Co-Founder and Trustee of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate ; “Senator Ted Kennedy's Closest Confidante, in Politics and Life” – The New York Times ; Passionate Advocate for Passage of Historic Health Care Legislation ; Trustee, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ; Distinguished Professor & Mentor at the Univ. of Massachusetts Boston (Lecturing on Issues of the Day and Mentoring Students)

Described by The New York Times as the late Senator Edward Kennedy's “closest confidante in politics and life,” Victoria Reggie Kennedy shared her husband’s passion and dream of passing the long-elusive healthcare reform legislation. That dream was realized in 2010 with the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a landmark moment that turned her husband’s dream into reality. “As Ted Kennedy said, across the decades, in the best and in the most discouraging hours, healthcare was the cause of his life,” said Vicki. “Tonight that cause becomes more than a dream, it becomes America’s commitment…Ted knew we would get here, and all of us who loved him and shared his hopes for America are deeply grateful.” Mrs. Kennedy worked tirelessly with White House and congressional leadership to lobby for this historic healthcare bill. She told members of Congress “You know no piece of legislation is perfect. But it's so important to make the progress, get the ball rolling. Teddy always talked about not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good.”

In Her Presentations, Vicki Kennedy inspires and motivates audiences around the country to be active participants in the life of the country and in their own lives. Topics of particular interest are: Healthcare Reform; Patient Advocacy; Engagement in the Political Process; and Empowerment of Women and Girls.

Member of President Obama's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness (Present); Member of Secretary Hillary Clinton’s Foreign Affairs Policy Board (Present); Member of President Obama's Economic Recovery Advisory Board (Feb. 2009 - Feb. 2011); National Economic Advisor to President Clinton, 1995-1996 ; First Female Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, 1993-1995 ; First Female Dean, London Business School, 2002-2006; S.K. and Angela Chan Professor of Global Management, Haas School of Business, Present

Dr. Tyson's experience as an established economic advisor, a dean at two top-ranked business schools and a board member of three multinational companies gives her an extraordinary breadth of knowledge to forecast economic trends for specific industry sectors, as well as offer prospects for world trade and international markets.

Political Analyst for ABC News; NPR Senior News Analyst; Former Co-Anchor, This Week with Sam Donaldson & Cokie Roberts

Long-time ABC Congressional Correspondent and leading political pundit, Cokie Roberts is one of the most esteemed and brilliant broadcast journalists of our time.

OVATION SPOTLIGHT!  Cokie spoke to approximately 800 attendees at the 2010 Yakima Town Hall Speakers Series, and the group reported that "She was absolutely fabulous!" Cokie presented a riveting insider's view of Washington and also followed her presentation with a luncheon Q&A for approximately 250 attendees. Her insider perspective also received the following praise from another event: "Cokie Roberts packed Smith Auditorium and was an unqualified hit.I would recommend her to any organization looking for a speaker who brings both insight and humor to an 'Inside Washington, D.C.' conversation. We enjoyed her immensely." (Willamette University)

Former White House Press Secretary; Political Analyst and Commentator; Contributing Editor, Vanity Fair; Author, Why Women Should Rule the World

Armed with sharp political insights and a refreshingly irreverent sense of humor, Dee Dee Myers charms and enlightens audiences of every political persuasion with her insightful behind-the-scenes look at Washington, national politics and the major players in both.

High Profile Political Commentator; Founder and Chairman, KeepAmericaSafe.com; Chairman of the Board, Institute for the Study of War; Former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs; Bush/Cheney 2000 and 2004, Manager - Vice Presidential Debate Preparation; Attorney, International Finance Corporation and White & Case, LLP

Liz Cheney is a highly sought-after political commentator whose experiences in the government, private sector and American politics over the last 20 years have given her a unique insight into a wide range of critical issues facing the United States today. Since January 2009, she has been a leading voice in the debates about the future of American foreign and national security policy. During the Bush Administration, she served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Middle East, where she established and managed programs to empower women and bring economic, political and educational reform to the Arab World.

Global Human Rights Advocate ; Nominee, 2008 Nobel Peace Prize

Ingrid Betancourt was the longest female hostage held in captivity and also the most recalled one. A global symbol of freedom and human resistance in the face of the toughest of adversaries, her fight for democracy, freedom and peace has been a shining example of dignity and bravery for the entire world.

VIDEO EXCLUSIVE! Watch Ingrid Betancourt's exclusive interview on the Oprah Winfrey Show, detailing her 6.5 year captivity deep in the jungles of South America. Watch Now!

