Theme: Hardwired for Humanity

Embracing our humanity has become increasingly difficult in the digital era. One of the greatest challenges facing the 21st century is figuring out what it means to be human as we continue to face sophisticated technological developments that do not inherently have value or meaning. It is up to humanity to determine what we value, think, and prioritize and then foster a healthy relationship with technology that promotes human thriving. In other words, technology must be hardwired for humanity and in order to do that, we must determine what actually makes us human.

Hobart High School
2211 East 10th Street
Hobart, Indiana, 46342
United States

Abigale Haluska

Student

Abigale is a junior at Hobart High School. Over the years, she has developed a strong passion for engineering and mathematics, in which she dedicates countless hours of her time to expanding her knowledge in both subjects. She is a member of both the soccer team and the track and field team, as well as Quiz Bowl, National Honor Society, the Grand Prix Kart Club, and more. When Abigale is not at the school for classes, clubs, or sports, she enjoys concerts, photography, and reading. She is incredibly passionate about the future of artificial intelligence and hopes to inspire others to become more conscious about the world of technology.

Cassandra Anderson

Radio/Podcast "Let's Go There With Sassy C & Tia

Cassandra Anderson is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana. She attended Spelman College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She then continued to Georgia State University, where she received a master’s degree in Sports Management, and Indiana Wesleyan University, where she earned a master’s degree in Management with a concentration in Human Resources & a Professional Coaching certification. She has spent over a decade working in the nonprofit sector-more recently known for her work as an Adjunct Instructor at Ivy Tech Community College and Community Engagement Manager, K-12 Advocacy with UNCF. Earlier this year, she launched her second radio show/podcast entitled "Let’s Go there With Sassy C & Tia".

Levi Gardner

Urban Roots | Founder & Executive Director

Originally from California, Levi’s family relocated to Michigan when he was growing up. As a student of living things, Levi has an M.S. in Community Sustainability and Ecological Food and Farming Systems, experience in bio intensive and organic growing, and is a certified Permaculture Designer. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Urban Roots, a community farm, market, and education center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He loves teaching and gives frequent class and lectures on food systems, agroecology, and the pedagogy of place. In partnership with local educators and community partners, he has worked to elevate the dialogue around education, agriculture, and place-making. In addition to his work, he loves being outdoors, cooking, creating music, and spending time with his family.

Lori Desautels

Assistant Professor Butler University's College of Education

Dr. Lori Desautels, has been an Assistant Professor at Butler University since 2016 where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education. Lori was also an Assistant Professor at Marian University in Indianapolis for 8 years where she founded the Educational Neuroscience Symposium. Dr. Desautels’ passion is engaging her students through neuroscience as it applies to education by integrating Mind Brain Teaching, learning principles and strategies into her coursework at Butler. The Applied Educational Neuroscience Certificate, created by Lori in 2016, is specifically designed to meet the needs of educators, counselors, and administrators who work beside children and adolescents who have, and are, experiencing adversity and trauma.

Matthew Wells

Executive Director of Career Management PNW College of Business

The global labor market is changing...rapidly. Advances in automation technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in developed economies are shifting the landscape of labor toward functions that require a great deal of adaptability and emotion/relational intelligence, in addition to the specialized knowledge (“hard skills”) that have traditionally been the primary determinants of success in different industries. The question to explore: how do humans continue to fine - and succeed at - meaningful work in this period of technological revolution that promises to displace a high percentage of careers previously considered “safe”?

Tim Elmore

Millennial Expert & Generation Z Expert

Dr. Tim Elmore, President and Founder of Growing Leaders, is a best-selling author and international speaker. A world-renowned expert on Generation Y and Generation Z, Dr. Elmore uses his knowledge to equip educators, coaches, leaders, parents, and other adults to impart practical life and leadership skills to young adults that will help them navigate through life.