Patricia Russell McCloud

Patricia Russell-McCloud is a former attorney and an acclaimed professional orator recognized by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of the top five business motivators in America and one of the top 10 speakers in the country. She delivers more than 200 speeches annually to both private and public organizations across the United States and internationally. Her dynamic delivery style is rooted in research and statistical data, which makes her presentations both engaging and substantive. Her most recent literary work, "A Is for Attitude: An Alphabet for Living," uses the alphabet as a touchstone and truly inspires readers to reach their highest potential.

Russell-McCloud specializes in keynote topics such as Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Gender Issues, Women in Business, and Work/Life Balance. Her ability to substantively address issues—including achieving excellence, assuming leadership, managing workplace diversity, and addressing women and youth issues, business ownership, and business operation—has motivated numerous audiences to make a positive difference. She has been the speaker of choice for notable organizations including AARP, AT&T, Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club, General Motors, American Honda, McDonald’s, Northrop Grumman, General Electric, Xerox, Procter & Gamble, and The United States Postal Service.

Russell-McCloud is President of Russell-McCloud & Associates, a speaking association based in Atlanta, Georgia. A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, she is a graduate of Kentucky State University and Howard University School of Law. She completed intensive study in law at Harvard University and served as Chief of the Complaints Branch at the Broadcast Bureau for the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, DC. As the 11th National President of The Links, Inc., and The Links Foundation, Inc., she ushered in an era of organizational change in this prestigious 59-year-old civic-minded organization of 12,000 empowered African American women who provide volunteer services in 40 states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, and South Africa. She has been featured in national publications including "Black Enterprise," "Ebony," and "Essence," and graced the cover of "SPEAKER Magazine" in July/August 2007.