Commencement Speaker
Find a Presenter
Commencement Speaker
If you don't see who you are looking for, contact one of our experts. We will help you locate the speaker or provide you additional suggestions. 1-914-940-0075 or info@pdaspeakers.com
Host, The Late Late Show with James Corden
British actor James Corden is known around the world as a Tony Award-winning performer on Broadway, a BAFTA-winning comedy star, a feature film actor, and an acclaimed host, writer, and…
Actor, Best-Known for "This Is Us"
Justin Hartley can currently be seen starring on NBC’s record-breaking hit series “This Is Us"
Actor known for his Roles in "The Social Network," "Zombieland" & "The End of the Tour"
Jesse Eisenberg is a movie actor, known for his Academy Award nominated role as Mark Zuckerberg in the 2010 film The Social Network. He has also starred in the films…
Actor, Comedian, and Author
John Leguizamo is an outspoken and versatile actor, producer and playwright who has impressed audiences worldwide throughout his career. He has been seen in films including Ice Age, Moulin Rouge,…
CEO of Lava Records and Lava Music Publishing, Creator of Podcast "Wrongful Conviction"
American music industry executive Jason Flom is the CEO of Lava Records and Lava Music Publishing. Flom previously served as Chairman and CEO at Atlantic Records, Virgin Records and Capitol…
National Syndicated TV Show Personality on "Paternity Court" and Host of HGTV’s "Spice Up My Kitchen"
Multi-faceted television personality, Lauren Lake, is a certified Renaissance woman who doesn't just talk the talk when it comes to life, love, law and living. As the judge on the…
Former Secretary of Homeland Security
Jeh Charles Johnson was sworn in on Dec. 23, 2013, as the fourth Secretary of Homeland Security. Prior to joining DHS, Secretary Johnson served as general counsel for the Department…
Naturalist, Adventurer and Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo
Jack Hanna, animal celebrity and zookeeper extraordinaire. Hanna revolutionized zoo habitats for animals by transitioning the Columbus Zoo from cage-like enclosures to "habitat environments" during his tenure there as zoo…
Screenwriter and Former Presidential Speechwriter. Co-Founder, Crooked Media; Host, "Lovett or Leave It"
Jon Lovett is co-founder of Crooked Media, where he co-hosts the podcast “Pod Save America” and hosts “Lovett or Leave It.” Prior to this, he was the co-creator, executive producer,…
Public Historian and Founder/Executive Director of The HistoryMakers
Julieanna L. Richardson followed a unique path in heading up the largest national collection effort of African American video oral histories on record.
Television Host, Comedian, Writer, and Producer. He is the Host and Executive Producer of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
As host and executive producer of the late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live" for the ABC, Jimmy Kimmel is a busy man.
Renowned Award-Winning Top Motivational Speaker Known For Motivating People at Business, Schools and other events. Founder of Headbands of Hope
During the summer of 2011, Jess Ekstrom participated in an internship at a wish-granting organization for kids with life-threatening illnesses. During this incredible experience, she quickly discovered that there were…
America's No. 1 Crisis Management Expert and Inspiration for ABC's Hit Show, "Scandal"
As a result of her wide ranging and ground breaking career, Shonda Rhimes, creator of ABC’s hit television dramas Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, developed a television drama about the…
First Openly Gay Player In Major League Sports, NBA Player & Equality Advocate
Jason Collins, the first openly gay National Basketball Association "NBA" player, recently was in a Sports Illustrated cover story, Collins became the first active male player in any of the…
Civil Rights Activist & Politician
The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, president and founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, is one of America's foremost political figures. Called the "conscience of the nation" and "the great unifier," he…
Visionary Conservative Leader
J.C. Watts is chairman of the J.C. Watts Companies, a multi-industry holding company headquartered in Washington, DC, with operations in Texas and Oklahoma. As chairman, Watts provides strategic focus and…
Legendary Political Strategist; President & Founder, Trippi and Associates
Heralded on the cover of The New Republic as the man who “reinvented campaigning,” Joe Trippi has been at the forefront of movement politics for nearly 30 years. Trippi began…
