Sally Kohn

Sally Kohn is a television commentator, writer, and executive presence coach, known for her work with a diverse range of clients including top executives, political leaders, nonprofit heads, and public figures. Kohn is a prominent public speaking coach and media trainer, focused on empowering leaders across various sectors.

A frequent commentator on CNN and MSNBC, and previously on Fox News, Kohn has a wide reach in media. Her first book, "The Opposite of Hate: A Field Guide to Repairing Our Humanity," was published in April 2018. Currently, she contributes to major publications such as the Washington Post, New York Times, New York Magazine, RollingStone, and USA Today, bringing insightful discourse to a broad audience. Her three TED Talks, addressing topics like political division and social justice, have garnered over 4 million views, reflecting her impact as a thought leader.

Before her media career, Kohn was deeply involved in advocacy and campaign strategy. She was a Senior Campaign Strategist with the Center for Community Change, co-directing the Campaign for Community Values and producing significant initiatives like a nationally televised Presidential candidate forum in 2008. Her role as Executive Director of the Third Wave Foundation, coupled with her tenure as a Vaid Fellow at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute, highlights her commitment to social justice. During her time at the Urban Justice Center, she authored a pivotal report on the experiences of gay youth in the New York juvenile justice system.

Kohn holds a joint degree in law and public administration from New York University, where she was also a Root Tilden public service scholar. She completed her undergraduate studies at George Washington University. Originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, Kohn now resides in Brooklyn, New York, with her partner Sarah Hansen and their daughter Willa. As a sought-after keynote speaker, Kohn addresses pressing issues such as racial awareness, white privilege, and the dynamics of political and social division, both in corporate settings and at educational institutions. Her presentations, enriched with personal anecdotes and historical context, are designed to foster understanding and inspire action across diverse audiences.