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Symone Sanders Townsend

  • Political Strategist and Former CNN Political Commentator
  • Host & Anchor, MSNBC's 'The Weekend'
  • Former Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris
  • Author of 'No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America'

Symone Sanders Townsend: Strategic Communicator | Leadership Catalyst | Advocate for Change

Symone Sanders Townsend is a powerhouse communicator and thought leader whose TED Talk Stop asking permission! challenges audiences to lead with courage, authenticity, and conviction. A dynamic voice on leadership, resilience, and social change, Sanders Townsend has built a career at the intersection of strategy, communication, and equity—advising leaders and organizations on how to navigate high-stakes challenges with clarity and purpose.

Sanders Townsend made history as the youngest national press secretary for a U.S. presidential campaign, working with Senator Bernie Sanders. She later served as a senior advisor for President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign and as a senior member of the Biden-Harris administration. She went on to become a prominent political commentator for CNN and currently serves as host of SYMONE on MSNBC, in addition to anchoring and hosting for MSNBC’s streaming platform, The Choice.

The author of No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America, Sanders Townsend shares her take-no-prisoners approach to leadership and career success, inspiring a new generation to embrace authenticity and drive meaningful change. She has delivered energizing keynotes at SXSW, Politico’s Women Rule Summit, the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, and beyond. As principal of the 360 Group, she has also advised corporations, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations on messaging, strategy, and social impact initiatives.

With humor, insight, and unshakable authenticity, Sanders Townsend delivers transformative talks on leadership, communication, diversity, and navigating change—empowering audiences across industries to stop asking for permission and start making their mark.

 
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Symone's speech was AWESOME! Given our political climate, I think our students really needed to hear what she had to say. She was educational, funny, timely, and inspiring.
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"Symone, your expertise, poise, and commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue were truly evident throughout the symposium, and your contributions played a crucial role in its success. Your skillful moderation ensured that the discussions remained insightful, engaging, and focused on key issues related to police violence, public safety, and policy reform. Your ability to navigate complex topics with clarity and empathy created a safe and productive space for participants to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas. Thank you once again for your invaluable contributions to the symposium. Your participation has made a lasting impact, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have had you as a moderator for such an important and meaningful event."

-Veda Ajamu, Chief DEI Programs & Community Engagement Officer, National Civil Rights Museum

"Your expertise, poise, and commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue were truly evident throughout the symposium, and your contributions played a crucial role in its success. Your skillful moderation ensured that the discussions remained insightful, engaging, and focused on key issues related to police violence, public safety, and policy reform. Your ability to navigate complex topics with clarity and empathy created a safe and productive space for participants to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas. Thank you once again for your invaluable contributions to the symposium. Your participation has made a lasting impact, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have had you as a moderator for such an important and meaningful event."

-Veda Ajamu, Chief DEI Programs & Community Engagement Officer, National Civil Rights Museum

"Everything went amazing. She is a rare light that illuminated her unique style to our guests. We are WOW'd!"

-African American Community Service Agency

"She was excellent! Really dynamic, engaged, insightful, and energetic. I received all positive feedback. Please pass along my sincere thanks to Symone!"

-Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
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Honoree Symone Sanders-Townsend's remarks at the Girls Inc. National Luncheon in New York - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Symone Sanders Townsend
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Authenticity as Strategy: The New Playbook for Bold, Effective Leadership

Authenticity is not a liability, it’s a leadership superpower. In this compelling talk, SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND explores how showing up fully as yourself can lead to deeper trust, stronger relationships, and sustainable success. Perfect for leaders and teams looking to build cultures where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to perform at their best.

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Women Who Lead: Redefining Power on Our Own Terms

SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND didn’t just break barriers, she redefined what leadership looks like for women in politics, media, and public life. In this inspiring and deeply personal keynote, she reflects on being a young, Black, outspoken woman in rooms where few looked like her, and how she learned to lead without apology. She challenges outdated expectations of 'likability' and perfection, and encourages women to lead from a place of authenticity, ambition, and conviction.

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Communicating with Impact: Strategy, Clarity, and Calm in High-Stakes Moments

From campaign war rooms to national newsrooms, SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND has led communications in high-pressure, high-visibility environments. In this insightful session, she shares a blueprint for clear, confident messaging when it matters most. Offering tools that help teams navigate tough conversations, public scrutiny, and internal alignment with grace and authority.

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Leading Without Permission: Empowering the Next Generation of Change Agents

SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND made history as the youngest national press secretary in U.S. history and went on to serve in the White House and anchor her own national television show, all before the age of 35. In this energizing and motivational keynote, Symone urges young professionals, students, and emerging leaders to stop waiting for validation and instead claim their power, trust their gut, and lead boldly. She shares lessons on rejecting imposter syndrome, building your platform, and leading with purpose in spaces where you may be the youngest, or the only.

Books by Symone Sanders Townsend
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Biography
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