Long Bio

Allison Gilbert is one of today’s most influential authors and speakers on human connection and social health. An Emmy Award–winning journalist, she’s known for translating complex research and personal stories into meaningful insights that audiences can use immediately.

Allison is the author of six critically acclaimed and bestselling books and has cultivated a passionate, loyal readership. She hosts Connected Lives, the signature conversation series at 92NY exploring how we build meaningful relationships in a modern world, and Making Connections, her groundbreaking online series with Reimagine. Both focus on practical strategies for overcoming loneliness and strengthening bonds at home, at work, and in communities.

A sought-after speaker for organizations worldwide, Allison shares expertise on loneliness, social connection, and workplace wellness. She also appears regularly across major media platforms.

She is co-author, with the late American icon Dr. Ruth Westheimer, of the national bestseller The Joy of Connections: 100 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier and More Meaningful Life. The book was named one of the best books on aging by The Wall Street Journal and a top-10 well-being book of the year by Audible.

Her earlier works—including Passed and Present, Always Too Soon, and Parentless Parents—were shaped by the early deaths of her mother and father. Listen, World!, her co-authored biography of trailblazing columnist Elsie Robinson, received the Northern California Book Award, while her accompanying CNN essay earned the New York Press Club Award for Best Opinion Writing.

Nearly killed by falling debris during the 2001 terrorist attacks, Allison went on to co-edit Covering Catastrophe and host Women Journalists of 9/11: Their Stories, a 20-part documentary series produced in collaboration with The Great Courses Plus and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. She is also co-executive producer of the companion two-hour film, which features Savannah Guthrie, Maggie Haberman, Dana Bash, Tom Brokaw, and other leading journalists. Allison is proud to be the official narrator of the 9/11 Memorial Museum’s historical exhibition audio tour—the only female journalist to receive this honor.

Allison contributes regularly to The New York Times and other publications. She began her career in television news, producing investigative and law-changing stories for CNN, MSNBC, and other outlets. Her reporting has been honored by the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

She has been interviewed on the TODAY show, Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, and NPR. She has delivered a speech in front of the President of Iceland, appeared on stage with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and presented hundreds of talks and workshops at Amazon, Google, the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, and many other companies, organizations, and wellness retreats. She has even enjoyed a memorable dinner with Jay Shetty.

Allison serves on the Advisory Board of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and is a past board member of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief.

She lives in New York with her husband, Mark. The two met as teenagers at sleepaway camp and are now the proud parents of two wonderful young adult children. Allison looks forward to meeting you in real life—and invites you to connect with her on Instagram.

Short Bio

Allison Gilbert is one of today’s most influential authors and speakers on human connection and social health. An Emmy Award–winning journalist, she’s known for translating complex research and personal stories into meaningful insights that audiences can use immediately.

She is the author and co-author of six critically acclaimed and bestselling books, including Passed and Present, Listen, World!, Parentless Parents, and Always Too Soon. Her most recent work, co-authored with the late American icon Dr. Ruth Westheimer, is the national bestseller The Joy of Connections, named one of the best books on aging by The Wall Street Journal and a top-10 well-being book of the year by Audible. She also hosts Connected Lives, the signature conversation series at 92NY that explores how we create and sustain meaningful relationships in today’s world.

Allison has been featured on the TODAY show, Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, and NPR. She began her career in television news, producing investigative and law-changing stories for CNN, MSNBC, and other outlets. Today, she delivers hundreds of talks and workshops on social health and connection for audiences at Amazon, Google, the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, and numerous other companies, organizations, and wellness retreats.

She lives in New York with her husband, Mark. The two met as teenagers at sleepaway camp and are the proud parents of two wonderful young adult children. Allison looks forward to meeting you in real life and invites you to connect with her on Instagram.