Words bold in nature and breathtaking in delivery
Lisa Daftari
Acclaimed journalist and global affairs expert known for making complex world events accessible and engaging for all audiences.
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Los Angeles, CA, USA
Lisa Daftari
Biography
Lisa Daftari is an award-winning investigative journalist, political analyst and commentator frequently appearing on Fox News, Newsmax, CNN, CBS, NBC, Voice of America and SiriusXM focusing on foreign policy topics such as the Middle East and North Africa, terrorism, national security, human rights, and cyber security. She was a Fox News contributor for seven years.
Lisa also serves as director and founding editor of The Foreign Desk, a news platform covering stories and analysis from around the globe with an emphasis on their impact on U.S. foreign policy. She publishes a popular daily top-10 email briefing with the day’s most vital foreign affairs stories, reaching 2,500,000 monthly subscribers and is also the host of the highly acclaimed Foreign Desk podcast.
Lisa is a sought-after voice with sharp analysis sharing briefings and testimonies with prestigious institutions like the United Nations, Congress, and various private entities. She has worked for several think tanks in Washington, where she has written exclusive reports for the Pentagon and other government groups and was called upon to work closely with the White House on the roll out of the Abraham Accords. Lisa speaks fluent Persian, Spanish and English.
Receiving presidential scholarships throughout her academic career, Lisa holds a master's degree from the Annenberg School of Journalism at the University of Southern California and an undergraduate degree in Middle Eastern studies, Spanish and vocal performance from Rutgers University. While in journalism school, Lisa was invited to show her documentary thesis on the underground freedom movement in Iran in Congress. Lisa was also the recipient of the prestigious Carnegie Knight journalism fellowship.
In recognition of her work in reporting global human rights atrocities, Lisa was presented with the Medal of Valor by the Simon Wiesenthal Center in May of 2023. Later that year, the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles honored her with the Champion of Freedom award, acknowledging her efforts to amplify the struggles of those seeking independence and justice worldwide.
Beyond journalism, Lisa is a talented opera singer and pianist. She delivered a TED Talk on fake news in 2019. Currently, she is furthering her scholarly depth as a PhD candidate at the Institute of World Politics in Washington D.C.
Lisa was born and raised in a suburb of New York City and now resides in Los Angeles with her husband and young son.
Lisa Daftari
Featured Video
Current: Fighting the Narratives
Time 14:56
Lisa Daftari
Featured Keynote Programs
Behind the Headlines
Understanding Today’s Global Conflicts
Lisa Daftari takes audiences beyond the daily news cycle to explore the root causes, key players, and human stories behind major international conflicts. Drawing on her experience as an investigative journalist, she unpacks the complexities of the Middle East, terrorism, and shifting alliances, offering practical insights for navigating an increasingly interconnected world.
Freedom Under Fire
Human Rights, Religious Persecution, and the Fight for Justice
In this powerful talk, Lisa shines a light on the struggles of persecuted communities around the globe, from religious minorities to political dissidents. She shares firsthand accounts from her reporting, highlights the resilience of those fighting for freedom, and discusses what individuals and organizations can do to support human rights in their own communities and beyond.
Media, Misinformation, and the Power of Storytelling
Lisa explores the evolving landscape of news media, the dangers of misinformation, and the critical role of journalists in shaping public understanding. With real-world examples from her career, she empowers audiences to become discerning consumers of information.
Women on the Frontlines
Breaking Barriers in Journalism and Beyond
Lisa shares her journey as a woman in investigative journalism, the obstacles she’s overcome, and the importance of diverse voices in media and leadership. She offers inspiration and practical advice for aspiring journalists, professionals, and anyone seeking to make an impact in their field.
Lisa Daftari
Featured Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to some of the most common questions about booking Lisa Daftari for your event.
How do I book Lisa Daftari for my event?
Booking Lisa Daftari with Premiere Speakers Bureau is a streamlined 4-step process:
- Availability Check: Contact us with your event date and budget to verify if your desired speaker is available.
- Hold Date: We place a temporary "hold" on the speaker's calendar while you finalize internal approval.
- Contracting: We issue a contract outlining the fee, cancellation policy, and event expectations.
- Logistics: Once signed, our event management team handles all travel booking, itinerary, and AV requirements.
Why should I partner with Premiere Speakers Bureau rather than contacting speakers directly?
Partnering with Premiere Speakers Bureau provides a comprehensive safety net for your event that direct booking cannot match. You get the same speaker for the same price, but with a dedicated team with over 30 years of event experience handling contracts, logistics, and are prepared for any emergency. We know what it takes to run an excellent event.
What makes Premiere Speakers Bureau unique compared to other agencies?
Premiere Speakers Bureau distinguishes itself by having over 30 years of experience while partnering with more than 35,000 events. PSB has also built a streamlined, fully online process that makes booking a speaker, handling travel and payments extremely easy for anyone looking to plan a speaker led event.
How does Premiere Speakers Bureau's 'Zero Cost Service' model work?
Premiere Speakers Bureau operates on a 'Zero Cost Service' model for event planners. Our services—including research, booking, and logistics—are always free to the client. The speaker covers our commission from their standard honorarium as payment for our role in marketing and managing their engagements.
How are speaker fees structured, and what is typically included?
A speaker's fee typically covers the keynote presentation, a pre-event planning call, and standard customization. Travel expenses are usually billed separately.
What are the standard policies for speaker travel and expenses?
Travel expenses are negotiated during contracting. We generally recommend a flat travel fee for simplicity, though we also offer line-by-line invoicing when preferred. PSB ensures these expenses adhere to professional standards, and our Event Portal allows for easy tracking and invoicing.
