Pat Mitchell

Author of "Becoming a Dangerous Woman: Embracing Risk to Change The World," Pat Mitchell is recognized for her influential roles in the media industry as a CEO, producer, and curator. She is the first woman to have served as president and CEO of PBS and the Paley Center for Media. Additionally, she formerly held the position of president at CNN Productions, where she executive produced hundreds of hours of television documentaries and specials, earning 35 Emmy awards and 15 Peabody awards.

Mitchell is the editorial director, curator, and host of TEDWomen, a platform she launched in 2010 in partnership with TED. Throughout her multifaceted career as a journalist, Emmy-winning producer, and pioneering executive, she has consistently championed the sharing of women's stories. Her commitment extends to creating opportunities for women and girls to engage with their passions, purpose, and power. She holds leadership positions as the chair of the Sundance Institute and the Women’s Media Center, and serves as a trustee of the VDAY movement, the Skoll Foundation, and the Acumen Fund. She is also an advisor to Participant Media and was appointed by Congress to The American Museum of Women’s History Advisory Council. Additionally, she is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Mitchell's work in promoting women's leadership and representation in media was acknowledged when the Women’s Media Center honored her with its first-annual Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, which was subsequently named in her honor. She has been recognized by Hollywood Reporter as one of the most powerful women in media, and has appeared in Fast Company’s "League of Extraordinary Women" and Huffington Post’s "Powerful Women Over 50." She also received the Sandra Day O'Connor Award for Leadership. Beyond her leadership and advocacy, Mitchell is a respected speaker and has engaged audiences at prestigious events and conferences, discussing topics such as the transformational power of media and leadership. She contributes to the book "Enlightened Power: How Women Are Transforming the Practice of Leadership," and wrote the introduction to "130 Women of Impact in 30 Countries."

Mitchell graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia, where she also earned a master's degree in English literature, and she has received several honorary doctorate degrees. She resides in Atlanta with her husband, Scott Seydel, and their family includes six children and 13 grandchildren.