Jodie Patterson Biography

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 She has delivered a TEDx Talk in Germany titled "Gender is Obsolete."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.

BOOK Jodie Patterson

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/28/2026.

Jodie Patterson Speaking Topics

  • Genderless Mothering, Malleable Mindset & Starfishing - a Path Forward

Jodie Patterson Videos

Jodie Patterson on Parenting, Identity and Courage

Jodie Patterson on Parenting, Identity and Courage

What happens when failure isn't about work — but about your own child? Jodie Patterson acclaimed author and activist shares the moment her ...

HRC In Action: Board  Chairs Jodie Patterson and Morgan W. Cox III

HRC In Action: Board Chairs Jodie Patterson and Morgan W. Cox III

The mission of the Human Rights Campaign simply would not be possible without the time and dedication of the people who work tirelessly on a myriad...

Raising A Transgender Child

Raising A Transgender Child

Author Jodie Patterson shares her firsthand account of raising a transgender child and how she’s been able to educate herself about transgender...

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Jodie Patterson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Genderless Mothering, Malleable Mindset & Starfishing - a Path Forward. The estimated speaking fee range to book Jodie Patterson for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Jodie Patterson generally travels from Brooklyn, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Maya Wiley, AJ Hikes, Jasmine Crowe-Houston, Fania Davis and Xernona Clayton. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jodie Patterson for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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