Veteran Journalist & Political Analyst; Contributing Columnist for Chicago Tribune; Two-Time Chicago Emmy Award Winner
Laura S. Washington Biography
Laura S. Washington is a journalist based in Chicago, with a career spanning print, broadcast, and digital media. Washington specializes in media-related issues, African-American affairs, local and national politics, race, racism, and social justice. She serves as a contributing columnist for the Chicago Tribune and as a political analyst at ABC-7, Chicago's ABC-owned station. She also co-hosts the Sun-Times political show, "At the Table," with Lynn Sweet. Washington's journalism is informed by her personal experiences growing up in a segregated Chicago community, which shaped her commitment to highlighting issues of race and inequality.
Washington's career includes roles across the media landscape. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from The Medill School at Northwestern University, where she has also taught and lectured. Washington was appointed deputy press secretary to Mayor Harold Washington, Chicago's first Black mayor, and has stated that her time in city government provided valuable insights into the workings of government. She has served as a producer for the investigative unit at CBS 2 Chicago and as a correspondent for "Chicago Tonight" on WTTW-TV. Washington was editor and publisher of "The Chicago Reporter," an investigative monthly focused on racial issues and urban affairs. She has also served as the Ida B. Wells-Barnett University Professor at DePaul University and as a fellow at the DePaul Humanities Center.
Washington has held visiting fellowships at the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics and is frequently quoted and featured in national media, including Time Magazine, the Associated Press, New York Times, NBC Nightly News, MSNBC, PBS NewsHour, and the BBC. She has been a commentator on National Public Radio and Chicago Public Radio. Washington has noted her early adoption of multimedia journalism practices.
Her work in journalism has been recognized with numerous honors, including two Chicago Emmy Awards, the Peter Lisagor Award, the Studs Terkel Award for Community Journalism, and the Racial Justice Award from the YWCA. Washington is a founding inductee to the Medill School of Journalism Hall of Achievement and an inaugural inductee to the Chicago Women's Journalism Hall of Fame. The Chicago Community Trust awarded her a Community Service Fellowship for service and leadership in the nonprofit sector. Newsweek named Washington one of the nation's "100 People to Watch" in the 21st Century.
Washington is a frequent lecturer and moderator for local and national audiences. Her civic involvement includes board service for The Field Museum, The Arts Club of Chicago, The Woods Fund, Block Club Chicago, Global Girl Media-Chicago, the Chicago Headline Club Foundation, the Investigative Project on Race and Equity, and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. Throughout her career, Washington has maintained that covering racial and social justice is essential journalism, establishing her as a trusted voice in American public affairs.
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How do I book Laura S. Washington to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Laura S. Washington for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Laura S. Washington, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Laura S. Washington or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Laura S. Washington
Speaking fees for Laura S. Washington, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Laura S. Washington are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Laura S. Washington, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Laura S. Washington speak about?
Laura S. Washington is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Anti-Racism, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Civil Rights, Disruptive Thinking, Diversity & Inclusion, Influential Women, Journalist, News & Media, Political, Professors, Social Activism, Social Justice, Television & Film, Thought Leadership -
Where does Laura S. Washington travel from?
Laura S. Washington generally travels from Chicago, IL, 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. -
Who is Laura S. Washington’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Laura S. Washington for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Laura S. Washington for your next private or corporate function. -
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Laura S. Washington is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Laura S. Washington for your event is available upon request. Laura S. Washington generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Yamiche Alcindor, Ric S. Sheffield, Ijeoma Oluo, Ellen McGirt and Elie Mystal. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Laura S. Washington for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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