The closing plenary will explore the role that early inspiration can play in turning into a lifetime of commitment, action and advocacy, and will highlight how future generations can continue to address the most challenging issues of our time.
CGI U 2023
Annual Meeting
March 3-5, 2023
WATCH
ON DEMAND
WHEN EARLY INSPIRATION TURNS INTO LIFELONG COMMITMENT & ACTION
ON DEMAND
BUILDING A MORE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY AT WORK
ON DEMAND
Community Town Hall
ON DEMAND
STUDENTS TAKING ACTION TOGETHER
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About
Founded by President Bill Clinton in 2007, the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) is a community of students who are taking action together on pressing challenges facing their campuses, communities, and the world. The 15th CGI U Annual Meeting at Vanderbilt University will bring together aspiring leaders and global experts in business, public service, and social impact to develop innovative solutions to global challenges. See the agenda
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Speakers
Alec J Calac
Public Health MD/PhD Candidate, UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science
President Bill Clinton
Founder and Board Chair, Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States
Kevin Kwok
Board Member & Founding Team – Chief Sustainability Officer & ESG Advisor, OMAO Brands
Georgina Pazcoguin
The Rogue Ballerina, Author, Disrupter, Soloist Ballerina with the New York City Ballet, co founder Final Bow For Yellowface / Gold Standard Arts
Belinda ‘Otukolo Saltiban
Associate Vice Chancellor of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Vanderbilt University
Dr. Victoria DeFrancesco Soto
Dean, Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas
Councilwoman Zulfat Suara
Councilmember at Large, Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County
Agenda
Student Networking Reception
A unique opportunity for CGI U students and CGI U alumni to meet and share ideas with each other. Different parts of the space will be designated to specific project areas so that participants can introduce themselves to other participants who share their interests and work.
STUDENTS TAKING ACTION TOGETHER
From climate injustice to the war in Ukraine to limitations on reproductive rights, it appears as if the world is literally and figuratively on fire. Yet for emerging leaders and entrepreneurs driven by the desire to build more inclusive and equitable communities, this moment teaches one of the greatest lessons in social innovation, advocacy and civic engagement – that times of crises spark the agency to act. Taking action in challenging times often requires a new mindset of seeing, thinking, and responding. In this session, panelists will share how challenges can serve as a catalyst for transformation, and how they have moved forward in the midst of setbacks and uncertainty.
Speakers
- Pete Buttigieg U.S. Secretary of Transportation View bio
- President Bill Clinton Founder and Board Chair, Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States View bio
- Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton Former U.S. Secretary of State View bio
- Chelsea Clinton, DPHIL, MPH Vice Chair, Clinton Foundation View bio
- Daniel Diermeier Chancellor, Vanderbilt University View bio
- Olivia Julianna Director of Politics & Government Affairs, Gen-Z For Change View bio
- Georgina Pazcoguin The Rogue Ballerina, Author, Disrupter, Soloist Ballerina with the New York City Ballet, co founder Final Bow For Yellowface / Gold Standard Arts View bio
- Jordan Reeves Co-Founder, Design With Us View bio
- Sukhmeet Singh Sachal CGI U '21, Medical Student, Social Entrepreneur, Health Activist View bio
Agenda
Community Town Hall
A popular format in CGI U’s virtual 2022 Annual Meeting, this in-person Town Hall forum with President Clinton, Secretary Clinton and Chelsea will be an opportunity for students to connect and ask questions related to their Commitments to Action and academic and professional careers.
Speakers
- Ragina Arrington Chief Executive Officer, Clinton Global Initiative University View bio
- President Bill Clinton Founder and Board Chair, Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States View bio
- Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton Former U.S. Secretary of State View bio
- Chelsea Clinton, DPhil, MPH Vice Chair, Clinton Foundation View bio
Expanding Opportunities for Alternative Education
Afghanistan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Syria – the list continues to grow as examples of countries who have been marred by conflict, poverty, and humanitarian catastrophes. Children and youth have experienced the brunt of this; and as a result, miss either part or all of their primary education when life is disrupted. UNESCO’s recent Global Education Monitoring Report, Inclusion and Education: All Means All, notes that nearly 258 million children and youth in 40% of the world’s poorest nations have been entirely excluded from education, with conflict and poverty as the main obstacles to access. As a result of such conflicts, thousands of schools have been destroyed and re-purposed for non-educational purposes; teachers have disappeared, leaving these children and youth without classroom leaders. Alternative education options are becoming increasingly paramount in emergency and post-conflict situations.
Critical questions include: How can social entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and other key stakeholders create viable education options in post-conflict reconstruction and pave the way for innovation in basic education? How can measures be established to support the safety of schools and schoolchildren while providing adequate support to affected persons? What are the most useful examples of community-based education for those in the most crisis-affected areas?
