Breakout Session Highlights

Bay Area author, naturalist, artist, and writer Obi Kaufmann knows a lot about California. His bestselling California Field Atlas series has delved into the natural and human history of the state by ecotone-- Forests, Coasts, and Deserts-- and by issue-- Water and Fire. He weaves deep knowledge of geography, natural history, art, and policy into his work, building his own advocacy and understanding as he creates beautiful books. He will join us on a wander through the grounds of Falkirk and up San Rafael Hill to look out at the Bay and think about the region and the state in terms of environmental justice, deep observation, art and poetry, and the ways connection with place cannot be underestimated as a field for engagement with democracy.

Are you curious about how past family legacies at universities shape the future of college admissions? Join us with California State Assemblyman, Phil Ting, as we dive into the world of legacy admissions---where family members' attendance at a university can be a consideration in the admissions process. Assemblyman Ting was responsible for drafting into law AB 1780 that bans legacy admissions at private universities receiving state funding. We'll explore how this tradition can impact non-legacy students, amplifying inequities in access to higher education. Together, we'll unpack the stats, analyze the political landscape, and discuss ways we, as students, can advocate for a fairer admissions process. Don’t miss this chance to learn, engage, and spark change!

Are you passionate about empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)? Come to this session and hear from Lisa Markey, the founder and executive director of People with Disabilities Succeeding, who created The Friend Zone---a compelling non-profit right next door to MA! She has dedicated her life's work to creating supportive environments that welcome people with IDD. This will be a fantastic opportunity to ask Lisa Markey questions and help bring awareness to all forms of neurodiversity!

Are you interested in exploring alternatives to incarceration for people experiencing homelessness, mental health crises, and substance use concerns? Meet Urban Planner, Robin Reid, who launched Bloomberg Associates in 2018---a philanthropic consultancy founded by former NYC Mayor, Michael Bloomberg---and who has advised mayors and stakeholders around the world on complex public development projects that aim to improve the lives of residents. She will share her creative experience planning innovative community spaces, including converting an active jail into a Diversion Center in Atlanta, Georgia; transforming a former church into a Puerto Rican cultural center in Hartford, Connecticut; designing playgrounds in Bogota, Colombia or a homeless engagement center in Fargo, North Dakota. Through thought-provoking design, images and discussion, this session will cover the policies, process, and physical design aspects that enabled these spaces to come to fruition for the betterment of the community. And the session will give you a chance to imagine and share your ideas of what you might create too.

MA Economics teacher, Dr. Jon Haveman, is widely considered to be one of California’s leading experts on the economics of seaports, goods movement, and international trade policy. Join Jon for an insightful look at his interest and work in social entrepreneurship, exploring start-up businesses that focus on products, innovations and services that address make a social impact for the better. Jon will be sharing more about what social entrepreneurship is, discussing his work with his own non-profit, Needecon.org, and offering his insights on how and why to pursue effective social entrepreneurship.