Sarah Hurwitz

Sarah Hurwitz was a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, starting out as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and then serving as Chief Speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama from 2010 to 2017. During her tenure, she was instrumental in crafting Michelle Obama's widely-acclaimed addresses, including her Democratic National Convention speeches in 2008, 2012, and 2016, and her political speeches throughout the campaign cycles. Hurwitz also traveled with the First Lady across America and to five continents, further enhancing her role in communicating global and domestic policy narratives.

Before working at the White House, Sarah Hurwitz was chief speechwriter for Hillary Clinton during her 2008 presidential primary campaign. She then joined the Obama campaign, helping Michelle Obama draft her 2008 Democratic National Convention speech. Prior to the Clinton and Obama campaigns, Hurwitz served as deputy chief speechwriter for Senator John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign, deputy chief speechwriter for General Wesley Clark’s primary campaign, and a speechwriter for Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa. Additionally, she was a lawyer at the Washington, DC office of WilmerHale. Beyond her speechwriting duties, Hurwitz worked as a senior advisor to the White House Council on Women and Girls, focusing on policy issues affecting young women and girls.

Hurwitz has been recognized for her contributions to political and public discourse, as evidenced by her features in major publications such as The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and The Guardian, and on prominent shows like The Today Show, Morning Joe, and NPR. Her book, "Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life -- in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)" was a finalist for two National Jewish Book Awards and the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. This exploration of her Jewish heritage has significantly influenced her career and personal philosophy.

A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Sarah Hurwitz continues to offer audiences deep insights into the mechanics of effective communication, drawing on her extensive experience in the political arena. She shares practical advice on crafting persuasive narratives and discusses the importance of authenticity and leadership through communication. Her speaking engagements illuminate the interconnectedness of personal values, public service, and impactful storytelling.