From Compliance to Connection
Indigenous and Accessibility Speakers for Your Events
At Design de Plume, we believe that the stories we tell (and how we tell them) shape the world we live in. Through our signature talks, we invite audiences into powerful conversations that blend Indigenous wisdom, inclusive design, and accessibility into actionable frameworks for change.
Whether you’re looking to engage, educate, or empower your audience, our speaking engagements offer more than inspiration—they offer transformation.
What makes us different?
We are an Indigenous and women owned creative agency redefining what inclusive design looks like across North America (Turtle Island).
Our Co-CEOs are seasoned, engaging speakers who connect with diverse audiences through lived experience, case studies, and practical tools. Whether you’re in Higher Ed, Healthcare, Government, or the Creative Industries, our talks are tailored to spark real change.
Trusted by leaders in design, education, and accessibility
Here’s what participants are saying:
Our signature talks
The Stewardship of Stories: Respecting and Sharing Indigenous Narratives
How are organization’s messaging inadvertently excluding or misrepresenting Indigenous perspectives?
This enlightening presentation reveals how conventional storytelling approaches often miss crucial cultural nuances that can undermine organization’s goals. Through real-world case studies of websites, social media, and interactive applications, discover how inclusive storytelling not only fulfills ethical obligations but creates more effective, resonant communications that connect with diverse audiences. Learn how leading organizations are transforming their approach to narrative and gaining competitive advantage through culturally-informed content.
Key Business Outcomes:
- Identify gaps in current communications that may exclude Indigenous audiences
- Learn implementable frameworks for evaluating and improving narrative inclusivity
- Understand the business impact of inclusive storytelling on audience engagement and trust
- Discover proven approaches for authentic collaboration with Indigenous knowledge keepers
- Practical tools for immediate integration into communications strategies
Perfect for:
- Communication professionals
- Marketing teams
- Content creators
- Cultural institutions
- Educational environments
Stage Types:
- Keynote
- Higher Education Events
- Cultural Institutional Events
- Design Conferences
Beyond Compliance: Cultural Perspectives on True Accessibility
Organizations are meeting technical accessibility requirements but still failing to connect with Indigenous communities.
This business-critical presentation reveals how conventional accessibility approaches miss crucial cultural dimensions that directly impact an organization’s effectiveness. Through data-driven case studies and implementation frameworks, discover how leading organizations are gaining competitive advantage by incorporating Indigenous perspectives into their accessibility strategy. Learn how to evaluate current content through a cultural lens and implement practical changes that transform compliance into genuine inclusivity with measurable business results.
Key Business Outcomes:
- Identify overlooked barriers in an organization’s communications, visual identity, and interfaces
- Understand the business impact of culturally-informed accessibility on community engagement
- Learn implementable frameworks for evaluating and improving your accessibility approach
- Discover strategic enhancements that create measurable improvements in engagement
- Gain practical tools for immediate implementation across content ecosystem
Perfect for:
- Communication professionals
- Marketing teams
- Public sector leaders
- Healthcare organizations
- Educational environments
Stage Types:
- Keynote
- Higher Education Events
- Healthcare Conferences
- Design Conferences
Keep Your Doors Open: Meeting People Where They’re At
Organizations are losing engagement, customers, or talent due to invisible barriers.
This business-critical presentation reveals how conventional inclusion efforts often miss crucial cultural dimensions that directly impact the bottom line. Through data-driven case studies and implementation frameworks, discover how leading organizations gain competitive advantage through culturally-informed accessibility strategies. Learn how to evaluate current environments through multiple cultural lenses and implement practical changes that transform standard inclusion into genuine welcome with measurable business results.
Key Business Outcomes:
- Identify overlooked barriers in organizations that may be costing engagement
- Understand the business impact of cultural accessibility on recruitment, retention, and customer experience
- Learn implementable frameworks for evaluating and improving your accessibility approach
- Discover cost-effective improvements that create measurable impacts on engagement metrics
- Practical tools for immediate integration into communications strategies
Perfect for:
- Corporate leadership teams
- Customer experience teams
- Marketing departments
- Public sector organizations
Stage Types:
- Keynote
- Training Workshops
- Corporate Events
- Public Sector Events
What do people think of our talks?
Our audiences don’t just leave inspired—they leave equipped.
Each talk is designed to spark reflection and action, giving teams practical steps they can apply immediately to create more inclusive, accessible, and culturally respectful work.
We consistently hear the same thing: “We knew we had to do better—now we know how.”
Meet Our Speakers
Jennifer Taback RGD, B. Comm Hons
Co-CEO, she/her/kwe
As a member of Shawanaga First Nation and Co-CEO at Design de Plume, Jennifer Taback brings unique First Nation perspectives to her presentations on inclusive design. A dynamic speaker who describes herself as a “visual translator,” Jennifer bridges cultural understanding through storytelling that connects audiences to both traditional understanding and emerging technologies. Her talks blend strategic insights with engaging storytelling, creating learning experiences that challenge conventional design thinking.
With a background in governance, Jennifer offers audiences a dynamic framework for creating inclusive communication. Her approach as listener, advisor, and strategist helps organizations navigate uncharted territories while understanding the power of traditional knowledge and stories.
Credentials:
- Chair and Chair of the Indigenous Education Circle
Cambrian College Board of Governors - Board Member
Nickel Basin Federal Development Corporation - Registered Graphic Designer of Canada
Meggan Van Harten RGD
Co-CEO, she/her
A passionate advocate for accessible design, Meggan Van Harten electrifies audiences with her practical, results-driven approach to embedding equity and accessibility into organizational DNA. With over a decade of design leadership experience, her presentations offer actionable strategies that transform compliance requirements into competitive advantages.
As an internationally recognized speaker on accessibility in design, Meggan provides compelling insights that help organizations implement accessibility practices that drive measurable business results. Her talks blend real-world case studies with innovative frameworks, ensuring audiences walk away with both inspiration and practical implementation tools.
Meggan’s presentations consistently receive acclaim for making complex accessibility concepts approachable while demonstrating how accessibility work creates value for both people and organizations. Her expert ability to align compliance standards with real-world experience makes her a sought-after voice in the accessibility community.
Selected Speaking Engagements:
- WordCamp Canada 2024 (Keynote)
“Accessibility in Action: Indigenous Communities” - Design Thinkers 2023
“How Prioritizing Accessibility in Branding Creates Stronger Brands and a Better World” - Featured Expert – Mashable
“AI’s exclusion of Indigenous voices is history repeating itself” - Registered Graphic Designer of Canada
Custom Workshops for Internal Teams
In addition to our signature talks, we offer customized workshops designed to help your team build skills in inclusive design, accessibility, and Indigenous-informed communication. These interactive sessions are developed specifically for your audience, goals, and sector.
You’ll get:
- Inclusive facilitated team engagement creating a safe space for everyone
- Customized research on your specific environment and audience needs
- Actionable advice for implementation that creates measurable results with community engagement
Perfect for:
- Internal communications teams
- DEI leaders
- Government departments
- Design professionals
