Topic: inclusion

Geoffrey Castle aims to shatter people’s preconceived notions of what is possible on a violin. With a strong interest in community outreach, Castle is thrilled to give back through performances at schools from kindergarten to college. When playing for schools, Castle loves inspiring kids— first to pick up a stringed instrument, and then to learn […]

The results from taxpayer-funded, scientific research are often locked behind a paywall. Jennifer Hansen, a senior officer in Knowledge and Research at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, says the cost of accessing that data is too high. Limiting access to the research results in social inequity and puts human lives at risk. She argues […]

What started as a place to sing became a refuge. Founded by Erin Guinup, just as the U.S. was closing its borders to citizens from select countries, the Tacoma Refugee Choir was determined to turn its musical practice into a celebration of human connection by welcoming voices from around the world. The Choir has created […]

Using a combination of live performance and their viral-sensation video of the protest dance “Hell You Talmbout”, these Northwest Tap Connection students work to heighten awareness about black individuals killed by police.  Movement is power and these young people have the power to move us all.

RedWolf Pope brings us a lesson in courage from Standing Rock. This Native American of Shoshone and Tlingit origin, tribal attorney, and tech entrepreneur served as the liaison between the Elders, Veterans, and the legal team at the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. RedWolf joins us on stage to connect his tribal heritage and his experience […]

Patty Haven Fleischmann is successfully combating child trafficking in Seattle and catalyzing similar nationwide efforts. As a therapist, child of a Holocaust survivor, and “kid advocate,” Fleischmann uses her ability to hold two opposing truths to attract a diverse and committed community and disrupt a seemingly insurmountable problem. Launching a Seattle-based non-profit which has raised […]

Architects Rex Hohlbein and Jenn LaFrenier ask us to consider “Yes in my backyard” as an answer to homelessness. This father-daughter duo has an idea: let’s reimagine our personal space by inviting homeless residents to move into beautifully designed, off-grid, homes built in residential backyards. Called “The Block Project” these tiny homes — built with […]

Steve Davis is working to bring an extraordinary vision to reality—the global elimination of some of the world’s most deadly and debilitating diseases. Davis is the president and CEO of PATH, a 40-year-old, Seattle-based, global health-focused, non-governmental organization which works on vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, devices, and system/service innovations. In this talk, Davis lays out the […]

As Vice President of Marketing for Boeing, Fariba Alamdari is the picture of success. But the hurdles to achieve this have been many: being raised in a culture that prizes males, being an Iranian in Western society, and one of few women in the aerospace field. Despite the naysayers, Alamdari has continued to believe that […]