Wisconsin Keynote Speaker: Khary Penebaker

TL;DR: Khary Penebaker is a Wisconsin-based keynote speaker specializing in leadership under pressure, resilience, team building, and gun violence prevention. Based in Pewaukee, WI, he serves corporate events, conferences, and organizations throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.

Keynote speaking across Wisconsin

From Milwaukee boardrooms to Madison conference centers, Khary Penebaker delivers keynote addresses that challenge audiences to lead with courage and build teams that perform under pressure. His speaking draws on two decades of business ownership in Wisconsin, running for Congress in WI-5, and personal experience turning tragedy into advocacy.

Khary has spoken at events across Wisconsin including corporate leadership summits, nonprofit galas, and educational conferences. His talks resonate with Wisconsin audiences because he understands the state, its industries, its values, and what it takes to build something from the ground up here.

Speaking topics for Wisconsin events

Every keynote is customized for your audience and event goals. Khary covers four core areas:

• Leadership Under Pressure – How to make high-stakes decisions when the stakes are personal. Drawing from his experience running a $15M construction company and navigating political campaigns, Khary teaches leaders to perform when it matters most.
• Resilience and Recovery – Turning setbacks into strength. Khary lost his mother to gun violence at 20 months old and rebuilt after losing a business. His framework for resilience applies to any organization facing adversity.
• Team Building That Actually Works – Moving past corporate trust falls into genuine team cohesion. Rooted in his experience managing 180+ employees across multiple markets, Khary shows how real teams form under real pressure.
• Gun Violence Prevention – A personal story that moves audiences to action. As an Everytown for Gun Safety Fellow and advocate, Khary connects policy to personal experience in a way that transcends partisan lines.

Wisconsin markets served

Khary regularly speaks at events in these Wisconsin markets:

• Milwaukee Metro – Corporate events, nonprofit galas, Chamber of Commerce programs
• Madison – State agency conferences, university events, legislative forums
• Waukesha County – Business association meetings, leadership development programs
• Fox Valley / Green Bay – Industry conferences, community events
• Racine / Kenosha – Manufacturing sector events, community leadership programs

Event formats

Khary adapts his delivery to your event format:

• Keynote Address (30-60 minutes) – High-energy opening or closing for conferences and corporate events
• Workshop Facilitation (half-day or full-day) – Interactive sessions with actionable takeaways for leadership teams
• Panel Discussion – Moderator or panelist on leadership, business, advocacy, or workforce development topics
• Fireside Chat – Intimate, conversational format for executive retreats and smaller gatherings

Why Wisconsin organizations choose Khary

Khary is not a fly-in speaker reading from a script. He is a Wisconsin resident, business owner, and community member who understands the local environment. He has built companies here, run for office here, and raised his family here. That local credibility combined with national media experience (CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and more) means your audience gets a speaker who is both relatable and polished.

His construction industry background gives him particular credibility with trades, manufacturing, and building sector audiences. But his speaking translates across industries because the principles of leadership under pressure are universal.

Book Khary for your Wisconsin event

Ready to bring a powerful keynote to your next event? Request availability or call 414-349-5009 to discuss your event needs. Khary books 3-6 months in advance for major events, but shorter timelines can sometimes be accommodated.

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Looking for a speaker beyond Wisconsin? Khary is available for events across the Midwest region including Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, and Ohio. View all speaking topics.

Last updated: March 9, 2026