NEW SPEAKERS: Our Cities | MORE NEW SPEAKERS > > |
Kaitlan Collins
weight--999999
CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins is a journalist who covers the most important domestic and global news stories. On her primetime program, The Source with Kaitlan Collins, she has interviewed major global figures like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ukranian President Volodymr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Trump Employee 5, Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, Bill Barr, Mitt Romney, Bernie Sanders, former Attorney General William Barr, GOP presidential candidates, and more. Previously, Collins was the co-anchor and chief correspondent of CNN This Morning. Prior to the launch of the morning show, she served as CNN's Chief White House Correspondent based in Washington, D.C. Collins is lauded as a balanced and incisive voice in political conversations.
In recognition of her journalistic work, Collins has been included in Mediaite's annual list of the “Most Influential People in News Media.” She was named to Crain's NewsPro's “12 to Watch in TV News,” as well as one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30: Media.” In 2023, she was named to Variety’s “New Power of New York” list and The Hill’s “Changemakers” list. Also in 2023, she received an Emmy Award for her part in CNN's coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Collins provides perspectives on U.S. government, politics, and foreign affairs in addition to lending her on-air interviewing experience to hosting and moderation.
Julian Castro
weight-567
Politician, author, and analyst Julián Castro has distinguished himself as a strong leader and successful public servant for nearly two decades. A former Democratic candidate for President, Castro served as the 16th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama from 2014 to 2017, and as mayor of San Antonio from 2009 to 2014. Today, Castro serves on the board of directors of the LBJ Foundation and is a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. Castro serves as CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, the nation’s largest Latino-serving foundation. From education to technology to safe and affordable housing, Castro has been at the forefront of some of the most innovative partnerships, programs, and achievements in the public sector.
His memoir, An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up from My American Dream, is a candid account of race and poverty in America. His views on equality, housing, and the future of America have been sought by America Votes, The National Association of Colleges and Employers, New York University, and more. In sharing lessons learned from the struggles and successes of his political journey, Castro gives audiences insight into how any group can make a significant change when it comes to America's most pressing issues.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
weight-565
California’s 38th Governor, Hollywood icon, and philanthropist Arnold Schwarzenegger is known globally for his impact in the worlds of sports, entertainment, environmentalism, and philanthropy. He continues to inspire global audiences as the #1 New York Times bestselling author of two books reflecting on his success: Be Useful: Seven Tools For Life and Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story. Gov. Schwarzenegger’s iconic life story, impeccable presentation style, and insightful takeaways leave audiences buzzing for weeks. The Association of Energy Engineers called him “an excellent speaker with an excellent message.”
Gov. Schwarzenegger champions a wide range of philanthropic causes. He advances solution-oriented policy at the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and environmental innovation at The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative. His perspective on global issues has been sought by hosts such as the Cardiovascular Research Foundation, the Association of Energy Engineers, and the Zero Emission Conference.
Charles Blow
weight-560
Columnist, New York Times bestselling author, and MSNBC Analyst Charles Blow fearlessly tackles today’s most pressing issues with depth, nuance, and tremendous insight. Now an Op-Ed columnist at The New York Times, Blow previously served as the paper’s Graphics Director, leading The Times to significant awards. He has also worked as the Art Director of National Geographic Magazine and for The Detroit News. Blow is the New York Times bestselling author of Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which won a Lambda Literary Award, the Sperber Prize, and appeared on numerous “best of” lists. A memoir, the book was called “searing and unforgettable” by People Magazine and was adapted into a critically-acclaimed opera with a groundbreaking run at The Metropolitan Opera – the first performance of an opera there by a Black composer. His second book, The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto, draws on both his personal experience and observations of society to call for an end to systemic racism. Blow is a prolific and insightful commentator on politics, public opinion, and social justice, often challenging those in power with clarity and candor.
Heralded for his forward-thinking coverage of American politics and society, as well as his skill in graphic design to create powerful narratives with compelling visuals, Blow is also an in-demand speaker and gifted moderator. He has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, SalonTV, CBS News, and regularly as an analyst on MSNBC, and has been featured in The Washington Post, The Ringer, Oprah Daily, and more about his highly acclaimed work. An advocate for social justice and racial equity, Blow speaks about income inequality, xenophobia, and mental health, generating impactful conversations that resonate with audiences of all kinds.
Michael Nutter
weight-555
Michael Nutter served as the 98th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, his hometown. He served 22.5 years as an elected official in Philadelphia, serving 14.5 years as a City Council member, and then 2 four year terms as Mayor, leaving office on January 4, 2016 due to term limits.
Mayor Nutter was considered one of the foremost leaders in innovation, tackling challenges of public safety, increasing funding for educating children, revitalizing the economy and spurring economic growth, restoring ethics and integrity to city government, ensuring fiscal discipline and making Philadelphia one of the great green and sustainable cities in America.
