TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures: Full Schedule

9:00am EDT

Morning Kickoff

Saturday June 13, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Before you head into Marian Anderson Hall for the day’s TED Talks, fuel up and explore everything happening around the campus. Stop by Tier 1 for a morning pick-me-up from local favorites Blkberry Juice Bar and Paffuto.There are also tubs of canned La Colombe coffee available throughout the venue.Then swing by the Pew Spotlight Stage on the Plaza level for the Newcomer Session to get the full...
See More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Plaza 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

General

9:30am EDT

Newcomer Session

Saturday June 13, 2026 9:30am - 9:55am EDT

Pew Spotlight Stage

Ready to make the most of your TED Democracy experience? Kick off your morning with this fast-paced, 20-minute welcome session designed to help you navigate, connect and thrive. You’ll grab expert insider tips on how to maximize your day, followed by our high-energy Democracy Game Show — where you’ll break the ice, make fast connections and maybe even walk away with a prize! Come learn how...
See More →

Speakers

Jacoria Borders

Founder, The Community Group

Jacoria Borders, MPH, is a social impact executive, founder, and TED speaker at the intersection
of culture, community, and commerce. Over more than a decade spanning philanthropy,
government, fundraising, sports, and entertainment, she has built a career defined by one through
line... Read More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 9:30am - 9:55am EDT
Pew Spotlight Stage 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Pew Spotlight Stage

10:00am EDT

Rock the Vote: Decades of Decibels and Democracy

LIMITED

Saturday June 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Pew Spotlight Stage

Limited Capacity seats available

Rock the Vote and MTV leaders past and present discuss the evolution of a partnership that became a pop culture phenomenon. From the “choose or lose” era of the early 1990s, which made voting “cool” for GenX using a tour bus, celebrity endorsements and the launch of the first voter registration website, to today’s “defend the vote” focus on countering misinformation, building trust...
See More →

Speakers

Donna Frisby-Greenwood

The Pew Charitable Trusts

Donna Frisby-Greenwood is a senior vice president at The Pew Charitable Trusts, leading the organization’s work throughout the Philadelphia region; with private and public funders and government, academic, and civic leaders across the country to close gaps between research and outcomes... Read More →

Stephen Friedman

Social Impact Advisor and Adjunct Professor, Columbia School of International and Public Affairs

Stephen Friedman is a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning creator of social impact campaigns and former President of MTV, known for transforming stories into catalysts for change. He advises media, foundations, and NGOs on storytelling for social change and teaches “Storytelling and... Read More →

Carolyn DeWitt

President and Executive Director, Rock the Vote

Carolyn DeWitt is the President and Executive Director of Rock the Vote, the largest national organization focused on building long-term political power for this country’s most diverse youth generation. During her tenure, she has overseen Rock the Vote’s resurgence, launching... Read More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Pew Spotlight Stage 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Pew Spotlight Stage

10:00am EDT

Block-Bridge-Build: Finding Your Role in Democracy

LIMITED

Saturday June 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT

Rendell Room

Limited Capacity seats available

This immersive workshop explores the different roles individuals and organizations play in moments of democratic stress, change and transformation. The session is designed to support participants in reflecting on their own instincts, strengths and approaches to change-making, while considering how collaboration across sectors, communities and movements can create the conditions for stronger civic...
See More →

Speakers

Andrew Regaldo

Senior Organizer, The Horizons Project

Andrew Regalado is a Senior Organizer with the Horizons Project, where he leads cross-sector initiatives that engage business leaders, faith communities, lawyers, veterans & military families, labor unions, and civic organizations to strengthen civic trust and democratic resilience... Read More →

Evelyn Thornton

Senior Advisor, The Horizons Project

Evelyn Thornton is a facilitator and coach. She accompanies leaders and teams to be more aware, aligned, adaptive, and joyful in navigating change and complexity. Her consulting practice draws on a wide range of work experience, including time as the CEO at Inclusive Security (a global... Read More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Rendell Room 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Discovery Session

10:00am EDT

Co-Authoring Democracy: Then, Now, Tomorrow

LIMITED

Saturday June 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT

Hamilton Garden

Limited Capacity seats available

How can we co-author the future of democracy drawing on the wisdom held across generations? In this activation, young people connected to Philadelphia's leading museums anchor table conversations in artifacts that illuminate the unfinished promise of American freedom, then bridge them to the issues most alive right now. Drawing on the Youth250 Bureau's work across the nation to spread...
See More →

