Award-winning Journalist/Entrepreneur Aims to Empower Individuals to Create Meaningful, Lasting Change in Community
May 6, 2022
WHAT: ESL Charitable Foundation presents Monroe Community College’s 14th annual Scholars’ Day keynote speaker Soledad O’Brien, an award-winning journalist, entrepreneur and author of the critically acclaimed “The Next Big Story” and “Latino in America” who will draw from her life and career to stimulate thoughtful conversation on the roles we each play within our communities and organizations.
WHERE: MCC Theatre in the Robin and Tim Wentworth Arts Building on MCC’s Brighton Campus, 1000 E. Henrietta Road. Tickets are required and available online at www.monroecc.edu/events/scholars-day/keynotes/. Admission is $10 for general public; $5 for MCC students, faculty and staff. Parking will be provided in lot F.
WHEN: 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 11
Soledad O’Brien, an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur and 2022 MCC Scholars’ Day keynote speaker
DETAILS: Through the power of storytelling, Soledad O’Brien brings a fresh perspective on diverse and contemporary issues to foster change in your own community or organization.
As the host of the Sunday morning syndicated political show, “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien,” she has established herself as one of the most recognized names in broadcasting by telling the stories behind the most important issues, people and events of the day. A champion of diversity, she gives voice to the underserved and disenfranchised through her Emmy-winning reporting and acclaimed documentary series, “Black in America” and “Latino in America.” While also the contributing editor, reporting in-depth news magazine pieces for PBS “NewsHour” and correspondent for HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.”
A prominent philanthropist, O’Brien is the founder of PowHERful, a foundation that mentors and funds college tuition and expenses for young women.
A 2000 graduate of Harvard College and Harvard University Graduate School of Education’s Distinguished Visiting Fellow in 2013-14, O’Brien is dedicated to telling empowering and authentic stories on a range of social issues in inspiring individuals and companies to make meaningful and lasting change. With eloquence and a measured ability to make often-divisive issues such as race relations, social inequality and mass incarceration accessible to all, she moves audiences to delve deeper into the headlines that shape our lives, outlooks and daily interactions.
The keynote address is made possible through support from presenting sponsor, the ESL Charitable Foundation, and local philanthropists through the Monroe Community College Foundation. O’Brien will answer questions and sign books following the presentation. Books will be available onsite for purchase.
###
Scholars’ Day showcases the work of MCC student and faculty researchers and celebrates academic excellence. MCC Foundation scholarships are awarded to outstanding student presenters. Scholars’ Day 2022 will be held Tuesday, May 10, at MCC’s Brighton Campus. Student and faculty research reflect a wide variety of academic disciplines. Presentations are free and open to the public.