About the Speaker
Jonelle Marie Carter is a keynote speaker, coach, and author who helps individuals and teams find and use their voice with confidence and courage. With thousands of stage appearances, her work focuses on shifting mindsets around confidence, breaking through self-doubt, and learning how authentic communication can create meaningful connection and impact.
After losing her voice to cancer, Jonelle was forced to redefine what confidence truly meant and how powerful our voices can be when we choose to use them. That experience shaped the foundation of her message and her leadership, teaching her that courage, self-belief, and vulnerability are not weaknesses, but essential tools for growth and influence.
Today, Jonelle brings this perspective to audiences of all ages, empowering them to speak authentically, trust their voice, and lead in ways that inspire positive change in their schools, workplaces, and communities.
The Keynote: Finding Your Voice with Confidence and Courage
Jonelle’s signature keynote empowers individuals and teams to find and use their voice with confidence and courage. She challenges outdated ideas of confidence, helping audiences break through self-doubt, shift negative self-talk, and communicate authentically in ways that create connection and inspire action. Through real stories and practical mindset tools, Jonelle shows how using your voice can lead to meaningful personal and collective change.
In This Keynote, Audiences Learn To:
Break Through
Self-Doubt and Negative Self-Talk
Understand what holds them back from speaking up and how to reframe confidence as a skill that can be practiced and strengthened.
Use Their Voice with Clarity and Authenticity
Learn how honest, authentic communication builds trust, connection, and stronger leadership in any environment.
Lead with Courage and Self-Belief
Develop the confidence to speak up, support others, and take action even when it feels uncomfortable.
Audiences leave feeling inspired, seen, and empowered, with a renewed belief in the value of their voice. They walk away with practical tools they can apply immediately to communicate more confidently, lead more authentically, and create a ripple effect of positive change within their lives, schools, teams, and communities.
Speaking for Schools & Students
Jonelle helps students build confidence, find their voice, and understand the power of speaking up with courage and authenticity. Her keynote supports students in breaking through self-doubt, navigating social pressure, and recognizing their ability to lead, influence, and create positive change within their school communities.
Speaking for Corporations & Teams
Jonelle works with teams and leaders to strengthen confidence, communication, and authentic leadership. Her keynote helps individuals overcome self-doubt, speak up with clarity, and foster cultures where trust, collaboration, and accountability thrive.
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Speaking for Women’s Organizations
Jonelle empowers women to reconnect with their voice, build self-belief, and lead with confidence and courage. Her keynote creates space for women to break through internal barriers, communicate authentically, and support one another in creating meaningful personal and professional change.
Lyndee Fein
Illinois Bankers Association
"Jonelle Marie Carter brought so much energy and light-hearted fun to our event! Her talk was not just motivating; it was packed with valuable lessons that really stick with you. Our attendees found her genuine, relatable, and kind, which made her insights feel personal and relevant. She encouraged everyone to use their voices to seek knowledge and advocate for themselves and made the audience feel empowered and ready to take action. If you’re looking for a speaker who can truly connect with people and inspire them, Jonelle is the one!"
Kim Philipson
Senior Executive & Education Coordinator
Minnesota Bankers Association
“Thank you for speaking at the Minnesota Bankers Association Women in Banking Conference on April 10, 2025. Your topic, “Finding Your Voice – Feeling Seen, Heard and Appreciated” was a hit for our attendees. You were engaging, inspiring, and knowledgeable and I recommend this presentation to anyone interested in this topic. Your genuine speaking style and how you commanded the room was amazing!”
Paige Buente
Deputy Director, Events and Engagement
Office of Communications & Public Affairs
Illinois Senate
“I didn’t know what to expect but I, and our attendees, were blown away by how she was able to connect with everyone in just a short amount of time." "Everyone in the room left that event feeling a little better about themselves and their future thanks to Jonelle.”
Book Jonelle to Speak
Jonelle Marie Carter is currently booking speaking engagements for 2026. This form is for event organizers, schools, organizations, and teams interested in booking Jonelle for a keynote or speaking engagement. Please share a few details below and you’ll be contacted to schedule a call to discuss your event.
