Speaker – Sonoma Speaker Series

Speaker Testimonials

“I thoroughly enjoyed my evening at the Sonoma Speaker Series. I was exquisitely looked after, my interviewer, Ken Wayne, was very well prepared. The Q&A revealed the audience to be intelligent and engaged, making for a most enjoyable appearance. Thank you.”

— Huey Lewis

Musical Icon

“Sonoma makes great wine, yes, and its Speaker Series is equally intoxicating. It was an honor to speak to a packed house of smart people asking thoughtful questions — all in a magnificent setting, with time to visit great wineries. I’m a believer in social capital as the bedrock of communities, and Sonoma outdoes itself by coming together to make this Series a tremendous success for audience and speaker alike.”

— Nicholas Kristof

NY Times columnist and author, “Chasing Hope.”

“I still cannot fully put into words how personally meaningful last night’s Sonoma Speakers Series event was – really and truly, I was and am blown away. All the details, big and small, plus the thoughtful and engaged questions from the audience…wow, wow, wow.

It was such an honor to be in conversation with the wonderful and amazing Laura Zimmerman, and to meet so many wonderful folks in Sonoma who truly care about kids. Thank you to Kathy and team for an absolutely extraordinary event!”

— Ana Homayoun

Academic advisor and Author

“I had a great time. Thanks for inviting me. I hope your audience enjoyed it as much as I did!”

— Dr. Adam Gazzaley

UCSF Professor and Founder/ED of Neuroscape

“I had a wonderful experience in Sonoma – Kathy did a great job putting together the event and the crowd was terrific.”

— Andrew Yang

Presidential Candidate and Forward Party Founder

“I had the best experience as a speaker for the Sonoma Speaker Series. Everyone who showed up was amazing, and I had the best time being able to share a little bit of my story. I’d recommend it to anyone who is thinking about coming out and joining!”

— Fred Warner

San Francisco 49ers Team Captain and Linebacker.

“Among the speakers series where I’ve appeared, my experience with the Sonoma Speakers Series rates at the top. The interviewer was super-experienced and well-prepared, the audience’s questions were thoughtful, and Sonoma‘s surroundings for those who love wine, redwoods, history, or beauty are unsurpassable.”

— Jared Diamond

author of Guns, Germs and Steel. Pulitzer Prize, 1998. National Medal of Science, 2000.

“The Sonoma Speaker Series was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many interesting individuals, and it was stimulating to interact with such an informed and engaged audience. I loved Sonoma, your platform, and all the folks I met. Would love to cross paths again.”

— Marie Yovanovitch

former Ambassador to Ukraine, author of Lessons from the Edge.

“The Sonoma Speaker Series is a speaker’s dream — well-run, thoughtfully organized and moderated, with an audience full of inquisitive brainiacs. I’ll come back anytime!”

— Kevin Roose

Award-winning technology columnist for The New York Times and bestselling author.

“Thanks so much for the opportunity to share in the important conversation about gun violence. The audience was engaging, inquisitive, and generous. I particularly enjoyed the 1-on-1 time with so many at the VIP Reception. Call me anytime you want me back, and I’ll be on a plane from D.C.!”

— Katherine Schweit

FBI Special Agent, Expert on Mass Shootings

“I want to thank everyone at Sonoma Speaker Series. My son, Nic, and I have spoken at speaker forums throughout the country, but this one was different…and very special. We met so many extraordinary people. It was an amazing event, and we were honored to be a part of it.”

— David Schef

Author & Subject of the Movie, Beautiful Boy

“Wow! I had such a blast as a presenter for the Sonoma Speakers Series. The audience was intelligent and inquisitive. The hosts were fantastic, the location beautiful. What a wonderful experience!”

— Randy Thom

Director of Sound Design, Skywalker Sound

“I’d never heard of the Sonoma Speakers Series until I was invited, but it was well worth the trip. I found a warm, engaged audience with lots of smart questions. And, of course, the wine was splendid.”

— Bill Keller

Former Editor, NY Times

Just a note to say how much I enjoyed the event this week. Thanks for all you do in the world, and for treating me so hospitably on my visit. Great people, great venue, great energy, great event, all-around.

— Dan Pallotta

Speaker, Author, Humanitarian Activist, Builder of Movements