2025 Schedule
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2025
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Monday, April 7
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Ebert Uninterruptus
Description:A beloved tradition of the conference, Ebert Interruptus is a four-part event showing a film along with in-depth analysis.ÌýThis year’s edition of Interruptus will feature The Wizard of Oz.
Date: Monday, April 7Ìý
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: UMC East Ballroom
Moderator: Jamie Krutz
Speakers:
Josh Larsen
Opening Keynote | Cynthia ErivoÌý
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A Conversation with Cynthia Erivo
The Conference on World Affairs, the Center for Leadership and the Office of Strategic Relations and Communications are thrilled to welcome Tony®, Grammy® and Emmy® Award-winning actress, singer and producer—and 3x Oscar® nominee—Cynthia Erivo. Note: this event will not be recorded or live-streamed. More infoÌý.Ìý
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Tuesday, April 8
Cracking the Code: Addiction, Brain Science and the Genetics of Dependence
Location: UMC 235
Description: Addiction and how our understanding of neuroscience and genetics help us find the most effective mitigation and treatment.
Moderator: Ryan Bachtell
Speakers:
Cinnamon L. Bidwell
Danielle Dick
Judy Grisel
Ty Tashiro
Sign in to the to join the live-stream. Registration is required for this event, .Ìý
When Oligarchs Rule, Who Pays the Price?
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Description: What is an oligarchy, how do they form and what impact do they have on society and democracy?
Moderator: Erin Hutchinson
Speakers:
Natasha Lindstaedt
John Skajem
Hadar Harris
Ben Teitelbaum
Video Link:
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Education and Opportunity: Designing Sustainable and Inclusive Futures
Location: UMC East BallroomÌý
Moderator: Ashley Grice
Speakers:
Deborah Fraizer
Shaniya Jarrett
Luke Springer
Eric Zimmerman
Video Link:
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Shadow Forces: The Impact of Terror, Violence and Non-State Actors in the Global System
Location: UMC East Ballroom
Moderator: Eric Rubin
Speakers:
Michael English
Laura Harder
Srdja Popovic
Marcela Prieto
Daniel Watson
Video Link:
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Who takes the Blame? Accountability and Corporate Responsibility
Location: UMC West Ballroom
Description: Exploring the ethics—and lack thereof—in modern business decisions, and the frameworks to course-correct.
Moderator: Jon Leslie
Speakers:
Rebekah Bill
Paul Misener
Carl Quintanilla
Luvuyo Rani
Video Link:
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The Freedom to Read: Navigating Book Bans, Libraries and Censorship
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Moderator: Erin Frazier
Speakers:
Nicole Ellison
David Farnand
Karin Grönvall
Danielle SeeWalker
Video Link:
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"When It Rains" Revisited: A Dramatic Reading and Talkback
Location: UMC 235Ìý
Description: A reprisal of the play first presented in 1999 by Playwright Levi Frazier, with student, community and faculty readers followed by a talkback
Moderator: Alphonse Keasley
Video Link:
Speakers:
Eli Hans
Levi Frazier
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Directions for Democracy: A Liberal PerspectiveÌý
Description: A forward-looking discussion with an opportunity to articulate a vision for the future and what we need to be doing to get there.
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Moderator: Ben Teitelbaum
Speakers:
Ian Marcus Corbin
Lisa Graves
Devon Gray
Heather Hurlburt
Manny Rutinel
Video Link:
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Office Hours with Science & Tech Experts
Location: UMC 415
Description: ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ Students Only. CWA panelists and students are invited for an information conversation on topics in the fields of Science and Tech.
Office Hours with Human Condition Experts
Location: UMC 382
Description: ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ Students Only. CWA panelists and students are invited for an information conversation on topics about the human condition.
Directions for Democracy: A Conservative Perspective
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Description: A forward-looking discussion with an opportunity to articulate a vision for the future and what we need to be doing to get there.
Moderator: Benjamin R.ÌýTeitelbaum
Speakers:Ìý
Patrick Deneen
Hadley Manning
Cinamon Watson
Video Link:Ìý
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Storytelling Performance
Location: UMC West BallroomÌý
Moderator: ÌýKatrina Miller
Speakers:Ìý
Kevin Kling
Laura DealÌý
Video Link:
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Improving the World through Innovation, Investment and Entrepreneurship
Location: UMC East BallroomÌý
Description: How entrepreneurship, innovation and investment drive sustainable growth, create opportunities and reduce inequality in developing countries.
Moderator: Erick Mueller
Speakers:
John Heffernan
Luvuyo Rani
Amir Shevat
John Skajem
Video Link:
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Journalists and AI: Friends or Foes?
