Keynote Speaker
“Mary Millben shares her journey from a small-town preacher’s daughter to becoming one of the most celebrated and loved voices, from The White House to Broadway. With grace, humor, and a little singing, she shares invaluable lessons from “back stage and backrooms” with world leaders, and inspires audiences to embrace their authentic voice to change the world.”
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From the White House to Broadway, Mary Millben has become one of the most beloved voices of our time. Known for her renditions of patriotic anthems and heartfelt performances for five consecutive U.S. Presidents, Millben’s journey is a quintessential American success story. A preacher’s daughter from the Midwest, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her unique blend of artistry, authenticity, and diplomacy.
Millben’s work as a U.S. State Department cultural envoy and advocate for global inclusion has solidified her reputation as a bridge between cultures. Whether fostering U.S.-India and U.S.-China relations through music and cultural diplomacy or championing interfaith dialogue, Millben inspires audiences to use their own voices to make a global impact. Her insights from “backstages and backrooms” with world leaders resonate across industries, making her a powerful voice on leadership, inclusion, and perseverance.
As Founder and CEO of JMDE Enterprises, Millben combines her entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for empowering others. She champions the transformative power of free enterprise, rural innovation, and diversity of thought, offering actionable insights for leaders navigating a complex world. Her talks, infused with grace, humor, and even a little music, inspire audiences to lead with empathy and purpose in an interconnected world.
Millben’s message transcends borders, industries, and generations. Whether performing on the global stage or advocating for the voiceless, she reminds us all of the transformative power of unity, hope, and the human spirit.
Explore Mary Millben’s Speech Topics
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Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the global art arena has challenged artists to explore new aesthetic realms and address critical questions about technology’s impact on humanity. The evolving dialogue around AI and art emphasizes the need for responsible and inclusive approaches to harnessing this powerful technology. In this presentation, Mary Millben shares how artificial intelligence is redefining the future of art and expanding creative horizons. She further explains the connection between an artist’s intuition, creativity, and critical thinking combined with AI’s analytical capabilities – all presenting new realms of possibility and creativity.
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Mary Millben has performed the national anthem for five consecutive U.S. Presidents and world leaders, but her message goes beyond music. In this powerful talk, she explores how patriotism—rooted in unity, pride, and shared values—can inspire innovation and strengthen organizations. Drawing from her work as a cultural ambassador and minority business owner, Millben shows how fostering national pride within the workforce can lead to greater creativity, resilience, and global competitiveness. Corporate leaders will learn how to harness the spirit of patriotism to build cohesive teams, drive performance, and promote positive international relations.
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Raised in the Midwest as a preacher’s daughter, Mary Millben has always believed that faith is the cornerstone of leadership. In this moving keynote, she shares how her spiritual foundation shaped her journey from college student body president to White House appointee and celebrated performer on the world stage. Millben discusses how leaders can integrate values of compassion, humility, and purpose into their professional lives, creating workplaces that prioritize integrity and human connection. With heartfelt stories and practical takeaways, Millben inspires audiences to lead with wisdom and grace, fostering environments where both businesses and people thrive.
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As a trailblazer in the arts, business, and diplomacy, Mary Millben understands the challenges and opportunities women face in leadership roles. In this empowering talk, she shares her journey as a minority female entrepreneur, cultural ambassador, and advocate for women’s issues globally. Millben offers actionable strategies for overcoming obstacles, breaking the glass ceiling, and leading with authenticity in traditionally male-dominated industries. Drawing on her experiences from the White House to corporate boardrooms, she illustrates how empathy, diversity, and inclusion are not just values—they are drivers of innovation, resilience, and long-term success.
Global Leadership
Mary’s journey, from her humble beginnings to international stardom, serves as a beacon of inspiration globally. Her leadership is an active tool for strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and the world. From advising foreign governments, to encouraging international youth, Mary shares how to become, as an individual, a creative ecosystem within any nation.
