What will it take for DC, and other Urban Communities to lead in climate resilience while ensuring every neighborhood shares in the prosperity of a sustainable future?

Join us for an evening of engaging, actionable insights and exploration of innovative solutions. The Power Shift Forum, co-hosted by Verizon and Johns Hopkins University's Ward Infinity Accelerator, brings together leaders, entrepreneurs, and community changemakers to reimagine a future where people and the planet thrive.

The Agenda & Speaker Highlights

5:00 – 5:30 PM | Networking & Immersion Experience
Enjoy sustainable appetizers while exploring Verizon's interactive tech showcases. Engage with exhibits like a dynamic city projection model and partner-led demonstrations tackling urban resilience challenges.

5:30 – 5:55 PM | Welcome & Provocation

Welcome Remarks: Al J. Browne (JHUM Ward Infinity)
Opening Provocation: Mario Acost Velez - (Verizon) calls for innovative tech-driven solutions to build resilient, equitable cities.

5:55 – 6:30 PM | Fireside Exchange
Theme: Social Innovation, Sustainability, Resilience—Where Should We Invest First?

Moderator: Dan Barker (Halcyon House CEO).
Panelist: Justina Nixon-Saintil (IBM)
Panelist: Activist TBC
A lively discussion exploring investment priorities with actionable insights to empower communities.

6:30 – 7:45 PM | The Action Lab Forum
Facilitator: Dr. Barbara "Bobbi" Kurshan

Part 1: Themed roundtables brainstorm solutions for challenges like urban heat islands, energy equity, and food systems.
Part 2: Table leaders pitch ideas to a panel featuring:
Dr. Jean Accius (Creating Healthier Communities)
Dr. Marie Studer (JH Institute for Planetary Health)
Jr Hines (Founder of EightFold Farm & Ward Infinity Fellow)
Dr. Dom Carter (Global STEM Solutions, Former Assistant Director for Agricultural Sciences, Innovation and Workforce for the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy)
Marissa McInnis (Verizon Sustainability)

Demonstration of Johns Hopkins Institute for Planetary Health Project - Seydina Fall

7:45 – 8:00 PM | The Charge & Call-to-Action & Wrap

Facilitator: Al J. Browne & Dr. Barbra "Bobbi" Kurshan
The Reveal:

o Live AI Forum Report: Using Stanford's Storm Genie Ai to draft key takeaways.

o Storm AI live produces: "Rising Ideas."

The Power Shift Forum: Energizing Community Action for a Sustainable Future