“Focus on the Mission" takes you behind the scenes with Josh, a NASA photographer, as he documents key moments of the Artemis program. From jets soaring over rockets to the Orion capsule's ocean return, Josh combines art with science to capture NASAs incredible journey back to the Moon. This talk highlights how his images contribute to the story of human achievement in space, inviting the audience to appreciate the power of photography in celebrating discovery and inspiring future generations.

Opera and classical music are two worlds that have historically excluded the narratives of BIPOC composers and artists. In Zuly Inirio’s talk, “From Margins to Center Stage: Redefining Latinidad in Classical Music,” we will explore how one can reclaim their cultural identity in a space that rejects it and how efforts are underway to highlight the contributions of those composers who have been excluded from the canon.

School is notorious for teaching us to think like computers, training us to apply logic which any AI is undoubtedly better at. If we’re merely becoming second-class to silicon brains, then what’s to say we won’t be replaced? Imagination and commonsense, in fact – two ways our human brains are capable of being smart in ways that computers never can.

"The Dance of Leadership: Mastering Emotions and Body Language" explores the intersection of dance and effective leadership, drawing parallels between the skills honed on stage and those crucial in leadership roles. From understanding nonverbal cues to embodying empathy, this talk delves into how mastering the art of performance can elevate one's leadership prowess, empowering individuals to navigate challenges with confidence and inspire teams towards collective success.

Alex was 15 years old when he was diagnosed with Stage 2 bone cancer. After numerous rounds of chemotherapy and one amputation, he beat cancer in March of 2017. The disease, however, isn't technically considered "gone" until you're 5 years into remission. In 2018, two years after his first diagnosis, Alex was rediagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. In this talk, Alex discusses how he has been able to adapt to a new normal and maintain a positive outlook on life, as well as the role he now plays as a disability advocate.