2025 Schedule
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2025
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
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. Tickets are required for this event.Ìý
The waitlist is currently full. We encourage individuals interested to check back regularly to see if spots open up.
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
Business of Beauty: Insecurities for Him & Her
Description: The cost of keeping up with appearances in the 21st century.
Location: UMC WestÌý
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
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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
Speakers:
Marcus Ian Corbin
Lisa Graves
Devon Gray
Heather Hurlburt
Matt Soper
Office Hours with Science & Tech Experts
Location: UMC 415
Description: ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ 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: ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ 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
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Storytelling PerformanceÌý
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
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Journalists and AI: Friends or Foes?
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:
Namrata Goswami
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
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
Rep. Lesley SmithÌý
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: ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ Students Only. CWA panelists and students are invited for an information conversation on topics in the arts.
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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
AG Weiser
William Trachman
Office Hours with International Affairs Experts
Location: UMC 382
Description: ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ 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
Alexander Verbeek
Center for Leadership: In Conversation with David Adelman
Location: UMC 235
Speaker:
David Adelman
Office Hours with Politics & Media ExpertsÌý
Location: UMC 384
Description: ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ 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.
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: ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ 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:
Wisdom Cole
Devon Gray
Louis L. Reed
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:
Anita Hlazo
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
AG Weiser
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: ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ 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 information conversation on topics in the field of business.
Speakers:Ìý
Rebekah Bill
Matija Goljar
Jessica Herzberg
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:
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?
Speakers:
Wisdom Cole
Devon Gray
Ellen Weintraub
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
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Register for the 2025 !Ìý