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Main Stage Speakers
Philly, PA

Michelle Buteau

Monday, June 9

Michelle Buteau

Award-winning Comedian, Host, Actress, Writer, and Producer

Join us on the Main Stage for an engaging and insightful conversation with Michelle Buteau—comedian, author, actor, director, and creative powerhouse. From navigating career transitions and embracing risk to redefining talent and finding humor in everyday life, Michelle will share her unique perspective on resilience, impact, and the journey of a multi-hyphenate creative. With candor and wit, she’ll reflect on her experiences and the lessons she’s learned along the way, offering inspiration to anyone striving to grow, evolve, and make a lasting impact in their career.

As the creator and executive producer of Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest, Michelle knows what it takes to turn vision into reality. She’s an award-winning performer, starring in hit projects like Babes, Spa Weekend, and the Netflix reality competition shows The Circle and Barbecue Showdown. She also made history as the first woman to tape a comedy special, A Buteau-Ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall, proving that boldness, authenticity, and resilience open doors to new possibilities.

Whether you're guiding students through career decisions, reimagining talent development, or leading through change, Michelle’s journey will resonate in powerful ways. Don’t miss this dynamic discussion—filled with laughter, inspiration, and wisdom—that will leave you energized to embrace your own path forward.

Sponsored by

Indeed

Tuesday, June 10

David Epstein

#1 NYT Best-Selling Author of Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

In a workforce that’s evolving faster than ever, how do we truly prepare early talent for long-term success? Join us for an enlightening talk with David Epstein, bestselling author and expert on the science of high performance, as he challenges the conventional wisdom that specialization is the only path to success. Backed by compelling research, David reveals why broad experiences, adaptability, and interdisciplinary thinking are the real keys to excelling in complex, ever-changing environments—insights that are especially relevant for those guiding students and shaping the future of work.

As the author of Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World,, David explores how the most successful individuals and organizations leverage diverse experiences to drive innovation, resilience, and long-term career growth. His work has reshaped conversations around hiring, professional development, and skills-based learning—offering fresh perspectives on how to attract, develop, and retain top talent in a rapidly shifting job market.

For career services professionals, recruiters, and employers alike, David’s research provides a powerful case for rethinking how we define success and potential. Don’t miss this thought-provoking session that will challenge assumptions, spark new ideas, and leave you inspired to cultivate a more adaptable and future-ready workforce.

Sponsored by

Career Launch

Jenny Evans

Wednesday, June 11

Jenny Evans

Award-winning Author, Speaker, and Consultant

The work you do to guide students and early talent through career transitions is invaluable—but let’s be honest, it can also be stressful, demanding, and exhausting. Join us for a high-energy session with Jenny Evans, a leading expert in mental health, well-being, and human performance, as she shares science-backed strategies to build resilience, manage energy, and create sustainable well-being—not just for the individuals you support, but for yourself as well.

As CEO of PowerHouse Performance and author of The Resiliency Revolution, Jenny has helped professionals across industries transform their approach to stress and performance. Her dynamic insights will equip you with practical tools to navigate uncertainty, boost confidence, and sustain high performance in a rapidly changing world.

Expect a session that’s engaging, insightful, and packed with actionable takeaways—because thriving in your career shouldn’t come at the expense of your own well-being. You’ll leave feeling empowered, energized, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

Sponsored by

Podium

Main Stage Speaker
Virtual

Kathleen deLaski

Thursday, June 26

Kathleen deLaski

Social Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Author and Futurist

Kathleen deLaski is the founder and board chair of the Education Design Lab, which works with colleges, states, and employers to design shorter, more targeted forms of higher education. She is the author of the new book "Who Needs College Anymore?" by Harvard Education Press. Kathleen serves as a senior advisor for Harvard's Project on the Workforce and teaches higher ed redesign at George Mason University. She serves on several boards, including Credential Engine and the advisory board of the Taubman Center for Cities and States at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She also manages the deLaski Family Foundation, a national grant-maker in education reform and education mobility. Kathleen has been named to Washingtonian Magazine’s list of top policy influencers in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Earlier in her career, as an executive at Fortune 500 company Sallie Mae, Kathleen founded their award-winning corporate foundation. She was a television correspondent for ABC News, covering the White House and foreign affairs, a consumer product developer in the early days of AOL, and, in the Clinton administration, the first woman to serve as chief Pentagon spokesperson.


About Her Session

In this thought-provoking conversation with Kathleen deLaski, author of "Who Needs College Anymore?," we’ll explore how postsecondary education can evolve to meet the needs of today’s learners and workforce. We’ll also examine the changing expectations of students, employers, and institutions—and discuss how career services professionals and recruiters can help shape a more inclusive, skills-driven future of work.