Speakers

Fernande Raine

Founder, The History Co:Lab

Fernande Raine is an education innovator and founder of The History Co:Lab, a research and innovation lab that centers teens in learning redesign to enable civic thriving. Her path to this work runs through a series of apprenticeships in advancing democracy: she studied history... Read More →

Caroline Kilbanoff

Executive Director, Made By Us

Caroline Klibanoff is the Executive Director of Made By Us, a Senior Fellow with New America's US@250 initiative, and an Eisenhower USA Fellow. Since 2019, she has transformed Made By Us into a national civic force — building a network of 500+ museums and historic sites into hubs... Read More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Hamilton Garden 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Discovery Session

11:00am EDT

Session One: Foundations

Saturday June 13, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

Marian Anderson Hall

To understand where democracy is headed, we’ll begin with lessons from the past — both distant and recent — and hear how today’s thinkers are using them to imagine a more hopeful future. What emerges is surprising, clarifying and urgent.This session challenges how we think about citizenship, power, repair and what it truly means to govern ourselves. It also reminds us that Philadelphia is...
See More →

Speakers

Thomas Devaney

Storyteller

Thomas Devaney is a writer whose work captures the stories of Philadelphia through community-centered narratives.

A Pew Fellow in the Arts, he has written books, essays and a documentary exploring the city’s history, culture and neighborhoods.

His work bridges literature, urbanism and civic engagement, highlighting how local stories shape collective identity... Read More →

Michael Dimock

Pew Research Center

Born and raised in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Michael Dimock studied about people, data and communication at the University of Houston and U.C. San Diego.

After serving as a college professor for four years, he joined Pew Research Center in 2000, determined to... Read More →

Aria Florant

Reparations Catalyst

Aria Florant is the cofounder and CEO of Liberation Ventures, a field catalyst accelerating the reparations movement and building a culture of repair in the United States. A writer, organizational development consultant and educator, she teaches adaptive leadership at the Harvard... Read More →

Jen Golbeck

AI Ethicist

Jen Golbeck is a computer scientist, journalist and professor at the University of Maryland who studies artificial intelligence, surveillance, social media and their impact on society.

Her work explores how technology and human behavior intersect in digital environments.

She has authored five books, more than 200 scientific papers and numerous articles for outlets including Psychology Today and Esquire... Read More →

Anuj Gupta

Opportunity Builder

Anuj Gupta is the president of The Welcoming Center, where he works to help immigrants realize their economic aspirations and position Philadelphia as a global gateway city.

His career spans government, nonprofit leadership, and civic innovation, all rooted in expanding opportun... Read More →

Scott Reich

Civic Storyteller

Scott Reich is a writer, speaker and nonprofit founder who explores how individuals and communities respond to adversity.

After his son was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition, he founded Believe in a Cure to advance research and build community for affected families.

Through his writing, podcast and public work, Reich focuses on how resilience can transform hardship into connection and purpose... Read More →

Artists

Zinadelphia

Saturday June 13, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Marian Anderson Hall 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

TED Stage

12:30pm EDT

Lunch Break

Saturday June 13, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

Plaza

It’s time to eat, connect and dive deeper. Tier 1 transforms into a Philly food hall packed with standout local flavors. The afternoon’s culinary lineup includes Amy’s Pastelillos, Del Rossi’s Cheesesteaks & Pizza Co., Baby’s Kusina, Ba Le Bakery, South Philly Barbacoa, LUHV Vegan and Liberty Kitchen PHL.Looking for a midday boost? Tier 1 also features beverages and treats from Dope...
See More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Plaza 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

General

1:00pm EDT

Action + Community Are the Antidote: Rebuilding Trust in the Democratic Process

LIMITED

Saturday June 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT

Hamilton Garden

Limited Capacity seats available

At a time when many Americans feel frustrated, exhausted or disconnected from politics, how do we rebuild trust in democracy at the local level? Join Lauren Cristella, President & CEO of the Committee of Seventy, for an interactive session exploring how everyday action can strengthen civic life beyond Election Day. Through engaging conversation and facilitated small-group discussions,...
See More →

Speakers

Lauren Cristella

President & CEO, Committee of Seventy

Lauren Cristella is President & CEO of the Committee of Seventy, where she became the first woman to lead the organization in its 120+ year history. Since joining C70 in 2018, Lauren has helped expand the organization’s impact through civic education, voter engagement, and public... Read More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Hamilton Garden 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Discovery Session

1:00pm EDT

Dignity: Democracy's Most Essential Skill

LIMITED

Saturday June 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT

Rendell Room

Limited Capacity seats available

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of people who fiercely disagreed built something together anyway — and the language they used to do it mattered. This session introduces the Dignity Index, an 8-point scale that makes the difference between contempt and dignity in language visible, measurable and changeable. Through hands-on scoring of real examples from politics and public...
See More →

Speakers

Alexa Merrill

Program Assistant, Dignity.Us

Alexa Merrill believes the way we speak can change the world—and shows up every day to prove it. At Dignity.Us, they work at the intersection of community, operations, and storytelling—translating the Dignity Movement's vision into the infrastructure and relationships that make... Read More →

Alicia Burke

Corporate Development & Training, Dignity.Us

Alicia Burke focuses on corporate partnerships and Dignity Index training at Dignity.Us.

