Libra Forde
“When women rise, communities thrive”
— Libra Forde
Libra Forde
Libra is a dynamic speaker, community advocate, and the Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation of Oregon, where she passionately champions equity and justice for women and girls. With a life rooted in the vibrant streets of New York City and the serene beauty of Hawaii, Libra embodies resilience and strength. Her journey—a tapestry of challenges and triumphs—serves as a powerful testament to the belief that our past experiences can illuminate the path to our future.
As a former elite athlete and business owner, Libra melds her extensive background in executive leadership, social justice, and community engagement to inspire audiences to reflect on their own stories. With over 25 years of diverse experience, she has a unique ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life, making her a sought-after speaker for those yearning for growth and empowerment.
Libra’s impactful messages remind us that healing is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery. She encourages others to embrace their stories, view challenges as stepping stones, and recognize the strength within themselves. Her accolades, including the Restorative Leader Award and the Women of Excellence Award, highlight her commitment to creating positive change.
As a proud solo parent, Libra considers her children her greatest motivation. With a heart dedicated to justice and a mind focused on systemic change, she is here to ignite the spark in you, empowering you to embrace your journey with confidence and purpose.
impact & Awards
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Libra stands out as one of the most extraordinary speakers I have ever encountered. Her ability to inspire and captivate an audience is unparalleled.
-Carmen Gelman
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Marcy Bradley Impact Award for Black Leadership - 2025
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How immensely lucky we are in Oregon to have a visionary like her advising the legislature and the governor on Womens issues. Her participation in the panel was a fantastic addition and I think this panel was just so inspiring and real.
-Angela Rico
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Phenomenal Woman Award - 2021
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The right person at the right time!
-Brianne Barrett
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International Speech Oregon/SW Washington Champion - 2015
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Libra is an incredible leader and we are lucky to have her bringing her whole self and her network to inspire action at every level.
-Christine Lewis
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Women of Excellence (Social Action) Award - 2019
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Libra manages to be both wise and relatable, inspiring and grounded. I’m grateful for the impact her words and presence have on me daily.
-Jess O'Donnell
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International Speech Hawaii Champion - 2014
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I was lifted up by Libra’s words and the general honest, straightforward language
-Lori Silverman
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Restorative Leader Award, Women of Influence Honoree -2024
my message
to you
When I step onto a stage, my goal is to connect with people on a soul-deep level. I want to speak to the part of them that craves change, that yearns for growth but may be held back by fear or uncertainty. I want people to know that they are capable of more than they realize, and that the path to their fullest potential is through embracing the discomfort of change.
What truly lights me up is talking about the power of resilience and the beauty of chasing change. I am passionate about sharing my own journey—the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the lessons learned along the way—because I believe that in our most vulnerable moments, we find our greatest strength. I want to help people see that the challenges they face are not roadblocks but steppingstones to a more empowered self.
The message I want to convey is that healing is not a destination but a continuous process of self-discovery and growth. I’m compelled to dive into topics like self-empowerment, the importance of community, and the courage it takes to pursue your dreams, even when the path is unclear. These are the things that have shaped my journey, and I believe they are universal truths that can inspire others to take bold steps in their own lives.
Ultimately, my soul’s calling is to ignite that spark in others, to help them recognize that they already possess everything they need to create the life they envision. I want to be that push, that voice that says, “You can do this, and I’m here to show you how.”
Stay Connected
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