Laysha Ward

Laysha Ward is an accomplished senior executive with over 25 years of leadership experience at a Fortune 50 company. She has demonstrated an ability to lead through rapid change, solve problems, build innovative programs and partnerships, and collaborate with key stakeholders to support organizational goals and objectives. Her core skills are in cross-sector stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, reputation and crisis management. In 2017, Ms. Ward was named Executive Vice President, Chief External Engagement Officer, overseeing Target’s enterprise-wide approach to engage and deepen relationships with external stakeholders to drive positive business, social and environmental impact. She previously served as Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, overseeing corporate social responsibility, helping the company create shared value through sustainability, philanthropy, cause marketing, volunteerism, ethical business practices, and other activities that protect and enhance Target's reputation. She serves on the board of directors of the Executive Leadership Council, the Latinos and Society Advisory board, and the Stanford Center for Longevity Advisory Council, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Links, an international women's service organization. She also sits on the for-profit board of directors for Denny’s Corporation. Ms. Ward received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Indiana University and a master’s degree in Social Services Administration with an emphasis in management and public policy from the University of Chicago. She and her husband, Bill, reside in Minneapolis, MN.

Helping others find and live their personal and professional purpose. Volunteering. Exploring new cultures. The arts. Sports. Food and fabulous drinks. Equity. Connecting people to each other, ideas and opportunities to be forces for good in the world.

During a time when it often appears that there is more that divides us than unites us, it’s essential to have civil discourse and get comfortable having what may be uncomfortable and yet courageous conversations. Be open to listening to divergent points of view and experiences, put aside unconscious or conscious biases, and find common ground or at least a way to take a step forward.

Corporate social responsibility, Cross-sector stakeholder engagement – connecting people to each other, ideas and opportunities to be forces for good in the world, Diversity and inclusion, Reputation and crisis management

This is my second time attending the TED conference. I’m a sponge and ready to soak it all in.

Blending my rural upbringing with my urban life. Which means I’m a sista who can pluck a chicken, milk a cow and tend a garden long before it was called farm-to-table, while riding the subway, living in a high-rise or brownstone and belonging in all those places.