Jodie Patterson

Jodie Patterson is an author, activist, entrepreneur, and public speaker whose work focuses on identity, gender, race, and personal freedom. Patterson began her career with a degree in literature from Spelman College and held entry-level positions at major New York City publishing houses. She later served as director of public relations for fashion designer Zac Posen and as fashion director of sales for Vibe Magazine. Patterson also operated her own boutique public relations agency, collaborating with brands such as Nike, Virgin Records, Sean John, and Lincoln Center.

Patterson is an entrepreneur who co-owns Joe's Pub at the Public Theater, a venue she helped co-found. She also co-founded two beauty brands centered on women of color, both of which have been featured in publications including O Magazine, The New York Times, Glamour, and Vogue. Cosmopolitan recognized her as Beauty Skin Expert of the Year. Patterson works with Mount Sinai Hospital on transgender medicine and health disparities initiatives. Her experience spans the arts, fashion, medicine, and civil rights, providing a multidimensional perspective on diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

Patterson’s advocacy is informed by personal experience. When her child expressed a transgender identity, Patterson began a journey to understand gender and to help shift family and community perspectives. Her first book, "The Bold World: A Memoir of Family and Transformation," explores these themes and has been recognized by Alice Walker. Patterson’s second book, "Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope," has received multiple awards and has been distributed to public schools in Kansas. She has delivered a TEDx Talk in Germany titled "Gender is Obsolete."

Patterson became the first Black person elected chair of the Human Rights Campaign Board, the largest LGBT organization in the United States. The United Nations recognized her as a Champion of Change. Her work has been acknowledged by The Advocate, Family Circle, Essence, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo!. Patterson has partnered with organizations such as L'Oreal, GAP, Princeton University, NYU, Brooklyn Museum, Memorial Sloan Kettering, NASDAQ, UBER, TEDx, and Cannes Lions. A former circus acrobat with the Big Apple Circus, Patterson brings a dynamic presence to her public speaking engagements, drawing on her diverse background in advocacy, publishing, beauty, and the performing arts.