THE SHORT VERSION:
Celeste is a Southern Californian who grew up in the world of activism and politics. When she's not watching CSPAN or following the Artemis mission, she's probably feeding the menagerie of animals in her backyard.
Celeste is a Southern Californian who grew up in the world of activism and politics. When she's not watching CSPAN or following the Artemis mission, she's probably feeding the menagerie of animals in her backyard.
THE LONG VERSION:
Celeste Pewter a political strategist, communications director, and nationally recognized writer whose work has shaped legislation, presidential campaigns, and more. But she's most proud of the fact she once made a joke about Helen of Troy that made John Oliver laugh.
A former political staffer, Pewter has written speeches for elected officials at every level of government. Her writing and commentary have appeared in CNN, Teen Vogue, The Los Angeles Times, and USA Today. NPR’s Cognoscenti once named her a prospective “Joan Didion of Our Times” (2018) and she was featured on the Asian American Journalists Association’s inaugural list of “100 Influential Voices” (2020).
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Pewter organized a high-profile author sign-on letter supporting the Harris-Walz ticket and advised the campaign on AAPI outreach and coalition strategy. She has previously advised multiple candidates on national security communications and voter mobilization, and coached tech CEOs on media literacy. As a legislative advocate, Pewter led successful efforts to expand internship access at the state and federal levels, including shepherding a key piece of legislation through the CA state legislature.
Pewter contributed to the planning of a high-profile London event involving Prince William and Catherine (Kate) Middleton ahead of the 2011 royal wedding. She was also a three-time recruit to the Central Intelligence Agency’s clandestine service, and her essay, “So, You Want to be a Spy?” has drawn interest from Hollywood production companies.
Pewter holds degrees from the University of California, Irvine, King’s College London, and Johns Hopkins University, and is a fellow at the University of Bath with a focus on American government. She is the author of multiple forthcoming books from Bloomsbury and Henry Holt.
Celeste Pewter a political strategist, communications director, and nationally recognized writer whose work has shaped legislation, presidential campaigns, and more. But she's most proud of the fact she once made a joke about Helen of Troy that made John Oliver laugh.
A former political staffer, Pewter has written speeches for elected officials at every level of government. Her writing and commentary have appeared in CNN, Teen Vogue, The Los Angeles Times, and USA Today. NPR’s Cognoscenti once named her a prospective “Joan Didion of Our Times” (2018) and she was featured on the Asian American Journalists Association’s inaugural list of “100 Influential Voices” (2020).
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Pewter organized a high-profile author sign-on letter supporting the Harris-Walz ticket and advised the campaign on AAPI outreach and coalition strategy. She has previously advised multiple candidates on national security communications and voter mobilization, and coached tech CEOs on media literacy. As a legislative advocate, Pewter led successful efforts to expand internship access at the state and federal levels, including shepherding a key piece of legislation through the CA state legislature.
Pewter contributed to the planning of a high-profile London event involving Prince William and Catherine (Kate) Middleton ahead of the 2011 royal wedding. She was also a three-time recruit to the Central Intelligence Agency’s clandestine service, and her essay, “So, You Want to be a Spy?” has drawn interest from Hollywood production companies.
Pewter holds degrees from the University of California, Irvine, King’s College London, and Johns Hopkins University, and is a fellow at the University of Bath with a focus on American government. She is the author of multiple forthcoming books from Bloomsbury and Henry Holt.
