Keynote Sessions

Morning Keynote

Truth Under Seige: Journalism, Freedom, and Resilience

Jason Rezaian

Student Moderators: Eloise S. ('25) and Ally F. ('25)

Jason Rezaian (MA '94) is a news journalist, well-known for his role as Terhan Bureau Chief at the Washington Post, who was accused of espionage in Iran. Raised by an Iranian father and an American mother, he and his wife Yeganeh, also a journalist, were arrested by Iranian authorities in 2014. Although Yeganeh was released after three months in solitary confinement, Jason was held in captivity for 500 days until his release in 2016. He has shared his compelling story in a book, documentary film, podcasts and public appearances world-wide---globally recognized for bringing attention to human rights violations and the risks journalists face.

Yeganeh Rezaian

Yeganeh Rezaian is an Iranian-born journalist living in Washington, D.C. She has reported on Iranian political, social, and economic issues for outlets including Bloomberg News, The National, The Washington Post and The Lily. Following her release, Yeganeh became a senior researcher at the Committee to Protect Journalists; in that role, she has highlighted the risks journalists often face in pursuit of truth. Yeganeh has also shared her experiences through various platforms, including a TEDx talk entitled "Axis of Immigration," where she discusses the complexities of immigration.

Afternoon Keynotes

Amplifying Voices:

How AI is Shaping the Future of Opportunity

Student Moderators: Declan M. ('26) & Amrik C. ('25)

AI has the power to be a great equalizer, democratizing access to tools and opportunities once out of reach. From education to small businesses, it’s driving progress and empowering people to shape the future of technology. Sarah Friar, a renowned businesswoman and current CFO of OpenAI, will join Amrik C. ’25 and Declan McD. ’26 to explore how AI is not just creating new possibilities, but redefining how we connect, express ourselves, and lead in a rapidly evolving world.

A Mother’s Voice for Social Justice: Conversation with Reverend Wanda Johnson

Student Moderators: Ella B. ('25) & Cece D. ('25)

Reverend Wanda Johnson is a prominent activist and motivational speaker widely recognized for her advocacy against police brutality and her support for grieving families. Her journey into activism began tragically when her son, Oscar Grant III, was fatally shot by a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officer in Oakland, California, on January 1, 2009, highlighting issues of police violence and serving as a catalyst for the formation of the Black Lives Matter movement. In response to her loss, Reverend Johnson established the Oscar Grant Foundation, an organization dedicated to assisting at-risk youth, supporting grieving families, and addressing social inequities. Through the foundation, she collaborates with other mothers who have lost children to police violence, collectively known as the Mothers of the Movement.

From Portraits to Sound: Art’s Role in Shaping Democracy

Student Moderator: Cade S. ('26)

Join us for an inspiring keynote session with Alex Asher Daniel- aclaimed artist, composer, music producer, and sound designer whose work has been celebrated internationally. Alex will introduce his latest project, a powerful series of large scale-portraits honoring undocumented migrant workers in California. Through his art, he sheds light on their stories, using creativity as a means to amplify the voices of those often unheard. This compelling discussion will explore the powerful role of art in advocacy and storytelling, revealing how portraits can transcend the canvas to become symbols of resilience and humanity. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a storyteller, or someone passionate about social justice, this session promises to spark inspiration. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the profound impact of art as a force for change!

Embodiment Project: An Expressive Arts Performance

Student Moderators: Lucinda S. ('27) & Annie E. ('27)

Embodiment Project is a Bay Area Performing Arts Organization that began as a street dance theater company. They honor and express Black Social Dances, hip-hop, street dance forms and other dance and arts traditions, including modern dance, choreo poetry, documentary theater, live song, and video-art to articulate and hold stories of liberation. This session promises to be an explosive fusion of the arts giving voice to justice! Founded in 2008 by former MA Dance teacher, Nicole Klaymoon, their work uplifts the narratives of Black Indigenous and People of Color, the voices of survivors of sexual violence, youth, and communities impacted by the carceral system. Join Nicole and her team in an inspring "sneak-peak" performance from their newest show, Belly Of The Whale, opening in San Francisco this April. Sponsored by Women+ in STEM, this inspiring arts performance will be followed by a talk-back discussion with the performers.

Authentic by Design: A Culinary Artist’s Creative Journey from Fashion to Food

Peter Som (MA '89), renowned fashion designer turned culinary artist, returns to Marin Academy on tour for his upcoming cookbook. From the runways of New York to kitchens across the country, Peter has built a career rooted in creativity, authenticity, and personal expression. In his new book, Family Style, Peter pays homage to his identity and heritage with more than 100 powerfully flavorful recipes for breakfasts, dinners, desserts, and more. At the heart of each recipe in Family Style are imaginative and personally unique flavor combinations. There are beloved nods to his grandma’s Cantonese flavor profiles, his mom’s deep love of French food, and nods to his Bay Area upbringing. Come meet and learn from Peter---a culinary creator, lifestyle expert, and award-winning fashion designer who has been featured in Bon Appetit, Saveur, T Magazine, Food and Wine and more---as he shares his story, creative inspirations, and delicious food that pays homage to his identity and family heritage.

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