Trust AAE Speakers Bureau for Booking Top Professional Speakers. Find a Keynote Speaker Today.
Trust AAE Speakers Bureau for Booking Top Professional Speakers. Find a Keynote Speaker Today.
Ruby Payne

Ruby Payne

Keynote Speaker: Founder of aha! Process, Inc. & Author of "A Framework for Understanding Poverty"

  • Travels From:
  • Speaking Fee:
    Live Event Fee: $20,000 - $30,000
    Virtual Event Fee: $10,000 - $20,000
    More Fee Info
  • Categories:

Ruby Payne Biography

Ruby Payne is an authority on working across economic classes to create sustainable communities. In addition to focusing on poverty and education, Payne also works in the areas of social services, criminal justice, healthcare, the workplace, and emotional poverty.

Two of Payne’s recent publications won IPPY awards (Independent Publisher Book Awards): “Emotional Poverty in All Demographics” and “Before You Quit Teaching.” Payne has written or coauthored many other books, including “Bridges Out of Poverty.” Her book “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” has sold 1.8 million copies. Payne’s efforts have achieved a global reach, and she has worked in Australia, China, Europe, India, North America, and Southeast Asia.

Payne founded aha! Process, a publishing and consulting firm, in 1996. aha! Process has received awards for its publications. Payne has published books with Solution Tree Press and the Association for Middle Level Education.

Payne lives in Texas with her husband, Tee. She loves spending time with her son, Tom, his husband, Carlos, and her new grandson, as well as Tee's children and grandchildren.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Ruby Payne and other top speakers and celebrities.

Ruby Payne Speaking Topics

A Framework for Understanding Poverty (keynote)

This keynote outlines a social-cognitive approach to socioeconomic class and the mindsets that often develop to survive the environment. Topics include hidden rules, language registers, the role of relationships in learning, and the reality of abstract representational demands in middle class institutions and formal schooling. Strategies will be given that signifi cantly assist with better educational opportunities and success. Handout: A Framework for Understanding Poverty keynote (book requirement if keynote over two hours)

Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities (keynote)

A social-cognitive approach to socioeconomic class and the mindsets that often develop to survive the environment is the topic of this keynote. Topics include hidden rules, language registers, the role of social bridging capital in transition, and the tools that communities and institutions can use to facilitate the transition of adults from under-resourced situations. Focus is also given to community sustainability and a model that will assist in that momentum. Handout: Bridges Out of Poverty keynote

A Framework for Understanding Poverty: A Cognitive Approach (full-day workshop)

This initial workshop, based on the book A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D. provides an in-depth study of information and issues that will increase the participants’ knowledge and understanding of people in poverty. Topics include: how economic class affects behaviors and mindsets, why students from generational poverty often fear being educated, the “hidden rules” within economic classes, discipline interventions that improve behavior, and the eight resources that make a difference in success. Related discussions include case studies, support systems, the role of language registers, discourse patterns and story structure, and the relationship between eye movement and learning. This seminar is designed for audiences of both elementary- and secondary-level educators, with adaptation and application available for community, social service, and faith community audiences. Handout: A Framework for Understanding Poverty: 10 Actions to Educate Students (book required for all participants)

Emotional Poverty in All Demographics: How to Reduce Anger, Anxiety, and Violence in the Classroom (workshop)

In this workshop, you will learn and practice many techniques and exercises that will help students and parents build emotional resources in school and at home. Every evening on the news, there are multiple stories about violence and anger erupting. Workplace and school violence are increasingly a reality. Using a brain-based approach, this session looks at the underlying causes of anger, anxiety, and violence; how they develop; and the tools that can be used to change those responses. Emotions are processed 200 to 5,000 times faster than thought. To change behavior, the motivation for the behavior must be changed. This session will provide understandings on how that can be used with family, relationships, institutions, and oneself. (book required for all participants)

Emotional Poverty, Volume 2: Safer Students and Less-Stressed Teachers (workshop)

Participants of this workshop will learn and practice many techniques and exercises that will help students and parents build emotional resources in school and at home. External pressures, environmental factors, previous experiences, fear, anger—all of these and more create stress and tension in the classroom. Emotional distress interrupts and can harm—even destroy—effective teaching, learning, and emotional wellness in teachers and students. (book required for all participants)

Ruby Payne Videos

Ruby Payne: 'Hand' model of the brain
Overview: Emotional Poverty by Ruby Payne
Ruby Payne discusses Emotional Poverty

How do I book Ruby Payne to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Ruby Payne 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 Ruby Payne, 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 Ruby Payne or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Ruby Payne for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Ruby Payne, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ruby Payne are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ruby Payne, 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 Ruby Payne speak about?