The Race Towards Climate Justice
From extreme temperatures to devastating floods, the climate crisis has disproportionately impacted millions of people’s lives in low-income countries and low-income citizens of higher wealth countries. Those who make the least contribution to global warming are the most affected – a significant ‘climate injustice’ issue. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s recent report flags that the 10 most food-insecure countries in the world generate less than half a ton of CO2 per person, i.e., they generate only 0.08% of total global CO2. While the world’s richest countries tap into resources that can address such devastating effects, poorer nations struggle to receive financial assistance to cope. Young people have emerged as vocal advocates for global action on the climate crisis yet face climate anxiety and potential burnout while fighting for change long-term.
Critical questions include: How can young people, governments, civil society and businesses work together to amplify climate justice in communities most impacted by climate change? How can we help countries cope with the crisis they did not create?
Protecting the Rights of Girls and Women During Conflict and Uncertainty
In dozens of countries around the world, millions of people face a never-ending cycle of human rights violations, perpetual violence, and political instability; in the developed world, citizens face discriminatory barriers that lack a cohesive approach. Not one single society is immune from the violation of human rights, yet its impact disproportionately impacts girls and women.
Critical questions include: How can the issues that particularly affect women and girls, including the blocks that hinder women’s social, economic and political participation be addressed as emerging leaders work to promote human rights, conflict management, and post-conflict peace?
Paving the Way for Economic Recovery During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Low-income regions have plunged into increased extreme poverty vulnerability as a result of the pandemic. The combined impact on economic growth and inequality has led to an increase in global poverty of more than 100 million people in 2020 alone. A recent International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook report indicated that the global economy is projected to recover in the next two years with an anticipated GDP growth of 4.4%, yet this projected growth is not expected to be shared equally across countries or industries. Reductions of GDP, coupled with high levels of unemployment and income inequality, impact economic recovery in developing countries.
Critical questions include: How can entrepreneurs, nonprofits, governments and financial institutions work together throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in a way that is both sustainable and equitable across countries and sectors?
Expanding Reach Through Technology
Beyond a quick press release or an article in the school newspaper, what are some creative ways to raise the profile of the work done by CGI U members? How can the internet expand community engagement and participation with CGI U commitments? This session will explore a range of technologies and how they can be leveraged for marketing and media campaigns, digital storytelling and organizing strategies.
Speakers
- Joel Bervell Social Media Medical Educator/Medical Student, Washington State University View bio
- Larissa May Founder and Executive Director, #HalfTheStory View bio
- Rachael Perrotta Editor-in-Chief, The Vanderbilt Hustler View bio
- Oscar Romero Chief Information Officer, NYC Civic Engagement Commission View bio
Office Hours
Office hours is an opportunity for small groups of students to directly connect and interact with a topic expert. Speakers share insights, advice, anecdotes, and stories about their own careers and journeys, and student attendees have the opportunity to ask questions to help guide them in developing their social impact projects.
Speakers
- Grant Bennett Diversity Strategist, Google View bio
- Alec J Calac Public Health MD/PhD Candidate, UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science View bio
- Pashtana Dorani Executive Director, LEARN Afghanistan View bio
- Danielle De La Fuente Founder and CEO, Amal Alliance View bio
- Spencer Gudewill Co-Founder & CEO, Strong Haulers View bio
- Dr. Mike Hemphill Director of Leadership Development, Clinton Foundation View bio
- D. LANCE KING Chief Development Officer View bio
- Kevin Kwok Board Member & Founding Team – Chief Sustainability Officer & ESG Advisor, OMAO Brands View bio
- Larissa May Founder and Executive Director, #HalfTheStory View bio
- Jacob Mchangama Executive Director, The Future of Free Speech View bio
- Dr. Samia Nawaz Physician, CEO/Founder of MINDHIVE, CGI U Consultant View bio
- Dr. Victoria DeFrancesco Soto Dean, Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas View bio
- Shreyaa Venkat Founder and CEO, NEST4US View bio
- Cynthia Williams Chief Sustainability Officer, Ford Motor Company View bio
CGI U Story Studio
A curated speaker experience where students will have the opportunity to learn innovative ways to create community through conversation. Building on President Clinton’s storytelling legacy, CGI U Story Studio is an informal and relaxed space where students can hear inspirational stories from trailblazers and innovators at the front lines of our biggest common challenges. Participants include: Samar Ali, President and CEO, Millions of Conversations; Zahra Biabani, Author and Climate Activist, In the Loop; Karen Hayes, Film Producer and Director, Ubuntu Motion Pictures; Zulfat Suara, Councilmember at Large, Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County; and Pamela L Tom, Producer, Ubuntu Motion Pictures.
Speakers
- Samar Ali President and CEO, Millions of Conversations View bio
- Zahra Biabani Author, Climate Activist, In the Loop View bio
- Karen Hayes Film Producer / Director, Ubuntu Motion Pictures View bio
- Mx. Tiki Inacay Posey Reserve Mentor, InaCom View bio
- Councilwoman Zulfat Suara Councilmember at Large, Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County View bio
- Pamela L Tom Producer, Ubuntu Motion Pictures View bio
BUILDING A MORE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY AT WORK
Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. How can student leaders and entrepreneurs not only prepare themselves to meet the needs of an evolving workforce but also increase pathways of opportunity for all? In this two-part session, panelists will explore how students, as upcoming prospective employees, can collectively build more inclusive workforces, and the role of technology in building a more inclusive community at work.
