Lisa Durden is not your ordinary voice in the media landscape – she's a provocateur, a truth-teller, and a myth-buster, wielding the power of storytelling to redefine our collective narrative. Lisa's voice is her activism, resonating as a brilliantly outspoken Social Justice Journalist, Content Curator, MultiHyphenate Media Maker and thought leader. She’s a recognized National Media Contributor and TV Personality, gracing such esteemed platforms as an ABC News Contributor for ABC 20/20; Contributor for Revolt TV’s ‘Revolt Black News;’ Fox Soul’s ‘Being Black With Tammi Mac;’ CBS’ The Dr. Oz Show; #APlusPanel Contributor on #TheOpinionZone for the former ‘Chasing News Series’ on the My9 Network. She's not just a talking head – Lisa is a force to be reckoned with as a sought-after public speaker, emcee, keynote speaker, moderator, workshop facilitator, and host, spreading her message to major corporations, non-profit/for-profit organizations, colleges/universities, and educational institutions across the country. Ms. Durden doesn't just talk the talk; she actively shapes discourse!
Organizations like Eyes Like Mine Inc. recognizes her talent and charisma, appointing her as the MC for their annual Miss Blind Divas Empowerment Pageant and Dancing With The Blind Competition. Recently, she brought her expertise to the forefront as a Panelist on careers in entrepreneurship in broadcasting and film for the HBCU FirstLOOK Film Fall ‘Boot Camp” Tour. In another notable engagement, Ms. Durden lent her voice to 'The African American Leadership Forum’s Virtual Town Hall on Defund The Police,' where she participated in discussions that matter, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on critical societal issues. Lisa's commitment to education and mentorship is evident in her workshop titled, “Waiting To Exhale: A Cinematic Journey Through Documentary Filmmaking” at the HBCU FirstLOOK Film Festival. Adding to her list of accomplishments, Lisa proudly took the stage as the Keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Progressive Achievers Awards. Her words resonated with the audience, leaving a lasting impression and cementing her status as a thought leader and influencer.
A trailblazer in her own right, Lisa has been recognized as SwagHer Magazine's “Wednesday Wonder Woman” and Glambitious Magazine's highlight…“Making Black History Month” in 2021. Rolling Out Magazine crowned her the "Black Intellectual" of the month in September 2015, applauding her fearless trail in news and media with straight-no-chaser commentary. Acknowledging her resilience and tenacity, Lisa was honored with the “Community Service Award” by Women In Media Newark, the "Phenomenal Business Women Award" by My Sister’s Keeper & Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. Seton Hall University’s Black Alumni Association bestowed upon her the "Vanguard Award for Excellence in Communications," and she has received accolades like the "Outstanding Journalism and Community Service Award," "The Woman On Fire Award For Outstanding Dedication To Media," and "The Leadership In Communication Award,’ to name a few.
Lisa's journey extends beyond accolades. She's a member of the Women Media Group, a fellow with such organizations as the International Public Television Screening Conference Class of 2015, the National Association of Television Program Executives’ Diversity Class of 2015, Leadership Newark Class of 2003, and the CPB/PBS Producers Academy Class of 2013. Holding a BA in Communications from Seton Hall University, Lisa added another feather to her cap in by earning her Masters In Fine Arts Degree in Social Documentary Film from New York's School Of Visual Arts. But Lisa's not one to rest on her laurels. With eyes set on molding the next generation of creatives, she's on a mission to inspire, challenge, and redefine the boundaries of media. Lisa Durden – a name synonymous with courage, resilience, and a passion for storytelling that knows no bounds. Get ready to be inspired! #ClapForThat!