Prior to Dignity.Us, Alicia spent 23 years at Bank of America (BofA), integrating across a dynamic team of leaders to develop and deliver on strategy for BofA’s brand, marketing, communications, events, public policy, and Environmental, Social, and Governance. Alicia also led BofA’s Supp... Read More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Rendell Room 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Discovery Session

1:05pm EDT

Unity Doesn’t Equal Agreement — Democracy Was Built to Withstand Differences

LIMITED

Saturday June 13, 2026 1:05pm - 1:40pm EDT

Pew Spotlight Stage

Limited Capacity seats available

This fireside chat will explore how this moment in U.S. history offers an opportunity to recommit to our shared future and renew the role of dialogue and debate in a healthy democracy, drawing on examples from federal, state and Philadelphia policy.

Speakers

Cyndi Stivers

TED

Cyndi Stivers leads the TED Curation team. She began her career in hot-type newspapers, and has since shepherded media startups and reinvigorated venerable brands on nearly every platform, including magazines, television, radio, and online.

She led the establishment of Time Out in North America (1995-2005), and taught the first digital-magazine workshop at Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism. While on the board of the Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) and the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME), she spearheaded... Read More →

Susan K. Urahn

President and CEO, The Pew Charitable Trusts

Susan K. Urahn is president and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts, where she
leads the organization’s work to improve policy, inform the public, and invigorate
civic life. During her more than 30 years at Pew, Sue has held a series of senior
leadership roles spanning evaluation, st... Read More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 1:05pm - 1:40pm EDT
Pew Spotlight Stage 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Pew Spotlight Stage

2:00pm EDT

Session Two: Friction

Saturday June 13, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Marian Anderson Hall

Some of the voices in this session are building new systems. Others are sounding an alarm. Some are doing both.
Each speaker responds to this moment from a different vantage point, bringing distinct tools, lived experience and hard-won perspective. Together, they offer a portrait of democracy as it exists right now: complicated, contested and far more alive than the headlines often suggest.

Speakers

Tami Pyfer

Dialogue Builder

Tami Pyfer works to strengthen democracy by transforming how people communicate across differences.

After a career in public service, she co-created the Dignity Index, a framework for understanding how language shapes conflict and connection.

She teaches individuals and organizations how to replace contempt with dignity, helping reduce division and build more constructive civic dialogue... Read More →

Terrill "Terry" Bouricius

Author, Recovering Politician

Terrill “Terry” Bouricius is a political theorist and former elected official known for his work on sortition, the use of random selection to create representative democratic bodies. A self-described “recovering politician,” he served in local and state government before focusing... Read More →

Xochitl Gonzalez

Writer, Inequality Expert

Xochitl Gonzalez is a bestselling novelist and Pulitzer Prize finalist whose work explores social class, culture and economic mobility in America. Writing across journalism, fiction and commentary, she examines the lived experience of navigating systems shaped by inequality.

Drawing on her own journey from working-class roots to business ownership and literary acclaim, her work offers insight into the cultural divides shaping American life... Read More →

Shamichael Hallman

Library Champion

Shamichael Hallman is a civic innovator, author and public speaker focused on how shared spaces like libraries strengthen democracy and community life.

As senior director of civic health and economic opportunity at the Urban Libraries Council, he advances libraries as essential... Read More →

Jeffrey Maurer

Entrepreneur, Systems Innovator

Jeffrey Maurer is an entrepreneur whose work spans defense, technology, transportation and nonprofit innovation. He has led and co-founded ventures in cleantech and virtual reality, with a focus on building systems that adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Based in Indiana, his work is driven by a commitment to preparing future generations to think independently and thrive in a more peaceful, resilient society... Read More →

Paul J. Mrstik

Digital Linguist

Paul J. Mrstik is an applied linguist, educator and curriculum designer reimagining how people learn languages in a digital world.

As the founder of PolyGlottal Stop, he develops accessible, human-centered learning systems that integrate technology, media and pedagogy.

