Build inclusive cultures where students and teams thrive.
Steven Matly is the founder of SM Diversity and a nationally sought‑after speaker. He equips audiences with practical tools to turn good intentions into everyday behaviors that create belonging and future‑ready workplaces.
Signature Programs
Modeled after high‑performing workshops, adapted for student leaders, staff, and corporate teams.
Belonging in Practice
A powerful keynote on moving from awareness to everyday actions that foster inclusion, psychological safety, and accountability.
- ✓ 5 behaviors that build trust and safety
- ✓ How to interrupt bias in real time
- ✓ A simple framework for inclusive decisions
Inclusive Leadership Lab
Interactive, scenario‑based training where participants practice difficult conversations and turn learning into habits.
- ✓ Role‑plays with practical scripts
- ✓ Feedback loops & reflection tools
- ✓ Team norms you can use tomorrow
From First‑Gen to Future‑Ready
A student‑focused talk on career readiness, networking with confidence, and navigating culture with authenticity.
- ✓ Storytelling for interviews & careers
- ✓ Allyship on campus & internships
- ✓ Practical next steps in 24 hours
Popular Topics
- ✓ Belonging & psychological safety
- ✓ Inclusive leadership & culture change
- ✓ Recruiting, retaining, and advancing diverse talent
- ✓ Allyship & bystander intervention
- ✓ Student success, career readiness, and community building
- ✓ ERG strategy & leadership development
Formats
- ✓ Keynotes (30–60 min)
- ✓ Interactive workshops (60–120 min)
- ✓ Half‑day or full‑day trainings
- ✓ Panels, fireside chats, Q&A
- ✓ Virtual or in‑person
What audiences walk away with
Clear language, practical tools, and momentum to keep going.
- Shared definitions and a common playbook for inclusion
- Conversation prompts and scripts for tough moments
- Simple measurements to track behavior change
- Next‑day actions for leaders, staff, and students
report higher confidence using inclusive behaviors*
would recommend to a colleague*
average workshop rating*
*Sample evaluation targets — customize with your real metrics.
About Steven
Steven Matly is the founder of SM Diversity, where he partners with organizations and campuses to build inclusive, future‑ready cultures. His facilitation style blends storytelling, real‑world case studies, and practical tools that teams can apply immediately. Steven speaks widely to students, educators, and employers about belonging, leadership, and career readiness.
Event planner resources
- ✓ 100‑word bio
- ✓ High‑res headshots
- ✓ AV checklist & tech needs
- ✓ Emcee introduction script
- ✓ Promo copy & social assets
Trusted by students, staff, and leaders
“One of the most practical workshops we’ve hosted — our students left with language they used the next day.”
— Career Services Director
“Steven’s stories connect across backgrounds and experiences. Our staff felt seen and empowered.”
— University DEI Office
“High energy, real talk, and clear takeaways. Exactly what our ERG summit needed.”
— ERG Program Lead
Book Steven
Tell us about your event and goals. We typically respond within 1 business day.
Typical timeline
- ✓ Week 0: Discovery call
- ✓ Week 1: Custom agenda & promo copy
- ✓ Week 2–4: Registration & comms support
- ✓ Event week: Final run‑through
Tech & AV needs
- ✓ Projector/large display + HDMI
- ✓ Handheld or lav mic
- ✓ Whiteboard or flip charts (workshops)
- ✓ Strong Wi‑Fi for interactive elements