MIKA BRZEZINSKI

Mika Brzezinski is an American journalist, author, and advocate for women's equality in the workplace. Throughout her career as a political commentator and author, wage inequality for women has been her main topic of interest, and she has used her platform to champion economic empowerment for women across all industries.

Born in New York City, Mika was raised in a household steeped in international politics and diplomacy. Her father was Polish-American diplomat and political scientist Zbigniew Brzeziński, who served as counselor to President Lyndon B. Johnson and as National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter. Growing up in this environment, Mika witnessed firsthand the workings of government and foreign policy, experiences that would later inform her career in political journalism.

After graduating from Williams College in 1989 with a degree in English, Mika began her journalism career at ABC's World News This Morning as an assistant, eventually working her way up to correspondent positions. She covered breaking news stories and gained valuable experience in broadcast journalism during her time at the network. In 1997, she joined CBS News, where she worked as a correspondent and anchor for more than a decade.

Her most notable work at CBS came during her coverage of the September 11 attacks, where her reporting from Ground Zero and throughout New York City showcased her ability to handle breaking news with sensitivity and professionalism during one of the nation's darkest moments.

Following her work at CBS, she received an invitation to join the MSNBC network in 2007 as co-host of "Morning Joe," a popular morning show that blends political news, analysis, and conversation. Alongside co-host Joe Scarborough, Mika has become one of the most recognizable faces in morning television.

However, it was a personal experience with pay inequality that transformed Mika's advocacy work. In her 2011 book "Knowing Your Value: Women, Money, and Getting What You're Worth," she revealed her own struggles with negotiating fair compensation, including a painful experience early in her tenure at "Morning Joe" when she discovered she was being paid significantly less than her male counterparts. This revelation became a turning point, inspiring her to speak openly about wage inequality and help other women avoid the same pitfalls.

Building on the success of her book, Mika created "Know Your Value" in 2010, an empowered community helping women to grow their careers, establish healthy habits, and reach their full potential. What began as a book evolved into a movement, with annual conferences bringing together thousands of women for networking, skills-building workshops, and inspiration from successful leaders across various industries. The platform offers resources on salary negotiation, workplace advancement, health and wellness, and personal development. Through partnerships with major corporations and media platforms, Know Your Value has reached millions of women seeking to advocate for themselves in the workplace.

Mika is the author of multiple books exploring themes of professional development and personal challenges. In addition to "Knowing Your Value," she wrote "All Things at Once" (2010), a memoir about balancing her career and personal life, and "Obsessed: America's Food Addiction—and My Own" (2013), in which she candidly discusses her struggles with food and body image. She followed up her first career guide with "Earn It! Know Your Value and Grow Your Career, in Your 20s and Beyond" (2019), which specifically targets younger women entering the workforce. Her willingness to share her personal struggles has resonated with readers and made her advocacy work feel authentic and relatable.

Beyond her media career and advocacy work, Mika has become a sought-after speaker on women's issues, workplace equality, and leadership. She regularly creates events featuring and celebrating women who have broken through barriers that historically have held them back, using her platform to amplify the voices of women making strides in business, politics, science, and the arts. She has testified before Congress on pay equity issues and has become a trusted voice in conversations about gender equality in the workplace.

Through her journalism, her books, and her Know Your Value platform, Mika Brzezinski has established herself as more than just a television personality—she has become a leading advocate for women's economic empowerment. Her work continues to inspire women to recognize their worth, negotiate confidently, and support one another in breaking down the remaining barriers to full equality in the American workplace.