College & Independent Schools
Authors & Writers
Authors & Writers:
#1 NYT Bestselling Author of Range, The Sports Gene, and now Inside the Box & Expert on Human Performance
David Epstein has spent his career investigating—and overturning—our most deeply held assumptions about what makes people and teams perform at their best.
New York Times Bestselling Author & James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Princeton University
One of the nation’s most prominent scholars, Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. is an author, political commentator, public intellectual and passionate educator who examines the complex dynamics of the American experience.
NYT Bestselling Author, Podcast Host, Political Commentator & Cultural Critic
Molly Jong-Fast is a New York Times bestselling author, political commentator, and cultural critic known for her sharp wit, fearless honesty, and unwavering commitment to truth.
NYT Best-Selling Author & Motivational Leader
Moore energizes audiences with his remarkable personal story of overcoming adversity through education, embracing personal responsibility and emerging as an inspirational leader.
Golden Globe-Winning Actor, #1 NYT Bestselling Author, Screenwriter & Producer
Chris Colfer is a Golden Globe-winning, Emmy and SAG Award nominated actor, #1 New York Times bestselling author, screenwriter and producer.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning NYT Columnist
How good do you really have to be, to be christened the reporter’s reporter…by other reporters? You have to be Nicholas Kristof – good.
Award-Winning American Historian, Bestselling Author & Journalist
Best-selling author, prize-winning journalist, acclaimed biographer and cultural historian Wil Haygood tells the story of America through the lens of history, politics, sports, race and the lives of change-making African-Americans.
Best-Selling Author & Accomplished Entertainment Executive
After overcoming a childhood of adversity, Tara Schuster quickly rose up the ranks of Comedy Central where she rocketed upwards to become the youngest Vice President of Talent and Development at the network.
New York Times Best-Selling Author & Award-Winning Historian
Dr. Keisha N. Blain is one of the most innovative and influential young historians of her generation. Her research and writing examine the dynamics of race, gender, and politics in both national and global perspectives.
Public Intellectual & Best-Selling Author
Featured on NPR and MSNBC, Professor Dyson melds scholarly insight with contemporary culture and examines civil rights and race relations. This thought-provoking talks foster social change.
Author, The Color Purple
A gifted, prolific novelist and a leading voice among African-American women writers, Walker authored the Pulitizer Prize winning book, The Color Purple.
Emmy & Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist
Maria Hinojosa is the Pulitzer Prize-winning founder of Futuro Media based in New York City. She has written four books, won multiple awards, and is the Anchor and Executive Producer of the Peabody Award-winning show Latino US.
New York Times Best-Selling Author & Musician
McBride uses music and writing to share powerful stories such as The Color of Water, The Good Lord Bird and Miracle at St. Anna, which was adapted by Spike Lee.
Disability Advocate, Educator & Best-Selling Author, Sitting Pretty
Rebekah Taussig will challenge everything you think you know about disability as she invites us into her experience of living in a body that looks and moves differently than most.
Best-Selling Author, Creator and Host of Podcasts Thanks for Asking & It’s Going To Be OK
How are you? Nora McInerny wants to know the truth. TED speaker known for her viral talk; Nora specializes in making space for emotional honesty and difficult conversations.
NBA Legend & NY Times Best Selling Author
A global icon that changed the game of basketball, Kareem is a Presidential Medal of Freedom Winner who now works to bring innovative educational opportunities to underserved communities.
Cultural Critic, Best-Selling Author & The Atlantic Contributing Writer
A cultural critic for extraordinary times, Thomas Chatterton Williams brings his insightful perspective to subjects of race, Black identity and history, cancel culture, social justice and inequality in America and the world.
Author of The Queens’ English
Chloe O. Davis is a Broadway performer and debut author who works in the entertainment industry in New York. A graduate of Hampton University and Temple University, she has centered her creative platform on amplifying the narratives of Black culture.
Best-Selling Author, The Campus Color Line & Higher Education Thought Leader
Dr. Eddie R. Cole is Associate Professor of Higher Education and Organizational Change at UCLA. His research focuses on college presidents’ historic role in shaping racial policies and practices both inside and outside of the educational sphere.
Award-Winning Author, Poet & Spoken Word Artist
José Olivarez is the son of Mexican immigrants. His debut book of poems, Citizen Illegal, was a finalist for the PEN/ Jean Stein Award and a winner of the 2018 Chicago Review of Books Poetry Prize.
"Maria" on Sesame Street & Best-Selling Author
Having retired her iconic Sesame Street character “Maria,” Manzano now dedicates her time to speaking and writing on education, communication, and Hispanics in the media.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Best-Selling Author & Political Analyst
Few journalists in America’s history have had the impact on history and their craft as Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Carl Bernstein. Drawing parallels between the past and the events of today, Bernstein provides invaluable context for our tumultuous times.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist & Author
Woodward is a journalistic icon who gained international attention when he and Carl Bernstein broke the news of the Watergate scandal. The author of 21 bestsellers, he delivers the inside scoop on Washington.
Award-Winning Author & Cultural Educator
Larry Spotted Crow Mann is a nationally acclaimed author, and citizen of the Nipmuc Tribe of Massachusetts. He is an award winning writer, poet, cultural educator and Traditional Story Teller.
