{"id":2887,"date":"2023-08-29T17:33:40","date_gmt":"2023-08-29T17:33:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aurora-institute.org\/symposium2024\/?page_id=2887"},"modified":"2025-01-23T18:38:49","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T18:38:49","slug":"keynote-plenaries","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/aurora-institute.org\/symposium2024\/agenda\/keynote-plenaries\/","title":{"rendered":"Keynote Plenaries"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Keynote Speakers<\/h2>\n

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Keynote Speakers<\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3″][vc_column_text]Strands & Sessions<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4″][vc_column_text]Presentation Opportunities<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1579966805531{padding-top: 60px !important;padding-bottom: 60px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_row el_class=”container” css=”.vc_custom_1579906673173{margin-top: 60px !important;margin-bottom: 60px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Sunday, November 3, 2024″ color=”custom” css=”” accent_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Opening Plenary Keynote: 12:45 PM \u2013 1:45 PM CT<\/h5>\n

Nothing About Us Without Us: A Conversation With Young People on Learner-Centered Education<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Too often in the education space, we talk about students without actually hearing directly from them. <\/span>Every learner brings incredible assets to their schools and communities. These talents will collectively build a brighter future for all of us. But the work of doing school often overshadows the assets learners bring, resulting in educational experiences that happen \u201cto\u201d learners, but not \u201cwith\u201d them, and often exacerbate inequities within the system. <\/span>Join us as we sit down with young people from across the nation who have experienced learner-centered environments first hand. What about their experiences might we take with us as we work together to build a more equitable and engaging education system for all of our nation\u2019s learners?<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/g9Bo_3Dw4h4″ el_width=”50″ css=””][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_single_image image=”3670″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-9 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=””]Carlos Moreno, Co-Executive Director, Big Picture Learning<\/strong>
\nCarlos Moreno has been a teacher, a principal, a director, and now a Chief Executive Officer. But through it all he has been and continues to be an observer and a learner. A proud native New Yorker, Carlos is a passionate educational trailblazer committed to supporting school and district leaders to create high-quality, non-traditional schools designed to tackle systemic issues related to equity in education. He currently serves as Executive Director for Big Picture Learning, a nonprofit organization that, since 1995, has developed over 150 such schools in the United States and throughout the world. He also co-founded and leads the Deeper Learning Equity Fellowship in partnership with the Internationals Network for Public Schools. Carlos holds undergraduate degrees in marketing and business from Johnson & Wales University along with a Master\u2019s Degree in Educational Leadership. Most recently Carlos was named a Pahara-Aspen Institute Fellow \u2013 a fellowship designed to sustain diverse, senior leaders who are reimagining public education.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_single_image image=”3890″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-9 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=””]Sofia Ervin-Agudelo, Student, Santa Clara University<\/strong>
\nSofia Ervin-Agudelo is an alumni of the San Diego Met High School and second year student studying Communications and Ethnic Studies at Santa Clara University. Sofie is passionate about storytelling through film that highlights the experiences of Black and Queer perspectives that have long been neglected in the film industry. When they\u2019re not studying or writing, they enjoy hikes with their dogs, a fun concert, and enjoying a good movie with friends.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_single_image image=”3964″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-9 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=””]Kam Lui-Carter<\/b>, Student, Santa Monica Alternative Schoolhouse<\/b><\/strong>
\nKam has attended SMASH since Kindergarten (a public school of choice founded in 1973 to nurture active citizens in an ever-evolving Democracy where social-emotional curriculum is equally valued to academics). Teachers say they appreciate Kam\u2019s special blend of intellectual curiosity and clever sense of humor. Classmates say Kam is a kind and fun friend who is also their go to peer tutor for challenging math concepts. Kam learns through his interests in and out of school. He deepens his passion for travel by using informational interviews, family trip experiences, and on-line research, to create tips for efficient and fulfilling travel that he shares with a mix of child and adult audiences. You will frequently find Kam at soccer practice or games, trying new cuisine, or hanging out with his tight knit family.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_text_separator title=”Monday, November 4, 2024″ color=”custom” css=”” accent_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Morning Keynote Plenary: 8:00 AM \u2013 9:00 AM CT<\/h5>\n

