Alicia Richardson – Redefining Diversity & Hiring
Alicia Richardson is one of the most prominent voices in community-led diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the Founder of Create Connect, she has built an employer marketing agency inspired by a powerful community she launched in 2020 while working in recruitment and DEI. What began as a WhatsApp group has grown into Black Create Connect, a thriving network reaching around 30,000 people across social media and newsletters.
Through this platform, Alicia partners with employers to help them connect with and hire Black talent in more meaningful and effective ways. Her work is driven by a clear mission: to create access, representation, and real opportunity in industries where it has often been limited.
Proven Strategies That Drive Real Change
With more than 8 years of experience, Alicia has developed and implemented hiring strategies across the Creative, Tech, and Marketing sectors. Her portfolio includes collaborations with companies such as Depop, TikTok, Google, Fold7, Ravensbourne University, Salesforce, and ASOS.
She brings a fresh perspective to DEI by focusing on actionable solutions rather than theory. Her approach combines employer branding, storytelling, and community engagement to help organizations attract diverse talent in authentic ways.
Audiences gain insight into:
- How to integrate diversity into core business strategy
- How to rethink traditional recruitment methods
- How to build inclusive cultures that support long-term success
Building Communities That Create Opportunity
At the heart of Alicia’s work is community. Through Black Create Connect, she has educated and inspired thousands of individuals by sharing career development strategies through content, events, and networking opportunities.
Her podcast has featured more than 100 Black leaders and professionals, amplifying voices and creating visibility across industries. She has also pioneered a new model for talent attraction, leveraging content creators, podcasts, communities, and multicultural events to bridge the gap between employers and underrepresented talent.
Through her growing network, Alicia has already connected and impacted over 3,000 multicultural creatives and tech professionals, helping them navigate the corporate world with confidence and authenticity.
A Voice for Authentic Leadership
Alicia’s journey is rooted in resilience and breaking barriers. In her TEDx Talk, she shares how identifying personal values has shaped her path and offers honest, practical advice, particularly for women of colour navigating their careers.
She is widely recognized as a role model within the Black professional community, known for her authenticity and willingness to challenge the status quo. Her work encourages individuals to show up fully as themselves while pushing organizations to create environments where that is possible.
From Vision to Full-Time Founder
In 2024, Alicia took Create Connect full-time after completing the Barclays 2023 Accelerator program with Foundervine. This marked a new chapter in her journey, where she openly shares the realities of entrepreneurship, the growth, the challenges, and everything in between.
Her transparency adds another layer to her work, making her not just a speaker, but a relatable and credible voice for change in modern business.
Book Alicia Richardson for Your Event
Booking Alicia Richardson means bringing in a speaker who delivers both inspiration and execution. Her keynotes are tailored for organizations ready to take meaningful steps toward inclusive hiring and workplace equity.
She leaves audiences with clear, actionable strategies and a renewed perspective on how diversity can drive innovation, strengthen culture, and create lasting impact.
Alicia Richardson doesn’t just talk about change, she shows you how to build it.