Dean of Harvard’s Renowned Radcliffe Institute
Tomiko Brown Nagin is a prize-winning author, eminent legal scholar and historian, dean of Harvard’s renowned Radcliffe Institute, and pathbreaking leader in higher education.
Feminist & Writer
Drawing from her experience on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List and the ensuing “Free Angela Davis” campaign, Davis delivers riveting messages of tolerance.
Theologian, Essayist & Social Media Influencer
Candice Marie Benbow is a theologian and essayist whose work lies at the intersections of beauty, faith, feminism and culture. As a public educator, Candice cares about bridging the gap between the academy and community through digital projects.
Human-Centered Thought Leader, Bestselling Author, Managing Director at Seramount & The Pemberton Podcast
Steve Pemberton is a visionary human-centered thought leader and the Founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Academy.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author & Journalist
Nazario has spent over 20 years writing about social issues including immigration. Her acclaimed book, Enrique’s Journey, recounts a Honduran boy’s struggle to find his mother in the U.S.
Author of KooKooLand
Gloria Norris’s heartbreaking and hilarious memoir, KooKooLand, was named a best book of the year by NPR. Some of the issues Gloria has spoken passionately about include domestic violence and mental health issues.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalists
Husband-and-wife duo Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn were the first married couple to win a Pulitzer in journalism and have written a series of best-selling books together as well as appeared in television documentaries of their books.
Writer, Performer & Consultant
Whether ALOK is selling out an international performance tour, publishing essays and books advocating for LGBTQ equality, designing a new fashion collection, or speaking about a 21st century approach to gender rights – their distinctive mix of charisma, poetry, and intellect has made them one of the most dynamic artists of our times.
Directors of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies and Professors of Teacher Education at Montclair State University
Monica Taylor and Emily J. Klein are professors at Montclair State University focusing on Teaching and Learning, Education, and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.
Co-Authors of We Are Not Like Them & You Were Always Mine
Christine Pride partnered with Jo Piazza to write We Are Not Like Them, a story of an interracial friendship upended by a police shooting that hits close to home for two women.
Author, Podcaster & TV Host
Touré is a host and Creative Director at TheGrio. He is a TV host, a podcaster, and the author of eight books including The Ivy League Counterfeiter and the Prince oral history Nothing Compares 2 U.
Co-Authors of The Thread Collectors
Richman is an internationally bestselling author of several novels and Edwards is a former corporate attorney who now leads Global Talent and DEI for an international law firm.
Bestselling Authors of Sexual Citizens
Columbia University Professor Jennifer S. Hirsch and Princeton University Professor Shamus Khan's bestselling book — Sexual Citizens: Sex, Power and Assault on Campus — has transformed how we understand and address sexual assault.
Co-Authors of The Price She Pays, Mental Health Advocates & Licensed Experts
For Katie Steele and Dr. Tiffany Brown, sports have always been a means of connection, and when they witnessed first-hand the mental health crisis facing athletes, they could not look away.
Sales & Leadership Experts, USC Professors of Entrepreneurship & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Authors
Colin Coggins and Garrett Brown are a rare speaking duo whose partnership itself is a huge part of the message. One is expressive, the other reflective. One leads with bold energy, the other with quiet depth.
CNN Political Analyst & Anchor for theGrio
Natasha S. Alford an award-winning journalist, host and media executive driven by the
power of storytelling to inspire and change people’s lives.
TIME Women of the Year 2023, Journalist, Activist & Author
Masih Alinejad is an Iranian-American journalist and women’s rights activist who gained worldwide attention when she removed her veil, or hijab, and posted a photo on her Facebook page standing proudly with her hair blowing in the wind.
Best-Selling Author, Permission to Speak
Samara Bay is a sought-after speech coach and thought leader on a mission to change how power sounds. Her clients include top actors in Hollywood, C-suite execs and thought leaders, candidates for U.S. Congress, celebrities, activists, diplomats, moms returning to work, and high school girls who want to make a difference.
Author, Miracles from Heaven
Christy Beam is the author of Miracles from Heaven, a NYT bestseller that was adapted into a major motion picture starring Jennifer Garner and Queen Latifah.
One of America's Most Provocative & Controversial Authors
Raymond Bechard is an Author, Publisher and Human Rights Advocate. For over 25 years he has worked to provide justice, tolerance and equality to people around the world.
Cultural Visionary
Dr. Rich Benjamin sharply observes modern society and politics. His cultural and political analysis appear regularly in public debate, including in The New York Times, The Guardian and more.
Author, Educator & Social Activist
An expert on cultural diversity, Dr. Bertice Berry is an inspirational and humorous motivator who empowers people to improve their lives. She is the best-selling author of The Ties That Bind.
CEO, Author & Relationship Strategist
Barb Betts is a dynamic keynote speaker, CEO, and author of The Relationship Advantage, empowering professionals to build authentic, trust-based connections that drive business growth and lasting impact.
Award-Winning Journalist & Author of The Movement
Clara Bingham is an award-winning journalist and author whose work has focused on social justice and women’s issues. She is the author of four books.