Known for keeping an active and engaged schedule as Mayor, Michael Nutter is doing the same as a private citizen. He's a Professor at Columbia University, a Senior Fellow with Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Program, Chair of the Mayors Advisory Board for Airbnb, and holds numerous Fellowships and Advisory positions in academic, political, non-profit and corporate entities. Mayor Nutter is actively engaged in the work of cities and trying to make them work better on behalf of their citizens.
Deval Patrick
weight-550
Deval Patrick served two terms as the 71st governor of Massachusetts. An accomplished executive, passionate leader and gifted orator, Deval Patrick will capture—and hold—the attention of any audience. Guided by the advice of his grandmother to “hope for the best and work for it,” he entered office in 2007, a first-time candidate propelled by an unprecedented grassroots campaign and lead the Commonwealth to top national rankings in education, health care, energy efficiency, economic competitiveness and more. Through a challenging economic environment, the Governor maintained a disciplined growth strategy of investment in education, innovation and infrastructure.
The Governor was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States where his platform included opportunity and economic growth, reforming our healthcare and criminal justice system, an accessible and functioning democracy, and collaborative global leadership for the 21st century.
His next step in public life is TogetherFUND, a political action committee to support progressive politics, candidates for the United States Senate and House in so-called "swing" states and districts, and grassroots groups working to drive turnout and engagement among disenfranchised and marginalized voters. The Governor will join the Harvard Kennedy School as a Professor of Public Leadership, the Roy E. Larsen Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and Management, and Co-Director of the Center for Public Leadership.
Andrew Young
weight-355
Ambassador, Congressman, Mayor, and Civil Rights icon Andrew J. Young has been serving and shaping our country for almost 70 years. Ambassador Young became active in the Civil Rights movement as leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to teach non-violent organizing strategies. Considered the diplomat among Dr. King’s community, he was a key strategist and negotiator in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Now a Patriarch in the Civil Rights movement, audiences look to Ambassador Young as a powerful voice honoring the legacy of Dr. King’s work and the future of human rights.
Ambassador Young became the first African American representative from the Deep South to serve in Congress since Reconstruction, and was appointed to serve as the first African American U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. He served as Mayor of Atlanta, worked with GoodWorks International to facilitate sustainable economic development in the Caribbean and Africa, and produced and hosted the Emmy Award-nominated docu-series Andrew Young Presents, exploring contemporary issues. He is the author of several books, including An Easy Burden: The Civil Rights Movement and the Transformation of America, which is being updated and re-released in a special edition commemorating his 90th birthday.
The veteran civil rights leader received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and France’s Legion d’Honneur, each representing the highest civilian honor for that nation, and was awarded the NAACP Springarn Medal, an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, and his portrait is in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. The Andrew J. Young Foundation, Inc. supports and promotes education, health, leadership, and human rights in the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean, building on his legacy and developing new generations of innovative leaders to tackle this era’s global challenges. Ambassador Young has been a powerful and active voice in the movement for Civil Rights for more than half a century, honoring the past and shaping the future, and shares a message of hope and humanity that uplifts and inspires audiences of all kinds.
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson
weight-220
NBA Hall of Famer and member of the original Dream Team, Earvin “Magic” Johnson has become one of the most powerful and respected African-American businessmen and philanthropists in the world. In 1991, he founded the Magic Johnson Foundation, which serves as a single-disease organization that works to raise funds for community-based organizations dealing with HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs. Celebrating over 20 years of success, the Magic Johnson Foundation has become one of the most recognizable philanthropic organizations around the world.
Beyond his philanthropic work, Johnson has successfully parlayed his skills and tenacity on the court into the business world. Johnson is the founder and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), a global empire that is a catalyst for fostering community growth and economic empowerment through high-quality entertainment and products and services that answer the demands of ethnically diverse communities. MJE has a wide range of business endeavors ranging from sports ownership to food service and facility management, produces quality works in film, television and publishing, and represents the biggest names in media and entertainment. With his unique positioning as a businessman spanning multiple industries and generations, he aims to help companies expand and foster a positive impact domestically and globally.
During his athletic career, Johnson earned five NBA championship rings and led the Los Angeles Lakers to nine NBA finals. He has won three MVP awards and played in 12 NBA All-Star games. A member of the original Dream Team, he earned a gold medal at the 1992 Olympic Games. As a speaker, Johnson inspired audiences with the real-life story of his remarkable rise, his philosophy for success, and empowering message on how to create the best possible future.
Marshall Shepherd
weight-220
Dr. Shepherd is considered a leading international expert, scientist, author, host, and communicator. He is a Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor and Director of University of Georgia's Atmospheric Sciences Program. He is a former NASA Scientist, and was a 2004 PECASE award recipient at the White House. Dr. Shepherd is the host of the only nationally-televised Sunday Talk Show focused on science, The Weather Channel's Weather Geeks. In 2021, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Sciences. He is the first UGA faculty member in the institution’s 236-year history to be elected to all three honorary societies.
Dr. Shepherd appears extensively in major media, has briefed Congress, and appeared at the White House. He is sought after for major speaking engagements related to weather, climate, science communication and STEM.
