<p>Sophia A. Nelson, Esquire is an award-winning author, award winning journalist, and renowned international inspirational speaker. She is also an award-winning corporate Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Trainer. </p><p>Nelson has worked almost exclusively with women corporate ERG groups for the past fifteen years. She is a highly sought after conference keynote speaker on issues of work-life balance, wellness and mental self-care in the workplace, emotional intelligence skill building, collaboration vs. competition, and equity for women of color in the c-suite. Nelson is a national columnist for several major outlets including, <em>The Washington Post, Politico Magazine, USA TODAY </em>and <em>CNN OPINION.</em> You can see Nelson regularly on CNN, as a legal and political analyst. As well as other national outlets like <em>Morning Joe, The Today Show, </em>and<em> PBS NewsHour.</em> Nelson has served as an adjunct professor of Philosophy and Religion in Virginia and as a scholar, lecturer, and panelist, at elite Ivy League schools such as Harvard & JFK School of Government, and HBCU's such as Grambling University, Hampton University, Philander Smith College, and Southern University. She has helped medical students at LSUHS Medical School and conducted campus leadership building at Butler University and DePauw University to name a few. Nelson is a Pulitzer Prize nominated author in letters and she is a Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is a retired Attorney admitted to the prestigious bar of the United States Supreme Court among other US District Courts. She is a former, historic first, black female Investigative Counsel to the US House of Representatives Majority staff for the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight in 1997, a former senior lobbyist for the US Chamber of Commerce and a former senior counsel with the international law firm of Holland & Knight, LLP. Nelson received her juris doctorate degree from American University Washington College of Law in 1994 and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University in 1990. Nelson is the author of four nonfiction books: <em>Black Woman Redefined, The Woman Code</em>, <em>ePluribus One</em> and her newest release, <em>Be the One You Need: 21 Life Lessons I Learned While Taking Care of Everyone But Me </em>(June 2022).</p>
CNN Commentator, Politico, Columnist & Best-Selling Author
<ul><li><strong>Redefining Freedom: What “We the People” Must Do Now</strong></li><li>As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Sophia Nelson explores what freedom, citizenship, and constitutional democracy must require in the twenty-first century. This keynote challenges audiences to renew civic trust, shared responsibility, and commitment to the American promise.</li><li><strong>Bridging Divides, Restoring Trust, Rebuilding the Social Contract</strong></li><li>In a time of polarization and civic exhaustion, Nelson examines how leaders and citizens can rebuild trust across lines of politics, race, faith, and culture. A timely talk on moral courage, civic responsibility, and the work of national renewal.</li><li><strong>Liberty and Justice for All: Reaffirming the Bill of Rights for a New Era</strong></li><li>Nelson offers a thoughtful, unifying look at the enduring power of the Constitution and Bill of Rights—and what it means to extend their promise more fully and faithfully in modern America. Ideal for universities, civic forums, and leadership audiences.</li><li><strong>Women, Leadership, and the Courage to Shape Culture</strong></li><li>Drawing on her work as a journalist, bestselling author, and longtime contributor to Forbes and ForbesWomen, Nelson speaks to the power of women to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction in times of cultural and institutional change.</li><li><strong>Viewpoint Diversity, Free Speech, and the Courage to Disagree</strong></li><li>In this timely presentation, Nelson explores why free speech, viewpoint diversity, and courageous conversation are essential to democracy, leadership, and healthy institutions. Especially relevant for campuses, corporations, and organizations navigating disagreement in divided times.</li></ul>