GLORIA STEINEM: Iconic Visionary of the Women's Movement; Co-Founder, National Women's Political Caucus & Ms. Magazine
A true icon of the women's rights movement, audiences and event-planners describe seeing Steinem speak as "magical" (The Robert Toigo Foundation), "a total success in every regard" (Toleda Lucas Public Library), and "an inspiration on so many levels" (Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties). Recently named #1 on Buzzffeed's list of "The 9 Most Inspiring Commencement Speeches of 2017," Steinemprovides the next generation with empowerment and action points to continue the fight for women's rights.
PEGGY NOONAN: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Columnist; Bestselling Author; Former Special Assistant & Speechwriter to President Ronald Reagan
Noonan brings to life American politics, history, and culture with fresh insights and thoughtful analysis. A recipient of numerous journalism awards, she has been chosen as a Literary Lion by the New York Public Library and is the first woman and first writer to ever receive the Pilgrims USA Medallion for Service to the Nation. Noonan is an iconic journalist who's exceptional commentary has been a guiding voice during America's most divisive and challenging times.
MAE JEMISON: First African-American Woman in Space; Inductee National Women's Hall of Fame & International Space Hall of Fame
A powerful advocate for promoting diversity in education, women's rights, and social responsibility, Jemison breaks barriers and sets hopes high. Recently immortalized in Lego form as part of the "Women of NASA" set, and the subject of two empowering Women's History Month projects that went viral, Jemison is an icon audiences hail as "simply amazing" (The University of Alabama); "so inspiring" (Qatar Foundation); and "super smart, engaged and funny" (Appalachian State Unviersity).
JULIA GILLARD: 27th Prime Minister of Australia (2010-2013); Chair, Global Partnership for Education
Gillard's prominence as an internationally celebrated feminist was solidified following her now-viral 2012 Parliament speech on misogyny. In her current role at the helm of GPE, Gillard frequently pens passionate op-eds and delivers sharp, refreshing interviews on female leadership, gender parity in politics, and more. A smash hit with audiences, Gillard receives rave reviews: "She was fantastic and wonderfully well received!...The bar is very high here at The Richmond Forum, and she just sailed right over with ease."
PENNY PRITZKER: U.S. Secretary of Commerce (2013-2017); Founder and Chairman, PSP Capital Partners and Pritzker Realty Group
Named by Forbes as one of the "100 Most Powerful Women in the World," Pritzker is a leading global economic mind with more than 30 years experience in both the public and private sector. A power-player in male-dominated industries, Pritzker is a fierce advocate of women’s empowerment. She shares sharp advice on how women can advance their careers, insights into how businesses with greater diversity are more productive and profitable, and highlights how to advance women in leadership positions worldwide.
LORI GREINER: Shark on ABC's Shark Tank; The "Queen of QVC"; Prolific Inventor & Entrepreneur
"Lori’s ‘yes you can’ message and relatable stories engaged more than 1,800 women at our business banking events." - Chase for Business
COKIE ROBERTS: Award-Winning Journalist; Political Commentator, ABC News & NPR
"We had a sold-out crowd of 700 to hear Cokie Roberts who was smart, funny, engaging... She was so well prepared and her comments specifically about our Women’s Fund were thoughtful and appreciated..."-The Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation
JANE PAULEY: Host, CBS Sunday Morning; Emmy Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist
"The words are simply this: Don't think about getting Jane Pauley for a speaking engagement; just do it. She is engaging, fresh, real, funny, normal, and totally delightful. Her stories are heartwarming. There is nothing about her that isn't terrific. She is such a crowd pleaser. She embraces her audience in such a way that everyone feels like her good friend at the end of her presentation... We knew that she would be great, but we did not realize how truly exceptional she is..."-The League Club, Inc.
ANN CURRY: Emmy Award-Winning Journalist; Host of upcoming PBS show "We'll Meet Again"
"Ms. Curry is an exceptional woman and an inspiration to the Girl Scouts of the USA! Her passion and emotion brought tremendous encouragement and delight to all who heard her speech, and they rose to their feet in applause. Her message supports our mission and will continue to inspire us to accept the challenge of reaching our goals and reaffirms our collective commitment to prepare today's girls to take the reins of leadership in this country. " -Girls Scouts of the USA
MIA FARROW: Internationally Acclaimed Actress & Advocate for Mothers and Children
"Thank you for your provocative and inspiring presentation...Your talk raised awareness, stirred strong emotions, and stimulated thoughtful responses..." - Hanover College
DESIREE ROGERS: Chair, Choose Chicago; Former CEO, Fashion Fair Cosmetics & Johnson Publishing
"Desiree’s commitment to excellence extends into every single aspect of her work. She brings an electricity to the room that transcends words altogether. Working with her at Chicago Ideas stage programs over the years has been an absolute pleasure—her passion, sincerity, knowledge and energy are very, very hard to match." - Chicago Ideas Forum
LIZA DONNELLY: Award-Winning Cartoonist, The New Yorker; Resident Cartoonist, CBS News
"Liza Donnelly brought her combined gift of live drawing and personal narrative to our stage. The audience of over 500 from around the world were hooked and inspired by the creative rendering of Liza's compelling point of view." - Business Innovation Factory
JUDITH JAMISON: Legendary Dancer & Choreographer; Artistic Director Emerita, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
"Judith Jamison made quite an impact on this community and also on specific students who benefited enormously from her message. A great visit. A lovely person." - Chatham Hall
MOIRA FORBES: President & Publisher. ForbesWoman; Host, Success with Moira Forbes
"Moira did a great job last night! Everyone was very complimentary and mentioned how interesting she was. She seemed to enjoy herself as well and was very generous with her time after the event to talk more with several of the women." -Commercial Real Estate Women-DC Chapter
KAREN MILLS: Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (2009-2013); Senior Fellow, Harvard Business School
"Working with Karen Mills was an absolute pleasure. Her speaking engagement was so well received and in turn we had many request [a video of] her presentation. Karen definitely added to the success of our event and we were so glad she attended our dinner as well." - PayNet
These HWA Speakers are exceptional choices for Women's History Month programming. Known to leave audiences empowered, re-energized and thinking more deeply, they receive rave reviews after each and every event.
