Social Issues Speakers

Emmy-nominated Padma Lakshmi may be best-known for her role as host on Top Chef, but offscreen she has had far reaching influence as a societal changemaker. Lakshmi is the co-founder of The Endometriosis Foundation of… Full Profile

TOMS founder, Blake Mycoskie rewrote the rules of for-profits and philanthropy by creating and following the "one for one" business model. As a social entrepreneur and enthusiastic speaker, Blake shows that using business to improve… Full Profile

Social entrepreneur Mallory Brown represents a new generation of philanthropy. At age 24, she founded World Clothes Line, an online business that donates one article of clothing for every article sold. Mallory and her numerous… Full Profile

As CEO and Co-founder of MBAs Across America, Casey Gerald has spent his recent years helping young entrepreneurs use their businesses to solve their communities' problems and revitalize the nation at a grassroots level. Named… Full Profile

Described as “one of our most insightful culture critics and one of our finest young writers,” Courtney Martin is a storyteller, feminist, social problem solver, and a provocative speaker. She is the author of six… Full Profile

Co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans is on a mission to end extreme poverty in the world by 2030. His organization's flagship event, the Global Citizen Festival recruits millions to the war against… Full Profile

Business strategist Connie Duckworth transferred her skill set from Wall Street to war-torn Afghanistan. The retired Partner and Managing Director of Goldman, Sachs, & Co. set up Arzu Hope Studios, a rug-weaving co-op, to give… Full Profile

Paul Shoemaker is a mastermind at knocking down the barriers and curtailing social problems. As the Founding President of Social Ventures Partners International and SVPI's former Executive Connector, he's brought together social changers, researchers, and… Full Profile

Screen legend, political activist, and fitness guru, Jane Fonda has inspired people around the world promoting a greater understanding of our common humanity through her acting and philanthropy. The Academy award-winning actress is recognized for… Full Profile

At age 26 social entreperneur, Anne Mahlum launched Back on My Feet, a nonprofit organization that aims to foster self-sufficiency in homeless participants through the discipline and therapeutic empowerment of running. Over the years Anne… Full Profile

Joshua Tetrick was named Rookie of the Year as a linebacker with West Virginia University. He went on to graduate from the University of Michigan Law School and Cornell University as a Fulbright Scholar. Since… Full Profile

Bill Toliver grew up in the developing world with a deep understanding of the real work required to make change. He spent 20 years creating successful communications programs for Fortune 500 clients, like Westin Hotels… Full Profile

Sheila C. Johnson is a successful entrepreneur and impassioned philanthropist. As CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, a hospitality company she founded in 2005, Ms. Johnson oversees a growing portfolio of luxury properties, including three… Full Profile

One of the most influential philanthropists and human rights activists to come out of media, Tavis Smiley is a driving force for political justice, youth empowerment, and the end of poverty. He is the author… Full Profile

Veteran reporter and CNN’s chief business correspondent, Christine Romans delivers the day’s top business news every morning nationwide. An award-winning reporter known for her decades of trustworthy analysis of Wall Street and economic affairs, she… Full Profile

Passionately involved with philanthropic concerns in Africa, Peter Thum is CEO and co-founder of Fonderie47, a social venture concerned with mitigating the effects of the widespread availability of assault rifles on that continent. Having worked… Full Profile

Named one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders, Rachael Chong is an exceptional young woman who has truly committed herself to making the world a better place through her personal life and the… Full Profile

Few individuals choose to walk away at the height of their corporate career to dedicate their life to a social cause. At age 35, John Wood did just that—quitting his position as Microsoft's Director of… Full Profile

Leadership expert and youth guru, social entrepreneur Marc Kielburger is a New York Times bestselling author and co-founder (with his brother Craig) of Free The Children. This international charity and educational partnership aims to assist… Full Profile

Social entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, and syndicated columnist Craig Kielburger likes to give back to the world in as many ways as he can. It’s a trend he’s followed since co-founding Free The… Full Profile

Throughout her career, Lisa Ling has reported from some of the most dangerous locations from the world in an attempt to bring attention, aid, and change to those who need it the most. A former… Full Profile

A world expert in economics, finance and global affairs as well as innovation and social issues, Ian Goldin is currently Director of the Oxford Martin School at Oxford University, as well as being a Professorial… Full Profile

Cal Thomas is America’s number one political columnist with a twice-weekly column appearing in over 500 newspapers nationwide. Thomas is the author of ten books, including Common Ground: How to Stop the Partisan War that… Full Profile

For over three decades, Lenora Fulani has tirelessly crusaded against social injustice and political corruption. The spirited development psychologist is perhaps best known for her political career as an independent candidate, including two runs for… Full Profile