Symone Sanders Townsend
EXCLUSIVE
ADD TO MY SPEAKER LIST
- 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, 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, LLPAuthenticity 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.
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.
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.
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.