Andrew M. Davis
weight-220
Andrew Davis is a bestselling author and keynote speaker. Before building and selling a thriving digital marketing agency, Andrew produced for NBC and worked for The Muppets. He's appeared in the New York Times and on the Today Show. He's crafted documentary films and award-winning content for tiny start-ups and Fortune 500 brands. Today, Andrew Davis teaches business leaders how to grow their businesses, transform their cities, and leave their legacy.
Josh Linkner
weight-220
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally-recognized innovation expert.
April Rinne
weight-220
Change defines the present and uncertainty permeates the future. Individually, organizationally, and collectively, we humans are trying to discern what this means. What are the skills, practices, and superpowers that this world in flux demands – and how can you cultivate them with purpose and joy?
In 2025, humans’ ability to embrace all kinds of change, uncertainty, and not-knowing isn’t exceptional, but rather table stakes. It’s at the heart of responsible leadership (of both oneself and others), thriving culture, and effective communication. It’s the difference between flourishing and flailing. Put another way, learning to love uncertainty is the #1 skill we’ll need this year – and beyond.
Not only that: This is what every one of your colleagues, customers, clients, partners, stakeholders, and teams needs too. Ditto for your family, friends, and kids. This skill fuels every relationship in business, in society, and in life. So why do we resist learning it? What are we waiting for?
April Rinne – change navigator, speaker, investor, author, and adventurer – has been obsessed with these themes and questions for more than 25 years. Her work and travels in more than 100 countries have given her a front-row seat to a world in flux, as well as a world of wisdom to navigate the unknown. Not only is she your guide to developing a “flux mindset,” she’s also ranked one of the 50 Leading Female Futurists in the world by Forbes and is a Harvard Law School graduate, a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum, a member of the Silicon Guild and Thinkers50 Radar, a Fulbright Scholar, and the author of the international bestseller Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change.
April is a trusted advisor to well-known startups, companies, financial institutions, nonprofits, think tanks, and governments worldwide, including Airbnb, Nike, Intuit, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, AnyRoad, and Unsettled as well as governments ranging from Singapore to South Africa, Canada to Colombia, and Italy to India. For more than two decades, she’s been known for seeing emerging trends early, understanding their potential, and helping others do the same. April is a bridge-builder between stakeholders, cultures, priorities, and those excited about change and those resistant to it. Recently, she was the sole global faculty member of Finland’s inaugural “masterclass of happiness,” combining her Finnish heritage and “fluxiness” to reach audiences around the world.
Earlier in life April was a global development executive, an international microfinance lawyer, and a hiking guide. Before that, she spent the better part of four years traveling solo, with an insatiable desire to better understand how the rest of the world lives. (One lesson: Change is universal. How we deal with it is not.) She is as comfortable at Davos as she is talking with microfinance borrowers in an urban slum. A certified yoga teacher, she can often be found upside-down, doing handstands around the world.
The following is also shared, depending on audience and context: April also harnesses her very personal experiences with flux, including the death of both of her parents in a car accident when she was 20.
John Hope Bryant
weight-220
John Hope Bryant is an American entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and prominent thought leader on financial inclusion, economic empowerment and financial dignity. Referred to as the Conscience of Capitalism by Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines and James Herbert, Chairman and CEO of First Republic Bank, most recently Bryant was named one of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Most Influential Atlantans”, one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s “Notable Georgians” and one of LinkedIn’s “Top Voices” in 2020. Bryant was also recognized as one of the “Most Admired CEOs” in 2018, American Banker magazine 2016 "Innovator of the Year”, INC.’s “The World’s 10 Top CEOs” (honorable mention), and one of Time magazine’s “50 Leaders for the Future” in 1994.
Mr. Bryant is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc. the largest non-profit, best-in-class provider of financial literacy, and economic empowerment services in the United States for youth and adults. He is also the Chairman and CEO of Bryant Group Ventures and Founder and Principal of The Promise Homes Company, which is the largest minority-controlled owner of single-family rental homes in the United States. Both Operation HOPE and The Promise Homes Company have experienced explosive growth under Bryant’s leadership, 553% from 2014-2018, and 303% from May 2017 to present, respectively. Five former U.S. presidents have recognized his work, and he has served as an advisor to three sitting U.S. presidents from both political parties. He is responsible for financial literacy becoming the policy of the U.S. federal government. In January 2016 Bryant became the only private American citizen to inspire the renaming of a building on the White House campus, when the U.S. Treasury Annex Building was renamed the Freedman’s Bank Building. The Freedman’s Bank was founded by President Abraham Lincoln. Its legacy has become the narrative of the work of Operation HOPE—to help all people in the "Invisible Class" become fully integrated into our nation’s economy.
Mr. Bryant has received hundreds of awards and citations for his work, including Oprah Winfrey’s Use Your Life Award, and the John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education from the U.S. Treasury.
He is the author of bestselling books Up From Nothing, The Memo, How the Poor Can Save Capitalism and Love Leadership.
Nikolas Badminton
weight-210
Nikolas is a world-renowned futurist that mentors leaders to create more connected, curious and creative teams that embrace futures design to imagine desirable futures, anticipate unforeseen risks, and strengthen strategic planning.
