Check back for updates as additional speakers will be added soon. All times CT.
From Passenger to Explorer: Harnessing AI to Unlock Agency
Thursday, December 4, 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM CT
A moderated conversation with Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson, hosted by Morva McDonald
Rebecca Winthrop
Rebecca Winthrop is a leading global authority on education who serves as director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution and adjunct professor at Georgetown University. She is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in life, work, and as an engaged citizen. Winthrop leads cutting-edge research and initiatives aimed at transforming education systems around the world to better support children's learning and development.
A trusted advisor to both school communities and national and international organizations, er expertise is sought by many, including parent networks, schools, district education leaders, the White House, the United Nations, and Fortune 500 companies. Winthrop centers her work on developing and advocating for evidence-based strategies that bring people together—families, educators, policymakers, and companies—to help children maximize their potential.
She holds a doctorate from Columbia University’s Teachers College, a master's degree from its School of International and Public Affairs, and a bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College.
Jenny Anderson
Jenny Anderson is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker with more than 25 years of experience. Her work has appeared in some of the world’s leading publications, including The New York Times, where she was on staff for 10 years, TIME, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and Quartz.
Morva McDonald
Morva McDonald is vice president of leadership and governance at NAIS. Following a career in higher education, most recently she served as head of school at Giddens School (WA). McDonald earned her doctorate in education from Stanford University.
Close Up + NAIS Panel: AI in Education: Building the Framework for Tomorrow
Thursday, December 4, 4:00 – 5:15 PM CT
In this panel discussion moderated by Alice Siu, associate director of Stanford University's Deliberative Democracy Lab, participants will engage directly with leading experts on the future of AI policy. Focused on the transformative impact of AI on education, the workforce, and the broader economy, this event invites students to step into the role of active civic participants. Guided by Siu, the expert panel will respond to pressing questions such as how AI should be regulated in hiring practices, what role AI should play in education systems, and how economic policy should adapt to automation and algorithmic decision-making. This interactive format emphasizes the value of public reasoning in policymaking, showcasing how deliberative dialogue can inform real-world decision-making processes.
Panelists:
Christopher P. Mitchell, PhD, is the chief information security officer (CISO) for the city of Houston. Prior to his role as CISO, he was the information security officer (ISO) for the Houston Airport System. He served in the U.S. Navy as an operations specialist (surface warfare/aviation warfare). Following his military career, Mitchell worked for over 14 years as director of IT and information systems security officer at a cleared major aerospace and defense organization, where he was responsible for detecting, protecting, and responding to cyberattacks from nation states, hacktivist groups, organized criminals, and insiders.
Dorothy Lian Jiang is an assistant professor in the Decision & Information Sciences Department at the C.T. Bauer College of Business and the co-director of the Human-Centered AI Institute at the University of Houston. Her research focuses on human–AI interaction, digital platform design and strategy, and healthcare IT. Jiang has been published in leading academic journals such as MIS Quarterly, Information Systems Research (ISR), and the Journal of Operations Management (JOM). She is the recipient of the 2025 INFORMS Information Systems Society (ISS) Gordon B. Davis Young Scholar Award, the highest honor for early-career scholars in the information systems discipline. She also received the Bauer College Excellence in Research Award and the Excellence in MIS Research Award in 2024. She serves on the editorial review board of Information Systems Research (ISR). Jiang holds a Ph.D. in business administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Business, an M.S. in management information systems from Clemson University, and an M.S. in computer science from Peking University. 
Seth Fewell is an AI workforce solution specialist at Microsoft, with prior experience as technical training project manager for Microsoft EDU Surface Velocity (Ascendion), professional learning specialist at Insight2Execution, and educational technology specialist at Pearland Independent School District. He holds a Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University and a master of science in education from Purdue University. His work focuses on leveraging technology and AI to enhance learning, workforce development, and educational outcomes.
Lennart Koopman is the founder of Nzyme - Close Access Denial and private static Capital, and the creator of Graylog2, a widely used open-source machine data analytics tool. With over a decade of experience in software development, he has held roles including software architect and engineer at XING and software developer at Jimdo, where he worked on distributed systems, APIs, and web platforms. His work spans building innovative tools for startups and enterprises globally, with a focus on software design, development, and open-source solutions.
Sabba Quidwai: Your Human Advantage: Turning AI Tools into Trusted Teammates
Friday, December 5, 11:00 AM-12:15 PM CT
Futurist, author, and advisor Sabba Quidwai helps visionary leaders design human-centered systems that are technology-driven. As CEO of Designing Schools and a lecturer at the University of California, Irvine, she blends research-backed strategy with real-world application.
A former high school educator and education executive at Apple, Quidwai has been researching the future of learning and artificial intelligence (AI) since 2014. Her book and documentary, Designing Schools, explore how design thinking helps people lead through change with confidence and creativity. Quidwai believes cultures of innovation begin with cultures of empathy, where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow.
Her signature message? Innovation begins with empathy.
Through keynotes, coaching, and courses, Quidwai helps organizations build AI teams that work with humans, not around them, streamlining workflows, unlocking innovation, and building a future where leadership is both bold and deeply human.
Charles Fadel: Education for the Age of AI
Friday, December 5, 4:00-4:45 PM CT
Global education thought leader, futurist, and inventor Charles Fadel is founder and chairman of Center for Curriculum Redesign, member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) AI Experts group, and chair emeritus of the education committee of the Business and Industry Advisory Committee of the OECD. He has written best-selling books, including Education for the Age of AI, Artificial Intelligence in Education, Four-Dimensional Education, and 21st Century Skills.
Fadel has worked with education systems and institutions in over 30 countries and spent 25 years in technology management, including as founder of Neurodyne AI. He previously served as global education lead at Cisco Systems, visiting lecturer at MIT’s Experimental Study Group and also at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, project director at Harvard Graduate School of Education, member of the President’s Council at Olin College of Engineering, and angel investor with Beacon Angels.
Fadel holds seven patents, with another pending.