Plenary Speakers

NAFSA’s plenary speakers will share their unique insights and viewpoints on the challenges and opportunities facing everyone in the ever-changing global landscape. Each day we will unite at the plenaries to reflect, discover, and expand our collective horizon. Be inspired to grow and transform the landscape of international education.

NAFSA will share updates regarding each featured speaker prior to the opening of registration. Return to this page for updates.

Dr. Madeleine K. Albright

As one of the world’s most respected diplomats, Dr. Madeleine K. Albright, continues to advocate for democracy and human rights across the world, while also championing the important impact international relations and educational exchanges have on the United States today. In 1997 under President...

For over fifty years, General Colin L. Powell, USA (retired) has devoted his life to public service having held senior military and diplomatic positions across four presidential administrations. General Powell served as President Ronald Reagan’s National Security Advisor and he served as Chairman of...

José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, humanitarian, and committed advocate of antihunger issues. Andrés is known for his groundbreaking avant-garde cuisine and his award-winning group of 31 restaurants and one food truck located throughout the United...

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a world-renowned presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize winning author. Through her lifelong examination of the U.S. presidency, Goodwin brings history alive and illuminates her readers on the triumphs and tribulations of the men and women who have shaped the nation...

Testimonial

The plenary speakers each had their own special qualities which combined so well to make this conference a memorable one. Rather than just delivering a good message, each speaker challenged us to take action and be a change agent.

-Paige Ramsey-Hamacher, Saint Leo University

NAFSA 2019 Annual Conference & Expo