> > > >

2016 NASW National Conference Keynote Speakers

events-2016-national-conference-speakers-header

The 2016 NASW National Conference features a stellar cast of world-renowned speakers, all eager to share their knowledge and insight to inspire and to help others get through challenges they’ve already overcome.

Soledad O’Brien

Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist, correspondent and author, Soledad O’Brien brings wider exposure to some of the most important issues and stories in the world through her coverage of breaking news, critically acclaimed documentaries and empowering initiatives. Her critically acclaimed documentary series, Black in America and Latino in America are among CNN’s most successful domestic and international franchises. O’Brien is also a special correspondent for Al Jazeera’s flagship show, America Tonight and a correspondent for HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.

An authentic, engaging speaker, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at her work and inspiring, empowering narratives about the importance of making a difference and her commitment to exploring and uncovering the most important issues and stories in the world.

Watch her TED talk, Why Would You Put a Baby Behind Bars?

Wes Moore

Wes Moore is an Army combat veteran, acclaimed author, Rhodes Scholar and the founder and CEO of BridgeEDU. His most recent book, The Work, debuted at No. 15 on the New York Times Best Seller List, was received as a model for how we can weave valuable lessons together from supremely different people in order to forge individual paths to triumph.

Moore entrances audiences with his infectious zest for life. He has a rare ability to enthrall, inspire and engage, and captivate.

Watch his TED talk, How to talk to veterans about the war

Nancy Lublin

Nancy Lublin is a social entrepreneur who harnesses people, technology, and data to change the world. At 23, she turned a $5,000 inheritance into Dress for Success, a nonprofit that today provides interview suits and career development training to women in more than 140 cities in 20 countries.

In 2003, Lublin rescued Do Something from the edge of collapse in 2003 and transformed it into the largest youth organization in the world, with 3.6 million active members — more than the Boy Scouts — and a $24 million budget by 2014.

In 2013, Lublin launched Crisis Text Line in 2013, the world’s first 24/7, free, nationwide-text line for people in need. Using the data from over 11 million texts received, Crisis Text Line tracks when and where issues occur -- empowering educators, counselors, policymakers, and citizens to help prevent future crises from happening. Lublin plans to expand Crisis Text Line internationally.

Watch her TED talk, How Data from a Crisis Text Line is Saving Lives

U.S. Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema

U.S. Congresswoman Sinema serves Arizona’s Ninth Congressional District and is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services, and a social worker.

Named third most bipartisan member of the House of Representatives and the most bipartisan Democrat in the new 2015 Bipartisan Index, U.S. Chamber Spirit of Enterprise Award Recipient (2016), and Friend of the National Parks Award Recipient (2015).

Learn more about Congresswoman Sinema

Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert A. McDonald

As the eighth Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), Secretary McDonald has led VA in its journey to be a world-class service provider, giving veterans consistent, high-quality experiences. That undertaking began with reinforcing the importance of VA’s mission to care for those “who shall have borne the battle,” their families, and their survivors, and re-emphasizing VA’s commitment to its values of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence (I-CARE).

An Army veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, Captain McDonald was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, numerous leadership awards and honorary degrees, including the Public Service Star by the President of the Republic of Singapore. Prior to joining VA, Secretary McDonald was Chairman, President, and CEO of Procter & Gamble.

Opening Presentation Performer

Kai Kight

Kai Kight is a classical violinist and composer whose mesmerizing performances inspire people to compose unique ideas in a world that celebrates conformity. A New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Army combat veteran, and former White House fellow, Kai is on a mission to spark a global mindset shift in which ingenuity is the norm, not the exception.

A graduate of Stanford University’s design and engineering program, a Mayfield Fellow and Kleiner Perkins Design Fellow, Kai has performed his original music in venues across the world, from the White House to the Great Wall of China. His clients include The Walt Disney Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the Seattle Seahawks.

Read about Kai Kight's performance at the NASW 2016 National Conference
Watch Kai Kight's TEDx talks Composing Your World and RE:CREATE

"
Our greatest value is not in us as individuals, but our collective mindset.
Kai Kight

"
Social change isn’t something you should do just to help pad a resume. Follow your passion.
Nancy Lublin

“
Step out of the space you’re in. Use fear to grow. We can change lives, starting with our own.
Soledad O’Brien

“
When it's time for you to leave this school, leave your job, or even leave this earth, you make sure you have worked hard to make sure it mattered you were even here.
Wes Moore