Penguin Random House presented an exciting roster of speakers at this year’s Annual Conference on the First-Year Experience®. A highlight for both our speakers and our team, academic partners from across the country gathered to hear inspiring messages from PRHSB speakers. Luckily, our video team was on site to capture these exciting performances.
Dr.Uché Blackstock, Legacy
Dr. Uché Blackstock knew from an early age that she needed to make a bigger impact. Today, she is one of the country’s leading health equity advocates and a powerful voice on racial justice. A New York Times-bestselling author and Harvard-trained emergency physician with over 17 years of experience, Dr. Blackstock is the founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity. A powerful speaker, Dr. Blackstock talks to organizations across the country about the deep-seated inequities that still exist in the U.S. healthcare system and the leap of faith she took to start her own business.
Jasmin Graham, Sharks Don’t Sink
Jasmin Graham is a marine biologist and environmental educator who champions the importance of biodiversity in our oceans and of inclusive conservation practices. Her work as an independent researcher specializing in shark science is a testament to resilience, passion, and the pursuit of scientific excellence. As the President and CEO of Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), Graham promotes diversity and inclusion in the marine sciences and paves the way for a new generation of scientists. In her uplifting memoir, Sharks Don’t Sink, and inspirational talks, Graham tells the story of how she navigated through the choppy waters of traditional academia to combine conservation with social justice.
Kurt Gray, Outraged
Social psychologist Kurt Gray is an award-winning researcher whose groundbreaking work in psychology and neuroscience rewrites our understanding of individual morality. In his book, Outraged, Dr. Gray applies the science of how the brain makes moral judgements to better understand how to bridge political division, foster meaningful connections between those who disagree, and find common ground. His engaging and accessible talks offer strategic applications of his innovative research for organizations and individuals looking to bring people together and present a compelling reminder that we are more alike than we might think.