His work explores how language learning shapes identity, agency and belonging, with a focus on inclusive and adaptive educational design... Read More →

Katie Paris

Political Rule Breaker

Katie Paris is the founder of Red Wine & Blue, a national network mobilizing suburban women to take action on issues shaping their communities. What began as a small, home-based effort has grown into a movement spanning all 50 states.

Through friend-to-friend organizing, her work has helped increase civic participation, influence local elections and push back on policies like book bans. Paris previously spent two decades in national politics and advocacy... Read More →

Danielle Roberts

Anti-Career Coach

Danielle Roberts is a workplace wellness advocate, keynote speaker and certified coach who challenges conventional ideas of success and helps people and organizations move beyond hustle culture.

Drawing on more than a decade of experience in career development, she explores how... Read More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Marian Anderson Hall 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

TED Stage

3:30pm EDT

Afternoon Break

Saturday June 13, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Plaza

We’re in the home stretch! Take some time during this 30-minute break to stretch your legs, reset and recharge before we gather again to close out the day.Grab a quick coffee, check out activations or art installations you may have missed earlier and connect with fellow attendees about the ideas that have stuck with you most thus far. This is also your last chance to visit the bookstore...
See More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Plaza 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

General

4:00pm EDT

Session Three: Forging Ahead

Saturday June 13, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

Marian Anderson Hall

Two hundred and fifty years after the Declaration of Independence was signed just blocks from where we’re gathered, the work of defining democracy continues.

This final session looks ahead: Who gets to shape what comes next, whose voices are missing from the conversation and what becomes possible when we widen the circle and imagine beyond the systems we’ve inherited?

Speakers

Jon Alexander

Citizen Futurist

Jon Alexander is a strategist, storyteller and author of CITIZENS: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us. His work centers on building a “Citizen Future,” grounded in the belief that collective intelligence can reshape systems and society. A former advertising creative... Read More →

Louis King II

Economic Mobilizer

Louis J. King II is the president and CEO of OIC of America, where he leads a national network advancing workforce development and economic mobility.

With more than 30 years of experience in education, youth empowerment and career training, he works to expand opportunity through... Read More →

Sally Kohn

Writer & Communications Strategist

A frequent guest on CNN and MSNBC — and, once upon a time, Fox News — Sally’s first book The Opposite of Hate was published in April 2018. She is on the Board of Contributors for USA Today and a contributing editor to Afar magazine. Sally is also a TED Curator and her three... Read More →

Janelle A.N. Persaud

Postcolonial Thinker

Janelle A.N. Persaud is a Guyanese writer, communications strategist and civic thinker focused on democracy, development and governance in postcolonial societies.

She writes the column From Where I Stand, examining how political and economic systems shape everyday life in the Gl... Read More →

Jasmine E. Sessoms

Civic Power Strategist

Jasmine E. Sessoms is a civic strategist and systems builder focused on how power operates in modern democracy.

She is the founder of Center 1968, where she equips Black women to lead in politics, policy and civic life, and the founder of Firm 1968, a consulting practice support... Read More →

Laura Smythe

Media Literacy Advocate

Laura Smythe is a strategic communications expert and journalist exploring how people understand truth in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Her work examines the intersection of legacy journalism, social media, AI platforms and the creator economy, and how these systems shape... Read More →

Young Philadelphian's Continental Congress

Together with the School District of Philadelphia, the Carpenters’ Company of Philadelphia has launched The Young Philadelphian’s Continental Congress (YPhCC). YPhCC strengthens the knowledge and power of history, increases understanding of our democracy, and galvanizes civic... Read More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Marian Anderson Hall 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

TED Stage

5:30pm EDT

Closing Reception

Saturday June 13, 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT

Plaza

What an incredible day of ideas! The sessions may be over, but the energy is alive and well. The lobby officially transforms into a party featuring music by DJ Diamond Kuts!All of our activations remain open for engagement, and we are celebrating the conclusion of the day with some fantastic local pop-up treats. Rhubarb Hospitality Collection provides savory flavors with plenty of passed...
See More →

Artists

Dj Diamond Kuts

Philadelphia’s own DJ Diamond Kuts is a powerhouse DJ, cultural tastemaker, and trusted brand partner whose sound and presence command some of the world’s biggest stages. From electrifying stadium crowds to curating unforgettable brand experiences, Diamond Kuts has built a career... Read More →

Saturday June 13, 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Plaza 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

General

9:00am EDT

9:30am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

12:30pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

1:05pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

3:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

5:30pm EDT

Get help with the event