One Good Question with Youth Leaders: Exploring Student Perspectives on How We Invest in our Future<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In this keynote panel, education entrepreneur and author Rhonda Broussard will facilitate a conversation with student leaders that unpacks how young people view the investments we make in our education systems. Inspired by her book One Good Question, which explores how the investments countries make in their education systems reflect their values, we\u2019ll hear directly from young people about their perspectives on the investments in our current system, and how we might build more resilient and future-focused systems together.
\n<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/xNJbzZKt3_Y” el_width=”50″ css=””][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_single_image image=”3677″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-9 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=””]Facilitator: Rhonda J. Broussard, Founder & CEO, Beloved Community<\/strong>
\nRhonda J. Broussard (she\/her\/hers) is an author, social entrepreneur, and futurist. As the Founder & CEO of Beloved Community, and Founder of Awa by Beloved, PBC. Rhonda works at the nexus of Equity in Schools, Equity at Work, and Equity at Home. Rhonda founded Beloved Community to create sustainable paths to regional racial and economic equity. Her vision for Beloved Community is informed by her leadership in education and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s goal \u201cto create a beloved community\u201d that would \u201crequire a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rhonda has been a change-agent in diversity, equity, inclusion and international education throughout her career. Previously, she founded a network of language immersion and International Baccalaureate world authorized schools, was a National Board Certified Teacher and taught in public schools in drop-out recovery, college access, working class, immigrant, and affluent school communities. She has served on the board of the EdNavigator, Missouri\u2019s Charter Public School Association, PROMO – Missouri’s Statewide LGBTQ Advocacy Organization, Agile Learning Center of New Orleans, and Washington University in St. Louis YMCA-YWCA.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rhonda is steadfast in her commitment to community engagement and leadership as a Highland Leader, a Tulane Mellon Fellow, a Pahara-Aspen Fellow and an Eisenhower Fellow. She currently serves as a Board Director for Generation Hope, Diverse Charter Schools Coalition and New Orleans African American Museum. Rhonda has earned a Bachelor of Arts in French and Secondary Education from Washington University in St. Louis, a Masters of Arts in French Studies from The Institute of French Studies at New York University, and has studied in Cameroon, Martinique, Finland, New Zealand and metropolitan France. Rhonda is the author of One Good Question: How Countries Prepare Youth to Lead<\/em>. You can find Rhonda, her wife Kim, and her bilingual family living on native Bulbancha land also known as New Orleans, Louisiana where she studies, performs, and teaches dances from the African diaspora.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_single_image image=”3726″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-9 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=””]David Ramirez, New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School<\/strong>
\nDavid Ramirez is a student at New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School – \u201cSci High.\u201d He is 16 Years old and is a part of the National Beta Club, the National Honor Society and Vice President of his school. David is an alumni of YPAR Academy 2023 and a mentor for YPAR Academy 2024. Some interesting facts about David – his favorite color is red and he learned to drive at the age of 11.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_single_image image=”3727″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-9 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=””]Samarah Bentley, Louisiana State University<\/strong>
\nSamarah Bentley is a freshman at Louisiana State University, double majoring in French and Screen Arts with interests in cinematography, directing, producing, and acting. She is multilingual, having studied French, Spanish and Mandarin. As an activist and artist, her talents lie in youth advocacy and developing creative solutions alongside peers to better her community. The New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board, 826 New Orleans, Geaux Girl, Jrnola, YPAR Academy, and Girl Scouts to name a few, have shaped both her personal growth and community awareness. She is the creator of Project Often Reality, a community driven initiative that addresses diversity in the media, education, and media literacy. Samarah has received several awards in writing, media arts and French language proficiency and has published articles in Gambit Weekly and Lifestyles Health and Wellness magazine. Samarah was the inaugural Mayor for the day for New Orleans\u2019 first female mayor and has interviewed the First Lady of France. She is currently working on her third novel, with hopes to publish her first within the next few years.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_single_image image=”4035″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-9 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=””]Edwin Coleman, Ben Franklin High School<\/strong>
\nEdwin Coleman is a Freshman at Ben Franklin High School. His favorite subject is Math. He would love to become a Chef but also wants to go into Sports Medicine. He began the Little Researchers of Creative Change (Little Rocc\u2019s) Research Program at Tulane University when he was an 8th grade student at Schaumburg Elementary School. \u00a0He has been engaging in related activities as they were available, including this past summer.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”container” css=”.vc_custom_1579966688170{margin-top: 80px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Afternoon Keynote Plenary: 12:00 PM \u2013 1:00 PM CT<\/h5>\n

From Tools to Teammates: What is Your Human Advantage in an AI World?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In a landscape where AI and emerging technologies are reshaping every aspect of society, how might we create conditions for deep learning and community engagement? As our relationship with machines shifts from tools to teammates, we must consider the skills and mindsets needed for a future where AI enhances our human capabilities, while enriching our collective human advantage through supportive, inclusive networks. Dr. Quidwai will share strategies to SPARK our human advantage, enabling us to form deeper, more meaningful connections with each other and augment our learning experiences.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/hFhCVTRRoIo” el_width=”50″ css=””][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_single_image image=”3678″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-9 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=””]Dr. Sabba Quidwai, CEO, Designing Schools\u00a0<\/strong>
\nEducator, social scientist, and entrepreneur Dr. Sabba Quidwai believes that cultures of innovation begin with a culture of empathy. Her career began as a high school teacher and evolved to Director of Innovative Learning at the University of Southern California, and later being recruited as an Education Executive at Apple. These experiences deepened her insights as a social scientist, focusing on designing learning experiences that equip everyone with the skills and strategies to be irreplaceable in a world with AI. She shares this research in her 2022 documentary, examining why and how design thinking is your human advantage in an AI world.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”container” css=”.vc_custom_1721753597629{margin-top: 80px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Tuesday, November 5, 2024″ color=”custom” css=”” accent_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Closing Plenary Keynote: 11:30 AM \u2013 12:30 PM CT<\/h5>\n

Awakening the Genius in Your Students Through Learning Autonomy<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Think about the deep questions that young learners often ask: \u201cWhy is the sky blue?\u201d \u201cWhere does the rain come from?\u201d But too often than not, once students become part of the traditional, one-size-fits-all education system, that curiosity gets squashed. But what if educators could re-awaken this genius? Learning enthusiast and optimist Erika Twani will inspire us with six steps that can form a pathway to a competency-based system and that educators can use today to awaken the genius in their students. Let\u2019s reinvigorate the curiosity that is innate to the human condition, and equip ourselves and our learners with the skills they\u2019ll need to lead productive lives and prosperous futures.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/AKvI_jXb6c0″ el_width=”50″ css=””][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-3 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10″][vc_single_image image=”3874″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_circle_2″ css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”reveal” width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-md-9 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text css=””]Erika Twani, CEO, Learning One to One<\/strong>
\nErika Twani is a best-selling author, TEDx speaker, social entrepreneur, and Fortune 100 corporate veteran driven by a deep passion for personalized education. With over 22 years of experience in the education technology industry, Erika has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of personalized learning in students\u2019 lives. This passion led her to join education experts in founding the Learning One to One Foundation in 2011, where she serves as CEO. Erika’s expertise is widely recognized, and she is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences on learning innovation, educational technology, and AI. She sits on various boards.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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