Kiesha Garrison

Kiesha Garrison is a dynamic host who leads events and conversations that spark personal, professional, and cultural shifts. She has decades of experience guiding audiences through in-person and virtual events for learning, development, and entertainment.

Garrison combines her 20 years of experience as a business and culture leader at Time, Inc. and Microsoft with her skill as a standup comedian to shine on stage in a variety of settings. Most recently, she led employee learning and development experiences as the Director of Communications and Culture for Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence Platform Engineering team. In this role, she designed strategic messaging and engagement programs that impacted the workplace culture experience and education for a diverse and global staff of thousands.

Her skill as an emcee and moderator has made her a reliable and impactful host for several marquee corporate events, including Workhuman Live, Include 2021 (Microsoft’s groundbreaking global, digital event focused on diversity and inclusion), and Microsoft’s first-ever fully virtual Ready Conference. Garrison has also delivered insightful mainstage interviews with well-known subjects Will Smith, Ang Lee, Lenny Kravitz, Ed Catmull, and countless corporate, nonprofit, and community leaders.

In addition to her work leading events, Garrison is committed to guiding others a towards healthier understanding of themselves and others. She produces & hosts "YOU Better!," a weekly interview podcast, and speaks to teams across the country about self-discovery and personal power. Additionally, Garrison has co-hosted "Sunday Soul Sessions," a monthly wellness event within LuvvNation -a community founded by New York Times best-selling author Luvvie Ajayi Jones- and has served as a spokesperson for the women’s empowerment nonprofit Dress for Success Seattle.

Offstage, Garrison is the Founder and CEO of Hey, Black Seattle, a company providing community-centered tech and media that connects people of the African diaspora who live in the Greater Seattle area. Via a data-driven search website, creative collaborations, and merchandise, Hey, Black Seattle! aims to be a beacon that shines a light on opportunities to sustain beautiful Black lives in the region.

From tech exec to comedian to professional host - Garrison has approached her journey courageously living as her full self. Her overarching mission is to connect people to the insight, resources, and experiences they need to thrive in their fullest self-expression. She is a proud graduate of Spelman College and is currently based in Seattle, WA.