He has spent 30+ years working with leadership at over 300 leading organizations at the frontline of foresight, strategy and disruption - including NASA, United Nations, Google, Microsoft, Intel, WM, United Way, Bayer, Bank of Canada, Rolls Royce, Procter & Gamble, IDEO, UK Home Office and many more.
In his new book Facing Our Futures - released internationally on Bloomsbury Business in 2023 - showcases foresight methods and thinking that shift organizational mindsets from what is to what if… and aims to increase organizational vigilance, profitability and market capitalization.
Nikolas’ essential research has been featured by the BBC, VICE, The Atlantic, Fast Company, Business Insider, Forbes, Sunday Telegraph and many others. He appears on SIRIUSXM and CTV regularly, was a key advisor to the ‘Age of AI’ series with Robert Downey Jr, and narrates the Franklin Institute's series ‘2050’.
Amna Nawaz
weight-170
Peabody and Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Amna Nawaz currently serves as co-anchor of PBS NewsHour. Her diligent reporting and skillful moderation have shaped coverage of some of the most important events in recent history. Amna’s portfolio is broad, delving into politics, foreign affairs, education, climate change, culture, and sports to great acclaim, with her NBC News Special ‘Inside the Obama Whitehouse’ earning her an Emmy Award. From her distinguished position as NBC’s Islamabad Bureau Chief & Correspondent to her Peabody Award-winning work, Amna’s signature thoughtful and thorough analysis establish her as one of the foremost voices in journalism today.
Leading notable panels such as the Aspen Ideas Festival and the RespectAbility #ADA30 Summit 2020, Amna’s insightful moderation elevates conversations. In a ground-breaking moment, she co-moderated a 2019 Democratic Primary Debate, becoming the first Asian American and first Muslim American to do so. Amna has interviewed international newsmakers, influential voices in the arts, and travelled from border towns to Appalachia covering vital issues and enriching national and international dialogue.
Amna’s work has appeared on ABC News, Nightline, NBC News, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, Dateline NBC, MSNBC, and MSNBC.com. Nawaz was a Fall 2021 Fellow at Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service and she is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Asian American Journalists Association, the South Asian Journalists Association, and the Inter-American Dialogue. Amna consistently receives rave reviews for her speaking engagements, such as: “Amna was outstanding! Gracious, delightful, simply perfect. The tone of her speech hit the spot. Everyone loved it.” (Greenwich Academy)
Tiffany D. Cross
weight-170
Celebrated journalist, bestselling author, and revered political analyst Tiffany D. Cross delivers every time in motivational, insightful, and thought-provoking events. She is the current co-host of iHeart Media’s Native Land Pod, which debuted in 2024 on Apple as the number one downloaded podcast in America across all categories. Cross also hosts ACross Generations, a broadcast show and podcast with Will Packer Productions and iHeart Media, where she focuses on a variety of topics from a multigenerational perspective. Cross previously hosted The Cross Connection on MSNBC, averaging 4.6M viewers a month. She is a longtime cultural commentator, having previously served as the D.C. Bureau Chief for BET Networks, an Associate Producer for CNN, and freelancer. She is also the founder of The Beat DC, a platform that provides critical analysis of national politics, policy, business, and media, highlighting their impact on and relationship with communities of color. An influential voice in the discourse of the moment, Cross is in-demand with groups including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., the Society of Social Work Research, TriNet, Howard University, and more.
A 2020 fellow of Harvard University Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics, Cross has spent more than 20 years navigating politics, media, labor, communities of color, and the private sector. She is the bestselling author of Say It Louder: Black Voters, White Narratives, and Saving Our Democracy, which Kirkus Reviews hailed as “a compelling exploration of how Black voters have the power to shape the country's future.” Cross regularly receives stellar feedback for her events, such as: ”Tiffany was superb. A joy to work with, engaging and fully invested in making the event a stand-out” (Robert Toigo Foundation Annual Gala) and ”The event was absolutely wonderful and well received! Tiffany Cross was outstanding and prolific.” (Society for Social Work Research)
William J. Bratton
weight-170
The only person to lead the police departments of America's two largest cities, New York and Los Angeles, William J. Bratton’s 46-year career in law enforcement is marked by transformative, community-first leadership. As Police Commissioner of New York City from 1994 to 1996, Bratton gained an international reputation for re-engineering the police department, revitalizing morale and achieving the largest crime decline in New York City's history. During his tenure, murder and serious crime dropped significantly. As Los Angeles Police Chief from 2002 to 2009, in a city known for its entrenched gang culture and youth violence, Commissioner Bratton brought crime to historically low levels through his Real Time and Predictive Policing initiatives by transforming the LAPD's relationship with local communities. His most recent book, The Profession, is a memoir of community, race, and the arc of policing in America. As America's "Top Cop," Commissioner Bratton has translated crisis into opportunity at every stage of his esteemed career, demonstrating the power of optimistic leadership and strategic, turnaround team management.
