"We had a record breaking night for the organization [North Helpline]. I'm particularly impressed with the 20% increase in this year's Raise the Paddle, especially considering our smaller audience size. I attribute a large part of the increase to Tiernan's stellar facilitation of the RTP."
— Jordan Beaudry
Non Profit Development, North Helpline
"An absolute pleasure working with Tiernan on Ripples of Hope 2025! Her energy, heart, and attention to detail were a big part of the night's success. She's the best in the business!"
— Touré McCluskey
Interim Executive Director, No More Under
“Tiernan Madorno is the ideal emcee — prepared, engaging, and radiating infectious joy on stage. She effortlessly connects with audiences, ensuring events flow seamlessly, and infuses every moment with excitement and charm.”
— Fred Northup Jr.
Fundraising Auctioneer
“Tiernan Madorno is a true gift to on-camera and in-person events. She dazzles on the screen and on stage, helping you create a more meaningful and memorable event. She's real. She's authentic.”
— Matt Lorch
Event Auctioneer, MC, Online & TV Host | 3-time Emmy Award-Winning Storyteller
From competitive swimmer to professional actor, corporate strategist to Elvis Presley Tribute Artist, Tiernan’s journey is anything but linear — and that’s part of what makes her so compelling. She knows how to take an audience on a ride. Her work blends performance, purpose, and presence, turning events into experiences people remember. Whether hosting, speaking, or simply connecting, Tiernan brings humanity and heart. Her goal is always the same: to create a spark that lasts beyond the event.
Tiernan’s Seattle roots run deep. Raised in the Pacific Northwest and shaped by summers on Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, she brings that love of place into every part of her work. Since returning home in 2015, she has partnered with local schools, nonprofits, and civic groups to create impact where it matters most. She’s excited to speak at upcoming events like Seafair 2025 and Juneteenth celebrations — platforms that reflect her ongoing commitment to community connection, cultural celebration, and collective growth.
As a biracial woman who grew up watching Star Trek and dreaming of infinite futures, Tiernan believes deeply in a world where inclusion isn’t an afterthought — it’s a starting point. Her years at Microsoft were spent infusing inclusion into global programs and operations. Now, she brings those lessons into broader communities — advocating for belonging, amplifying marginalized voices, and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. Her lived experience and professional insight power every step she takes.
Looking to create space for dialogue? Tiernan facilitates roundtable workshops that moves past surface-level chatter and into thoughtful exchange. She creates an environment where participants feel safe, heard, and engaged — whether the topic is equity, strategy, or organizational culture. Her approach builds on years of experience leading conversations at the intersection of storytelling and strategy. These roundtable discussions help people pause, reflect, and move forward with shared understanding.
Drawing from her background in acting, nonprofit storytelling, corporate media and big tech Tiernan brings deep resonance to every keynote. Her work at organizations like Ford’s Theatre, the Folger Shakespeare Library, and Discovery Channel shaped her command of narrative — but it was her pivot to tech that sharpened her voice around inclusion and systems change. She speaks with authenticity, humor, and lived insight, weaving themes of identity, belonging, and leadership into every talk. Whether addressing students, staff, or executives, Tiernan inspires people to think critically and act with intention.
Tiernan’s stage presence is second nature — the result of a lifetime immersed in performance. Raised in the creative swirl of Seattle, she eventually earned a theatre degree and spent a decade performing professionally in Washington, D.C. Today, she brings that same magnetism and confidence to every event she hosts, guiding audiences with clarity, joy, and energy. Whether emceeing a gala, hosting raise the paddle or moderating a discussion, she makes every moment feel alive and authentic.
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