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The Political Moment
Seasoned political strategist, former CNN political commentator, and author SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND offers in-depth analysis of today’s most important issues from her unique perspective as former Press Secretary for both the Sanders and Biden presidential campaigns and her time in the Biden-Harris White House. Sanders Townsend offers vitalizing takeaways that engage as well as inform.
Navigating Controversy and Building DEI Culture
Seasoned political strategist, former CNN political commentator, and communications expert SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND offers actionable insights about message management during times of conflict, navigating controversy, and building culture that is rooted in meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sanders Townsend advocates for transparency and radical change in an authentic conversation that will be transformative for individuals, companies, and organizations.
Hosting & Moderating
Seasoned political strategist, former CNN political commentator, and communications expert SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND excels as a moderator and host due to her captivating presence, adept communication skills, and ability to foster engaging dialogue. With her deep understanding of diverse perspectives and keen insight, she guides discussions with grace and ensures all voices are heard, making her an invaluable asset to any event.
Self-Advocacy
Seasoned political strategist, MSNBC political commentator, and author SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND reminds audiences how powerful self-advocacy can be. Sharing stories from her career, perspectives on speaking up, and actionable advice for any audience, Sanders Townsend helps listeners use their voices both effectively and impactfully.
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Women Making History: Symone Sanders Townsend honored by Girls Inc.
Youngest-ever presidential press secretary SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND, an alumna of Girls Inc. of Omaha, was honored by Girls Inc. during Women’s History Month for her work progressing social justice and lifting up the voices of marginalized communities. Stephanie J. Hull, Ph.D., President & CEO of Girls Inc. said, “We are thrilled to honor leaders who set such outstanding examples for girls and young women... it's a special pleasure to invite an alumna to the stage.”
Watch Symone Sanders Townsend’s remarks at the Girls Inc. National Luncheon >>
Event Success Story: Symone Sanders Townsend leads a vital dialogue at the National Civil Rights Museum
Seasoned political strategist, former CNN political commentator, and extremely skilled moderator SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND led the conversation “The Resilience: Combatting Police Violence through Policy and Public Safety” at the National Civil Rights Museum. Focusing on empowering attendees with strategies rooted in policy reform and community-led safety alternatives, Sanders Townsend navigated difficult topics with intelligence and poise. Veda Ajamu, Chief DEI Programs & Community Engagement Officer of the museum, shared publicly, “Your skillful moderation ensured that the discussions remained insightful, engaging, and focused on key issues…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…Your participation has made a lasting impact.”
Watch Symone Sanders Townsend moderate at SXSW >>
Watch Symone Sanders Townsend on a panel with The Daily Show >>
Symone Sanders Townsend announced as host of INROADS Benefit Gala
Seasoned political strategist, former CNN political commentator, and communications expert SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND was tapped to serve as the host and Master of Ceremonies for INROADS annual fundraising Benefit Gala, presented by Proctor & Gamble. Her groundbreaking work as the youngest Presidential Press Secretary makes Sanders Townsend the ideal voice for an event called “Breaking Barriers and Making History.” Sanders Townsend is a gracious host, engaging audiences with the uplifting core spirit of the event.
Watch Symone Sanders Townsend moderating at SXSW >>
Watch Symone Sanders Townsend in discussion with the Tom Tom Foundation >>
Symone Sanders Townsend receives rave reviews from audiences of all kinds for her insightful and engaging talks
Accomplished political strategist and commentator SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND shares her political prowess, expertise in communication skills, in-depth analysis of key societal issues, and the possibilities for radical change with humor, authenticity, and wisdom. Sanders Townsend is an in-demand speaker for her unique insight into building culture that is rooted in meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Sanders Townsend has been sought-after by groups like Metropolitan State University, the African American Community Service Agency, Earlham College, Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, and many more. She regularly receives rave reviews for her deeply inspiring engagements, such as:
Symone Sanders Townsend takes on her next major role, hosting MSNBC’s ‘The Weekend’
Seasoned political strategist, former CNN political commentator, and communications expert SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND hosts MSNBC’s The Weekend to encourage productive political conversation. Hosted by Sanders Townsend alongside Michael Steele and Alicia Menendez, The Weekend is a nonpartisan, go-to source for viewers of MSNBC showcasing diverse perspectives, opinions, and identities. Sanders Townsend told The Hill, “It’s important that people can come to a place and see folks with various viewpoints, have a conversation, and they can walk away making their own decision.”
Watch Symone Sanders Townsend speak on campaign strategy at Meet the Press here >>
Symone Sanders Townsend is creating the discourse that is missing in media and considering all vantage points with her new show SYMONE
Experienced democratic political strategist SYMONE SANDERS TOWNSEND’s namesake show provides essential context on the most pressing issues facing Americans today. As Forbes said of her new MSNBC show SYMONE, “viewers will see the same version of the high-energy, politics- and culture-obsessed dynamo who’s worked for Senator Bernie Sanders as well as the Biden 2020 campaign, and as a spokesperson for Vice President Harris.” The communications expert and former CNN commentator joined The New York Times Opinion podcast Sway to share how she is covering the administration she just left as well as importance of including multiple vantage points in any conversation. “I think it is very important to not paint with a broad stroke brush,” she said of her curated and balanced political panels. This unique gift for including and considering all vantage points is part of what Sanders Townsend considers her due diligence to ensure audiences are receiving the most thorough reporting possible on every story that comes across her anchor desk, and makes her an in-demand commentator for her rigorous analysis, fearless insights, and commitment to getting the whole story.
Drawing on her intimate involvement with the Biden/Harris administration and its policy initiatives, the former senior advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris told Politico, “Something that my show will be able to offer that is different than any other show is keen insight into the people, the policies, and the plans of this administration and the current president and vice president of America.” In her conversation on the Sway podcast, Sanders Townsend shares that – as a former critic of the media apparatus – she now has a responsibility to create change, saying: “I now have the opportunity to create and facilitate that particular discourse.” Sought after for her expertise in communication and political strategy, in-depth analysis, and definitive perspective, Sanders Townsend brings authenticity, humor, and insight to events with groups like SXSW, Politico’s Women Rule Summit, the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, and more.
Watch Symone Sanders Townsend’s explosive interview with the First Lady on SYMONE >>
Symone Sanders Townsend is an author and seasoned political strategist.
Sanders Townsend rose to prominence in 2016 as the national press secretary for U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’s then-presidential campaign. At 25, she became the youngest presidential press secretary on record and was named to Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of 16 young Americans shaping the 2016 election. At 29, she published her first book, No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America and served as a senior advisor for President Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign. At 31, Sanders Townsend was appointed as a senior member of the Biden-Harris administration serving as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson to Vice President Kamala Harris.
A communicator with a passion for problem solving and social justice, Sanders Townsend served as the national chair of the Coalition of Juvenile Justice Emerging Leaders Committee and a member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice before joining Senator Sanders’s campaign. There, she worked to raise the profile of young voices in the fight for juvenile justice reform and brought millennial perspectives to policy conversations. Prior to joining the Biden-Harris administration, Sanders Townsend was principal of the 360 Group where she helped clients find sound solutions to tough political and social problems.
Sanders Townsend is a former political commentator for CNN and resident fellow of both Harvard's Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School and the University of Southern California's Center for the Political Future.
She is a native of North Omaha, Nebraska and currently resides in Washington D.C. with her husband, Shawn.
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