Among his numerous awards and recognitions, Commissioner Bratton has been named both one of the “Most Influential People in the Security Industry” (Security Magazine); “Public Official of the Year” (Governing Magazine); and Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). He currently serves as the Executive Chairman of Teneo Risk, advising clients on risk identification, prevention, and response, giving corporations the tools needed to handle a constant evolution of threats. Commissioner Bratton offers his audience key takeaways for how they can lead through and transform their own crises, earning praise from audiences, such as Johnson & Johnson: “I can't remember an outside speaker engaging our audience so thoroughly with such credibility. I think our people are now much better equipped to face 'impossible' situations.”
Keechant Sewell
weight-170
Leadership and security expert Keechant Sewell is currently the Senior Vice President of Security and Guest Experience for the Mets at Citi Field. Previously, Sewell was a U.S. police officer and administrator who served as the 45th New York City Police Commissioner, where she oversaw a comprehensive strategy focused on the safety of New Yorkers and improving core features of the NYPD. During her tenure, Sewell launched the Innovation Steering Committee, which made nearly 250 recommendations for improved data analytics, community engagement, technology, officer safety, and more. She has also leveraged technology to better connect to the public and keep officers and the city safe, in addition to a myriad of crime-reduction strategies. Sewell has forged meaningful and lasting relationships between the Department and communities, businesses, elected leaders, and government agencies. Sewell’s innovative leadership has resulted in a more diverse workforce, measurable results, and community initiatives. Sewell brings a unique perspective to topics including innovative leadership, manager effectiveness, teambuilding, and public safety.
Sewell has the distinction of becoming the first sitting NYPD Commissioner to be named “PBA Person of the Year” and recognized with the first annual Torch Award from MovementForward Inc., among numerous other awards and accolades. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, where she was selected to give the commencement address. To learn more on transforming institutions through innovation both human and digital, turn to Sewell’s expertise spanning both the private and public sectors.
Jay Caspian Kang
weight-170
Author, cultural critic, New Yorker staff writer, and writer-at-large at The New York Times Magazine Jay Caspian Kang writes and speaks about race, identity, economics, the history of immigration, and more. He was a founding editor at Grantland and an Emmy-nominated correspondent on VICE at HBO. Kang is the author of The Loneliest Americans, which was named one of the best books of the year by NPR, Mother Jones, and TIME, which called it “provocative and sweeping.” It was also named an Editor’s Choice book by The New York Times Book Review, which raved that Kang’s “exploration of class and identity among Asian Americans will be talked about for years to come.”
Kang’s writing has been featured in numerous publications and outlets including This American Life, The New Yorker, and The Nation, among others. He is a co-host of the beloved eclectic podcast Time to Say Goodbye, which Slate called one of the Best Chat Podcasts of 2022. A substantive speaker and insightful moderator, Kang speaks on topics as varied as city planning, the history of immigration in the U.S., education policy and Affirmative Action, and more for hosts including the Korean American Spine Surgical Society, the Collegiate School, and Ohio State University.
Sam Anderson
weight-170
Sam Anderson is an award-winning journalist, cultural critic, and author of the highly acclaimed book Boom Town: The Fantastical Saga of Oklahoma City, Its Chaotic Founding, Its Apocalyptic Weather, Its Purloined Basketball Team, and the Dream of Becoming a World-Class Metropolis. He is a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, where he has written portraits of athletes, artists, and odd places all over the world, including Mount Rushmore and a Charles Dickens theme park. Anderson’s debut book Boom Town was heralded as one of the best books for the year by NPR, the Chicago Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Economist, and more. In a note to the staff of New York Magazine, then-editor Adam Moss described Anderson as “a fearless and committed writer and thinker.” NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton has called him “a visionary artist who sees what others can’t… our guide to a better tomorrow.” Anderson engages audiences with cultural commentary and insights about creativity.
His work has appeared in The Paris Review, New York Magazine, Christian Science Monitor, Slate, The Oxford American, and has also been included in numerous “Best American Writing” anthologies. Anderson has been a finalist for the National Magazine Award three times – including in 2017, when his article David’s Ankles won the National Magazine Award for Essays and Criticism.
Lara Spencer
weight-170
Lara Spencer is an Emmy-winning anchor and reporter for Good Morning America, and has been a journalist with ABC news since 2000. She is also the creator, host and Executive Producer of HGTV’s Emmy® Award-winning “Flea Market Flip” as well as “Everything But the House."
Spencer has written two New York Times Bestselling books: I Brake for Yard Sales, and Flea Market Fabulous. In addition to her career, Spencer is the mother of two children and very active at her Alma Mater Penn State University where she was an All-American platform diver. She is also a dedicated advocate for pet adoption and has 3 rescue dogs of her own.