Speakers
- Melissa Bradley Managing Partner, 1863 Ventures View bio
- Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton Former U.S. Secretary of State View bio
- Chelsea Clinton, DPHIL, MPH Vice Chair, Clinton Foundation View bio
- Diego Mariscal CEO and Founder, 2Gether-International View bio
- Ai-jen Poo President, National Domestic Workers Alliance View bio
- Elissa Russell CGI U ‘20, Founder and CEO, READI View bio
- Reshma Saujani Founder and CEO, Moms First View bio
- Kaakpema “KP” Yelpaala, MPH Chief Impact Officer, Health Equity Moonshot, StartUp Health View bio
Step One: Planning & Organizing For Your Big Idea
How can CGI U students design thoughtful and impactful projects as they set out to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges? Participants in this session will learn to approach commitment design through a community-driven and constituent-informed lens focusing on ideation, solutions engineering, and learning and refinement. This session is intended for students interested in mastering critical design practices prior to embarking on project implementation.
Fundraising For Your Big Idea
How can CGI U students best access and leverage the funding opportunities and resources available to them? Participants will learn to navigate traditional, grant-based funding streams as well as maximize the benefits of online fundraising tools, social media, and other digital marketing platforms. This session is intended for students who want to hone their skills in pitch-making and establish enduring connections with potential funders.
Creating and Fostering an Inclusive Team
Limited team and organizational capacity can significantly reduce the ability of CGI U participants to carry out their commitments and bring them to scale. A diverse and inclusive team is more innovative and productive. This session will introduce strategies for recruiting, managing and building an inclusive team. In addition, the session will examine how students can leverage team member strengths and increase cultural competencies in developing a team and identifying and securing partnerships with a wide range of campus and community partners.
Speakers
- Grant Bennett Diversity Strategist, Google View bio
- Melissa Diamond Founder, A Global Voice for Autism View bio
- Ryan Ubuntu Olson Global Manager-Diversity, Equity, Engagement & Inclusion, DAI View bio
- Belinda ‘Otukolo Saltiban Associate Vice Chancellor of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Vanderbilt University View bio
Juggling Commitments & Resilience Building
Led and facilitated by a CGI U alumnus, this juggling workshop will give you the tools you need to develop a growth mindset for learning new skills. You can leverage these skills to support and sustain your passions and Commitments to Action. This workshop will also explore practical techniques for building resilience, finding the courage to act, and staying motivated to best serve your communities.
Speakers
- Ben Conard Chief of Staff, Fair Trade USA View bio
Equitable, Accessible, and Flexible: Tomorrow’s Healthcare
The past few years alone have exposed the limitations and inequities of global public health systems. While these health inequities have existed for decades in vulnerable communities worldwide, this has been magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic and is ongoing. The rise of global pandemics and the spread of communicable diseases has necessitated the need for the global community to come together to re-energize depleted public health systems, but its speed and scale is inconsistent, specifically in vulnerable communities where change is needed the most. Young people are prioritizing social justice to be at the forefront of health care response and preparedness, and are creating an infrastructure that is not only accessible, but also resilient and flexible. They are leading innovative efforts to create new healthcare models, such as leveraging mobile technology to increase healthcare accessibility and providing telemedicine in hard-to-reach places.
Critical questions include: How can we build on these efforts and continue to expand and improve access in communities that are impacted the hardest? How can the wide array of stakeholders, from healthcare companies and startups to local non-profits, support community resilience and meet the needs of vulnerable communities?
Speakers
- Andrew Aboujaoude Founder and President, Hearts for the Homeless International View bio
- Chelsea Clinton, DPHIL, MPH Vice Chair, Clinton Foundation View bio
- Michelle Morse, MD, MPH Chief Medical Officer & Deputy Commissioner, NYC View bio
- Love Odetola PhD Candidate, University of North Carolina Greensboro View bio
WHEN EARLY INSPIRATION TURNS INTO LIFELONG COMMITMENT & ACTION
The closing plenary will explore the role that early inspiration can play in turning into a lifetime of commitment, action and advocacy, and will highlight how future generations can continue to address the most challenging issues of our time.
Exchange Fair
An exhibit where students and sponsors showcase their Commitments to Action and organizations. This exhibition is an ideal opportunity to learn about commitments, explore partnerships, and network with other participants.
Agenda
Day of Action
CGI U will bring together students, alumni, and other volunteers for a Day of Action — an opportunity to mobilize and provide meaningful community service on and off the Vanderbilt campus. Through partnership with Hands On Nashville, the CGI U community will provide food to families with Second Harvest Food Bank, prepare flashcards and school supplies for students with PENCIL, and clear land for an upcoming cultural center with the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee.
