It’s finally here. After months & months (& months) of dreaming, planning, scheduling, filming, and organizing, our Fourth Estate Leadership Summit has kicked off with a bang. And by bang, we mean over 1,400 young people and educators gathered at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) today with the infectious energy of a million Mentos in the biggest cup of Diet Coke ever. People from 27 different countries are spending the next three days hearing from experts in the fields of film, business, journalism, economics, and international justice. They’ll be screening films, attending breakout sessions, seeing 14 live band/DJ/dance performances, and interacting at the Common Good Exchange with 60+ top brands who make a living and a difference at the same time.
The opening night of the Summit surpassed any and all expectations. The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers (LXD) opened the evening and made everyone’s jaws hit the floor. Jason Russell, To Write Love On Her Arms‘ Jamie Tworkowski, Kathy Eldon and her daughter Amy Eldon Turteltaub, The Buried Life, and Invisible Children’s regional ambassador of East and central Africa Jolly Grace Okot took to the stage with encouraging, insightful stories. The highly acclaimed, award-winning Sundance documentary Blood Brother was screened and we’re hoping the dehydration that ensued will be replenished by tomorrow.
Can we top the first night? Challenge accepted.
The LXD blowing our MINDS
Jason Russell: “Find the dream of your life and pursue it with all your might.”
Jamie Tworkowski being all eloquent
The Buried Life racking up good karma
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