Celinda Lake Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Celinda Lake is a prominent political strategist and pollster with deep roots in progressive politics. Raised on a ranch in Montana, she developed a strong work ethic and a commitment to public service early in life. She earned her undergraduate degree from Smith College, graduating summa cum laude, and later completed a master's degree in political science and survey research at the University of Michigan. Additionally, she holds a certificate in political science from the University of Geneva. In 2002, Smith College honored her with its Distinguished Alumna Medal, recognizing her significant contributions to political strategy and public service. In 1995, Celinda founded Lake Research Partners, a national public opinion and political strategy research firm. Under her leadership, the firm has become one of the most respected Democratic polling firms in the country, known for its cutting-edge research on issues including the economy, healthcare, the environment, and education. The firm's work has supported a variety of institutions, including the Democratic National Committee (DNC), the Democratic Governor’s Association (DGA), AFL-CIO, SEIU, CWA, IAFF, Sierra Club, NARAL, Human Rights Campaign, Planned Parenthood, The Next Generation, EMILY’s List, VoteVets Action Fund, and the Kaiser Family Foundation. Celinda's expertise has been instrumental in electing numerous Democratic candidates. She was one of two lead pollsters for Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign and has provided polling and strategic advice to candidates such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Jon Tester, and Senator Debbie Stabenow. Her work has also focused on women's concerns and women's candidates, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Governor Janet Napolitano, Senator Debbie Stabenow, former Senator Barbara Mikulski, Mayor Carolyn Goodman, and former Mayor Annise Parker. Beyond her work in the United States, Celinda has advised fledgling democratic parties in several post-war Eastern European countries, including Bosnia, and South Africa. Her groundbreaking research on single women voters, conducted in conjunction with Women's Voices Women Vote, has been widely recognized. American Politics has referred to her as a "super-strategist," and Working Woman has called her "arguably the most influential woman in her field." Celinda has been quoted in major publications such as The Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Glamour, and Marie Claire, and has appeared on numerous television programs, including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, Fox News, and NPR, discussing her work and providing expert commentary.