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY: Click here to find out about a special offer for events taking place in September 2011.

Former U.S. Trade Representative 1996-2001; Board Member, America China Foundation; Board of Directors of the American Express Company; The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.; Intel Corporation; Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.; and the Council on Foreign Relations

Known globally as the architect and negotiator of China’s WTO agreement, Ambassador Barshefsky is one of the world’s experts on China. With two decades of experience, she offers highly expert, in-depth knowledge about conducting business with this coming superpower. Ambassador Barshefsky also draws on the skills she used to spearhead hundreds of trade and investment agreements, as well as her unique understanding of international economic policy, and foreign and U.S. government policies,  to enlighten audiences with her wide breadth of global knowledge.

Counselor to President George W. Bush, 2001-2002; Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, 2005-2007; Global Vice Chair of Burson-Marsteller

Karen Hughes is a senior strategist helping business leaders strengthen their corporate/CEO reputations, achieve business goals through effective communications and shape positive public and stakeholder perceptions. She has also been described as "the most powerful woman ever to serve in the White House" (Dallas Morning News) and "the most powerful public diplomacy czar in decades" (The Boston Globe). As Under Secretary of State, she traveled to more than 50 countries, meeting world leaders and reaching out to international audiences.

ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT: Karen Hughes Remembers the 9/11 Terror Attacks

Women’s Historian; New York Times Op Ed Columnist ; First Female Head of New York Times Editorial Board

The first ever female head of The New York Times editorial board and op-ed columnist, Gail Collins is a noted women’s historian and author of When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present.

Senior Advisor for Comcast Corporation, Present; Former Pentagon Spokesperson; ABC Commentator; Contributor to the Tony Kornheiser Show on ESPN Radio

A Senior Advisor for Comcast Corporation and on-air commentator for ABC, Torie Clarke has advised some of the nation’s best-known executives. Best known to the public as the chief spokesperson for the Pentagon on 9/11 and the beginning of the Iraq war, Torie Clarke has long been respected within the worlds of politics and public relations as one of the most insightful experts on communication in the age of transparency. The architect of the media "embedding" program in Iraq, Clarke has stood on the leading edge of this transformation of the information environment for more than two decades.

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT: Torie Clarke joined a fascinating roundtable discussion about Gender Politics on This Week with Christiane Amanpour, where she addressed the success of women in political and business leadership roles, and the different qualities that women bring to the table in order to "get the job done." Watch Video... Also, watch an additional interview from the green room: Click here...

Former President of NARAL Pro-Choice America

For nearly 20 years, she served as President of NARAL Pro-Choice America, catapulting the organization to prominence as the nation’s premier reproductive rights group. Under Kate’s leadership, NARAL Pro-Choice America transformed the political debate and positioned a woman’s freedom to choose as a fundamental American liberty.

Author, Now It's My Turn: A Daughter’s Chronicle of Political Life; Director of Vice Presidential Operations for Bush-Cheney 2004

A key adviser on two presidential campaigns with a lifetime of first-hand political experience, Mary Cheney offers a unique and compelling perspective on American politics.

Health Care Professional; Daughter of Holocaust Survivors

Hadassah Lieberman charms audiences with stories from her extraordinary life, focusing on women’s health issues, assisting nonprofit organizations, and promoting international understanding. Ms. Lieberman successfully tailors her remarks to fundraising objectives that enable an organization to reach their goals.

Noted Human Rights Lawyer; Campaigner for Women’s Equality; Wife of Tony Blair

Named one of the most powerful women in the world by Forbes magazine, Cherie Blair is a noted British attorney, human rights advocate, and the wife of Prime Minister Tony Blair. She offers illuminating commentary on the issues of balancing family and career, human rights for women and children, charity and public service, and law.

Tony and Emmy Award-Winning Actress; Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, 1993-1997; Four-Time Oscar Nominee

Renowned actress Jane Alexander found herself in the role of a lifetime when President Bill Clinton appointed her head of the ever-embattled National Endowment for the Arts. Ms. Alexander is charming, honest, and convincingly passionate on why we need art, and why the government should support the arts.

Secretary of Labor, 1991-1993; Chair of Deloitte & Touche’s Council on the Advancement of Women

Credited with preparing the workforce for the 21st century, Secretary Martin brings breadth and authority to any debate on issues affecting the modern American workforce.