Aja Brown
weight-170
Trailblazing community leader Mayor Aja Brown made history as the youngest mayor ever to serve the City of Compton. Leveraging her expertise as an urban planner, an economic developer, and community servant, Brown quickly became known for her pragmatic 12-Point Vision for Compton revitalization strategy, deploying evidence-based initiatives and attracting new record levels of reinvestment from the private sector. Prior to her ground-breaking tenure as mayor, she co-founded Compton Community Development Corporation, a non-profit emphasizing education programming, scholarships, and small business loans. Brown is a strong and consistent leader in the movement for equity and justice, lending critical support to actionable policy changes, and has joined with mayors around the country committed to guaranteed income, launching the largest city-based guaranteed income program in the country, The Compton Pledge. Brown is an inspiring changemaker, motivating audiences of all kinds through her visionary leadership and commitment to community-driven change.
Brown has been profiled in Vogue, Elle, ESSENCE, TIME, and many more. She participated in Policy Link and ESSENCE’s All-In Cities Initiative, which brings Black women mayors around the country together to share, ideate, and then build better communities. Brown is highly sought-after for keynote speeches as well as moderated conversations, and regularly receives rave reviews, such as: “The event was wonderful!!! She was a hit. Everyone had nothing but positive feedback on her and said it was probably one of THE best lunch and learns we have ever had! So kudos to the Mayor! She is really delightful and inspiring” (Intuit Inc.).
Michael 'Killer Mike' Render
weight-170
Michael Render, known by his stage name “Killer Mike,” is a Grammy-winning rapper, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for social justice. With a robust career, Render has left an indelible mark on the music industry as one-half of the acclaimed duo Run the Jewels while rising to prominence in activism and community engagement. Render is the host of multiple series, including the Emmy Award winning PBS show Love & Respect with Killer Mike, Facebook’s Roll’N with Killer Mike, and Netflix’s Trigger Warning with Killer Mike, while also turning in regular speaking appearances on Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Real Time with Bill Maher. Render’s outspoken commentary on racial and social issues, coupled with his commitment to fostering positive change, has solidified him as a respected voice in contemporary culture. A dynamic force in the intersection of art and advocacy, Render's influence extends beyond the stage.
As an entrepreneur, Killer Mike has ventured into various business endeavors, leveraging his platform to amplify marginalized voices and contribute to the empowerment of underserved communities. With a commitment to challenging the status quo, Killer Mike continues to inspire and motivate audiences, encouraging them to be agents of change in a world hungry for innovation and justice. He has been invited to speak by institutions encompassing the Cleveland Public Library, Webster University, Tulane University, and many more.
Wendy Davis
weight-170
Former Texas State Senator and Founder of the non-profit Deeds Not Words, Wendy Davis is renowned as a passionate advocate for women in social, economic and political spheres. After skyrocketing to near celebrity status through her historic 13-hour filibuster in the Texas Senate to stop a legislative effort that would have dramatically reduced women’s access to healthcare, Davis emerged as a leader in the national conversation surrounding women’s leadership and issues which threaten our individual opportunities. Long before she was a Texas State Senator and Texas’ Democratic nominee for Governor in 2014, Davis struggled with the same obstacles faced by women around the country. Determined to break the cycle of poverty she’d been born into, Davis fought to juggle school, career and single motherhood and uses those experiences to connect with others in order to shape perspective. Through Davis’ work at Deeds Not Words, for which she earned a spot on Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business,” she is shaping the next generation of leaders and directly working to foster diversity, inclusivity, and change at the highest levels of business and government.
At the podium, Davis combines the power of personal storytelling with her deep policy understanding to explain why equitable policies matter in the lives of women as well as the overall health and vibrancy of our economy, guiding organizations across industries toward a better understanding of the institutional value in creating diverse work environments, and key issues such as pay equity, family leave, and harassment policies. A living testament to the ability we each possess to rise above challenges and succeed, Davis demonstrates the power of each of our unique voices, and the value in raising them for what we believe in. Audiences are left inspired to utilize their individual strengths into meaningful contributions, and organizations are left with the tools and insights needed to advance positive change.
Ron Finley
weight-170
A renowned rebel with a green thumb, Ron Finley is widely known as the Gangster Gardener. After growing up in the South Central Los Angeles food prison – a geographic location where access to healthy food options is extremely limited or nonexistent – Finely is intimately familiar with the impacts of a lack of fresh produce. In 2010, he set out to fix the problem by planting vegetables in neglected dirt patches, and after being cited by the city of Los Angeles for gardening without a permit, he fought back and won – starting a petition with fellow green activists and demanding the right to garden and grow food in his neighborhood. Finley has shared his bold and tender vision for communities – and a world – transformed through gardening at events with groups like Netflix, Chase, Cornell University, Google, Salesforce, and Amazon.
Finely has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Vogue, Oprah Daily, on The Ellen Show, and more, as his passion for agriculture and food equity continues to resonate with audiences of all kinds. In 2020, he created one of the most popular classes on the Masterlass platform – with over 9M views, it was the most-watched course of the year. The Gangster Gardener founded the Ron Finley Project, an organization that spreads the movement for urban gardening and turning food deserts into food sanctuaries. Heralded for his humor and his profound message, Finley leaves audiences feeling empowered to explore new knowledge and increase their wellbeing, togetherness, and freedom through gardening.
