Thursday, 2026
9:30 AM - 10:40 AM:
The Podcast Revolution: From Basement Mic to Business Empire
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Description:Ìý
How podcasting has turned into a viable career and changed the media landscape.
Location: Limelight Flatiron 2
Speakers:Ìý
Marco Messina
Pushpamala N
Kyla Scanlon
Gavriella SchusterÌý
The Demise of the Free Press
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Description:Ìý
In these unprecedented times, how do we protect the freedom of press as the crucial fourth pillar of a stable democracy?
Location: Limelight Flatiron 1
Speakers:Ìý
Aboubakr Jamai Berraoui
Carine Hajjar
Joshua A. LevyÌý
Lorraine Voles
Beyond Digital Isolationism: Reclaiming Human Connection
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Description:Ìý
How do we make better interpersonal connections in a world run by social media?
Location: Limelight Flatiron 3
Speakers:Ìý
Cynthia James
Dr. Kerry Magro
Ty TashiroÌý
Sheila Warren
11:00 AM - 12:10 PM:
If Not Roe then Joe: Control, Accountability and Equity in Reproductive Policy
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Description:Ìý
Can regulation of men's bodies yield better outcomes in sex, health and safety, and reproductive freedom?
Location: Limelight Flatiron 2
Speakers:Ìý
Lisa Graves
Parker Hamilton Poling
Kate SchatzÌý
Is Anyone Out There: Are Non-Profits Facing Extinction?
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Description:Ìý
Roundtable: When the government retreats and the community falters, can the nonprofit safety net catch us?
Location: Limelight Flatiron 4
Speakers:Ìý
Devon Gray
Dr. Kerry Magro
Alexa MohsenzadehÌý
Luvuyo Rani
Lynn WarshafskyÌý
ART(ificial Intelligence)
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Description:Ìý
The Artist in the age of AI—a discussion about what it means to create in today's world.
Location: Limelight Flatiron 3
Speakers:Ìý
Nathalie Latham
Ken LiuÌý
Seth ShaferÌý
The World's Last Group Project: Are Intergovernmental Organizations Still Relevant?
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Description:Ìý
Exploring the ways power politics are reshaping international interactions in the 21st century.
Location: Limelight Flatiron 1
Speakers:Ìý
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Lizzy Shackelford
Lorraine VolesÌý
10:45 AM - 11:55 AM
AI: The Price of Progress
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Description:Ìý
This panel will focus on AI's potential to drive growth and solve problems along with its potential to cause harm.
Location: ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß High School
Speakers:Ìý
Charlotte Clymer
Laura I Harder
Major General (Ret) BobÌýLatiffÌý
Sofia RomanskyÌý
12:30 PM - 1:40 PM:
The Midterms and Beyond: Will they be Free and Fair?
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Description:Ìý
The current administration is running a multi-pronged attack on voting rights, our most sacred democratic institution. What can Americans do?
Location: Limelight Flatiron 1
Speakers:Ìý
Devon Gray
Dr. Natasha Lindstaedt
Parker Hamilton Poling
Ellen WeintraubÌý
2:00 PM - 3:10 PM:
Pretty, Palatable or Political?
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Description:Ìý
An exploration of how aesthetics and appearance shape perceptions of feminism within contemporary visual culture.
Location: Limelight Flatiron 3
Speakers:Ìý
Cynthia James
Pushpamala N
Kate SchatzÌý
Ty Tashiro
Humanity and Innovation: Navigating Life in the Age of AI
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Description:Ìý
What it means to be human in a world where AI increasingly dominates how we engage socially, environmentally and professionally.
Location: Limelight Flatiron 2
Speakers:Ìý
Ken Liu
Gavriella Schuster
Buying Up the Board: Are We in a Game of Monopoly?
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Description:Ìý
From Big Tech to major mergers, how does rising market concentration shape competition, consumer choice and the rules of the economy?
Location: Leeds S125
Speakers:Ìý
Diana Moss
ÌýCarl Quintanilla
Kyla Scanlon
Ellen WeintraubÌý
2:45 PM - 3:55 PM:
Shifting World Order: Geopolitics in a New Era
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Description:Ìý
This panel will address how international relations and alliances are being redefined in a time of rapid change and global conflict.
Location: ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß High School
Speakers:Ìý
Aboubakr JamaiÌýBerraoui
Paul Bierman
Professor Patrick J. DeneenÌý
Natasha Lindstaedt
3:30 PM - 4:40 PM:
People Before Papers: Embracing the Stories of Migration
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Description:Ìý
A conversation exploring how creativity, advocacy and lived experience can humanize immigrant stories.
Location: Limelight Flatiron 1
Speakers:Ìý
Elena Gaby
ÌýGuillermo Galena GalindoÌý
Hadar Harris
Jaisal Noor
Science Under Siege: A Crisis of Trust and Credibility
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Description:Ìý
Exploring why science is under attack and how knowledge survives in a polarized, media-driven world.
Location: Limelight Flatiron 2
Speakers:Ìý
Ernesto Araújo
Laura LindenfeldÌý
ÌýDr. Michael MannÌý
Nalini Nadkarni
New Venture Challenge: ÌýNVC Documentary Premiere and Audience Choice Award
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Description:Ìý
See the top teams of the New Venture Challenge pitch and vote for who gets the audience choice award.
Location: Limelight Flatiron 4
Speakers:Ìý
ÌýComing soon!