ASU+GSV Summit Sessions

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Aislynn Fait and Ruby Savala, two student roadtrippers from Roadtrip Nation’s upcoming documentary Rethinking Higher Ed, moderated by Justin Draeger, SVP of Affordability at the Strada Education Foundation.The session explored the real-life journeys of young people questioning traditional pathways to success and examining whether college is still the golden ticket—or if alternative routes can offer equal or greater value. Through behind-the-scenes stories and reflections from the road, panelists shared what they learned about the evolving role of postsecondary education, the power of near-peer inspiration, and the importance of broadening our definitions of success. The conversation provided an exclusive preview of the documentary and powerful insights into how we can better support students as they navigate the complex decisions that shape their futures.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Shannon King, Chief Learning Officer at Battelle for Kids, and Sari Factor, Vice Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer at Imagine Learning.The speakers explored the Portrait of a Graduate—a transformative framework designed to define what success looks like for today’s students. They discussed how this vision can unite communities, shape educational priorities, and promote deeper learning. The conversation highlighted how leveraging the Portrait of a Graduate alongside High Quality Instructional Materials can lead to more meaningful learning experiences and better prepare students for a rapidly evolving world.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Nivine Megahed, President at National Louis University, and Aimée Eubanks Davis, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Braven.The session addressed the persistent opportunity gap facing low-income and first-generation college students, noting that only about 30% of the 1.4 million students in this group who enroll in college each year go on to graduate and secure a strong first job or pursue graduate studies. The speakers highlighted a powerful collaboration between National Louis University, Braven, and local employers in Chicago as a model for closing this gap. Through innovative partnerships, the initiative equips college students with the critical skills and professional networks needed to thrive post-graduation and achieve the American Dream.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Kenny Green, CPA and author of Faith.Finance.Purpose, in conversation with Dr. Mahalia Hines, educator, retired principal, and board president of the Common Ground Foundation.The session explored Green’s five foundational principles—Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership, and Legacy—as the cornerstones of building both personal fulfillment and lasting financial stability. Through practical advice and powerful storytelling, Green shared how small, consistent financial habits—like saving just $5 a day—can lead to long-term wealth, and how mindset and purpose drive meaningful success. Attendees walked away with clear strategies to align their financial goals with their values, no matter their stage of life.

Maureen Dunne, CEO and bestselling author of The Neurodiversity Edge, shares her insights on leveraging neurodivergent talent for innovation. She discusses the importance of transforming traditional hiring practices to recognize unique strengths of individuals with conditions like autism and ADHD. Dunne emphasizes the need for truly inclusive cultures that prioritize skills over conformity, and highlights how neurodiversity can drive collaboration in AI. Attendees gain practical strategies to foster neuro-inclusivity and unlock the potential of diverse teams.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Dr. Angela Jackson, CEO of Future Forward Institute, in conversation with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Executive Director of Craft Education.The session explored Dr. Jackson’s groundbreaking research on 1,200+ companies, uncovering a powerful insight: organizations that prioritize employee well-being consistently outperform their peers. Dr. Jackson shared data-driven strategies for creating purpose-driven, flexible, and inclusive workplaces that unlock both individual potential and business growth.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Almi Abeyta, Superintendent of Chelsea Public Schools, and Jessica Sliwerski, Cofounder & CEO of Ignite Reading.The session explored how Chelsea Public Schools is integrating 1:1 foundational reading skills tutoring into its MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) framework to drive reading fluency and equity across student populations. Panelists shared a detailed case study, including pre- and post-tutoring data visuals, highlighting measurable reading growth among students with foundational skills gaps, IEPs, multilingual learners, and historically underrepresented groups. Attendees gained a behind-the-scenes look at program implementation, along with practical strategies for replicating this success in their own districts.

David Yeager, a developmental psychology professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of '10 to 25', shares insights on motivating young people. He discusses how subtle shifts in communication can boost learner engagement. Yeager highlights the unique challenges facing today's adolescents and stress the importance of adapting mentoring methods to connect with them. He also examines the complexities of technology's impact on mental health and the limitations of AI in fostering emotional connections that inspire motivation.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Cordell Carter, Esq., Executive Director of the Aspen Institute.The session explored the foundational role of moral ideals in shaping and sustaining a nation, focusing on three seminal American texts: the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Through these powerful documents, Carter argued that nation-states are fundamentally ideas—moral constructs that require a shared North Star to guide collective purpose. Drawing on historical context and timeless rhetoric, the conversation challenged attendees to reclaim these principles as a path forward through today’s turbulent times.

Recorded live at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Charles Griggs, Director of Community Initiatives for the City of Jacksonville; MaliVai Washington, Founder of the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation; and Dana Andrews, Past President and Advocacy Advisory Team Lead at USTA Florida.The session explored the powerful intersection of sports, education, and community programming as a catalyst for student-athlete success. Panelists discussed how cities and local organizations can collaborate to ensure sports not only cultivate athletic talent but also promote leadership, life skills, and long-term opportunity. Through real-world examples and proven strategies, the conversation emphasized how sports-based initiatives can evolve to meet today’s educational and social challenges—ensuring student-centered, community-driven impact.