As featured in USA Today, New York Weekly, and (link hidden)
Davina Ware is a Leadership and Talent Strategist who helps organizations close the gap between the talent they have and the performance they need. A dynamic keynote speaker and facilitator, Davina brings energy, humor, and actionable insight to corporate events, conferences, and leadership summits - leaving audiences with tools they can use the next day
She is certified by the International Coaching Federation, is a certified Master Axiologist, holds an MBA in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University, and a Bachelor’s in Marketing from Columbia College Chicago.
7 reviews
Launee R. W.
March 18, 2026I hired Davina for our second annual Gala. I was so impressed with her research on my Non-Profit and professionalism. She is such a shining light and I would refer her for any event.
Hired as: Motivational Speaker
Nikkita W.
October 8, 2024We were extremely satisfied to have Davina as a speaker at the 2024 Western Partnerships Conference On Human Services. Her session topic caught the attention of many that attended the 2 day conference. Millennial Leaders: The Loudest Voice In The Jungle. Oh my her energy, knowledge, and overall presentation was very insightful. Davina did a great job ensuring that all the material presented was relatable, which was crucial, as we want each person to leave this 2 day conference with something they can use in their everyday life.
Hired as: Leadership/Success Speaker
Mackenzie B.
August 29, 2024Davina is your speaker to engage a wide range of audiences. Whether on stage at a large conference, in smaller office trainings, or with a virtual audience, she brings energy and connection to any room she enters. Davina's in-depth knowledge of the modern workforce is both insightful and practical. I gain new perspectives and knowledge every time she presents.
Hired as: Leadership/Success Speaker
Kyle
August 28, 2024I recently attended a seminar where Davina Ware delivered an outstanding presentation on the DiSC assessment. Davina’s ability to connect with the audience and provide practical examples of how the DiSC assessment can improve team dynamics and communication was truly impressive. Her insights into the different personality styles and how to leverage them for better workplace relationships were invaluable. I highly recommended Davina for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of behavioral assessments!
Hired as: Leadership/Success Speaker
Ron P.
August 24, 2024Davina is a fresh voice for the future of leadership. Sharing from her rich experiences and current day wisdom, she is both fun and worthwhile to listen to. Whether she is talking about understanding our differences, working across generations or uncovering the wellsprings of motivation, she connects well with her audiences and creates new friendships in the process.
Hired as: Leadership/Success Speaker
Price range: $1,000 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 420 minutes
A personal phone consultation prior to your event, so I can better understand how to best serve you and your audience.
A professionally prepared, interactive, and empowering presentation focused on achieving the outcomes you want with your audience. Any presentation I provide will have actionable steps/actions that your audience can implement right now. In addition, Course materials are an option we can discuss during the consultation.
An announcement about your event on my social media channels. This assumes that your event is open to the public and you want additional visibility for it.
A quick follow-up communication after the event to make sure I met your expectations and discuss recommendations to build upon the learning.
Davina Ware is a Leadership and Talent Strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of Upwardly Paved Path - a leadership consulting firm that helps organizations build cultures where top talent doesn't just stay but thrives.
With 15 years of cross-industry experience spanning higher education, telecommunications, nonprofit, and healthcare, Davina brings a rare blend of real-world perspective and evidence-based strategy to every stage she steps on. Her sessions are known for being equal parts energizing and practical — audiences leave with tools, frameworks, and a renewed sense of direction they can put to work immediately.
Davina speaks on the topics organizations need most right now: generational leadership, employee engagement, behavioral dynamics (DiSC), talent retention, and building cultures of belonging. Whether she's delivering a keynote at a multi-day conference, facilitating a leadership workshop, or energizing a corporate team day, she meets every audience where they are and then moves them forward.
Davina is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and is a certified Master Axiologist. She holds an MBA in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor's in Marketing Communications from Columbia College Chicago. Her work has been featured in USA Today, New York Weekly, and (link hidden).
Available for travel nationwide; virtual and hybrid presentations also available.
- Microphone or Lavalier
- Laptop or device to upload my presentation (depending on the needs of the event). If not available, I can bring my laptop but let me know ahead of time
- Slide advancer
- Clips or recordings of the talk or workshop
Motivational Speaker
