Laysha Ward
Keynote Speaker: Executive Vice President & Chief External Engagement Officer at Target
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Laysha Ward Biography
Laysha Ward is an accomplished C-suite executive with over 32 years of leadership experience at Target, a Fortune 50 company with $104 billion in annual revenue and 400,000 employees. Known for being a purpose-driven leader, Ward has a nationally recognized track record of driving results for consumer-facing brands. With a proven ability to navigate rapid change, solve complex problems, and build innovative community programs, she has worked effectively with cross-sector stakeholders to support organizational goals and objectives. As an insightful strategist, spokesperson, and author of "Lead Like You Mean It: Lessons on Integrity and Purpose From the C-Suite," Ward has shaped the culture and leadership of one of the largest retailers in the world.
Throughout her tenure at Target, Ward held multiple key leadership roles, including EVP and Chief External Engagement Officer, EVP and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, and President of Community Relations and the Target Foundation. She led initiatives in business strategy, organizational culture, team engagement, and change leadership. Ward's expertise spans across business strategy, long-range planning, resource management, and corporate governance. Her ability to engage stakeholders, manage risks, and establish strategic partnerships has solidified her position as a trusted advisor within the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
In addition to her corporate leadership, Ward is deeply committed to serving on multiple boards. She currently sits on the boards of United Airlines, Denny’s Corporation, and several prominent nonprofit organizations, including the Minnesota Sports and Events, Northside Achievement Zone, and the Minnesota Orchestra. Ward previously served as Board Chair for AmeriCorps, where she was appointed by the President of the United States. She also contributes to thought leadership through advisory roles with the Stanford Center for Longevity and the Aspen Institute Latinos & Society Program.
A recognized leader in corporate responsibility, Ward has driven efforts related to ESG goals, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as philanthropy and community impact. She holds an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, a Master’s degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Indiana University. Through a career dedicated to leadership with integrity and purpose, Ward continues to shape the future of both the corporate and nonprofit landscapes.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Laysha Ward and other top speakers and celebrities.
Laysha Ward Speaking Topics
Featuring lessons and stories from my life and 30+ years at a Fortune 50 company, I share actionable advice for various life and career stages. Every lesson I offer, wisdom I’ve accumulated over decades, connects back to my purpose of service.
Successful leaders don’t operate in a vacuum; they draw power from their connectedness. Authentic relationships are at the heart of how I lead with meaning. In this talk, I share both the art and the science of forging and sustaining authentic human connection.
Laysha Ward Videos
How do I book Laysha Ward to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Laysha Ward for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Laysha Ward, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Laysha Ward or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Laysha Ward for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Laysha Ward, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Laysha Ward are $50,000 - $100,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Laysha Ward, click the Check Schedule 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 Laysha Ward speak about?
Laysha Ward is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Influential Women, Creativity, Inspirational, Business Leadership, Human Resources, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Social Activism, Social Justice, Civil Rights, Female Leadership, Leadership, Black Heritage, Ethics & Integrity, Strategic Leadership and Corporate Strategy.
Where does Laysha Ward travel from?
Laysha Ward generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Laysha Ward?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Laysha Ward for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Laysha Ward for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Laysha Ward or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Laysha Ward is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Influential Women, Creativity and Inspirational. The estimated speaking fee range to book Laysha Ward for live events is $50,000 - $100,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Laysha Ward generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Cassandra Worthy, Cynthia Marshall and Dr. Bernice King. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Laysha Ward for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Laysha Ward Speaking Topics
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Lead Like You Mean It
Featuring lessons and stories from my life and 30+ years at a Fortune 50 company, I share actionable advice for various life and career stages. Every lesson I offer, wisdom I’ve accumulated over decades, connects back to my purpose of service.
-
Living an Intentionally Connected Life
Successful leaders don’t operate in a vacuum; they draw power from their connectedness. Authentic relationships are at the heart of how I lead with meaning. In this talk, I share both the art and the science of forging and sustaining authentic human connection.
VIDEO
Laysha Ward Videos
NEWS
Laysha Ward News
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Laysha Ward
Laysha L. Ward is President of Community Relations for Target Corporation. Both she and her husband, Bill, are active supporters of NAZ and their partner organizations.
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Facebook to guide $5M Target giveaway
'Target recognizes technology and social media are an integral part of our guests' lives,” said Laysha Ward, the company's president of community relations.
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To Understand Education Crisis, Read The Hunger Games | Laysha ...
Laysha Ward is the President of Community Relations at Target. Target is on track to invest $1 billion in education by the end of 2015. "The Hunger Games: ...
FAQS
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How do I book Laysha Ward to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Laysha Ward for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Laysha Ward, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Laysha Ward or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Laysha Ward for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Laysha Ward, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Laysha Ward are $50,000 - $100,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Laysha Ward, click the Check Schedule 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 Laysha Ward speak about?
Laysha Ward is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Influential Women, Creativity, Inspirational, Business Leadership, Human Resources, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Social Activism, Social Justice, Civil Rights, Female Leadership, Leadership, Black Heritage, Ethics & Integrity, Strategic Leadership and Corporate Strategy. -
Where does Laysha Ward travel from?
Laysha Ward generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Laysha Ward?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Laysha Ward for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Laysha Ward for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Laysha Ward or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOK LAYSHA WARD
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