October 30, 2017

Recently named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and a 2017 recipient of the prestigious Matrix Award, Gretchen Carlson is one of the nation’s most successful and recognized news anchors and a tireless advocate for equality and empowerment of women. On the evening of Tuesday, November 14th, Carlson will join Karen Curry, part-time professor, for a timely discussion about her career, her advocacy, and her new book “Be Fierce,” which hit bookstores in October. All attendees will receive a copy of Carlson’s book while supplies last and she will stay after the event for a book signing.

In 2016, Carlson became the face of sexual harassment in the workplace when she filed a lawsuit against Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes claiming sexual harassment. Following the suite, dozens of other women also stepped forward accusing Ailes of harassment, eventually forcing him to resign under pressure.

Gracing the covers of Time and Good Housekeeping magazines, Carlson is standing strong in her determination to promote a safe working environment for all women and is active on Capitol Hill pursuing the issues surrounding forced arbitration clauses in employment contracts that often keep harassment claims shrouded in secrecy.  

Forming the “Gift of Courage” fund, Carlson believes giving back is essential, and through the fund is financially supporting organizations empowering women and young girls, such as All In Together, Girls Leadership and the TIA Girl’s Club.

She most recently served as the host of “The Real Story” on Fox News for three years.  Prior to that, she co-hosted the number one rated cable morning news show, “Fox and Friends," for more than seven years.

Carlson started her television career in Richmond, Virginia, as a political reporter, and later served as an anchor and reporter in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Dallas.  She moved to the national scene as the co-host of “The Saturday Early Show” on CBS in 2000 where she also served as a CBS News correspondent, covering the 9-11 terrorist attack from the World Trade Center, the Bush-Gore election, and many other national and international stories.  She also reported and produced a 30-part series on domestic violence that earned her several national awards.

In 2015, Carlson’s first book, “Getting Real,” became a national best-seller.

An honors graduate of Stanford University, Carlson was valedictorian of her high school class and studied at Oxford University in England. Carlson grew up a child prodigy on the violin, performed as a soloist with the Minnesota Orchestra at age 13, and, in 1989, became the first classical violinist ever to win the Miss America crown.

She currently serves as a national Trustee for the March of Dimes, as a member Board of directors for the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary in Newtown, Connecticut, and as a Trustee of Greenwich Academy, an all girls preparatory day school in Greenwich, Connecticut. She is an active volunteer and teacher at her church, and in 2016, hosted the “Miss You Can Do It” pageant in Illinois to celebrate the achievements of courageous girls and young women with disabilities.

Carlson played herself in season 4 of the Netflix hit series “House of Cards” and in the 2nd seasons of “Graves” on Epix. 

This event was made possible with contributions from the Steinbright Career Development Center 

Thurs. Nov.14 // 7PM // Bossone’s Mitchell Auditorium // Free & open to the public