September 2023, Mary addressed the 2023 G20 Summit virtually in New Delhi, India hosted by His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside President Joe Biden in attendance. Mary is formally recognized as a United States State Department cultural envoy and regarded as a cultural ambassador across the world for her effective leadership in cultural diplomacy, interfaith dialogue, and advocacy for global inclusion. Now with a vast brand in India following performances viewed by millions in India, Mary is a noted cultural ambassador in U.S.-India relations, and works within her intimate relationship with American politics, Washington, D.C., and the bipartisan leadership of the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives to strengthen the U.S.-India relationship.
Global Harmony
Mary’s artistry symbolizes the unity and inclusiveness needed in the world today. As a valued international artist with a deep understanding of international culture, Mary reinforces ways to embrace diverse perspectives in order to foster cultural harmony on a global scale. Mary shares effective methods to champion cross-cultural understanding and presents culture as a real solution for innovation and economic growth.
China Daily hosts Mary in a global interview about the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, her days living as an exchange student in China, performing the Chinese National Anthem, and her role as a cultural ambassador in U.S.-China relations. Mary made history performing for the 40th Anniversary of U.S.-China Student Exchanges at The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Washington, D.C. - becoming the first American and African American artist to perform the American National Anthem and the Chinese National Anthem (in Chinese) on American and Chinese soil. Hosted by The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in coordination with The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Global Patriotism
For Mary, Singing The Star-Spangled Banner, America’s National Anthem, and global anthems is more than just a performance moment for Mary. It is a career spanning close to 15 years of honoring the heroes who serve and promoting freedom. Mary shares the importance of patriotism in community building, nation building, and building infrastructures of free enterprise. Mary empowers audiences to elevate freedom – through their voice, their vote, and their faith.
As Mary approaches the 20-year mark as a global singer/actress, she has dedicated her career to elevating patriotism in America and across the world. Mary's life mandate is to remember, honor, and pay tribute to the courageous men and men in uniform, active-duty troops, veterans, fallen soldiers, Gold Star families, and military spouses who have and continue to sacrifice for freedom. Overall, Mary is a singer who will make you love your country again. Her rousing arrangements of America’s patriotic music and global performances of international anthems evoke emotional response and stir patriotism universally. Mary has mastered cross-over appeal to more broad and cultural demographics and gained worldwide recognition for her captivating vocal prowess and stirring performances of global national anthems and patriotic songs of the United States, Africa, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and specifically India, China, Brazil, UAE, and Israel.
Mary Inspires Students On College Campuses
Invited by Texas Christian University (TCU) President Dr. Daniel Pullin, Mary was the keynote speaker for TCU “Elections, Democracy, and Social Values – Why Your Vote Matters” series. Mary shared her American dream story, performing for four consecutive U.S. Presidents, intimacy on the campaign with President Donald Trump, and remarks to encourage student political participation. Mary ended the event leading the audience of students and facility in “God Bless America.” Mary thanks TCU board member Marcia Fuller French, TCU President Pullin, and event facilitator Dr. Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado for the invitation.
Mary performed the National Anthem for the College of the Ozarks Fall Convocation
Invited by College of the Ozarks President Dr. Brad Johnson, Mary was the featured entertainment for the Leonard B. and Edith Gittinger Fall Convocation with keynote speaker Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of President George W. Bush. Prior to performing, Mary spent the day speaking with students majoring in music and journalism. Sharing her American dream story, journey performing for four consecutive U.S. Presidents and world leaders, her intimacy on the campaign with President Donald Trump, and most importantly sharing her faith in Jesus Christ as her stimulate for success.
Mary performed God Bless America featuring a surprise performance by College of the Ozarks President Dr. Brad Johnson and Dr. Gregg Busch, Professor of Music.
Request Availability
To request formally through the Washington Speakers Bureau, please visit: https://www.wsb.com/speakers/mary-millben/. Feel free to also tell us about your event and interest in booking Mary below. We will be in touch right away. If inquiring on behalf of a third party (ex. a production company, bureau, etc.), please specify.
