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LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion expert

Elise Schuster

Learn to create truly affirming workplaces for LGBTQ+ employees with Elise Schuster, founder and executive director at OkaySo and sexuality educator.

Trusted by OkaySo, The Door

Elise, Speaker | Co-Founder, OkaySo, Public Health Expert
Elise Schuster

Elise Schuster

Providence, United States

Typical fee range

$6k–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Providence, United States

Starting from

$6k–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Elise Schuster's biography

At a glance

  • Co-Founder and Executive Director of OkaySo tech non-profit
  • Expert in building safer communities for LGBTQ folks
  • Holds a Masters in Public Health from Columbia University
Elise (they/them) believes that safe spaces are the most important element in helping people grow and change. During their 20 years in the public health and sexuality education sector, Elise has helped countless companies and organizations build safer communities for LGBTQ folks, develop empathetic leadership skills, manage volunteers, and more. Elise is currently the Co-Founder and Executive Director of a tech non-profit called OkaySo that connects young people with questions about sex, relationships, and identity to vetted experts who provide personalized support and information. In this role, Elise oversees all aspects of the organization, which has answered over 13,000 questions on a wide variety of topics from folks across the United States. Prior to founding OkaySo, Elise worked at The Door, running professional development and building a training institute for people working with marginalized youth. Elise also holds a Masters in Public Health from Columbia University.

Elise's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Gender And Sexuality 101
Join educator Elise Schuster as they explore the evolving landscape of gender and sexuality, highlighting that over 15% of Generation Z identifies as LGBTQ+. As this generation enters the workforce, understanding these dynamics is crucial for employers and colleagues. Participants will examine their assumptions about LGBTQ+ history, learn terminology beyond LGBT, and reflect on their own relationships to these issues. Attendees will leave with the knowledge to foster empathy and contribute to a more equitable future.
Listening For Leadership
In this interactive session, Elise Schuster will reveal the secrets that social workers and therapists use to foster deep listening and validation. Attendees will explore common pitfalls in leadership communication and understand the effectiveness of deep listening. They will learn practical skills such as active listening and reflection, and engage in hands-on practice to ensure they can apply these techniques right away. Participants will leave equipped to transform their relationships through improved communication skills.
Create Affirming Workplaces For LGBTQ+ Employees
To attract top talent, employers must foster safe and affirming environments that encompass hiring, training, policies, and physical spaces. Building on their previous Gender and Sexuality 101 session, Elise shares practical best practices for creating inclusive workplaces. Attendees will learn the significance of supportive spaces and how to assess and improve their current policies and onboarding procedures for LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
Become A Great Facilitator And Trainer
Elise Schuster will guide attendees in transforming their meetings and training sessions from mundane to engaging. In this interactive session, participants will learn essential facilitation skills that foster psychological safety, maintain momentum, and enhance engagement. Key takeaways include understanding adult learning principles, creating a successful meeting framework, and practicing techniques to manage challenging situations. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with practical tools to elevate their events and ensure a dynamic experience for all.

Why we recommend booking Elise

Elise brings over two decades of expertise in public health and sexuality education, specializing in creating inclusive environments and fostering empathetic leadership. By booking Elise, your team will gain invaluable insights into building safer, more supportive communities for LGBTQ individuals and beyond. Their proven track record, including the impactful work at OkaySo, demonstrates a unique ability to connect with and educate diverse audiences on sensitive topics.

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Trusted by OkaySo, The Door

Testimonials

We partnered with Elise for a virtual, company-wide event during Pride Month to explore LGBTQ+ identities. Our goal was two-fold: 1) provide an engaging and educational opportunity for employees and 2) ensure our own Pride community at the company felt seen, heard, and represented. Elise was a fantastic partner in helping us achieve both! They came with thoughtful and insightful content while being super flexible about adapting it to our company culture and specific requests. Elise even introduced a new presentation style we had suggested in passing to make the virtual experience both interactive and very safe. We've gotten nothing but positive feedback on the event and it's in large thanks to Elise's expertise, professionalism, and welcoming personality. We loved working with them and would highly recommend Elise to anyone interested in curating a safe space for insightful learning.

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frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Elise Schuster for my next event?
Email elise.schuster@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Elise's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Elise Schuster's speaking style like?
Elise Schuster structures sessions around assumption-examination exercises and hands-on skills practice, drawing on 20 years of public health and sexuality education experience to move attendees from conceptual understanding to applied technique.
What topics does Elise Schuster specialise in?
Elise Schuster's sessions address gender and sexuality education, creating affirming workplaces for LGBTQ+ employees, and deep listening as a leadership communication skill. They are Co-Founder and Executive Director of OkaySo, a tech non-profit that has answered over 13,000 questions on sex, relationships, and identity from people across the United States.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

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