Introduction
In a world where inclusion is becoming a strategic priority for companies, the topic of disability still raises many challenges. How can organizations fully integrate diverse talents into their teams while valuing each individual for their unique skills? This is where Virginie Delalande, an iconic figure in the fight for inclusion, comes into play. The first woman born deaf to become a lawyer in France, Virginie has transcended the barriers that disability can pose in the professional world. Her journey is a shining example of resilience and determination, two essential qualities for inspiring an audience of entrepreneurs, HR managers, and business leaders.
Virginie Delalande doesn’t just talk about disability; she transforms it into power. She demonstrates how disability, far from being an obstacle, can be a driver of growth and innovation for companies. By inviting Virginie to speak at a conference, organizations receive not only a powerful testimony, but a true strategy to rethink inclusion. In the following sections, we’ll explore why Virginie Delalande is the ideal choice to address the topic of disability in the workplace and how her unique perspective can transform your organization.
Who is Virginie Delalande?
Her background and achievements
Virginie Delalande is much more than a speaker and coach: she is a pioneer. Born profoundly deaf, she overcame prejudice and obstacles to become the first deaf lawyer in France. This exceptional journey is marked by an unwavering determination to break down the barriers imposed by society. Her childhood was a path strewn with obstacles, but she turned every challenge into an opportunity for personal and professional growth. By refusing to let her disability define her destiny, Virginie pursued legal studies and succeeded in making her mark in a field where hearing is often considered an essential skill.
In addition to her academic achievements, Virginie is a prolific author with works such as "Abandonner? Jamais!" and "Kiffe ton handicap," which have become go-to references for anyone seeking to understand and value disability. Her influence extends beyond books, with media appearances on prestigious platforms like 20 Minutes TV and Forbes. These recognitions are a testament to her commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity.
Her current work
Today, Virginie Delalande is a speaker, coach, and founder of Handicapower, a company dedicated to supporting people with disabilities so they can realize their power in society. She is also the creator of the coaching platform Ylico, which helps individuals discover and harness their potential. Virginie speaks on a variety of topics such as motivation, engagement, and diversity, offering concrete solutions to companies wishing to strategically value disability. Her regular presence in the media, notably on France 2 and B-Smart, further strengthens her position as a thought leader in the field of inclusion.
A Woman Who Knows How to Make Herself Heard
In an interview with Forbes, Virginie Delalande was described as “a woman who knows how to make herself heard.” This recognition is not merely honorary; it represents a validation of her significant impact in the field of inclusion. In 2020, she was named among the “40 most inspiring women,” a distinction that highlights her role as a model for many people facing similar obstacles. Virginie has managed to turn her personal experiences into a universal message that resonates deeply in the professional world.
This recognition by Forbes, an influential publication, only further strengthens her legitimacy as a speaker on disability. Her approach is both generous and ambitious, aiming to open new perspectives for those who, like her, have faced challenges related to disability. This achievement has had a considerable impact on her career, making her an essential voice for companies that wish to address diversity with seriousness and authenticity. More than just a distinction, this interview is proof of Virginie’s influence and her ability to transform lives through her philosophy based on perseverance and self-acceptance.
I’ve Just Been Awarded the National Order of Merit
In January 2026, Virginie Delalande shared on LinkedIn news that resonates as the crowning achievement of her life’s journey and commitment: being awarded the National Order of Merit. This prestigious distinction is a tribute to her determination and her impact on society. In her post, Virginie emphasizes that while this award shines on the outside, it also makes a lot of noise on the inside. She speaks about the struggles she has overcome and the transformations she has achieved, both personally and professionally.
The National Order of Merit is not just a medal; it is recognition of an inspiring journey that has defied expectations and paved the way for a new understanding of disability. This accomplishment further strengthens Virginie Delalande’s credibility as a speaker on disability. It shows that her message and actions have a tangible and measurable impact, not only on the individuals she has reached, but also on society as a whole. This distinction reinforces her position as a thought leader and a role model for those looking to turn their disability into a strength.
What Makes Virginie Delalande a Legitimate Voice on Disability
Virginie Delalande possesses a unique legitimacy to speak on the topic of disability, rooted in both her personal and professional experience. Her life journey is a living testament to the resilience and determination required to overcome the prejudices and obstacles associated with disability. As the first deaf lawyer in France, she has not only broken through personal barriers but has also paved the way for a new representation of people with disabilities in the professional world.
