Committed to advocating for the lives of those in underinvested communities, Cicley Gay is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. As the visionary founder of The Amplifiers, a pioneering social enterprise at the intersection of cause and communications, and new Chairwoman of the Board for the Black Lives Matter, Cicley brings a wealth of expertise to the forefront of social justice initiatives. She embarked on her civic service journey by participating in two terms in AmeriCorps, then assumed a pivotal position as the founding director of STAND (Students Take Action for New Directions), where she empowered students by educating them on the ramifications of federal budget allocations on under-resourced communities. Her unwavering dedication to uplifting marginalized communities is shown through her decade-long commitment to catalyzing change at The Women’s Sports Foundation.
In her roles as the founding director of GoGirlGo! and later as the National Director of Education and Alliances, she tirelessly spearheaded initiatives aimed at expanding access to physical activity for young women in underserved areas across the nation. Her passion for mentorship and empowerment further propelled her to serve as the Director of National Initiatives at the National CARES Mentoring Movement, where she played a central role in establishing a multi-million-dollar national mentoring initiative for children, earning the endorsement of the U.S. Department of Juvenile Justice.
Cicley’s impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions, receiving accolades such as the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the Obama Administration in 2013 and the Catalyst Award from the Global Center for Social Change through Women’s Leadership in 2015. Additionally, Cicley is a proud member of the inaugural class of WEI (Women’s Entrepreneurship Initi- ative) and has been honored as one of Georgia’s 40 Under 40, awarded a SPANX Red Backpack grant for Women’s Entrepreneurship, ATL+ most powerful women in Atlanta in 2024 and one of SUCCESS magazine’s 50 Women of Impact in 2025. Her greatest accomplishment was winning “Mom of the Year” as a mom to three sons. Cicley often says, “I spent decades intentionally preparing my sons for the world, I am now focused on also preparing the world for my sons.”
Signature Talks
Preparing the World: Raising Leaders While Rebuilding Systems
“I spent decades intentionally preparing my sons for the world — now I’m focused on preparing the world for my sons.”
In this deeply personal and transformative keynote, Cicley challenges audiences to move beyond individual success toward systemic responsibility. Drawing from her leadership in mentoring movements, youth advocacy, and national justice work, she explores what it truly means to redesign systems that have historically underinvested in communities of color.
- A framework for shifting from charity to structural change
- Strategies for intergenerational leadership development
- A call to build institutions that reflect equity — not just preach it
- Insight into policy, philanthropy, and cultural power
The Amplifier Effect: Turning Cause into Cultural Power
As founder of The Amplifiers, Cicley brings a groundbreaking perspective on how narrative, media, and communications shape social change. This talk unpacks how movements win — not just through protest, but through strategic storytelling and alignment across sectors.
- How to align brand, message, and mission for maximum impact
- The role of narrative in shaping public policy and public opinion
- Building cross-sector alliances that drive measurable change
- Communicating justice work in ways that mobilize action
From Service to Strategy: A Blueprint for Sustainable Social Impact
From AmeriCorps to national mentoring initiatives endorsed at the federal level, Cicley shares her journey from hands-on service to high-level systems leadership. This keynote offers a roadmap for scaling impact without losing authenticity.
- How grassroots service evolves into national influence
- Building sustainable funding and partnerships
- Moving from passion to policy
- Designing initiatives that survive leadership transitions
Media Resources
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