Writer, Filmmaker & Adventurer
Writer, filmmaker and adventurer, Jon is a six-time grantee of the National Geographic Expeditions Council. One of the Society’s ‘Ocean Heroes,’ his first assignment for National Geographic Magazine was documenting a 3,741 mile crossing of Antarctica by dogsled.
"The Notorious Ph.D."
Dr. Todd Boyd, a.k.a. “Notorious Ph.D.,” is the Katherine and Frank Price Endowed Chair for the Study of Race and Popular Culture and Professor of Cinema and Media Studies in the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist
Rick Bragg is the author of two best-selling books, All Over but the Shoutin' and Ava's Man. He joined The New York Times in 1994 and has covered events like the Oklahoma City bombing.
Senior ESPN Writer
The author of eight books on sports and legendary black athletes, Bryant’s latest work examines the intersection of race, sports, politics and patriotism in a divided America.
Award-Winning Authors, Prolific Content Creators, Disability & Relationship Experts
Shane and Hannah Burcaw are prolific relationship vloggers and authors on a mission to improve the way society understands disability. On their YouTube channel, Squirmy and Grubs, which has gained 900,000+ subscribers and worldwide media attention.
Counseling Psychologist, Former Chief DEI Officer & Former President of the American Counseling Association (ACA)”
Dr. S. Kent Butler is a dedicated advocate for social justice and a passionate supporter of family, firmly believing in the power of community to uplift and inspire.
Trauma Survivor & Internationally Recognized Trauma Informed Care Expert
Tonier works tirelessly to raise the awareness about trauma informed care around the world. Tonier is an advocate and educator, speaking all over the world on trauma, addiction, incarceration, homelessness, substance abuse and mental health.
New York Times Bestselling Author & Political Analyst
Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, radio host, political analyst and a New York Times bestselling author. The Grift, an instant New York Times bestseller, was released in January 2024.
Emmy-Award Winning Journalist, Bestselling Author, Global Communication Expert & CEO of Soulcast Media
Jessica Chen is an Emmy-Award Winner, a global communication expert, bestselling author, and speaker. She has taught over 2 million people how to improve their communication skills at work.
Playwright & Novelist
Speaker Pearl Cleage probes issues of race, sex, and love in her literary works. She authored popular books such as 2011's Just Want to Testify.
Emmy-Winning Writer & Co-Executive Producer, The Simpsons
As the Emmy award-winning writer and producer for The Simpsons, the longest-running American scripted primetime television series in history, Joel Cohen has been a key part of the show’s success. Since its debut, The Simpsons has broadcast more than 600 episodes.
Author, Leadership Speaker & Executive Coach
Christopher D. Connors delivers empowering keynotes and team-building workshops on emotional intelligence and leadership that are custom-fit for the world’s leading organizations.
Bestselling Author, Cancer Survivor, Host of the PBS Series Tell Me More With Kelly Corrigan
Called “the voice of a generation” by O Magazine, Kelly Corrigan is the author of four New York Times bestsellers and host of the PBS primetime interview show Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan and the weekly podcast, Kelly Corrigan Wonders.
NYT Best Selling Author of Street Gang
Author, producer and educator Michael Davis wrote the New York Times Non-Fiction Best Seller Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street and is a co-executive producer of the documentary film adapted from the book.
Best-Selling Author, Educator & Thought Leader
Jennifer De Leon is author of the YA novel Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From which was chosen as a Junior Library Guild selection, and the essay collection White Space: Essays on Culture, Race, & Writing, which is a recipient of the Juniper Prize in Creative Nonfiction.
TV Critic/Media Analyst/Guest Host
Eric Deggans is NPR’s first full-time TV critic and media analyst, providing reviews, feature stories, commentary and guest hosting for the network’s shows such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
Top Innovation & Creativity Speaker, University of Michigan Business Professor, Bestselling Author
Dubbed the “Dean of Innovation,” Jeff DeGraff not only wrote the book(s) on innovation, but is renowned for jumpstarting creativity and empowering innovation culture, strategies, competencies, community, and ecosystems for over half the Fortune 500.
Award-Winning Essayist & Critic
William Deresiewicz is an award-winning essayist and critic, a frequent college speaker, and the best-selling author of Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life.
Founder of TheOnion.com
Scott Dikkers is the founder of TheOnion.com, the world-renowned humor publication. He’s served as The Onion’s owner and editor-in-chief for much of the last 30 years.
National Book Award-Nominated Author & Executive Editor of YES! Media
Evette Dionne, known across the internet as @freeblackgirl, is a journalist, critic, and magazine editor. She’s the National Book Award-nominated and Coretta Scott King honor author of Lifting As We Climb.
Performing Artist, Founder of the Sphinx Organization, & Best-Selling Author
Named a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, President Obama’s first appointment to the National Council on the Arts and member of President Biden’s Arts Policy Committee, Aaron P. Dworkin is former dean and current Professor at the University of Michigan.
New York Times Bestselling Author, Living Well & Performance Expert
Michael Easter is a New York Times bestselling author who's made a career of traveling the world to uncover innovative and practical ideas that help people live healthier, happier, and more productive and remarkable lives.
Award-Winning Author & International Consultant
Karen Eber is a captivating force in the world of storytelling and leadership. As an award-winning author, international consultant, and TED Speaker, she has educated and inspired over three million people globally.