Anchor and Chief Washington Correspondent, CNN; Author, The Devil May Dance
A prolific journalist and writer, Jake Tapper’s work has been lauded by such legendary newsmen Bob Woodward as
Cultural Icon & Talk Show Host
Throughout an illustrious career, Jerry Springer has become a cultural and civic icon. In addition to talk show host, he has been the mayor of Cincinnati, political pundit, lawyer, award-winning…
Talk Show Host, Comedian and Producer
Known for his unique brand of political satire as the host of Comedy Central's runaway hit The Daily Show, Jon Stewart is considered one of America's most respected comedic voices…
Actor and Known for his roles as Victor Sifuentes on "LA Law" and Detective Bobby Simone on "NYPD Blue"
Jimmy Smits is best known for his character portrayals in long-running starring roles in the television series "L.A. Law" (1986-91), "NYPD Blue" (1993-98) and "The West Wing" (2004-06), and for…
Actress, Dancer, Singer-Songwriter and Businesswoman
Jada Pinkett Smith has proven herself to be one of today's most versatile and gifted young actresses. Recently, she landed one of Hollywood's most sought after roles, as Niobe in…
Author of the "Harry Potter" Series, a Worldwide Phenomenon
Joanne Rowling was born in July 1965 at Yate General Hospital in England and grew up in Chepstow, Gwent where she went to Wyedean Comprehensive. Jo left Chepstow for Exeter…
Seven-Time Emmy Winner and Host of ABC's Award-Winning "What Would You Do?"
John Quinones is anchor of ABCs What Would You Do?, a co-anchor of Primetime, a correspondent for 20/20, and the author of Heroes Among Us: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Choices (Harper).
Nine-Time Grammy Award Winner, Academy Award-Winner & Philanthropist
Nine-time Grammy award-winning R&B artist John Legend and the “All of Me” crooner has earned millions of fans with his chart-topping albums.
Singer and Tony Award-Winning Actress
Jennifer Holliday is a “singer’s singer,” a diva with a voice that can leave an audience absolutely breathless. Whether punctuating a presidential ecumenical service at the White House with a…
Relationship and Health Advice. Author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, shares free relationship advice, dating tips and health solutions for common ailments
John Gray is the leading relationship expert in the world. His relationship and health books have sold over 50 million copies in 50 different languages. His groundbreaking book, Men Are…
Award-Winning Actor and Musician, Known for "Django Unchained" and "Ray"
Despite being in the entertainment business for only a short time, Jamie Foxx has already proven himself an accomplished performer in film, television and music.
Actress, Motivational Speaker & Activist
Jane Fonda was born in New York City, the daughter of Henry Fonda and Frances Seymour Fonda. She attended the Emma Willard School in Troy, New York, and Vassar College.…
Host of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, SNL Alumnus & Author of "Your Baby's First Word Will Be Dada"
Long a renowned comic talent, Jimmy Fallon’s ability to deliver versatile, standout performances on the screen has allowed him to join the exclusive ranks as one of the Saturday Night…
Anthropologist, Educator and Director, Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Cole Was The First African-American Female President of Spelman College
One of the most powerful and well-regarded African American women in the US, Johnnetta B. Cole has a way with making history. She was the first female African American president…
Politician who served as the 47th Vice President of the United States, having been jointly elected twice with President Barack Obama
The keynotes by Joe Biden reflect his decades of experience as a politician and leader in the United states of America. Biden's career as a politician began at the early…
Emmy Award-winning Journalist, Bestselling Author, Talk Show Host and Speaker
Janus Adams is the author of three books and creator of the groundbreaking BackPax children's book-and-audio series. An Emmy-winning journalist and talk show host, she writes the syndicated column, "What…
Lawyer, Former Judge, Television Personality, Producer, and Author. Host of Daytime Emmy Award–Winning Reality Courtroom Series, Judge Judy
After nearly 25 years in New York's Family Court, Judge Sheindlin retired from the bench in 1996 to start the syndicated program that bears her name. Judge Sheindlin began her…