowd of people, some seated and some standing, with multiple balconies and warm lighting.
A cocktail glass with a yellow-green drink and a blue flower garnish on top, placed on a wooden tray with a colorful photo or postcard and a black light switch in the background.
A group of people at a social event, some are clapping, others are taking photos or raising their hands in celebration, with drinks on tables in a warmly lit reception area.
A woman speaking at a podium outdoors during a public event, with a woman in traditional attire visible in the background, banners, and a bright yellow chair nearby.
A woman giving a presentation or speech on stage in front of an audience inside a glass-walled building.
A woman in a leather jacket sitting on a gray armchair, smiling during a panel discussion or interview, with another person sitting nearby in a room with teal curtains and bookshelf.