Location: UMC 235Ìý
Description: Journalists are using AI in the newsroom, but are also feeling threatened by it.
Moderator: Candace Smith
Speakers:
David W. Brown
Jessica Herzberg
Jose Marichal
Carl Quintanilla
Video Link:
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Cyber Battlegrounds
Location: UMC West BallroomÌý
Description: Cyber espionage, cyber security and their impact on economies, governments and international affairs.
Moderator: Tyler Scripps
Speakers:
Laura Harder
Paul Misener
Daniel Watson
Ellen Weintraub
Video Link:
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Attention and Shine: A Fashion Showcase and Panel Discussion
Location: UMC 235Ìý
Description: A grassroots fashion show and discussion with a global context, featuring designers from Capetown, SA, to Boulder.
Moderator: Esther Omegba
Speakers:
Tyler Aguilar
Walid Walé Benyoucef
Katrina Miller
Tahir Springs
Transforming a Planet in Peril: Does Biodiversity Really Matter?
Location: UMC East BallroomÌý
Description: What are the trade-offs between the needs of humans and other species in the race to save the planet?
Moderator: Sharon Collinge
Speakers:
F. Stuart (Terry) Chapin III
Nancy Knowlton
Ted Schmitt
Video Link:
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America First or America Alone? A Look at Isolationism
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Description: A discussion on what an isolationist approach to foreign policy means for geopolitics, international relations and global security.
Moderator: Vara Reom
Speakers:
Matija Goljar
Heather Hurlburt
Eric Rubin
Video Link:
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Ebert interruptus
Description: A beloved tradition of the conference, Ebert Interruptus is a four-part event showing a film along with in-depth analysis.ÌýThis year’s edition of Interruptus will feature The Wizard of Oz.Ìý
Location: Bruce Curtis Building (MCOL) W100
Moderator: Jamie Krutz
Speakers:
Josh Larsen
Wednesday, April 9
Social Movements and Changing the World
Location: UMC 235
Description: A discussion on how activism, social movements and organizing can be used to create change in the world.
Moderator: Michael English
Speakers:
Wisdom ColeÌý
John Heffernan
Jose Marichal
Sign in to the to join the live-stream. Registration is required for this event, .Ìý
Life after college? Internships, jobs and entering the workforce
Location: UMC West BallroomÌý
Description: As the competition for internships and post-grad jobs heats up, industry experts give tips on how to get ahead.
Moderator: David Bachrach
Speakers:Ìý
Matija Goljar
Ciara Lucas
Carl QuintanillaÌý
John Skajem
Video Link:
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Beyond Earth: The Future of Humanity in Space
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Moderator: Chip Bollendonk
Description: The philosophical, cultural, ethical and societal dimensions of humanity's journey into outer space.
Speakers:
David W. Brown
F. Stuart (Terry) Chapin III
Shaniya Jarrett
Ted Schmitt
Video Link:
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Office Hours with Arts Experts
Location: UMC Aspen Rooms
Description: ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ Students Only. CWA panelists and students are invited for an information conversation on topics in the arts.
Moderator: Ìý
Speakers:Ìý
Rania Elmalky
Levi Frazier Jr.
Eli Hans
Anita Hlazo
Kevin Kling
Josh Larsen
Danielle SeeWalker
Seth Shafer
Eric Zimmerman
Embracing Joy: Harnessing Technology and Positivity in Daily Life
Location: UMC West BallroomÌý
Description: Leveraging digital tools to foster a sense of well-being and discover strategies for maintaining a positive outlook amidst life's challenges.
Moderator: Lee Newman
Speakers:
Wakanyi Hoffman
Seanna Leath
Laura Marciano
Luke Springer
Video Link:
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The Pendulum of Global Power Dynamics
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Description: What determines a state's strength, how do world leaders negotiate power and has the era of U.S. hegemony come to an end?
Moderator: Vara Reom
Speakers:
Joe Cirincione
Hadar Harris
Natasha Lindstaet
Jim Mittelman
Video Link:
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The Future of Civil Rights in Modern Society
Location: UMC 235
Description: This conversation will explore how advocacy and activism will evolve in the coming years.
Moderator: Portia Prescott
Speakers:
David Farnand
Satang Nabaneh
Louis L. Reed
Kate Schatz
Sign in to the to join the live-stream. Registration is required for this event, .Ìý
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The CWA Celebration of Short Films!Ìý
Location: UMC East BallroomÌý
Description: ÌýA film talkback featuring three speakers and Josh Larsen, showcasing a selection of compelling, entertaining, and powerful short films.