Founder of McSweeney's & Author
Dave Eggers is an expert of every step of the book industry as the founder of McSweeney’s, a designer, an editor, and author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, You Shall Know Our Velocity and more.
Historian / Biographer / Teacher
Grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, David Eisenhower is a political scientist and historian with great insight into American history and the leaders who shaped it. He is the author of Eisenhower: At War.
Scholar, Author & Playwright
Elliot Engel is an award-winning teacher of English and American literature. Featured on PBS for his mini-lecture series on Charles Dickens, his brilliance and humor bring great authors and literature to life.
Bestselling & Award Winning Novelist & Essayist
Amy Ephron lives in Los Angeles. Her new book Carnival Magic the continued, startling, sometimes magical adventures of Tess and Max is a bestseller and was featured in Teen Vogue.
Transgender Public Scholar & Intellectual Activist
Dr. Roberto Che Espinoza is passionate about the politics of radical difference and the ways that our collective differences might shed light on how we become a better body together. He is also a teacher at heart and loves being with people and teaching the community.
Professor of International Affairs, Johns Hopkins & Co-Author of Underground Empire: How America Weaponized the World Economy
Technology is transforming the global marketplace. Henry Farrell has spent decades thinking and writing about the changes it has created, carrying out cutting edge research, and writing for places like the New York Times.
Author & Host of "It Never Gets Old" Podcast
Meredith Fineman is an entrepreneur, author, and host. She is the founder and CEO of FinePoint, a leadership and professional development company that elevates individuals—CEOs, Founders, and women in positions of power—through visibility and voice.
New York Times Bestselling Author
Jonathan Safran Foer is the author of many books, among them the novels Everything is Illuminated, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and Here I Am, as well as the works of non-fiction Eating Animals, and We Are The Weather.
Pulitzer Prize Winning Author
James Forman, Jr. started the Maya Angelou Public Charter School and is a Professor of Law at Yale Law School. He also worked as a law clerk for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor of the U.S. Supreme Court and is a Pulitzer Prize Winning Author.
Best-Selling Author
Therese Anne Fowler’s best-selling book Z, A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald brings justice to the legacy of F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife, Zelda. She speaks on her writing career and the importance of community libraries.
Keynote Speaker, Author & Leadership Strategist
Austin J. Franklin is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and leadership expert. He is also the CEO and Co-founder of Good-Natured Life.
Educational Leader, Social Justice Advocate, Strategist & Author of Being Black in America’s Schools
Brian Rashad Fuller is educational leader, social justice advocate, strategist and author with a passion for addressing the needs of historically underserved students.
Bestselling Author, Award-Winning Podcaster, Entrepreneur & Professor
Scott Galloway is Professor of Marketing at NYU’s Stern School of Business and a serial entrepreneur. He was named one of the world’s best business professors by Poets & Quants.
Board Certified Clinical Psychologist & Professor
Dr. Jeff Gardere is a board certified clinical psychologist. He is an Associate Professor and Course Director of Behavioral Medicine at Touro College.
Author of the Rizzoli & Isles Series
Best-selling author Tess Gerritsen took an unusual route to a writing career. While on maternity leave as a physician, she began to write fiction. Eight suspense novels later, she has never looked back.
Best-Selling Author & Harvard Professor of Education and African American Studies
Jarvis R. Givens is a professor of education and faculty affiliate in the department of African & African American studies at Harvard University.
Award-Winning Philosopher, Bestselling Author & Groundbreaking Thought Leader Exploring Ideas That Shape Society
Rebecca Newberger Goldstein is a generational thinker whose work examines how human beings construct meaning and moral significance in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
High-Level Success Strategist, #1 Emerging Management Thinker & Top 50 Coach in the World
Dr. Ruth Gotian studies success–extreme success–and teaches people how to achieve it on their own.
Former White House Press Secretary for Donald Trump
Stephanie Grisham is a public relations specialist and television pundit with over 15 years of experience at the highest levels of government and media relations. She is one of just 31 people in American history to hold the title of White House Press Secretary.
Iranian American Writer & Journalist
A celebrated poet and filmmaker, Roya Hakakian is the author of Journey from the Land of No and a founding member of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center. She speaks on the Middle East and human rights.
Renowned Former BBC Education Editor & Bestselling Author of The Brain That Loves to Play
Dr Jacqueline Harding is a multi award-winning international child development and education expert. As a former BBC Education Editor, she is recognised for her influential work advising the UK government, practitioners and parents.
Distinguished Health Leader, Author & Passionate Advocate for Population Health
Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck is a distinguished health leader, author, and passionate advocate for population health, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of health professionals and STEM enthusiasts.
Award-Winning Music Historian
Dr. John Edward Hasse helps audiences understand the power music has to move and inspire us to greater heights. He is a gifted pianist, author and editor of several books including Jazz: The First Century.
Transformational Speaker, Educational Leader & National Trainer
Brian Heat is a dynamic Educator, Trainer and Amazon Best Selling Author with his latest book release Get Ignited, who transforms audiences by infusing high-octane motivational and cinematic themes.