Iconic Visionary of the Women's Movement; Co-Founder, National Women’s Political Caucus; Co-Founder, Ms. Magazine

Gloria Steinem remains an iconic and inspiring voice, and ond of the most visible symbols of the women's movement. Ms. Steinem continues to be an ever-present and sought-after speaker on all fronts of social activism.

U.S. Representative from New York (1990 – 1997); Senior Principal, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

Susan Molinari is a risk-taker and trailblazer for liberal Republicans and working mothers. A U.S. Representative from 1990 to 1997, Ms. Molinari quickly became “one of the most distinctive Members of the House” and “one of the most visible voices for her party” according to the authoritative Almanac of American Politics. As a result, after just four years in Washington, and just weeks after the election of the first GOP House majority in 40 years, Ms. Molinari was elected by her colleagues to the eight-person Republican Majority Leadership, making her the highest-ranking woman in the Congress.

Founder of Brazile and Associates, LLC; Vice Chair of Voter Registration and Participation at the Democratic National Committee ; “100 Most Powerful Women in Washington, D.C” (Washingtonian) ; “50 Most Powerful Women in America” (Essence)

Donna Brazile is one of the best known, most influential African American women in modern American political life. She was named one of the “100 Most Powerful Women in Washington, D.C.,” by Washingtonian Magazine and one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in America” by Essence Magazine. Ms. Brazile is also a weekly contributor and political commentator on CNN's Inside Politics and American Morning and is the Vice Chair of Voter Registration and Participation at the Democratic National Committee.

Director, White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy (2009 to 2011); Former Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ; Distinguished Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress; Senior Counselor, Albright Stonebridge Group

For over a quarter of a century, Carol Browner has been at the forefront of the United States’ environmental and energy polices. As President Clinton’s EPA Administrator and as President Obama’s "Energy Czar," Browner has negotiated, developed, proposed and implemented U.S. policy affecting global energy, environment, public health and business matters.

Today, Browner provides her expertise through dual roles in the business and policymaking arenas and serves as a Senior Counselor at Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategy firm.

Advocate, Author, Photographer, Mother; Mental Health Policy Advisor to President Clinton; Founder of Tennessee Voices for Children; Co-Founder and Chair of Families for the Homeless

Named one of the Ten Most Admired Women in the World, Tipper Gore has dedicated her life to public service. She is a hands-on advocate for issues related to mental health, homelessness, and community values.

Founder and President, Good Food Organics; Presidential Candidate for the Democratic Nomination, 2004; United States Ambassador, 1999 – 2001; United States Senator, 1992 – 1998

A woman of extensive achievements and a pioneering entrepreneur, Carol Moseley Braun has established herself as an agent for change passionate about preserving the American Dream for the next generation. Carol Moseley Braun combines philosophy, history, and policy to provide a unique perspective on various topics.

14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service; 13th New York State Health Commissioner; UNICEF Special Representative for Health and Nutrition, 1993-1996

Dr. Antonia C. Novello’s appointment as the 14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Services was historic as she was the first woman and first Hispanic to hold this highly esteemed position. Dr. Novello has been an inspiration in all of her government positions - always pushing the envelope on educating the public. Sample Dr. Novello delivers inspiring and informative keynotes on issues relating to healthcare and health disparities, women’s issues and leadership, and issues pertaining to the Hispanic community.

Co-host, “The Fred Thompson Show” ; Political Commentator; Columnist, The American Spectator

Jeri Thompson is the co-host of "The Fred Thompson Show," along side her husband, Fred Thompson.  She is a political commentator and a columnist for The American Spectator.

Member of the UAE Parliament (Federal National Council) ; CEO, Najla Al Awadhi Consulting; Young Global Leader

Her Excellency Ms Najla Al Awadhi is a member of the United Arab Emirates Parliament (Federal National Council). Appointed in 2007, she is one of the first women in history to become a member and also holds a distinction as its youngest parliamentarian. At the podium, Her Excellency Ms. Al Awadhi speaks about the media, government, and the role and rights of women in the Arab and Muslim world.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa and the Near East in the Clinton Administration ; President of The Barnett Group, L.L.C.

An expert in the economic opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Judith Barnett is the founder of The Barnett Group, LLC. Her opinions and unparalleled knowledge are highly prized by companies looking to compete in these rapidly expanding markets. In her speeches, Ms. Barnett addresses the economic opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa from a geopolitical and economic perspective. Specializing in creating or expanding trade and investment in the Middle East, North Africa and China, Ms. Barnett is uniquely qualified to discuss global economy issues.

