Suzanne Kianpour

Suzanne Kianpour: A Fearless Newswoman Breaking Barriers and Shaping Perspectives

Prepare to be inspired by Suzanne Kianpour, a remarkable newswoman and academic whose voice resonates with knowledge, motivation, and empowerment. With a diverse cultural background serving as her journalistic asset, Suzanne has shattered age and gender barriers, offering a unique perspective that breathes life into news, politics, and foreign policy.

With over a decade of experience in TV, radio, and digital journalism, Suzanne is an Emmy-nominated journalist who has fearlessly reported from the front lines of some of the world’s most significant breaking news stories. Her insights and analysis on political and foreign policy issues are informed by an extensive network of international contacts and her firsthand experiences at home and abroad.

After beginning her career at NBC News and Fox News, Suzanne embarked on a whirlwind journey with the BBC, covering foreign affairs, politics, national security, and breaking news. From conflict zones in the Middle East to the heart of the Iran nuclear negotiations alongside then-Secretary of State John Kerry, Suzanne has traversed the globe, capturing the pulse of critical events in places like Latin America and the historic US-Cuba détente.

In 2016, Suzanne crisscrossed America, providing comprehensive coverage of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. She then returned to Washington, immersing herself in the Trump White House and the corridors of Capitol Hill, where she reported on multiple investigations that captured the nation’s attention.

Throughout her illustrious career, Suzanne has secured numerous high-profile exclusive interviews, including Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif during the BBC’s first interview with an Iranian official since being banned from the country in 2009. She also sat down with Khaled Meshaal, the exiled Hamas leader in Doha, during the Gaza War of 2014. Notably, Suzanne played a vital role in securing the first sit-down TV interview with President Obama following the agreement of the Iran Nuclear Deal.

With a specialization in Iran and the broader Middle East, Suzanne contributes her expertise as a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. She moderates foreign policy panel discussions at think tanks and teaches public diplomacy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Suzanne’s extensive travels have taken her to 52 countries, encapsulating the essence of journalism from helmet to heels. From chasing politicians in Washington, microphone in hand, to donning a flak jacket and covering far-flung locales where policies are made, she has experienced tragedy, triumph, and everything in between.

As a skilled moderator and public speaker, Suzanne fearlessly asks the tough questions on stage and actively nurtures the next generation of journalists on campus. Through personal experiences, she motivates and encourages students to pursue careers in journalism, ensuring the fourth estate continues to thrive. Suzanne’s role as a fellow at Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service allowed her to lead enlightening discussions on the media’s role and responsibility in society. She has also guest lectured at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

Suzanne’s dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed. She has been named among Emory University’s Class of 2019 40 under 40 alumni and has consistently been recognized as one of DC’s most influential leaders under 40 by Washington Life magazine. At the age of 28, she was featured as a person to watch in the magazine’s May 2015 “Power Issue.”

Driven by her passion for education and public service, Suzanne serves on the board of the Friends of the American University of Afghanistan and the Women’s Public Leadership Network. Through these roles, she tirelessly works to empower and educate more women, nurturing their involvement in public service and national security.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Suzanne’s Persian and Sicilian background adds a rich cultural tapestry to her work. She is fluent in written and verbal Farsi, conversational in Spanish, and possesses a basic proficiency in Italian and French. Suzanne began learning Arabic during her time based in Lebanon for the BBC.

Suzanne’s academic journey includes studying at Emory University, the University of Oxford, and Georgetown University, which have further enriched her understanding of the world and shaped her exceptional perspective.

Be captivated by Suzanne Kianpour’s remarkable journey, as she brings forth a voice that challenges boundaries, transcends stereotypes, and champions the power of journalism to shape a better world.