Foreign Correspondent & Author
Author of War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning and a foreign correspondent in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans, Chris Hedges speaks on war, religion and the conflict in the Middle East.
Critical Media Literacy Scholar, Author, University Lecturer of History and Media Studies
Nolan Higdon is an author, host of The Disinfo Detox Podcast, lecturer at Merrill College and the Education Department at University of California, Santa Cruz, and Project Censored National Judge.
Professor of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University, Co-Author of Sexual Citizens
Jennifer S. Hirsch, a Professor of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University, is widely recognized as one of the nation’s top voices researching gender, sexuality and health.
New York Times Bestselling Author of Rocket Girls
New York Times bestselling author Nathalia Holt enthuses audiences with her inspiring narratives of women who have defied the odds, broken barriers, and made history.
One of the Most Accomplished & Widely Recognized Rock Climbers in the World
Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished and widely recognized rock climbers in the world, celebrated for his bold free solo ascents of America's most iconic cliffs—performed without ropes or safety equipment.
Award Winning Television Executive & Creative Corporate Change Agent
Michelle D. Hord is a creative storyteller and media executive. As the President of Hope Warrior, Inc., and former Vice President of Creative Content and Talent Management for NBCUniversal, Michelle has produced content for television shows.
Host, Inside Mental Health Podcast, Author & Bipolar Advocate
Gabe Howard is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after speaker, but he wouldn’t be any of those things today if he hadn’t been committed to a psychiatric hospital and diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2003.
Former CEO of Tinder in Latin America & Chief Digital Officer at L’Oréal
Andrea Iorio is one of the leading speakers on AI, Leadership, Sales, and Innovation on the global stage, and is an international best-selling author with his book Between You and AI.
Co-Founder of Stop AAPI Hate, Best-Selling Author & Professor at San Francisco State University
Dr. Russell Jeung is a nationally respected voice at the intersection of race, community safety, and social change, known for translating lived experience and data into movements that shift public consciousness and policy.
World’s Foremost Authority on Rejection & Bestselling Author of Rejection Proof
Rising to notoriety with his most-viewed TED Talk (top 200 out of 60,000), What I Learned from 100 Days of Rejection, which became the basis for his bestselling book and #1 audio book, Rejection Proof, Jia Jiang has become the world’s foremost expert on rejection.
Best-Selling True Crime Author & Journalist
Jones is a best-selling true crime author and journalist who uses her reporter’s hunch to investigate high-profile crimes and murder cases. Through her eyes, Jones sheds light on the dark motives and emotional truths lurking behind the headlines.
Thought Leader & Founding Director, LBJ School of Public Affairs CSRD
In Fall 2015, Dr. Peniel E. Joseph joined the University of Texas at Austin as Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy.
Integrative Physician/Epidemiologist, Health Tech Consultant & Author of On Healing
Dr. Kalaichandran has given talks at Stanford University, Happify, and South by Southwest, while also regularly contributing to The New York Times (Well, Opinion, and Styles sections) on topics that deal with medical education, health, and wellness.
Political Analyst, Best-Selling Author & Emmy-Nominated Investigative Reporter
Brian J. Karem is an award-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated reporter and author of seven books. Brian is a veteran White House correspondent and former senior correspondent for Playboy Magazine.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Historian
A professor of American history at Stanford University, David Kennedy offers convention-shattering revelations about 20th Century America. Author of Freedom from Fear, he also contributes to The New York Times.
Professor of Sociology and American Studies, Princeton University; Co-Author of Sexual Citizens
Shamus Khan is the Willard Thorp professor of sociology and American Studies at Princeton University. He writes on culture, inequality, gender and elites.
New York Times Architecture Critic
Michael Kimmelman is chief architecture critic of The New York Times and a contributor to The New York Review of Books. While his critiques assess art, they help people understand the bond between art and life.
Contributing Opinion Writer for the New York Times & Author
Combining his breadth of historical knowledge, extensive global travels, and memorable anecdotes, James Kirchick illuminates the most important issue in the world today — freedom.
Professor at Montclair State University in the Department of Teaching and Learning & the Department of Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies
Emily J. Klein is a professor at Montclair State University in the Department of Teaching and Learning, the PhD program in Teaching and Teacher Education, and the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.
Author, Notorious RBG, Attorney & Activist
Knizhnik is a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of New York City’s Criminal Defense Practice. While a student at NYU School of Law, she created the Notorious RBG Tumblr, and in 2015 she co-wrote Notorious RBG with journalist Irin Carmon.
Political Economist & Best-Selling Author
Robert Kuttner is co-founder and co-editor of The American Prospect magazine. He was a columnist for Business Week, and continues to write columns for Huffington Post and The New York Times international edition.
Educator, Best-Selling Author, Recovery & Prevention Coach
Teacher and NYT best-selling author, Jessica Lahey, inspires audiences with her rallying cry to allow children to experience failure as an integral part of becoming successful, resilient and self-reliant adults.
Chief Data Scientist of Lander Analytics, Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School & a Visiting Lecturer at Princeton University
Jared P. Lander is Chief Data Scientist of Lander Analytics, the Organizer of the New York Open Statistical Programming Meetup and The New York and Government Data Science & AI Conferences, an Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School, and a Visiting Lecturer at Princeton University.
