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Van Jones

  • Political Contributor, CNN
  • Founder of RAPPORT.co, Dream Machine Innovation Labs & Exodus Leadership Forum
  • Three-Time New York Times Bestselling Author
  • Obama’s Special Advisor for Green Jobs

In a time defined by division, Van Jones has made a career out of unlikely agreement.

From helping pass the Green Jobs Act under George W. Bush to advancing clean energy efforts in the Obama White House, and later playing a key role in the bipartisan FIRST STEP Act signed by Donald Trump, Van Jones has consistently delivered progress where consensus seemed out of reach. His work spans climate, criminal justice, and economic opportunity, but the throughline is clear: he brings people together to get hard things done.

Today, as a CNN host, entrepreneur, and founder of ventures like RAPPORT.co, Jones is focused on what leaders need next: the ability to navigate division, build trust, and lead through complexity. On stage, he gives audiences a clear framework for turning tension into traction, showing not just why division defines this moment, but how to move beyond it.

 
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Past Hosts Include:
  • Tulane University
  • Pitzer College
  • Washington University
  • University of California, Santa Cruz
  • University of Denver
  • Stanford University
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Vassar
  • MPAC
  • University of Iowa
Excellent. Van tailored his remarks and his approach very thoughtfully to the different audiences at our three events. He was inspiring and substantive and beyond generous with his time and energy.
More rave reviews

"Van was really well received by the crowd. He talked to people, and they were able to connect with him at the end of the session, which was nice."

-Institutional Investor

"Van Jones was inspiring to everyone involved and his words and presence will continue to resonate throughout this community and state. His wonderful ability to push for further progress through a thoughtful embrace of ideas, observations and gentle but clear challenge is catalytic."

-Council for Children's Rights

"He was terrific! He was incredibly generous with his time. He gave a wonderful lecture and was entertaining, thought-provoking and honest. It was a really special night."

-University of Iowa

"We had a wonderful day with [Van]. He impressed and inspired our faculty and students. The AHSS Distinguished Speaker Series at DU is an important piece of our community and student engagement efforts. I was pleased and proud to witness so many guests deep in conversations about the important issues that Van addressed in his book, Q&A sessions and keynote address. We had hoped his lecture would be fuel for a healthy debate and discussion. It surely was."

-University of Denver

"The students' response to Van's words and presence has been nothing less than marvelous. Many students came up to me afterwards to say thank you for inviting him to speak at UCSC. They described being moved to tears by things that Van shared. His visit was timely and he spoke to the experiences of young people today."

-University of California, Santa Cruz

"His combination of green jobs and prison reform made me feel less hopeless about the state of our country. It provided a solution to a complex problem. Also his spiel on looking into the eyes of young people and looking up for the future and problem-solvers gave me goosebumps in a great way."

-Tulane University

"It was great. A really diverse group of students, faculty members and community members came out. We’ve already gotten a lot of feedback from people who really enjoyed the event and felt pushed in their thinking around the topic. We are really glad he was able to come and be here in person. He stayed to talk with students who really appreciated it."

-Stanford University

"Van was wonderful and I have only heard excellent things from students, staff and faculty around campus."

-Pitzer College
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Van Jones for Upfront Summit on His AI Making Work Places More Humane - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Van Jones
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Uncommon Ground: How to Bridge Divides & Get Big Things Done

In a deeply polarized era, progress depends on unlikely partnerships. Van Jones draws on decades of experience working across political, racial and economic lines to show how adversaries can become allies in the pursuit of pragmatic progress. This talk offers a practical, clear-eyed playbook for building trust, unlocking cooperation and delivering results — without compromising core values.

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The Messy Truth: Behind The Scenes In American Politics

Beyond headlines and outrage cycles, powerful forces are reshaping U.S. politics. As the far left, the far right and new technologies pull America apart, leaders and learners can barely keep up. Former White House advisor and CNN host Van Jones offers a tough-minded insider’s view of the trends, incentive structures and narratives that will define the next election cycles. Known for his credibility with audiences across the political spectrum, he delivers clarity without spin – and insight without ideology.

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Win the Future: Promise & Peril in the Age of A.I.

As A.I. and automation transform work and society, the central question is whether technology will deepen inequality or expand opportunity. Founder of cutting edge A.I. firm RAPPORT, Van Jones explores how ethical design, empathy and emotional intelligence can shape a future where innovation serves human dignity and financial prosperity. This conversation challenges innovators and society to build systems that are technologically powerful, economically advantageous and morally grounded.

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Winning the Information Wars: Power & Truth in the Algorithm Age

Misinformation now spreads faster than truth. Narratives often move people more than facts. Van Jones breaks down how algorithms, platform incentives and digital ecosystems shape public perception and political outcomes. Audiences gain a clear framework for understanding modern influence — and how leaders and brands can communicate with integrity in an age of media manipulation.

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Blacks & Jews: Reviving the Alliance that Changed America

The Black–Jewish alliance is one of the most influential partnerships in American history — but today the relationship faces real strain. Van Jones examines the roots of this historic collaboration, the forces that fractured it and the urgent work required to renew it. This talk offers a hopeful, honest roadmap toward reconciliation and shared purpose.

Books by Van Jones
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Biography
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