Souad Mekhennet
weight-170
Souad Mekhennet is an award-winning journalist and book author who defies simple characterization. Her significant contributions to public discourse and global understanding are uniquely forged through a combination of her professional acumen and pathbreaking determination as a German woman of Moroccan and Turkish parentage. Souad’s immense cultural fluency sheds light on the evils of our time, but also support justice. Her dangerous encounters read like scenes from an action thriller, but also portray unparalleled humanity. Whether in the remote tribal regions of Pakistan, attending global gatherings in Dubai or Switzerland, on the streets of European capitals, or visiting mosques and synagogues across the United States, Souad’s reporting consistently challenges assumptions and breaks down barriers between people.
Based in Washington and Frankfurt, Souad Mekhennet is a national security Staff writer for The Washington Post where she was part of the reporting team recognized as Pulitzer Prize finalists in 2019. Souad first reported for The Post in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, delving into the background of the Hamburg cell and writing on the threat al-Qaeda posed in Europe, North Africa and the Gulf. She was part of The Post’s coverage of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. In 2004, she began a long interlude at The New York Times where she produced some of the most defining insights into the Bush administration’s war on terrorism, most notably the CIA’s botched rendition of Khalid el-Masri, a German citizen. Souad returned to The Post in 2014 and helped unmask the identity of terrorist Jihadi John. Known for closely monitoring activity within terror networks, she has many times been the first to break news and publish front page stories, such as reporting the death of Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the leader of the group behind the 2015 Paris attacks, 15 hours before government confirmation and other media.
In her deeply reported memoir, I Was Told to Come Alone: My Journey Behind the Lines of Jihad, Souad recounts how she went to jihadi strongholds to interview the leaders of and the converts to terrorist organizations like al Qaeda and the Islamic State. A product and champion of liberal democracy who is culturally and linguistically at home across the Arab world, Mekhennet is fair-minded and fearless as she seeks to find out who these people are and what motivates them. The book provides offers unique access and insight across countries.
Nick Jankel
weight-170
Nick Jankel is a highly sought-after and accomplished international keynote speaker who inspires, motivates, and empowers audiences across the globe to forge the future -rather than fail it.
As a futurist, leadership theorist and transformation catalyst at the pinnacle of thought leadership, Nick has advised and accelerated many ambitious organizations such as Novartis, HSBC, Unilever, Kellogg’s, Nike, No.10 Downing Street, Zalando, Genentech, Google, Roche, Diageo, Intel, Lendlease, P&G and the BBC.
Nick is a master at the skills, qualities and capabilities of Transformational Leadership: how to metabolize constant change into concrete value and impact, from leading digital transformation to landing disruptive innovation. A Cambridge-educated medic, he develops highly-original thinking and powerful tools— using a blend of the latest brain science fused with profound wisdom—that inspire leaders to switch on and step up rather than freezing in uncertainty, fighting the need for tangible change, and repeating what worked in the past.
Jonathan F. P. Rose
weight-170
Jonathan F.P. Rose’s business, public policy and not-for-profit work focus on creating a more environmentally, socially and economically responsible world. In 1989, Mr. Rose founded Jonathan Rose Companies LLC, a multi-disciplinary real estate development, planning, consulting and investment firm. The firm has completed $2.3 billion of transformational work, in close collaboration with cities and not-for-profits. Mr. Rose is a thought leader in a wide range of urban issues, and the development of communities of opportunity. He has received the MIT’s Visionary Leadership Award, The Urban Land Institute’s global award for Excellence and many other awards for his work.
Mr. Rose’s book on how to create resilient cities, The Well Tempered City: What Modern Science, Ancient Civilizations and Human Behavior Teach us About the Future of Urban Life, was published by Harper Wave in 2016, and won the 2017 PROSE Award for Outstanding Scholarly Work by a Trade Publisher.
Mr. Rose is a Trustee of Enterprise Community Partners and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. He is an Honorary Member of the American Institute of Architects and Honorary Trustee of the American Museum of Natural History and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Mr. Rose plays bass and blues harp.
Mr. Rose and his wife Diana Calthorpe Rose are the co-founders of the Garrison Institute and serve on its Board. The Institute connects inner transformation with outer solutions to relieve suffering in the fields of trauma, education and the environment.
Mr. Rose graduated from Yale University in 1974 with a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy, and received a Masters in Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania in 1980.
Barbara Boxer
weight-170
A forceful advocate for families, children, consumers, the environment, and her State of California, Barbara Boxer spent over 20 years in the U.S. Senate and 10 years in the House of Representatives.
A national leader on issues such as environmental protection, reproductive rights, and women’s rights, Senator Boxer served on numerous committees, including as the ranking member on the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), as the ranking member of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, and a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where she chaired the first subcommittee ever to focus on global women’s issues.
The author of several books, Senator Boxer's latest is The Art of Tough, a memoir in which she inspires people to stick to their guns and fight for change. The book shares her provocative and touching recollections of service, and cements Boxer’s commitment to the fight for women, families, quality, and environmental protection in a peaceful world.