Award-Winning Journalist, Creator of Queer News Daily & Author
Nico Lang is a multi award-winning journalist, editor, culture critic, and essayist. In the decade they’ve spent in journalism, Lang has also served as the deputy editor for Out magazine.
Biographer & Author
A best-selling author and Kennedy expert, speaker Laurence Leamer most recently authored Fantastic: The Life of Arnold Schwarzenegger, which USA Today called "truly fantastic."
Chief Engineer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
A renowned science fiction writer who produced the Cosmos series with Carl Sagan, B. Gentry Lee is responsible for the engineering integrity of all the robotic planetary missions managed by JPL.
Actress / Creator of Angry Little Asian Girl
Lela Lee created the cult online cartoon "Angry Little Asian Girl" and website for people, like her, who grew up thinking girls shouldn't get upset. She has guest starred on Will & Grace and Friends among others.
Grief Advocate, Entrepreneur & Bestselling Author
Marisa Renee Lee is a called upon grief advocate, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Grief is Love: Living with Loss.
Adventure Sports & Travel Journalist / Author
Writer, educator, public speaker and entertainer Buddy Levy is a co-star of Brad Meltzer's Decoded on The History Channel. As a freelance journalist, he has covered adventure sports and lifestyle/travel worldwide.
Wired’s Editor at Large
A former senior editor of Newsweek, Steven Levy has been at the forefront of technology since the 80s. Levy is an expert on innovation, creative technology and technology's impact on business and society.
Heart Inspired Speaker, Leadership Consultant & Author
Dr. Luff is an overcomer! As the son of a single-parent housekeeper, he was homeless in high school but went on to become a first-generation college graduate three times over despite being told that he was not college material.
Best-Selling Author & Community Activist
Author of the New York Times best-seller All Souls, Michael Patrick MacDonald shares his remarkable story of survival and redemption while examining the relationship between poverty and class he witnessed growing up in South Boston.
Bestselling Author, Speaker & Changemaker in Recovery and Student and Family Well-Being
David Magee is the bestselling author of the award-winning book Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love and Loss (2021), a Publisher’s Weekly national bestseller featured on CBS Mornings.
Food Enthusiast
Simon Majumdar is a world-renowned broadcaster, food writer, speaker, author and cook who has dedicated the second half of his time on this planet to fulfill his ambition to “Go Everywhere, Eat Everything.”
Best-Selling Author & Son of Pablo Escobar
Sebastian Marroquín is the son of the late Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar. Marroquín has come out of the shadows to share his personal story in his best-selling book, Pablo Escobar: My Father.
Creator of the Term FOMO
More than just the man who coined the term FOMO, Patrick J. McGinnis is an author, speaker, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and host of the hit podcast FOMO Sapiens.
Expert on Interfaith, Interracial & Multicultural Experiences
Samira K. Mehta is the Director of Jewish Studies and an Associate Professor of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research and teaching focus on the intersections religion, culture, and gender.
Host, History Channel’s Lost History & Brad Meltzer's Decoded; New York Times Best-Selling Author
History. Legacy. Character. Great leadership. Brad Meltzer draws upon the themes of his best-selling books and popular television shows, challenging audiences to look at their lives, work and mission through the lens of legacy.
Author, Rhodes Scholar & Aspiring Professor
By all rights, Caylin Louis Moore should be dead, in prison, or a gang member. Instead, he’s a Rhodes Scholar, author, speaker, and role model for every kid deprived of hope in downtrodden communities.
Lawyer, Neurodiversity Expert & Author
Haley Moss is a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, and the author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges.
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Founder & President of Nadia's Initiative
Human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad became a leading advocate for survivors of genocide and sexual violence after surviving the horrific Yazidi Genocide in Iraq carried out by the Islamic State (ISIS).
Award Winning Sportswriter & Author of Seven Books
Gary Myers is the former NFL Columnist for the Dallas Morning News and New York Daily News. He is the author of seven books.
Award-Winning Science Journalist & Author
Donna Jackson Nakazawa is an award-winning science journalist, author of seven books, and an internationally-recognized speaker whose work explores the intersection of neurobiology and human emotion.
U.S. Marine Veteran, Author, Global Explorer & Resilience Expert
Akshay Nanavati is a U.S. Marine veteran, author, global explorer, and resilience expert who has conquered drug addiction in high school, PTSD, alcoholism, and near-suicidal despair after fighting the war in Iraq.
Journalist & Author
Judith Newman is the author of the bestseller To Siri With Love, a collection of illuminating stories about life with a fourteen-year-old boy with autism.
Political Scientist, Georgetown University & Co-Author of Underground Empire: How America Weaponized the World Economy
Abraham Newman is a professor in the School of Foreign Service and Government Department at Georgetown University.
Harvard Career Advisor & Best Selling Author
Gorick Ng is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Unspoken Rules: Secrets to Starting Your Career Off Right. Gorick Ng is a career adviser at Harvard College, specializing in coaching first-generation, low-income students.
Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Executive Leadership Expert & ABC Contributor
Author, Catalyst, and Executive Coach Laura Gassner Otting inspires people to push past the doubt and indecision that keep great ideas in limbo.
