Sally Kohn ’95MA: Using Collaborative and Confident Communication to Fight for Social Change

Sally Kohn ‘95MA exemplifies the transformative power of effective communication in shaping a more equitable world. Her journey from organizing grassroots movements to becoming an influential media personality and returning to her roots to mentor others exemplifies the power of clear, inclusive, and courageous communication to drive social change.

Sally’s passion for justice and fairness was nurtured from a young age by her “do-gooder parents.” This foundation guided her into activism, where she first honed her communication skills through internships and nonprofit work during her college years at George Washington University. These formative experiences taught her that mobilizing people around a common cause relies not just on passion but on the ability to communicate effectively.

For the next 16 years, Sally worked tirelessly with organizations dedicated to social change, with a particular focus on advocating for women and LGBTQ+ youth. Her ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, and inspire others to take action became key assets in her efforts to drive progress. Whether advocating for policy changes or organizing grassroots movements, Sally understood that real change requires the collective power of many voices working together.

A pivotal moment in her career came in 2009 when a television producer approached her after a conference and offered her an opportunity to appear on TV. Recognizing the potential to amplify her message through the media, she embraced this unexpected opportunity. “Turns out I was good at being a TV talking head,” Sally acknowledges. Sally’s media career flourished, leading her to become a frequent guest on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. Her clear articulation of complex ideas and commitment to her causes made her a prominent TV commentator and a respected advocate.

In April 2018, Sally published her first book, The Opposite of Hate, which explores the roots of hate and how to overcome division. Beyond television and writing, Sally’s influence extends to her role as a TED Curator. Her three TED Talks have been viewed more than six million times, further amplifying her message of unity and understanding. She is also a popular keynote speaker at business conferences and across college campuses, where she speaks on ending political division and preserving democracy by cultivating connection and belonging. Additionally, Sally serves on the Board of Contributors for USA Today and is a contributing editor to Afar magazine. Through these diverse platforms, Sally’s effective communication to foster unity and address division, solidified her role as a key advocate for social change.

Despite her success in the media, Sally remained committed to her roots in community organizing. After a decade in the spotlight, she returned to her organizing work, focusing on media training, public speaking coaching, and ghostwriting. This shift allowed her to combine her expertise in communication with her passion for mentoring others. “I get to think and help other people be in those spotlights. That’s what I find really rewarding,” she explains. Through this work, Sally continues to empower others to find their voices and effectively communicate their messages. “Effective communication is not as much what you say, but how you say it,” she advises. She also encourages her clients to embrace the nerves that often accompany public speaking. “Nerves signal that you care, and caring is a positive sign,” Sally says.

Reflecting on her time at Moravian Academy, Sally acknowledges the significant role the school played in shaping her communication skills and confidence. “My sense of myself as a strong writer, a capable writer, really started to grow at Moravian,” she recalls. From her early days as a community organizer to her time in the media and her current role as a mentor, Sally has consistently used those writing skills to advocate for the marginalized and drive positive change. Her confident and collabortive communication style brings people together and inspires others to take action. Sally is an inspiring reminder that we all have the power to make a difference—if we find our voice, work together, and speak out for what is right.