Eliza Reid is a bestselling writer, public speaker, gender equality advocate, cofounder of the acclaimed Iceland Writers Retreat and former first lady of Iceland.  Passionate about inclusion, belonging, and equality, she wielded her influence through poignant op-eds, a compelling TEDx talk, and dozens of keynote addresses to audiences of hundreds around the world, including presidents and royalty.  In addition to public speaking, Eliza Reid has moderated numerous discussions and interviewed celebrities, including politicians and other world leaders such as Hillary Rodham Clinton, Ashley Judd and internationally-acclaimed authors Louise Penny and Anthony Horowitz. Her advocacy in the field of gender equality has been praised by former U.S. President Joe Biden, Canadian Governor General Mary Simon, and numerous others.

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“The highlight of the conference for me. Inspiring, interesting … It was Eliza's presentation that I shared around the dinner table when I came home.”

Participant at Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario conference, May 2025

“[A] genuine triumph. ... [Eliza] left our community here stronger than it had been before she came!”

Jay Sexton, Director of Kinder Institute for Constitutional Democracy at University of Missouri, Feb 2026
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The International Tourism Exchange Berlin

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Iceland Noir

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Clinton global initiative

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Council of Europe

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Norræna Húsið

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Islandsstofa

Eliza was a fantastic opening keynote speaker for our over 1000 school leadership delegates from all over the world. She is fun, charming and charismatic! It was a great way to tie our community of learners together through story!
Kristy smith
Ulead Canada, The Summit of Educational Leadership, Committee Executive (2025)
I had the great privilege of recently attending a speech by Iceland’s former First Lady, Eliza Reid. She was funny, smart, insightful, and entertaining. She didn’t hit a homerun; she hit a grand slam.
Jean Becker
Former Chief of Staff to George H.W. Bush
"As a keynote speaker, she brought unparalleled insight and inspiration to our global initiative for female founders. With eloquence and grace, she championed the importance of empowerment and leadership, igniting a powerful dialogue among attendees. Her invaluable perspectives on entrepreneurship and gender equality resonated deeply, leaving an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to witness her address."
Rosheen Ngorima
Founder and President of Female Founders Initiative Global
"Eliza Reid is a remarkable and inspiring storyteller. She does so in the interest of empowering women to realize their potential. She helps women to find their voices and demonstrates that it makes a difference to bring women to the table. With authenticity, humility and humour she makes the case that creativity, the arts and cultural pursuits are essential in helping societies be resilient and heal in challenging times. A most important voice."
Elizabeth Dowdeswell
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Canada (2014-2023)
"You are one of the most prominent figures on the international stage on this most important of issues [gender equality]."
James R. Mitchell
former chair, Rideau Club Roundtable, Ottawa
“One of the most amazing personalities I have encountered in the past years."
Maria Vassilakou
Urban consultant and former Vice-Mayor and Vice-Governor of Vienna
“Eliza was super interesting, unguarded, eloquent, amusing, down to earth and provocative.” ​
Anonymous
Attendee at Canada Club of London event
"She shared many heartfelt messages, leaving an indelible impression as one of the most empowered, driven, and inspiring women I have ever met."
Lilian Atho
CEO and Founder Real Time Global

TEDX Talk

Good morning America

ctv's your morning

Sky News

TVO'S the agenda with Steve Paikin

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Eliza Reid

Photographer: Sigurgeir Sigurjónsson

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Eliza Reid

Photographer: Saga Sig

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Eliza Reid

Photographer: Kristín Bogadóttir

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