Political Activist; Co-Founder of LivingRoomConversation.org, MomsRising.org & MoveOn.org

Berkeley, CA, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Joan Blades Biography

Joan Blades is an entrepreneur, political activist, author, and community builder renowned for co-founding some of the most influential grassroots movements and organizations in the United States. With a career that spans technology, social advocacy, and civic engagement, Blades has worked to empower citizens, strengthen family-friendly public policy, and foster constructive dialogue across political and cultural divides.

Blades began her professional journey in the technology sector. Alongside her husband Wes Boyd, she co-founded Berkeley Systems, a San Francisco Bay Area software company best known for popular products like the After Dark screensaver and the You Don’t Know Jack trivia game. After selling Berkeley Systems in 1997, Blades turned her attention to civic engagement and public advocacy.

In 1998, Blades and Boyd launched MoveOn.org, initially as an online petition campaign that evolved into a major progressive political advocacy group mobilizing millions of Americans. She went on to co-found MomsRising.org in 2006 with Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, an organization that uses grassroots organizing to advocate for issues affecting families, such as paid family leave, flexible work policies, and economic security. Blades also co-founded Living Room Conversations, an open-source initiative designed to rebuild respectful civil discourse by bringing people of diverse backgrounds together around structured conversations.

As an author, Blades has written and co-authored several books addressing practical and social issues, including "Mediate Your Divorce," "The Motherhood Manifesto" (which won the Ernesta Drinker Ballard Book Prize in 2007), and "The Custom-Fit Workplace" (winner of a Nautilus Book Award in 2011). Her work often reflects her commitment to collaborative problem-solving, equitable workplace practices, and citizen engagement.

Trained as an attorney and mediator, Blades combines her legal insight with entrepreneurial creativity and a deep belief in the power of ordinary citizens to effect change. Beyond her organizational leadership, she is known as a nature lover, artist, and advocate for civil discourse who continues to shape conversations around public policy, community resilience, and democratic participation.

BOOK Joan Blades

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 03/04/2026.

Joan Blades Videos

Joan Blades and John Gable - TED

Joan Blades and John Gable - TED

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  • How do I book Joan Blades to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Joan Blades

    Speaking fees for Joan Blades, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Joan Blades are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Joan Blades, 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 Joan Blades speak about?

    Joan Blades is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Computer Science, Female Leadership, Government, Liberal, Marketing, Non-Fiction Authors, Non-Profit, Social Activism, Social Media, Technology, TED, Women's Rights
  • Where does Joan Blades travel from?

    Joan Blades generally travels from Berkeley, CA, 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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Joan Blades is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Joan Blades for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Joan Blades generally travels from Berkeley, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Zack Kass, Eric Boles, Daymond John, Jelly Roll and Rocky Bleier. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Joan Blades for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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