In her address to the Akron Roundtable, Feeding America President & COO Linda Nageotte will focus on food insecurity in America, sharing insights into why this problem exists so consistently – and pervasively – in every community across this nation. She’ll talk about hungers’ disparate impact on people and communities, and she’ll talk about how we can come together to end hunger in America.

As the founder and artistic director of APOLLO’S FIRE, Jeanette Sorrell has led the renowned period ensemble in sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall, the Madrid Royal Theatre, London’s BBC Proms, St Martin-in-the-Fields, and many other venues in North America and Europe. At home in Cleveland, she and Apollo’s Fire have built one of the largest audiences of any baroque orchestra in North America.

On the last day of Akron's 199th year, historian Dave Lieberth looks back at the legacies that have provided the foundation for the city's growth.

Dr. Tonya Matthews will share the rich history behind the planning and opening of the International African American Museum and some of the lessons learned along the way.

Learn how President Eva Flying’s vision for Chief Dull Knife College is inspiring not only members of her tribe but educators around the country.

Jonathan Franks, Founder and President of Lucid Public Relations, is a seasoned business adviser with a background in crisis management, public affairs, and strategic communications.

In recognition of Black Philanthropy Month, this moderated discussion with Valaida Fullwood explores common values, traditions and characteristics of philanthropy among Black Americans. Drawing on research and insights from stories composing her book "Giving Back,” Valaida will share thoughts on how community givers and doers can have greater impact and lead positive change. The talk is a prelude to Akron’s exhibition of The Soul of Philanthropy, which opens November 2025 at Akron Art Museum. Come to see philanthropy differently.

Since 2021, the landscape of collegiate athletics has been in a state of rapid transformation. One could argue that it has experienced more change in the past three years than in the previous fifty. This transformation has been marked by the introduction of NIL, which allows student-athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness.

One of the consequential materials industries of the 20th century is facing its most difficult challenge yet, as society expects plastics to provide the same level of comfort and convenience, we are used to without harming the environment when we create and dispose of them.

Dr. Jennifer Savitski will discuss the current state of abortion access, the impact of State legislation and how providers and patients across the country are adapting to this new landscape of women’s healthcare.

Joshua Darr will discuss his research showing how stronger local news can push back on polarization, make government work better, and adapt to today’s media environment.

Margaret Mitchell is a researcher focused on the ins and outs of machine learning and ethics-informed AI development in tech.