Billie Jordan
Social innovator, TEDx speaker and founder of the world's oldest dance crew
Overview
Billie Jordan MNZM is an internationally recognised social entrepreneur, inspirational speaker and community leader whose extraordinary story has inspired audiences around the world. Best known as the founder of The Hip Op-eration Crew—the world's oldest hip hop dance group—Billie has shown how vision, courage and determination can transform lives and challenge society's expectations. Her uplifting keynotes demonstrate the power of resilience, purpose and believing in what others think is impossible.
Who is Billie Jordan?
Billie Jordan's life story is one of resilience, reinvention and unwavering belief in human potential. Having overcome a difficult childhood and endured significant personal trauma, including the devastating Christchurch earthquakes, Billie chose to channel her experiences into creating positive change within her community.
Driven by a desire to combat loneliness and isolation among older people, Billie founded The Hip Op-eration Crew, a hip hop dance group made up entirely of senior citizens aged between 65 and 98. What began as a local community initiative quickly grew into a global phenomenon.
The crew went on to achieve international recognition, earning a Guinness World Record as the world's oldest dance group and performing on some of the world's biggest stages, including the World Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas. Their remarkable journey was captured in the award-winning documentary Hip Hop-eration, which has screened internationally and inspired audiences across generations.
Today, Billie is recognised as a trailblazer in community leadership and social innovation. Her story demonstrates how one person with a vision can create extraordinary outcomes and inspire others to challenge limitations, embrace change and pursue ambitious goals.
Career Highlights
• Founder of The Hip Op-eration Crew, the world's oldest hip hop dance group
• Guinness World Record holder for the world's oldest dance crew
• Featured in the internationally acclaimed documentary Hip Hop-eration
• New Zealand Woman of the Year (2016)
• Recipient of the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
• New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Award recipient (2015)
• TEDx speaker
• Presented at conferences and events across Australia, North America, Europe and Asia
• Life story optioned for a major Hollywood feature film
Key Speaking Themes
• Resilience and overcoming adversity
• Leadership and social impact
• Challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers
• Community building and inclusion
• Age diversity and lifelong potential
• Innovation through creativity and courage
• Purpose-driven leadership
• Inspiring others to achieve the impossible
What Your Audience Will Gain
Billie inspires audiences to think beyond limitations and recognise the extraordinary potential that exists within individuals and communities. Through her remarkable story, audiences gain practical insights into resilience, leadership, creativity and influencing positive change. Her presentations leave people motivated to challenge assumptions, embrace opportunity and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Ideal For
• Leadership and women in leadership conferences
• Community and social impact events
• Diversity, equity and inclusion programmes
• Health, wellbeing and ageing forums
• Education and inspirational speaker events
• Corporate conferences focused on culture and purpose
Frequently Asked Questions...
What does Billie Jordan speak about?
Billie speaks about resilience, leadership, community building, social impact, age diversity, overcoming adversity and achieving the impossible.
Who is Billie Jordan?
Billie Jordan is a social entrepreneur, TEDx speaker and founder of The Hip Op-eration Crew, the world's oldest hip hop dance group.
What is The Hip Op-eration Crew?
The Hip Op-eration Crew is a world-famous dance group made up of senior citizens aged between 65 and 98, founded by Billie Jordan to combat social isolation and inspire active ageing.
What is Billie Jordan best known for?
She is best known for creating The Hip Op-eration Crew and leading them to international recognition, including performances at the World Hip Hop Championships.
What awards has Billie Jordan received?
She has been named New Zealand Woman of the Year, received the Local Hero Award and was awarded an MNZM for services to the community.
Why is Billie Jordan a sought-after keynote speaker?
Her remarkable story of resilience, innovation and social impact resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
What leadership lessons does Billie Jordan share?
Billie teaches courage, perseverance, creative thinking, inclusion and how one person can inspire meaningful change.
Is Billie Jordan available for keynote presentations and conferences?
Yes. Billie Jordan is available for keynote speaking engagements, leadership conferences, community events and corporate programmes internationally.