Kickoff each day with inspiring talks from Spotlight Presenters who are making a difference in the world every day.

Xiye Bastida

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Revitalizing Our Culture in Times of Globalization to Ensure Climate Justice

Day/Time: Wednesday, May 4 at 1:00 pm EDT

In a hyperconnected world with limitless information and instantaneous delivery of almost anything, educators may feel it’s hard to make sense about their role as teachers. Likewise, in a context where young people are constantly hearing about the pandemic, climate crisis, and war refugees, it can be difficult for them to discern what’s important to them and to plan a career around it. How can educators create content that helps students identify their purpose and prepare for these challenging times? In her talk, Xiye argues that cultural revitalization can shift the way social and environmental injustices are addressed. She also makes recommendations about how cultural revitalization can happen in an educational setting.

Sara Lowery

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Would You Follow You?

Day/Time: Wednesday, June 1 at 8:30 am MDT

Many of us are put in situations where we have to decide if we want to follow the leaders in our lives. But how often do we look in the mirror and ask if would we follow ourselves? Sara helps us reframe our personal leadership approach with self-assessment and a deeper understanding of our “why”. She also shares strategies we can use to create the largest impact as leaders.

Tianna Soto

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Stress, Success, and Duck Syndrome

Day/Time: Thursday, June 2 at 8:30 am MDT

Being a working professional is overwhelming, and the idea of self-care and balance can feel impossible. During this program, attendees learn how to recognize signs of stress, burnout, and “duck syndrome,” and discover tangible tools to care for their overall mental health and wellness.

Gregg Deal

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Indigenous in Plain Sight

Day/Time: Thursday, June 2 at 5:00 pm MDT

The indigenous existence in Western and American culture is narrowly viewed and accepted with little to no input from actual Indigenous people. In this talk, Gregg Deal talks about the use of history as a tool while he navigates the restrictions thrust upon his work as a contemporary artist—and challenges listeners to take responsibility for their knowledge and to create room for this nation’s First Peoples.

Jitesh Jaggi

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Doing Justice to Social Justice Movements

Day/Time: Friday, June 3 at 8:30 am MDT

College campuses are epicenters for social justice issues, cultural thought, and political debate. But when everyone wants to feel heard at the same time, the result is chaos. Jitesh helps participants consolidate their thoughts, formulate an agenda, and foster healthy discussions. As an award-winning storyteller, he teaches attendees how to express their personal stories that are relevant to the issues close to their heart. This presentation is an exercise in collective healing via dialogue and empathy.