Moderator:Ìý
Speakers:
Josh LarsenÌý
What to Watch for from SCOTUS
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Description: A rundown of what we see on the docket, and implications of recent or pending decisions.
Moderator: Eric M. Johnson
Speaker:
Lisa Graves
William Trachman
Video Link:
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Office Hours with International Affairs Experts
Location: UMC 382
Description: ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ Students Only. CWA panelists and students are invited for an information conversation on topics in the fields of International Affairs.
Speakers:Ìý
Joe Cirincione
John Heffernan
Natasha Lindstaedt
Srdja Popovic
Hadar Harris
Center for Leadership: In Conversation with David Adelman
Location: UMC 235
Moderator: Stefanie Johnson
Speaker:
David Adelman
Sign in to the to join the live-stream. Registration is required for this event, .Ìý
Office Hours with Politics & Media ExpertsÌý
Location: UMC 384
Description: ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ Students Only. CWA panelists and students are invited for an information conversation on topics in the fields of Politics and Media.
Speakers:Ìý
Devon Gray
Steven F. Hayward
Jose Marichal
Daniel Watson
Ellen Weintraub
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Is Laughter Really the Best Medicine?
Location: UMC East BallroomÌý
Description: A roundtable discussion on using humor and stories to build connections, reduce pain and cope with grief.
Moderator: Annie Collier
Speakers:Ìý
Joseph Bennett
Matija Goljar
Kevin Kling
Eric Zimmerman
Video Link:
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Star Wars or Star Peace?
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Description: Will the geopolitics of outer space create collaboration or competition in the cosmic frontier?
Moderator: Jeffrey Donenfeld
Speakers:
Joe Cirincione
Laura Harder
Daniel Porras
Video Link:
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Empowering Voices: A New Era for Women's Rights and Gender Equality
Location: UMC West BallroomÌý
Moderator: Eliza Woloson
Speakers:
Rania Elmalky
Seanna Leath
Satang Nabaneh
Kate Schatz
Video Link:
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The Tiff About Tariffs: How Trade Tensions Affect You
Location: UMC 235
Description: Learn how tariffs, trade tensions and supply chain restructuring could affect everything from smartphone prices to grocery bills.
Moderator: Franke Wilmer
Speakers:
Rebekah Bill
Heather Hurlburt
John Skajem
Sign in to the to join the live-stream. Registration is required for this event, .Ìý
CU Art Museum Tour
Location: ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ Art Museum
Description: Guided Tours of CUAM Exhibit Space. This is first come, first served. Limited to 20 people per tour.Ìý
Crime and Punishment: A Modern Perspective on Justice
Location: UMC 235
Moderator: Rachel Fike
Speakers:
Devon Gray
Hadar Harris
Erica Lee
Louis L. Reed
Erin Siffing
Sign in to the to join the live-stream. Registration is required for this event, .Ìý
Finding Our Place in the WorldÌý
Location: UMC West BallroomÌý
Description: Creative ways to find purpose and belonging in a world of complexity, inequality and difference.
Moderator: Bettina Swigger
Speakers:
Wakanyi Hoffman
Shaniya Jarrett
Danielle SeeWalker
Seth Shafer
Video Link:
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Who is Really in Charge? A Conversation on Checks and Balances of Power
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Moderator: Paul Diduch
Speakers:
Lisa Graves
Steven Hayward
Heather Hurlburt
Ellen Weintraub
Video Link:
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Too much Temptation
Location: UMC East BallroomÌý
Description: How do we set limits with easy access to social media, recreational drugs and online gambling?
Moderator: Tamar Kodish
Speakers:
Danielle Dick
Judy Grisel
Trina Faatz
Laura Marciano
Video Link:
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Ebert Interruptus
Description: A beloved tradition of the conference, Ebert Interruptus is a four-part event showing a film along with in-depth analysis.ÌýThis year’s edition of Interruptus will feature The Wizard of Oz.Ìý
Location: Bruce Curtis Building (MCOL) W100
Moderator: Jamie Krutz
Speakers:
Josh Larsen
Thursday, April 10
X-pocalypse: The Fragility of Digital Public Spaces
Location: UMC West BallroomÌý
Description: What happens when a billionaire buys the digital town square?
Moderator: Matt Duncan
Speakers:
Chris Moody
John PloumitsakosÌý
Amir Shevat
Video Link:
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Life is a Game: Game Design as a Tool to Solve World Issues
Location: UMC 235
Description: Thinking strategically about world problems as if designing a board game.