President, Center for Equal Opportunity ; Author ; Columnist

Linda Chavez is president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, a non-profit public policy research organization in Sterling, Virginia. She also writes a weekly syndicated column that appears in newspapers across the country, is a political analyst for FOX News Channel, and hosts a daily radio show on WMET 1160 AM radio in Washington, DC.

Contributing Editor, Newsweek Magazine; The McLaughlin Group, Panelist

Eleanor Clift, celebrated author and reporter, provides audiences with an unrivaled look at the new political world in which issues of gender, race and even age influence the political discussion. She has long written about American politics and is an expert on the Washington power structure, the influence of women in politics and other political issues making the headlines daily.

Wife of Vicente Fox, President of Mexico, 2000-2006; President, Vamos México Foundation, 2003-Present

A powerful voice on women’s issues and social responsibility, Marta de Fox has played an active role in Mexico’s democratization, and offers audiences unique insight into the challenges facing Latin America. She has also dedicated her life to public service and to fostering social investment and responsibility.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist; Syndicated Columnist

A stylish writer with a humanizing touch on any issue, public or personal, Ellen Goodman is an American original, who is widely acclaimed as a voice of sanity, and readers depend on her to help them make sense of our changing world.

Founder and President of CURE

Star Parker founded the Coalition on Urban Renewal & Education, CURE, to provide a national voice of reason on issues of race and poverty in the media, inner city neighborhoods, and public policy.

Former Second Lady

The wife of former Vice President Dan Quayle, Marilyn Quayle was one of his closest advisors and got a first-hand look at the inner-workings of Washington.

International Bestselling Author; Influential Jewish Commentator

Over the past fifteen years, author and playwright Naomi Ragen has quietly become one of the Jewish world’s most controversial and most read novelists and political commentators.

Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.; White House Social Secretary, 2009-2010

Desiree Rogers, chief executive officer of Johnson Publishing Company, Inc., has earned a reputation as one of America’s most successful businesswomen. With a Harvard Business School degree and stellar business experience, Rogers has redefined every leadership position that she has held while playing a major philanthropic role in the communities in which she has lived.  Rogers is widely credited for her ability to identify and motivate talent to challenge existing assumptions using brand discipline and superior communication skills thus creating new pathways for success.

“First Lady of the World"

A world figure and widow of late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, Madame Jehan Sadat has been active in the women’s movement both in her own country and throughout the world. She was responsible for the Egyptian Civil Rights Law that resulted in more rights for women. A long time political activist, Madame Sadat worked closely with her husband in his quest for peace.

Founder and CEO, Women for Women International

Every once in a while a new voice emerges with the power to change the world. Zainab Salbi, activist and social entrepreneur, is such a voice. Ms. Salbi inspires and moves audiences with the passion of her personal experience as a survivor of war and her dedication to rebuilding communities after war, one woman at a time.

Congresswoman, Colorado; President, Association of American Publishers

Pat Schroeder represented Colorado’s First Congressional District for 12-terms, passing landmark legislation and becoming a strong advocate for free speech and education. Her dedication to her constituents and their wellbeing was unprecedented.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, 1997-2001; Clinton Administration Foreign Policy Advisor; 3rd Ranking Official of National Security Council at the White House, 1993-1997

Ms. Soderberg brings her to the table her breadth of experience in the formation of US foreign policy, including promoting peace in Northern Ireland, participating in a United Nations mission to Indonesia and East Timor, negotiating key United Nations resolutions regarding the Middle East and Africa, conducting shuttle diplomacy in Latin America, assisting in the development of the Clinton Administration’s policy of political economic normalization with Vietnam and advising President Clinton on policies regarding China, Japan, Russia, Angola, the Balkans, Haiti, as well as several conflicts in Africa. With nearly twenty years of experience in the formation of U.S. foreign policy, Nancy Soderberg has been involved in most of the conflicts around the world and speaks and writes regularly on national security issues. Ms. Soderberg is highly qualified to discuss today’s crises in Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Africa and the Middle East and what effects peacekeeping, terrorism, nonproliferation, and the United Nations can have on the outcomes.

Former UPI White House Correspondent; Columnist, Hearst Newspapers

Helen Thomas has covered nine presidential administrations in the briefing room of the White House, getting a first-hand look at the power and policy which passes everyday through our capital.

Former Lt. Governor, Maryland; Education and Health Care Advocate; Humanitarian and Public Servant

A life long advocate for women, children and the underserved, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend’s career has focused on creating public and private partnerships to solve some of the most intractable problems facing America today.