In remarks that are substantive, thoughtful and shrewd, Senator Boxer analyzes issues and solutions facing America today.
Sam Roberts
weight-170
Sam Roberts has been the urban affairs correspondent of The New York Times since 2005 and has covered New York and the nation for The Times and The New York Daily News for nearly 50 years. He is the author of 10 nonfiction books, including The Brother: The Untold Story of the Rosenberg Atom Spy Case, Who We Are Now: The Changing Face of America in the 21st Century, and A History of New York in 101 Objects.
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
weight-170
A life long advocate for women, children and the underserved, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend’s career has focused on creating public and private partnerships to solve some of the most intractable problems facing America today.
John Legend
weight--999999
EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum singer-songwriter John Legend has garnered 12 Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award, among others. Legend is the first African-American man to earn an EGOT and one of only fifteen people in the prestigious EGOT club. Legend has released seven celebrated albums over the course of his career and is also a coach on The Voice.
Beyond his music career, John, along with partners Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius, is a principal of Get Lifted Film Co. Most recently, Get Lifted produced David E. Talbert’s acclaimed holiday film Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey for Netflix, the HBO, IDA Award-winning docu-series Atlanta's Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children, the IFC and AMC comedy series Sherman's Showcase and Sherman's Showcase: Black History Month Spectacular, and Rhythm + Flow for Netflix. Get Lifted and Erik Feig’s PICTURESTART formed Picture LIFT, a joint venture focused on developing, producing and financing multiple films in the $10M range, featuring diverse filmmakers and inclusive casts.
From a young age, Legend aspired to use his position in the entertainment industry as a platform for social change. Throughout his career, Legend has committed his time, energy, and resources to social justice and equality. His philanthropy and advocacy has focused on building just, equitable, and thriving communities. Legend initiated the #FREEAMERICA campaign in 2015 to change the national conversation surrounding our country’s misguided criminal justice policies and to end mass incarceration. In 2007, Legend started The Show Me Campaign, to give every child access to a quality education as well as address systemic issues in our criminal justice system that disproportionately impact the poor, minorities, and disadvantaged.
Geoff Duncan
weight--999999
A former professional baseball player, CNN contributor and successful entrepreneur, Geoff Duncan served as Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor from 2019-2023. As the state’s second-most powerful Republican and president of the State Senate, Duncan used a bipartisan approach to navigate the chamber through a global pandemic, civil unrest, and economic tumult. Duncan has established himself as a bold leader, especially in the areas of health care, public safety, technology, and economic development. His efforts to spearhead Georgia becoming the “Technology Capital of the East Coast” have been nationally recognized. After rising to national prominence, he authored a book entitled, GOP 2.0: How the 2020 Election Can Lead to a Better Way Forward for America's Conservative Party.
Prior to public service, Duncan enjoyed a successful career in the private sector. In 2001, he founded a marketing company that sold promotional products to mid-size and large corporate clients nationwide. In 2003, he launched a tech-enabled literature fulfillment division for several large corporate clients. In 2016, Duncan was hired as the CEO of a health care company where he successfully raised several rounds of early round growth capital. In 2019, he founded a consulting business to help growth stage private companies work directly with their management teams. Duncan also serves as a strategic advisor to several venture capital firms around the country.
Kurt Andersen
weight--999999
Radio host and writer Kurt Andersen is a brilliant analyst and synthesizer of historical and cultural trends. He hosted the Peabody Award-winning public radio show and podcast Studio 360 and co-produced the podcast Nixon at War. He is the author of New York Times bestsellers Evil Geniuses, and Fantasyland, as well as four novels. Andersen co-created the streaming series COMMAND Z, and has previously written for TV, film, and stage. He’s a regular contributor to the New York Times and The Atlantic, as well as a former New Yorker columnist, TIME critic and columnist, and New York editor-in-chief.
Andersen provides audiences with a fascinating examination of America’s culture that brilliantly displays how we’ve gotten to where we are today, and where we are going. He has spoken to Sotheby’s, Boston College, The New Museum, the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, and many more.
Clarence Page
weight--999999
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Clarence Page is one of the most highly recognized and regarded syndicated columnists in the country. He is a columnist syndicated nationally by Tribune Media Services and a member of the Chicago Tribune editorial board. Page is also a regular contributor of essays to The News Hour with Jim Lehrer and has been a regular on The McLaughlin Group, The Chris Matthews Show, Nightline and Lead Story news panel programs. His book Showing My Color: Impolite Essays on Race and Identity, forever shifted conversations around race, gender, and ethnic identity from the civil rights reforms of the mid-1960s to the mid-1990s. In his speeches, Page decodes top political issues with clarity, balance, and humor.
A go-to voice on American culture and politics thanks to his sharp, thoughtful, and moving analysis, Page has received lifetime achievement awards from the Chicago Headline Club, the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, and the National Association of Black Journalists. Page has spoken to the University of Chicago, the National Press Foundation, and the Anti-Defamation League.