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Laysha Ward

Executive Vice President and Chief External Engagement Officer at Target

Laysha Ward
Travels From Travels From:
Minneapolis, MN, USA
Speaking Fee Speaking Fee:
Live Event: $50,000 - $100,000
Virtual Event: $10,000 - $20,000
More Fee Info
Categories Categories:
Categories Categories:
Business Leadership, Civil Rights, Creativity, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Human Resources, Influential Women, Inspirational, Social Activism, Social Justice
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Laysha Ward Biography

Laysha Ward is an accomplished C-suite executive with 30 years of leadership experience at Target. She has demonstrated an ability to lead through rapid change, solve problems, build innovative community programs, and collaborate with key stakeholders to support organizational goals and objectives.

In 2017, Ms. Ward was named Executive Vice President, Chief External Engagement Officer, overseeing Target’s enterprise-wide approach to engage and deepen relationships with cross-sector stakeholders to drive positive business and community impact. She is a founding member of the Racial Equity Action and Change committee (REACH), established in 2020 to help lead the organization’s strategy to drive lasting impact for Black team members, guests and communities.

Ms. Ward began her career with Target in 1991 as a member of the store sales and management team of Marshall Fields in Chicago. She was named Director of Community Relations in 2000 and promoted to Vice President of Community Relations and Target Foundation in 2003. She previously served as Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer before being named to her current position.

In 2008, President Bush nominated and the U.S. Senate confirmed Ms. Ward to serve on the board of directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the nation’s largest grantmaker for volunteering and service. She continued on the board under the Obama Administration, where she served as board chair. Later that year, she was promoted to President of Community Relations and the Target Foundation.

She serves on the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Advisory Board and the Stanford Center for Longevity Advisory Council; is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, the Economic Clubs of New York and Chicago, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and The Links, and serves on the boards of Greater MSP, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Northside Achievement Zone. Laysha is also a member of Denny’s Corporation board of directors and United Airlines board of directors.

She received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, master’s degree from the University of Chicago, and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

She and her husband, Bill, reside in Minneapolis, MN.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/01/2024.

Laysha Ward Videos

  • 2019 Commencement Address: Laysha Ward
    2019 Commencement Address: Laysha Ward
    Laysha Ward, Target Executive Vice President and Chief External Engagement Officer, delivered the 2019 commencement address to graduates of the...
  • 2016 Catalyst Awards Conference: Laysha Ward
    2016 Catalyst Awards Conference: Laysha Ward
    Laysha Ward, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Target, delivers a pivotal speech during the 2016 Catalyst...
See All Videos »

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  • What topics does Laysha Ward speak about?

    Laysha Ward is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business Leadership, Civil Rights, Creativity, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Human Resources, Influential Women, Inspirational, Social Activism, Social Justice.

  • Where does Laysha Ward travel from?

    Laysha Ward generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

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Laysha Ward is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Laysha Ward for your event is $50,000 - $100,000. Laysha Ward generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Candi Castleberry-Singleton, Cassandra Worthy, Kimberly Bryant, Cynthia Marshall and Sheila C. Johnson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Laysha Ward for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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