Brittany Packnett Cunningham
Brittany Packnett Cunningham is an activist, educator, writer, and leader at the intersection of culture and justice. She is an NBC News and MSNBC contributor. Brittany is a former elementary teacher, education executive and former Fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics. Harvard fellow. She was a member of President Obama’s 21st Century Policing Task Force and the Ferguson Commission. Brittany’s forthcoming book, We Are Like Those Who Dream, is due to hit shelves in 2021. Brittany has graced the cover of Essence Magazine, been listed as one of Time’s 12 New Faces of Black Leadership, and has been honored by BET, Politico Magazine, Marie Claire, The Trayvon Martin Foundation and more. She serves on the Gucci Changemakers Council, the Sephora Equity Advisors board, and the board of Rise To Run.
See Brittany Packnett Cunningham in action.
Unleashing Love; Redefining Power; Learning in Public.
Cited by President Barack Obama as a leader whose “voice is going to be making a difference for years to come,” Brittany is an unapologetic educator, organizer, and writer. Her popular 2019 TED Talk on Confidence has garnered nearly 3 million views worldwide. Brittany’s forthcoming book, We Are Like Those Who Dream, is due to hit shelves in 2021.
Known as @MsPackyetti on social media, Brittany has become a sought-after voice in the work of social change and empowerment. Brittany plays many roles, all focused on freedom.
Brittany is a Director’s Leader and former Fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics exploring social change and intersectional activism. In 2018, Brittany launched Love & Power, a hub created to inspire, empower, and outfit everyday people to seismically shift society.
A lifelong activist and proud member of the Ferguson Uprising, Brittany was an appointed member of the Ferguson Commission and President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Today, she continues to advocate for urgent systemic change at critical decision making tables and through national and international media.
From New Zealand to London, across the United States, and at the White House, Brittany has traveled extensively to impart lessons of empowerment, movement building, social impact, leadership, and empowerment for women and girls-especially those of color.
Brittany has graced the cover of Essence Magazine, been listed as one of Time’s 12 New Faces of Black Leadership, and has been honored by BET, Politico Magazine, Marie Claire, The Trayvon Martin Foundation and more. She is a proud member of the Gucci Changemakers Council and Sephora Equity Advisors, and an advisory board member the National Voter Protection Action Fund, Rise To Run, and Erase The Hate, NBCUniversal’s Emmy-Winning initiative to rid the world of discrimination.
Brittany is an alum of Washington University in St. Louis, American University in Washington, and the Pahara-Aspen Institute Education fellow. She and her husband live in Washington, DC.
Ultimately, Brittany Packnett Cunningham is a proud Black woman who believes that freedom is within our grasp- as long as we unleash love, and build our power, because “power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice.” (MLK)
Our speakers get attention.
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Brittany Packnett Cunningham to host new weekly podcast ‘Undistracted’"Packnett Cunningham and The Meteor are producing the podcast in partnership with Pineapple Street Studios, award-winning producers of “Wind of Change,” “The Catch and Kill Podcast with Ronan Farrow,” and…
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Interview With Brittany Packnett Cunningham: On Building Teams, Not Saviors And What It Will Take To Achieve Racial JusticeAn award-winning educator, organizer, writer and leader, Packnett Cunningham’s deep work around social change and racial justice spans many years and platforms. She held top roles at Teach For America,…
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When Black Women Lead, We All Win: 10 Inspiring Leaders Show Us The WayIn recognition of the importance of Black women’s leadership, this piece was co-written with my longtime friend and colleague Tolu Lawrence, a Nigerian American feminist, attorney, social impact strategist, and…
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KIPP Keynote Brittany Packnett at KSS 2017Watch Brittany Packnett Cunningham’s keynote on the intersection of social justice and education.
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2020 and the Edge of TransformationStacey Abrams andBrittany Packnett Cunningham, Two visionary leaders, discuss what the upheaval of 2020 is revealing about who we are as Americans and who we are called to be.
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Confidence: The main ingredientBrittany Packnett Cunningham discusses how to spark confidence in yourself and in others and unlock the foundation to transformative outcomes.
Brittany was amazing! She hit just the right notes with the audience and kicked off the event perfectly!
[Brittany] was as thorough, thoughtful, and passionate as ever, and I know I speak on behalf of all who tuned in that we were left inspired.
[Brittany] was absolutely fantastic and an absolute pleasure to work with. Her workshop was amazing; everything that she had to share and offer was relevant, important, and true to her mission and work.
She was powerful and on point!
BRITTANY is so TREMENDOUS. She's so amazing and is able to direct conversations. She's incredibly powerful and able to reframe the conversation in a way that expands the conversation.
Three words: BRITTANY FOR PRESIDENT. I know I don't have to tell you of all people this, but she is a national treasure and we are so honored that she lent her genius to Aspen Ideas.
Brittany was exactly the speaker we needed for our convention! After a day of talking policy, she was able to put it into context and taught us all about intersectionality, equity, and sharing power. We wrapped convention a few hours ago and we have already received great feedback from attendees, many citing Brittany as their favorite part.
Brittany was AMAZING. She gave me chills multiple times, which was difficult because that room was about 100 degrees. Everyone was really thrilled.
When Brittany spoke, the entire room sat up and listened! Her message on the importance of shifting power and privilege – and daring to be radical – inspired and energized the audience. We are so grateful that she shared her wisdom and authenticity with our attendees!