Her experience goes beyond her academic background; it is also strengthened by her role as a coach and speaker, where she helps others discover and harness their potential. The creation of Handicapower and the Ylico platform demonstrates her commitment to providing concrete tools to highlight the value of disability. In addition, her books and media appearances illustrate her ability to effectively communicate her message of inclusion and empowerment.
What sets Virginie Delalande apart from other speakers is her ability to turn theoretical concepts into tangible actions. She doesn’t just talk about resilience and empowerment; she embodies them and conveys them with an authenticity that deeply resonates with her audience. Her talks, such as "Give Up? Never!" and "The Power of Difference," do more than motivate; they offer concrete strategies for integrating diversity and inclusion into the fabric of the company.
How She Sets Herself Apart from Other Disability Speakers
What truly makes Virginie Delalande unique among disability speakers is her deeply personal and experiential approach. Unlike others who may offer an academic or theoretical perspective, Virginie shares her own experiences, struggles, and triumphs with an authenticity that captivates her audience. She transforms disability into a source of strength, demonstrating that obstacles can become stepping stones to success.
The tone of her talks is both inspiring and challenging. Virginie doesn’t just motivate; she pushes her audience to question their own biases and to adopt a proactive vision of inclusion. Her conferences, such as "Tout miser sur la diversité," are designed to provoke deep reflection and behavioral change in her listeners. Her style is educational, yet also infused with humor and sensitivity, making her messages accessible and memorable.
Virginie Delalande also brings a unique perspective to the topic of disability in the workplace. She doesn’t just talk about inclusion; she provides concrete frameworks and proven methodologies to strategically integrate diversity within organizations. Her conferences are not just speeches, but transformational workshops that equip companies with practical tools to value every individual.
Why This Approach Resonates in the Workplace
Virginie Delalande’s approach resonates deeply in the workplace because it addresses critical issues such as employee engagement, diversity, and inclusion. By sharing her journey, Virginie demonstrates that disability is not a weakness, but a strength that can be leveraged to enhance innovation and creativity within teams. Her interventions allow companies to see beyond apparent limitations and recognize the unique potential of each individual.
The results of her approach are tangible. Companies that have worked with Virginie observe a noticeable transformation in their organizational culture. Teams become more inclusive, open to a diversity of ideas and perspectives. Testimonials from her interventions highlight a shift in mindset, where disability is no longer seen as an obstacle, but as an opportunity for organizational growth.
Virginie Delalande doesn’t just deliver inspiring speeches; she offers concrete strategies to weave inclusion into the very fabric of the company. Her message resonates especially within organizational transformation programs, where inclusion and diversity are essential drivers for long-term success. By listening to Virginie, companies discover how to turn disability into a competitive advantage.
In Which Contexts to Invite Virginie Delalande
Virginie Delalande is an ideal choice for a variety of professional settings:
Annual convention: At annual conventions, Virginie can inspire the entire organization with her message of resilience and diversity, showing how everyone can contribute to a culture of inclusion.
Diversity/thematic week: During a week dedicated to diversity, her talks can raise team awareness about disability issues and promote genuine inclusion.
Executive seminar: At executive seminars, Virginie can provide strategic insights on integrating diversity into the company’s overall strategy.
Team building: As part of team building activities, she can strengthen team cohesion by demonstrating how diverse talents can be an asset for collective performance.
Transformation program: For transformation programs, Virginie can help embed inclusion as a core value of the organization.
Onboarding day: During onboarding days, she can prepare new hires to embrace an inclusive and diverse corporate culture.
In each of these contexts, Virginie Delalande’s approach is especially relevant for transforming perceptions of disability and promoting positive change within the organization.
Invite Virginie Delalande to Your Corporate Event
Inviting Virginie Delalande to your corporate event is a unique opportunity to bring a transformative perspective on disability and inclusion. Her ability to move and inspire her audience, combined with concrete strategies, can spark profound change within your organizational culture. By bringing in Virginie, you’re not just booking a speaker; you’re engaging a catalyst for transformation who can help your company value every talent and integrate diversity as a strategic lever for success. The challenges of disability are no longer obstacles, but opportunities for growth and innovation across your entire organization.