Moderator: Alexis Halkovic
Speakers:
Joe Cirincione
Daniel Watson
Eric Zimmerman
Sign in to the to join the live-stream. Registration is required for this event, .Ìý
Facts vs. Beliefs
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Moderator: Kika Tuff
Description: Reconciling science and ideological perspectives.
Speakers:
F. Stuart (Terry) Chapin III
Karin Gronvall
Nancy Knowlton
Ty Tashiro
Video Link:
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Can We Bring Back the Truth in the (Dis)Information Age?
Location: UMC East BallroomÌý
Description: Role of social media platforms, press, government and public to fend off misinformation and disinformation.
Moderator: Vicky Sama
Speakers:
Rania Elmalky
Karin Grönvall
Jose Marichal
Louis L. Reed
Video Link:
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AI Boyfriends and Girlfriends: Love and Connection in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Moderator: Albert Hand
Speakers:
Nicole Ellison
Wakanyi Hoffman
Laura Marciano
Ty Tashiro
Video Link:
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The Tipping Point: How Much is Too Much?
Location: UMC West BallroomÌý
Description: Examining the rise in tipping culture, its economic implications and how it shapes consumer behavior and service industry dynamics.
Moderator: Frank Melville
Speakers:
Rebekah Bill
Matija Goljar
Carl QuintanillaÌý
Peter Waters
Video Link:
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Shaping Minds: Politics and Polarization in EducationÌý
Location: Boulder High SchoolÌý
Description: This panel will focus on how current politics are influencing and possibly conflicting with the educational system.
CU Art Museum Tour
Location: ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ Art Museum Ìý
Description: Guided Tours of CUAM Exhibit Space. This is first come, first served. Limited to 20 people per tour.
Office Hours with Business Experts
Location: UMC 382Ìý
Description: *CU BOULDER STUDENTS ONLY*CWA panelists and students are invited for an informal conversation on topics in the field of business.
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Speakers:Ìý
Rebekah Bill
Matija Goljar
Carl Quintanilla
Luvuyo Rani
Amir Shevat
John E. Skajem
Applied History and Contemporary Policymaking: How We Can Learn from Our Past to Improve Our Future?
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Moderator: Junie Joseph
Speakers:
Lisa Graves
Devon Gray
Steven Hayward
Kate Schatz
Video Link:
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Who Am I Without My Phone? Follow Your Heart—or Follow the Trend?
Location: Boulder High SchoolÌý
Description: This panel will explore the ways social media and our dependency on phones impact the development and perhaps the destruction of our individuality.
Speakers:
WalidÌýWalé Benyoucef
Danielle Dick
Nicole Ellison
Anita Hlazo
Jose Marichal
Luke Springer
Psychology of a Dictator
Location: UMC 235
Description: What is a dictator, what motivates them and how do they consolidate power?
Moderator: Erin Hutchinson
Speakers:
MatijaÌýGoljar
Natasha Lindstaedt
Ajume Wingo
Vicky Sama
Sign in to the to join the live-stream. Registration is required for this event, .Ìý
After the War: Post-Conflict Development and Building for the Future
Location: UMC West BallroomÌý
Description: What are the steps to end cycles of violence, poverty and war? Why is post-war rebuilding important and how does it affect geopolitics as a whole?
Moderator: Luca Scuriatti
Speakers:
Rania Elmalky
Michael English
John Heffernan
James Mittelman
Video Link:
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Music of the Sun, Moon and Stars
Location: UMC East BallroomÌý
Description: Exploring the surprising intersection between astronomy and music.
Moderator: Jan Burton
Speakers:
Eli Hans
Jean Hertzberg
Shaniya Jarrett
Seth Shafer
Video Link:
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How Do We Fix Our Electoral System?
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Description: What are solutions to create better choices, and how can we reinvent electoral choice to fix the dysfunction in our democratic process?
Moderator: Karrie Pitzer
Speakers:
Paul Diduch
Devon Gray
Ellen Weintraub
Matt Soper
Video Link:
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CWA 2025 Closing Panel: Satire as Resistance
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Description: Tribute to Molly Ivins' spirit of "Raise Hell, Fight Hard, Have Fun!" Using humor to raise awareness of complex issues and maintain sanity.
Moderator: Jon Leslie
Speakers:
Lisa Graves
John Heffernan
Kate Schatz
Video Link:
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Ebert Interruptus
Description: A beloved tradition of the conference, Ebert Interruptus is a four-part event showing a film along with in-depth analysis.ÌýThis year’s edition of Interruptus will feature The Wizard of Oz.
Location: Bruce Curtis Building (MCOL) W100
Moderator: Jamie Krutz
Speakers:
Josh Larsen
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Register for the 2025 !Ìý