Tyrone Botelho

Tyrone Botelho, Co-Founder and CEO of CircleUp Education, DEI and implicit bias keynote speaker
Co-Founder & CEO · CircleUp Education

Tyrone Botelho

Keynote Speaker · Equity Strategist · Mediator · Restorative Practitioner · Curriculum Architect

Tyrone Botelho is a nationally recognized equity strategist and keynote speaker who has spent over a decade turning complex conversations about bias, identity, conflict, and leadership into practical, memorable, and deeply human learning experiences. Grounded in his lived experience as a former foster youth and person of color, his work blends systems analysis with humor, storytelling, and real-world tools — helping organizations move from awareness to action.

Implicit Bias DEI Cultural Competency Restorative Justice Conflict Resolution LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Leadership Development Mindfulness

Signature Speaking & Training Topics

Implicit Bias, Microaggressions & Conscious Conversations

How bias shows up in everyday decision-making, communication, supervision, hiring, and service delivery — and what to do about it.

Restorative Justice & Conflict Transformation

Shifting organizations from avoidance, blame, and punishment toward accountability, repair, and stronger relationships.

Gender, Identity & Workplace Conflict

The intersections of gender identity, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, power, bias, and conflict in professional environments.

Leadership, Mindset & Human-Centered Change

Helping leaders build emotional awareness, reduce reactivity, and create cultures where people feel seen, heard, and accountable.

Equity in Practice

Moving DEI from abstract values into daily behaviors, policies, systems, and measurable organizational change.

Mindfulness, Balance & Thought Patterns

Reflection-based learning connecting mindset, emotional regulation, and intentional action.

Selected Clients & Engagements

Tyrone has designed and led high-impact learning for cities, government agencies, healthcare systems, universities, and California's developmental disability system, including:

City of Oakland Port of Oakland City of Palo Alto City of El Cerrito City of Novato City of Morgan Hill 10 California Regional Centers Regional Center of the East Bay San Andreas Regional Center California Health Care Districts

A selection only — many engagements are held under confidentiality agreements.

Impact by the Numbers

500,000+Professionals reached
5,800+Trained at the City of Oakland alone
96%Avg. course satisfaction
99%Instructor satisfaction (Oakland)

"Highly qualified — not just in training expertise, but also in their understanding of the California developmental disability system, including the operations of Regional Centers, cultural and linguistic competency, and the efforts required to reduce disparities."

Gloria Wong · Executive Director, Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center

Education & Credentials

  • BA, Peace and Conflict Studies — University of California, Berkeley (emphasis in Conflict Resolution, Equity & Diversity)
  • Minor, Global Poverty and Practice — University of California, Berkeley
  • Certificate in International Relations — Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po)
  • AA, Ethnic, Gender, and Race Studies — City College of San Francisco

Beyond the Work

Tyrone has practiced and guided meditation and mindfulness for over 18 years, leading workshops on balance, emotional awareness, and the connection between our thoughts, bodies, and actions. His love of the beach, nature, and reflection informs the grounded, present energy he brings to every room.

Bring Tyrone to your organization

Keynotes · conference sessions · leadership retreats · facilitated dialogues · customized learning experiences.

Inquire about booking