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Symone Sanders Townsend speaker
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Symone Sanders Townsend

Political Strategist and Former CNN Political Commentator
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About

Gender: Female
Nationality: United States
Languages: English
Travels from: United States

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Biography Highlights

  • Host and Anchor, MSNBC's 'SYMONE'
  • Former Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris
  • Author of 'No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America'

Biography

Seasoned political strategist, former CNN political commentator, and author Symone Sanders Townsend is a gifted communicator with a passion for problem solving, social justice, and in-depth analysis of today’s most important issues. Sanders Townsend previously served as the national press secretary for U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign, the youngest person to ever hold that title. She served as a senior advisor for President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign and was appointed as a senior member of the Biden-Harris administration, and will now bring her nuanced and critical insight to MSNBC as the host of SYMONE, as well as serving as an anchor and hosting a show on The Choice, MSNBC’s digital streaming arm. In her book No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America, Sanders Townsend shares her take-no-prisoners approach to life, politics, and career success, advocating for a new generation to be powerful in their own right. A rousing call to leadership, Congresswoman Maxine Waters raved, “Symone’s honest and profound reflection on standing up and speaking out is sure to inspire young people across the country to become the change agents the world needs.”

Sanders Townsend is a highly sought-after commentator and speaker, from her TED Talk Stop asking permission!, to an invigorating conversation at SXSW, Politico’s 2019 Women Rule Summit, the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, and many more. She served as the National Chair of the Coalition of Juvenile Justice Emerging Leaders Committee, a member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice, and in her role as principal of the 360 Group, Sanders Townsend worked on leading-edge solutions to tough political and social problems. Sanders Townsend shares her expertise in communication and political strategy, in-depth analysis of key political issues, and the challenges and possibilities for radical change with authenticity, humor, and insight.

Videos

Media, podcast appearances and interviews

Speaking videos

Popular Talks

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.

Available: In person, Virtually

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.

Available: In person, Virtually

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.

 

Available: In person, Virtually

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.

Available: In person, Virtually
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Testimonials

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.

Metropolitan State University

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

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

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

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

Books

Symone Sanders Townsend book

No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America Hardcover

In this rousing call to leadership, the self-described millennial spokesperson for the culture, CNN’s designated “woke AF” former commentator, and the youngest national press secretary in the history of the United States shares her take-no-prisoners approach to life, politics, and career success, and shows a new generation how to be loud and powerful in their own right. Many people—most notably white older men—may try to stop Symone Sanders from speaking up and out. But Symone will NOT shut up. And neither should you. In this inspiring call-to-action, Symone tells stories from her own life of not-shutting-up alongside loud young revolutionaries who came before her to help you find your authentic voice and use it to your advantage; to fight ideological battles more effectively; and to resist those who try to silence you. We are all gurus, masterminds, artists, entrepreneurs—we are the change agents we have been waiting for. IT IS US. And the time is RIGHT NOW. I know you’re wondering, “But HOW?” And we don’t have all the answers! Symone is the first to admit we’re all winging it in one way or another. But the point is we’re out there doing it. So get started. Open your mouth and start talking. Loudly. No You Shut Up goes beyond the surplus of “Vote-Or-Die” books we’ve seen before. Because change doesn’t just happen at the ballot box. We need people fighting oppression, injustice, and inequality—in the workplace, on the cultural battlefield, in government, in every corner of the world. With spirited storytelling filtered through a voice that cannot and will not be ignored, Symone inspires you to start now. You don’t need to have all the answers, or wait your turn to help create the change you want to see. All you need is a new toolbox, an unshakable commitment, and the confidence and guidance to wield those tools effectively.

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No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America Hardcover

In this rousing call to leadership, the self-described millennial spokesperson for the culture, CNN’s designated "woke AF" former commentator, and the youngest national press secretary in the history of the United States shares her take-no-prisoners approach to life, politics, and career success, and shows a new generation how to be loud and powerful in their own right. Many people—most notably white older men—may try to stop Symone Sanders from speaking up and out. But Symone will NOT shut up. And neither should you. In this inspiring call-to-action, Symone tells stories from her own life of not-shutting-up alongside loud young revolutionaries who came before her to help you find your authentic voice and use it to your advantage; to fight ideological battles more effectively; and to resist those who try to silence you. We are all gurus, masterminds, artists, entrepreneurs—we are the change agents we have been waiting for. IT IS US. And the time is RIGHT NOW. I know you’re wondering, “But HOW?” And we don’t have all the answers! Symone is the first to admit we’re all winging it in one way or another. But the point is we’re out there doing it. So get started. Open your mouth and start talking. Loudly. No You Shut Up goes beyond the surplus of “Vote-Or-Die” books we’ve seen before. Because change doesn’t just happen at the ballot box. We need people fighting oppression, injustice, and inequality—in the workplace, on the cultural battlefield, in government, in every corner of the world. With spirited storytelling filtered through a voice that cannot and will not be ignored, Symone inspires you to start now. You don’t need to have all the answers, or wait your turn to help create the change you want to see. All you need is a new toolbox, an unshakable commitment, and the confidence and guidance to wield those tools effectively.
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