Higher Education Professional & Author
Wes Parham MBA, Ph.D. is a national speaker in the critical areas of organizational and individual development, innovative leadership, and educational engagement. He is also the founder of the field of "Haterology."
Best-Selling Author & Reading Champion
One of the most prolific and best-selling writers of all time, speaker James Patterson has authored such titles as Kiss the Girls. He is also a vocal reading advocate.
Author of The Assertive Parent, Support Coach & Mental Health Educator
Daniel Patterson empowers people to discover their hope for the future through a powerful story of personal recovery and reinvention. Since he began his recovery journey, he has established two successful multi-million companies.
Personal Branding, Global Diversity & Inclusion Thought Leader, Spiritual Teacher & Author
Colette Phillips has captivated many audiences with her amazing speaking skills and her motivational presence.
Bestselling Author, Philosopher, Founder of SocratesCafe.com
Christopher Phillips, PhD, is a Greek-American author, educator, consultant, and lecturer is recognized launched in1996 his global grassroots Socrates Cafe initiative (SocratesCafe.com).
Internationally Bestselling Author, Award-Winning Journalist & Podcast Creator
Jo Piazza is a bestselling author, podcast creator and award-winning journalist. Jo is the national and international bestselling author of many critically acclaimed novels and nonfiction books including We Are Not Like Them.
Nationally Recognized Motivational Speaker & Best Selling Author of Severed Dreams
Chad Porter is widely recognized as one of the nation’s most inspirational and impactful motivational speakers.
GRAMMY-Nominated Poet; Human & Civil Rights Activist; Filmmaker; Author of 16 Books
Kevin Powell is one of the most celebrated political, cultural, literary, and hip-hop voices in America today. Kevin has gone on to author 14 books, including When We Free The World, his new short essay collection about freedom in America.
Award-Winning Journalist & Author of The Family Roe
For more than twenty years, Joshua Prager, a former senior writer for The Wall Street Journal, has written about historical secrets. His work has shed new light on our cultural touchstones.
Editor, Writer, Co-Author of We Are Not Like Them & You Were Always Mine
Christine Pride is a writer, editor and long time publishing veteran. She’s held editorial posts at many different imprints including Doubleday, Broadway, Crown, Hyperion, and Simon and Schuster.
Journalist, Award Winning Non-Fiction Author & Photographer
Sam Quinones is a journalist, storyteller, former LA Times reporter, and author of four acclaimed books of narrative nonfiction. His most recent book is The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth.
Research Professor & Historian of Education
Diane Ravitch is a research professor of education at New York University and a prolific writer, who has published more than 500 articles and reviews for scholarly and popular publications on the subject.
Peabody and GLAAD-Award Winning Actress and Journalist
Eva Reign is a Peabody and GLAAD Award winning Brooklyn-based actress, writer and artist from St. Louis, Missouri.
Writer for The Simpsons
Mike Reiss has won four Emmys and a Peabody Award during his twenty eight years writing for The Simpsons. He ran the show in Season 4, which Entertainment Weekly called “the greatest season of the greatest show in history.”
The “TikTok Pastor,” Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church, Author, Activist & Public Theologian
Rev. Brandan Robertson is a public theologian working at the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social renewal. Robertson is as the “TikTok Pastor”, creating videos which have garnered over 215k followers and 5 million views.
Host, Voiceover Artist & Content Creator
Attorney, educator, journalist, producer, host, moderator, voiceover artist and author, Angélique Roché believes in the power of story and the impact that fiction and non-fiction narratives can have.
Award-Winning Scholar & Professor of Political Science at Brown University.
Melvin Rogers is an award-winning scholar and stands as a distinguished academic renowned for his insightful contributions to the discourse on race and democracy within the realms of American culture and politics.
Founder of Money Mindset Wealth Management & a Trailblazer Reshaping the Finance Landscape
Meet Scarlette Joyce Rojas, a trailblazer reshaping the finance landscape with her unparalleled mix of financial acumen and behavioral science expertise.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author & Columnist
Tina Rosenberg is co-writer of the New York Times "Fixes" column and author of Join the Club: How Peer Pressure Can Transform the World.
Bestselling Author & Screenwriter
Steven Rowley is the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus, a Washington Post Notable Book of 2016, The Editor, named by NPR and Esquire magazine as one of the Best Books of 2019.
Author & Documentary Filmmaker
Speaker Esmeralda Santiago is an award-winning author and founder of Cantomedia, a production company known for its documentaries. She supports community-based programs.
World-Renowned Expert in Microexpressions, Strategic Advisor & Author
Annie Särnblad is a world-renowned expert in reading facial expressions, an esteemed strategic advisor, author, and speaker.
New York Post Columnist & Author of The Canceling of the American Mind
Rikki Schlott is a free speech activist, a columnist for the New York Post, co-author of a bestselling book—The Canceling of the American Mind--and a political commentator.
Resiliency Expert & Coach
An internationally recognized expert on resiliency and stress reduction, Dr. Eva Selhub specializes in helping individuals and organizations improve health, wellbeing, productivity and outcomes by creating a culture of resilience.
Daughter of Malcolm X, Professor & Author
Sharing the legacy of her parents, Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, Ilyasah is an inspirational role model, youth advocate and champion of women and girl empowerment.
