Marra B. Gad

Author and mental health advocate Marra B. Gad shares a profound message that resonates with college audiences

The award-winning author of THE COLOR OF LOVE: A Story of a Mixed-Race Jewish Girl MARRA B. GAD shares a powerful message of resilience and belonging that resonates deeply with college and university audiences. Student audiences connect deeply with her experience of intersectionality – she is a Black and Ashkenazi Jewish woman who was adopted by an Ashkenazi Jewish family – as well as her authentic and courageous insights about mental health awareness. For groups and organizations looking to engage on topics of resilience, inclusion, and belonging, Gad delivers a compelling and inspiring event.

When Gad spoke at the University of Maryland Panhellenic Association, they shared this rave review:

"Although Marra is not the typical speaker that is brought to Greek Life across the country, she perfectly delivered a perspective that inspired my community to want to be better in our efforts of combating racism and other forms of exclusion that have existed in Greek Life for over a century. Marra engaged beautifully on what it means to belong and how to accept the honest truth when sometimes that is hard, especially for young adults. Through sharing personal experiences, truly being an open book, and answering any questions that came her way, Marra instilled confidence in me as a leader and in my community."

Watch Marra B. Gad on The Resilience Series >>

Success Story: Award-winning author Marra B. Gad received a glowing review from her event with FCB Global

Award-winning author MARRA B. GAD joined global agency network Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB) for a fireside chat and made a major impact on their team. In a talk titled ‘Between Three Worlds: Featuring Marra Gad’, the author of THE COLOR OF LOVE: A Story of a Mixed-Race Jewish Girl delved into her story of transracial adoption, and shared key actionable takeaways for the advertising industry about representation and cultivating inclusion in the workplace. As with all her sought-after events, Gad tailored her remarks for maximum resonance with the audience of 200 FCB employees, receiving a glowing review:

“On behalf of FCB, I wanted to let you know how delighted we were with Marra Gad. Her presentation was powerful, meaningful, and actionable. Her incredibly personal anecdotes had a large audience riveted from her opening reading through her last moment in the building. In 20+ years in the business, I have never seen a more attentive audience – or more appreciative. There were tears in the audience as advertising professionals engaged with her content. Then, in the 1:1s at the reception following, the personal interactions were deeply meaningful as well, with employees reacting to Marra as a mentor, leader, and friend. We had the most participation of any event this year, and I have heard nothing but wonderful feedback.

I would highly recommend Marra for any corporate event. Her preparation was evident, her message is powerful and needed, and her performance skills make for a one-of-a-kind presentation.” (FCB Global)

Watch Marra B. Gad at the ACC National Convention >>

Marra B. Gad candidly discusses mental health and resilience

Marra B. Gad helps organizations have complicated conversations that move us closer to inclusivity and belonging

With the state of the world today, many organizations are thinking about diversity, inclusivity, and belonging, but don’t know where to begin in making real change. MARRA B. GAD understands the power a thoughtful conversation can have in creating unity, educating, and making positive changes. 

A person with many marginalized identities as a Black and Ashkenazi Jewish woman adopted at birth, Gad is keenly aware that she doesn't fit into what are considered to be the traditional boxes we typically expect of people, overtly or subliminally. And she acknowledges that it can be challenging to talk about it. Instead, she encourages us all to take a step back from these boxes and look at each other as human beings with unique, nuanced experiences in life, but also with so much in common. Through disarming conversations and keynotes, Gad shows audiences that having these complicated conversations does not have to be all that complicated – we just have to start – and that examining our biases to become more inclusive is something we all have to do, no matter our identities. 

From conversations on college campuses to discussions with corporations about where to start with inclusivity, Gad tailors her talk to each unique audience, but always shares one underlying theme – expanding on the idea of what it means to belong in order to come together based on our differences, embrace them, and embrace each other.