Ruby Payne is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Overcoming Adversity, Education, Authors, Family & Parenting and Motivational.

Where does Ruby Payne travel from?

Ruby Payne generally travels from Corpus Christi, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Ruby Payne?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Ruby Payne 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 Ruby Payne 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 Ruby Payne 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.


Ruby Payne is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Overcoming Adversity, Education and Authors. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ruby Payne for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Ruby Payne generally travels from Corpus Christi, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Liz Dozier, Dr. Donna M Beegle and Mia Birdsong. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ruby Payne for an upcoming event.

Ruby Payne Speaking Topics

  • A Framework for Understanding Poverty (keynote)

    This keynote outlines a social-cognitive approach to socioeconomic class and the mindsets that often develop to survive the environment. Topics include hidden rules, language registers, the role of relationships in learning, and the reality of abstract representational demands in middle class institutions and formal schooling. Strategies will be given that signifi cantly assist with better educational opportunities and success. Handout: A Framework for Understanding Poverty keynote (book requirement if keynote over two hours)

  • Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities (keynote)

    A social-cognitive approach to socioeconomic class and the mindsets that often develop to survive the environment is the topic of this keynote. Topics include hidden rules, language registers, the role of social bridging capital in transition, and the tools that communities and institutions can use to facilitate the transition of adults from under-resourced situations. Focus is also given to community sustainability and a model that will assist in that momentum. Handout: Bridges Out of Poverty keynote

  • A Framework for Understanding Poverty: A Cognitive Approach (full-day workshop)

    This initial workshop, based on the book A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D. provides an in-depth study of information and issues that will increase the participants’ knowledge and understanding of people in poverty. Topics include: how economic class affects behaviors and mindsets, why students from generational poverty often fear being educated, the “hidden rules” within economic classes, discipline interventions that improve behavior, and the eight resources that make a difference in success. Related discussions include case studies, support systems, the role of language registers, discourse patterns and story structure, and the relationship between eye movement and learning. This seminar is designed for audiences of both elementary- and secondary-level educators, with adaptation and application available for community, social service, and faith community audiences. Handout: A Framework for Understanding Poverty: 10 Actions to Educate Students (book required for all participants)

  • Emotional Poverty in All Demographics: How to Reduce Anger, Anxiety, and Violence in the Classroom (workshop)

    In this workshop, you will learn and practice many techniques and exercises that will help students and parents build emotional resources in school and at home. Every evening on the news, there are multiple stories about violence and anger erupting. Workplace and school violence are increasingly a reality. Using a brain-based approach, this session looks at the underlying causes of anger, anxiety, and violence; how they develop; and the tools that can be used to change those responses. Emotions are processed 200 to 5,000 times faster than thought. To change behavior, the motivation for the behavior must be changed. This session will provide understandings on how that can be used with family, relationships, institutions, and oneself. (book required for all participants)

  • Emotional Poverty, Volume 2: Safer Students and Less-Stressed Teachers (workshop)

    Participants of this workshop will learn and practice many techniques and exercises that will help students and parents build emotional resources in school and at home. External pressures, environmental factors, previous experiences, fear, anger—all of these and more create stress and tension in the classroom. Emotional distress interrupts and can harm—even destroy—effective teaching, learning, and emotional wellness in teachers and students. (book required for all participants)

Ruby Payne Videos

Ruby Payne: 'Hand' model of the brain
Overview: Emotional Poverty by Ruby Payne
Ruby Payne discusses Emotional Poverty

Ruby Payne Reviews

  • Region 16 ESC PFE Statewide Initiative - Oct 24 2023

  • Tyler County Schools - Aug 16 2023

  • Ruby was great! The session went smoothly and it was great information.
    DeQueen-Mena Education Service Cooperative - Aug 04 2022

  • Region 12 Education Service Center - Jul 20 2022

BOOKING INFORMATION REQUEST
RUBY PAYNE

We are happy to assist you with your interest in booking a speaker or celebrity for your event, your organization, and the type of talent you would like to secure, and an agent will be in touch shortly.

Fill out the form below to or call us at 1-800-698-2536 if need immediate assistance.

Tell us about your event!

We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.


This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.