Best-Selling Author, Storyteller
From his maritime masterpiece The Finest Hours (now a Disney blockbuster), to Boston Strong, Sherman is a masterful storyteller making giant leaps into Hollywood with his triumphant tales of overcoming adversity.
TV Personality & Author of She’s Unlikeable
The breakout star of Netflix’s Emmy-nominated Indian Matchmaking Seasons 1 and 2, Aparna Shewakramani became an overnight ambassador for those women demanding to have their voices heard.
Award-Winning Author
The best-selling author of Super Sad True Love Story, speaker Gary Shteyngart offers insights into the absurdity of life, balancing humor with tragedy.
Co-CEO, Archie Comic Publications
Silberkleit is co-CEO of Archie Comic Publications, one of the most successful, longest-running brands in the history of the comic industry. She believes the comic book is a valuable tool for developing literacy.
Organizational Thought Leader, Expert on Rejection & Best-Selling Author
As the CEO and publisher of College Magazine, the trusted guide to navigating college, reaching millions of readers, Amanda Silver empowers young professionals to achieve a career they love.
"The Wolfette of Wallstreet"
Affectionately known as the "Wolfette Of Wallstreet," at just 28, Lauren Simmons made history becoming the youngest trader on the NYSE floor, and second African-American female trader to work on the exchange in over 228 years.
Legendary Lawyer & Noted Mental Health Advocate
Rolling Out magazine calls Corey Minor Smith a “legendary lawyer, renowned attorney, noted mental health advocate, prominent media fixture, and New York Times celebrated author.”
A Clinical Psychologist, Best-Selling Author & TikTok Sensation
After running her own private practice for almost a decade, Dr Julie began sharing her digestible, informative videos on TikTok in 2019.
Top Chef Alumnus, Restaurateur & Resilience Advocate
Chef Angelo Sosa is a Dominican-Italian American chef renowned for his bold, globally inspired cuisine and dynamic presence in the culinary world.
Trend & Pop Culture Journalist
Trend & pop culture journalist and four-time author Alix Strauss is a media savvy social satirist. A frequent contributor to the New York Times Metro, Styles, Real Estate and Special Section, she also created and writes the It’s No Secret column.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Author
The author of Life, Animated (inspiration for the Academy Award nominated film of the same name) shares his journey of connecting with his son, who has autism, through Disney movies.
Best-Selling Author
A philosopher, essayist, risk-management expert and former trader. He is author of The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable, which explains everything we know about what we don’t know.
Speaker, Author & Thought Leader
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College, is a clinical psychologist widely known for both her expertise on race relations and as a thought leader in higher education.
Director of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies & Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at Montclair State University
Monica Taylor is the Director of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, a professor in the Department of Educational Foundations, as well as in the teacher education and teacher development doctoral program at Montclair State University.
Founder of Intersectional Environmentalist & Author of The Intersectional Environmentalist
Coining the term ‘eco-communicator’ to describe her style of environmental activism, Leah uses her passion for writing to explore and advocate for the critical yet often overlooked relationship between social justice and environmentalism.
Bestselling Author & Creator of the Wildly Popular Blog Wait But Why
Tim Urban is a wildly popular thinker, blogger, illustrator, and speaker beloved for his ability to make sense of our world and humanity in head-spinning, hilarious ways.
President, Futuro Media & Founder, Latino Rebels
As Editorial Director for Futuro Media, Julio (Julito) Ricardo Varela is responsible for the overall editorial vision and voice of Latino USA, Latino Rebels and In The Thick.
Founding Director, Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice
Professor of the Practice at the McCourt School of Public Policy and Founder and Director of the Center for Faith and Justice at Georgetown University, Jim Wallis is a globally respected writer and speaker, public theologian, and justice advocate.
Distinguished Professor of History, Assistant Director, Center for Citizenship & Civility & Award-Winning Author
Dr. Robert Watson is an award-winning author, professor and Avron Fogelman Research Professor at Lynn University and historian and analyst for numerous media outlets.
Former Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan & Author
Speaker Kate White led Cosmopolitan to become the US's top-selling women's magazine. She motivates others to reach goals in their personal and professional lives.
Serial Social Entrepreneur, Storyteller & Author
Growing up in Washington, DC, Chris Wilson was surrounded by violence and despair. At 18, he was sentenced to life in prison, with no hope of parole. While behind bars, Chris embarked on a remarkable journey of self-improvement.
Bestselling Author of The Thinking Machine, Financial Times Business Book of the Year
New Yorker contributor Stephen Witt is one of the leading historians of artificial intelligence.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist
Sheryl WuDunn, the first Asian-American reporter to win a Pulitzer Prize, is a business executive and best-selling author. She co-founded FullSky Partners, a consulting firm focusing on double-bottom line ventures in new media, technology and health.
Contributing Writer for The New Yorker & Award-Winning Author of Between Two Fires
Joshua Yaffa is a contributing writer for The New Yorker, where he covers Russia and Ukraine and Western policy in the region.
Award-Winning Board-Certified Psychiatrist & Executive Coach
Dr. Anna Yusim is an internationally recognized, award-winning, Stanford- and Yale-educated Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Executive Coach.