2025 Schedule
Ìý
2025
Monday, April 7
Ìý
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
Speakers:
Josh Larsen
Opening Keynote | Cynthia ErivoÌý
Ìý
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. Tickets are required for this event. Can’t attend? Please return your ticket on Eventbrite so someone on the waitlist can take your spot. More infoÌý.Ìý
The waitlist is currently full. We encourage individuals interested to check back regularly to see if spots open up.
Ìý
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.
Speakers:
Cinnamon L. Bidwell
Danielle Dick
Judy Grisel
Ty Tashiro
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?
Speakers:
Natasha Lindstaedt
John Skajem
Hadar Harris
Ben Teitelbaum
Education and Opportunity: Designing Sustainable and Inclusive Futures
Location: UMC East BallroomÌý
Speakers:
Deborah Fraizer
Shaniya Jarrett
Luke Springer
Eric Zimmerman
Shadow Forces: The Impact of Terror, Violence and Non-State Actors in the Global System
Location: UMC East Ballroom
Speakers:
Michael English
Laura Harder
Srdja Popovic
Marcela Prieto
Daniel Watson
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.
Speakers:
Rebekah Bill
Paul Misener
Carl Quintanilla
Luvuyo Rani
The Freedom to Read: Navigating Book Bans, Libraries and Censorship
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Speakers:
Nicole Ellison
David Farnand
Karin Grönvall
Danielle SeeWalker
"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
Speakers:
Eli Hans
Levi Frazier
Ìý
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
Speakers:
Ian Marcus Corbin
Lisa Graves
Devon Gray
Heather Hurlburt
Manny Rutinel
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.
Speakers:Ìý
Patrick Deneen
Hadley Manning
Cinamon Watson
Storytelling Performance
Location: UMC West BallroomÌý
Speakers:Ìý
Kevin Kling
Laura DealÌý
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.
Speakers:
John Heffernan
Luvuyo Rani
Amir Shevat
John Skajem
Journalists and AI: Friends or Foes?
Location: UMC 235Ìý
Description: Journalists are using AI in the newsroom, but are also feeling threatened by it.
Speakers:
David W. Brown
Jessica Herzberg
Jose Marichal
Carl Quintanilla
Cyber Battlegrounds
Location: UMC West BallroomÌý
Description: Cyber espionage, cyber security and their impact on economies, governments and international affairs.
Speaker:
Laura Harder
Paul Misener
Ellen Weintraub
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.
Speaker:
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?
Speakers:
F. Stuart (Terry) Chapin III
Nancy Knowlton
Ted Schmitt
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.
Speakers:
Matija Goljar
Heather Hurlburt
Eric Rubin
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
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.
Speakers:
John Heffernan
Jose Marichal
Srdja Popovic
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.
Speakers:Ìý
Matija Goljar
Ciara Lucas
Carl QuintanillaÌý
John Skajem
Beyond Earth: The Future of Humanity in Space
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
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
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.
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.
Speakers:
Wakanyi Hoffman
Seanna Leath
Laura Marciano
Luke Springer
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?
Speakers:
Joe Cirincione
Natasha Lindstaet
Jim Mittelman
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.
Speakers:
David Farnand
Satang Nabaneh
Louis L. Reed
Kate Schatz
The CWA Celebration of Short Films!Ìý
Location: UMC East BallroomÌý
Description: A panel-length presentation of compelling, entertaining and powerful short films!
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.
Speaker:
Lisa Graves
William Trachman
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
Speaker:
David Adelman
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
Ìý
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.
Speakers:Ìý
Joseph Bennett
Matija Goljar
Kevin Kling
Eric Zimmerman
Star Wars or Star Peace?
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Description: Will the geopolitics of outer space create collaboration or competition in the cosmic frontier?
Speakers:
Joe Cirincione
Laura Harder
Daniel Porras
Empowering Voices: A New Era for Women's Rights and Gender Equality
Location: UMC West BallroomÌý
Speakers:
Rania Elmalky
Seanna Leath
Satang Nabaneh
Kate Schatz
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.
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
Speakers:
Devon Gray
Hadar Harris
Erica Lee
Louis L. Reed
Erin Siffing
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.
Speakers:
Wakanyi Hoffman
Shaniya Jarrett
Danielle SeeWalker
Seth Shafer
Who is Really in Charge? A Conversation on Checks and Balances of Power
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Speakers:
Lisa Graves
Steven Hayward
Heather Hurlburt
Ellen Weintraub
Too much Temptation
Location: UMC East BallroomÌý
Description: How do we set limits with easy access to social media, recreational drugs and online gambling?
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
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?
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.
Facts vs. Beliefs
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Description: Reconciling science and ideological perspectives.
Speakers:
F. Stuart (Terry) Chapin III
Karin Gronvall
Nancy Knowlton
Ty Tashiro
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.
Speakers:
Rania Elmalky
Karin Grönvall
Jose Marichal
Louis L. Reed
AI Boyfriends and Girlfriends: Love and Connection in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Location: UMC Center BallroomÌý
Speakers:
Nicole Ellison
Wakanyi Hoffman
Laura Marciano
Ty Tashiro
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.
Speakers:
Rebekah Bill
Matija Goljar
Carl QuintanillaÌý
Peter Waters
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.
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
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?
Speakers:
Hadar Harris
Natasha Lindstaedt
Srdja Popovic
Ajume Wingo
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?
Speakers:
Rania Elmalky
Michael English
John Heffernan
James Mittelman
Music of the Sun, Moon and Stars
Location: UMC East BallroomÌý
Description: Exploring the surprising intersection between astronomy and music.
Speakers:
Eli Hans
Jean Hertzberg
Shaniya Jarrett
Seth Shafer
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?
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.
Speakers:
Lisa Graves
Srdja Popvic
Kate Schatz
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
Speakers:
Josh Larsen
Ìý
Register for the 2025 !Ìý