Tara Roberts

Tara Roberts

Keynote Speaker: National Geographic Explorer in Residence; Cofounder, CEO of girltank,Inc & Host of "Into the Depths" Podcast

Tara Roberts Biography

Tara Roberts, a National Geographic Explorer in Residence, has dedicated recent years to the exploration and documentation of Black scuba divers searching for slave shipwrecks around the globe. This captivating journey was shared with the world through a six-part narrative podcast by National Geographic, "Into the Depths." Roberts' exploration and insights also adorned the cover of the March 2022 issue of National Geographic magazine, marking her as the first black female Explorer to grace its cover.

Prior to her ventures with National Geographic, Roberts honed her editorial skills with esteemed publications such as CosmoGirl, Essence, AOL, Ebony, and Heart & Soul. She also established her own magazine, targeting women "too bold for boundaries." Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to create a successful social enterprise, which provided support for young women changemakers, inspired by her solo backpacking trip around the world. Her impressive communication skills were further utilized during her tenure as a director of communications at Ashoka.

Already an accomplished journalist and explorer, Roberts is set to release her book, "Written in the Waters", in late January 2025. This work delves into underwater archaeology, with a focus on Roberts' personal journey exploring slave shipwrecks. The book's release will be accompanied by a feature on Good Morning America and recognition in Elizabeth Gilbert's book club. Roberts, an alumna of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, also holds the distinction of being a fellow at the MIT Open Documentary Lab from 2019 to 2021, and is a cum laude graduate of Mount Holyoke College.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Tara Roberts and other top speakers and celebrities.

Tara Roberts Speaking Topics

Written in the Waters: A Conversation with National Geographic Explorer in Residence Tara Roberts

Join Tara Roberts, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, for an unforgettable evening as she discusses her powerful memoir, Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home, and Belonging.

When National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Tara Roberts first saw a photograph at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture depicting the underwater archaeology group Diving With a Purpose, it called out to her. Roberts joined them—and started on a path of discovery more challenging and personal than she could ever have imagined. From the coasts of Senegal and South Africa to the waters of St. Croix and beyond, she confronted the Middle Passage's harrowing history while uncovering her roots and exploring what it means to belong.

Interweaving deeply personal storytelling with historical insight, Roberts reflects on the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of remembering the past, and the shared threads that connect us all. Her journey, also captured in the podcast Into the Depths, offers a rare and intimate look at history, identity, and discovery. Roberts is the first Black female explorer ever to be featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine. She was named the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year in 2022 and a Fellow at the MIT Open Documentary Lab in 2019. She spent her early career years working as an editor for women and teen magazines like Essence and CosmoGirl.

Putting the Self in the Story

Writer and National Geographic Explorer Tara Roberts aims to put women and people of color in the center of the story, encouraging audiences to imagine and experience narratives more powerfully. At Storytellers Summit, she shared her current project: following black scuba divers, historians, and archaeologists as they search for and document slave-trade shipwrecks.

Tara Roberts Videos

Into the Depths: Because the Future is Ancestral | Tara Roberts | TEDxJacksonville

How do I book Tara Roberts to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Tara Roberts for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Tara Roberts, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Tara Roberts or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Tara Roberts for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Tara Roberts, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is Below $10,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Tara Roberts, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Tara Roberts speak about?

Tara Roberts is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Women's Empowerment, Personal Growth, Empowerment, Animals & Wildlife, Biology, Adventure, Black Heritage, Diversity & Inclusion, Storytelling, Olympic Athlete, Swimming & Diving, Women, Black History Month, Host & Emcee, Podcast Hosts, Science and History.

Who is the agent for Tara Roberts?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Tara Roberts for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Tara Roberts for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Tara Roberts or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Tara Roberts is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Women's Empowerment, Personal Growth and Empowerment. The estimated speaking fee range to book Tara Roberts for live events is Below $10,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. Tara Roberts can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Alena Analeigh, Aditi Mayer and Tala Dowlatshahi. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Tara Roberts for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 03/02/2025.

Tara Roberts Speaking Topics

  • Written in the Waters: A Conversation with National Geographic Explorer in Residence Tara Roberts

    Join Tara Roberts, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, for an unforgettable evening as she discusses her powerful memoir, Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home, and Belonging.

    When National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Tara Roberts first saw a photograph at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture depicting the underwater archaeology group Diving With a Purpose, it called out to her. Roberts joined them—and started on a path of discovery more challenging and personal than she could ever have imagined. From the coasts of Senegal and South Africa to the waters of St. Croix and beyond, she confronted the Middle Passage's harrowing history while uncovering her roots and exploring what it means to belong.

    Interweaving deeply personal storytelling with historical insight, Roberts reflects on the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of remembering the past, and the shared threads that connect us all. Her journey, also captured in the podcast Into the Depths, offers a rare and intimate look at history, identity, and discovery. Roberts is the first Black female explorer ever to be featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine. She was named the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year in 2022 and a Fellow at the MIT Open Documentary Lab in 2019. She spent her early career years working as an editor for women and teen magazines like Essence and CosmoGirl.

  • Putting the Self in the Story

    Writer and National Geographic Explorer Tara Roberts aims to put women and people of color in the center of the story, encouraging audiences to imagine and experience narratives more powerfully. At Storytellers Summit, she shared her current project: following black scuba divers, historians, and archaeologists as they search for and document slave-trade shipwrecks.

Tara Roberts Videos

Into the Depths: Because the Future is Ancestral | Tara Roberts | TEDxJacksonville

Tara Roberts Reviews

  • “Tara Roberts is a force of nature and a beautiful storyteller. Written in the Waters is deeply personal and moving: a tale of identity and conviction.”
    Unknown - Jan 30 2025

  • “Tara Roberts is a pioneer and an inspiration. Her work does not so much ‘unearth’ the past as pull it respectfully out of the depths of the sea and the shadows of history. I am deeply moved by this book, and by her journey.”
    Unknown - Jan 30 2025

  • How do I book Tara Roberts to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Tara Roberts for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Tara Roberts, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Tara Roberts or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Tara Roberts for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Tara Roberts, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is Below $10,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Tara Roberts, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Tara Roberts speak about?

  • Who is the agent for Tara Roberts?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Tara Roberts for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Tara Roberts for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Tara Roberts or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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TARA ROBERTS

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