Who Am I?

I'm Virginia Méndez Mesón, a feminist thought leader, author, and speaker specialising in gender equality.

As a speaker and trainer, I work with companies, schools, and public sector organisations across the UK and Ireland to embed equality into everyday practice. As a coach, I support leaders to lead with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.

I've worked with organisations including Microsoft, AON, Lavazza, Cirrus, and Sensata, delivering keynotes, workshops, and training that create lasting cultural change.

With corporate experience at Deloitte and PwC, I bring both strategic insight and critical feminist perspective to my work. My approach is rooted in critical thinking, empathy, and practical tools that people can use immediately.

When I'm not speaking or coaching, I write regularly on Substack (Writing Out Loud), exploring the intersection of gender, leadership, and everyday life.

Based in Belfast, I work with clients across the UK, Ireland, and internationally.

Why Me?

• Expert author – Author of Childhood Unlimited: Parenting Beyond the Gender Bias (Hachette Group). I have also written the Mika & Lolo children's book series, 2 books of essays, collecting my weekly articles in my substack “Writing out loud”. As well as being one of the 125 thought-leaders authors of “Diverse educators: a Manifesto” published by University of Buckingham Press.

• Corporate experience – Former consultant at Deloitte and PwC. I understand organisational culture from the inside.

• Practical, not just theoretical – My sessions combine research with actionable tools your team can use immediately. The level of participation in the session can be tailored to the needs of your team to maximise the impact.

• Engaging speaker – I create safe spaces where people feel challenged and inspired, not lectured.

• Flexible delivery – Available for in-person (UK/Ireland) or virtual events.

What Are they saying about me?

“From start to finish Virginia was an absolute pleasure to deal with. We would highly recommend utilising Virginia for events. Her passion for change and honesty around her continued learning was admirable and shone through, even in the virtual world! “

- Hal Shal, director of Gender IQ, AON insurances

“Virginia was instrumental in our successful DiveIn event for He, she, they; together championing for change. From her engaging session to moderating an insightful panel discussion. We couldn’t recommend Virginia more and we look forward to working again with Virginia in the future.”

- Jane Harley, Gender Inclusion Network (GIN) Co-chair.

“Virginia is a natural communicator, she is engaging and thought-provoking. She is really personable and relatable and it will be impossible to watch tv, buy books or go shopping for my kids without her words resonating in my head. “

- Sarah Brady, feedback from the Human Rights Festival talk.

“Virginia is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to compassionate parenting and gender bias. She is professional, engaging and fun. She is a wonderful role model and very easy to work with. Recommend her as a subject matter expect and public speaker.”

- Adriana Morvaiova, Diversity and Inclusion specialist for SENSATA

“Virginia is a natural-born communicator delivering a powerful message with clarity and honesty. “

— Una Carlin, owner of Carlin Creative Events and Communications

“Virginia took the time to understand our school and context; I couldn't have asked for a better person to have worked with! Her sessions were the perfect launch pad, looking forward to working together again”

- Melissa Beeko, Staff Development Coordinator, The British School, Rio de Janeiro

“Virginia is knowledgeable, approachable and brings a sense of humour to her sessions. You come away with practical tools and techniques for exploring feminism in your day to day life".

- Jennie Wallace - Owner of Beyond Skin.

"I can't believe I wasn't aware of so many things! I find that those things were always there and Virginia was great at highlighting them in a relatable way. It has definitely had an impact"

- Joanne Morgan - Mother of 2, attendee to a talk

"Delighted with the session and the high impact it had in the kids. We loved the way she made them engage and challenge their own ideas, very valuable"

- Ms. Dorta, Head teacher of primary at Martin Luther King

Speaking Fees

Virtual keynotes: From £1,500
In-person keynotes: From £2,500
Workshops (half-day): From £3,500
Full-day programmes: Custom pricing

Reduced rates available for educational institutions and non-profits, or specific circumstances.

Fees include preparation, customisation to your organisation, post-event Q&A, and participant materials where applicable.

IWD 2026 Availability

International Women's Day is Saturday, 8 March 2026.

Many organisations host events during the week of 3-14 March.

I have limited availability for early and mid-March bookings.

To secure a date, please get in touch as soon as possible.