Schedule of Events

Your Days at a Glance

Select a day

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Conference Registration

M Hotel - 4th Floor / Capital I, II, and III

Conference Registration is the first stop upon arrival, where scholars will check in and receive their conference materials and name badges. This is the official welcome point to get oriented, ask questions, and begin the conference experience.

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7:00 pm - 8:45 pm

Opening Dinner

Convene - 1st Floor, Hall 1

Join us for the Opening Dinner as we officially welcome scholars, speakers, and guests to JRF MLC and kick off the conference together.

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8:00 am - 9:00 am

Buffet Breakfast

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Class of 2029 Headshots

Convene - 2nd Floor, Lounge

Class of 2029 Headshots are available throughout the day.

9:15 am - 10:30 am

Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hall 2

Howard Bryant discusses his dual biography exploring how Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson confronted racial injustice in different ways

10:30 am - 10:45 am

Break

10:50 am - 11:15 am

Sponsor Lunch Departure

We'll meet at the 1st floor of the Conference Center to head out to your respective Sponsor Lunches.

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Sponsor Lunches

Sponsor Luncheons provide Scholars with exclusive access to JRF’s corporate partners through curated visits and conversations.

2:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Break / Dinner

You'll have time to take a break and explore NYC. Visit the "Locations" page to find cool places to eat.

2:45 pm - 3:15 pm

Senior Class Rehearsal

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hall 2

Graduating JRF Scholars come together to prepare for the Closing Dinner Ceremony

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Jack Talks Rehearsal

Convene - 1st Floor, Hub 1

Dedicated time to practice and refine their talks ahead of the live presentations.

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Talent Show Rehearsal

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 3

Dedicated time to prepare for the Closing Talent Show

5:45 pm

Shuttle to Cultural Activity

M Hotel - Lobby

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Ballet: Othello

David H. Koch Theater

Othello is a sweeping, three-act ballet from American Ballet Theatre that reimagines Shakespeare’s tragic tale of jealousy and betrayal through the bold choreography of Lar Lubovitch and an original score by Elliot B. Goldenthal.

9:15 pm

Return Shuttle to M Social Hotel

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Buffet Breakfast

8:30 am - 9:00 am

Group and Class Photos

Convene - Main Entrance

Group and Class Photos bring JRF Scholars together to capture the moment and commemorate the 44th Annual MLC

9:15 am - 10:30 am

Beyond Brown: Thurgood Marshall and Today’s Fight for Equal Rights

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hall 2

This interactive session connects Thurgood Marshall’s groundbreaking legal legacy

10:45 am - 12:00 pm

Workshop

Building Generational Wealth

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 1

Build the foundation for generational wealth in this interactive workshop focused on budgeting, credit, investing, and asset-building.

10:45 am - 12:00 pm

Workshop

Moral Algorithms: Ethics in a Technology Driven Age

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 2

Explore the ethical side of innovation in this interactive workshop examining AI, data privacy, social media, and automation.

10:45 am - 12:00 pm

Workshop

Well-being in the Workplace

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 3

Protect your well-being while thriving at work.

10:45 am - 12:00 pm

Workshop

Put the Confidence in Your Voice: Techniques for Fearless Public Speaking

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 4

Turn fear into confidence in this dynamic public speaking workshop.

David Brook

10:45 am - 12:00 pm

Workshop

Cultivating Authentic Leadership

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hall 2

This dynamic workshop uses self-assessments, peer feedback, and real-world leadership challenges to help you.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch

Convene - 1st Floor, Gallery 1

1:15 pm - 2:30 pm

Workshop

Crafting and Articulating Your Professional Brand

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 3

This immersive workshop helps you define your strengths, communicate your value with confidence, and build a strong, authentic online presence.

1:15 pm - 2:30 pm

Workshop

Know Your Worth: Elevate Your Earning Power Through Negotiation

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hall 2

Breaking down salary negotiation, total compensation, and confidence in advocating for yourself.

Whitney Kerr

1:15 pm - 2:30 pm

Workshop

Mastering the Art of Effective Communication

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 4

Turn your voice into action.

1:15 pm - 2:30 pm

Workshop

Civic Engagement on Campus and Beyond

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 2

This workshop explores how civic engagement can take shape on campus and extend into the broader community.

1:15 pm - 2:30 pm

Workshop

AI Skills for Success: Tools and Strategies for Impact

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 1

AI is reshaping the future of work, learn how to use it.

Sean Gayle

2:45 pm - 4:00 pm

Roundtable

Business / Finance

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 1

Explore how business and finance leaders are adapting to a rapidly evolving economy.

2:45 pm - 4:00 pm

Roundtable

Engineering & Tech Careers

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 2

Hear from engineers and tech professionals on how innovation, AI, and emerging technologies are redefining roles across the tech landscape.

2:45 pm - 4:00 pm

Roundtable

Creative Careers (Music, Visual Arts, Publishing, etc.)

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 3

From media to design to digital storytelling, creative professionals share how technology is transforming creative work.

2:45 pm - 4:00 pm

Roundtable

Healthcare / Medical Careers

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 4

Discover how healthcare professionals are navigating innovation in medicine, technology, and patient care.

Emmanuel Prepah

2:45 pm - 4:00 pm

Roundtable

Law & Public Policy Careers

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hall 2

Learn how legal and policy professionals are adapting to a changing world shaped by technology, data, and social change.

Kayasha Lyons

4:00 pm - 5:45 pm

Break

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Scholar Recognition Awards Dinner

Convene - 1st Floor, Hall 1

This signature event honors Scholars who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and service.

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9:30 pm - 11:30 pm

Site Seeing Tours (optional)

M Hotel - Hotel Lobby

An opportunity to experience the city’s most iconic landmarks and cultural highlights together

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Buffet Breakfast

9:15 am - 10:45 am

Jack Talks

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hall 2

Inspired by TED Talks, Jack Talks highlight the bold ideas and creative thinking of JRF Scholars.

Tameka Selders ’99

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11:00 am - 1:15 pm

Workshop

First Pitch: Articulating Your Big Idea

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hall 2

Hands-on session, you’ll learn what makes a winning pitch, then collaborate in teams to create and present a product or service idea.

11:00 am - 1:15 pm

Workshop

Transforming Ideas Into Innovation: Developing the Tech App

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hall 2

Rona Edomwonyi

11:00 am - 1:15 pm

Workshop

Taking the Pulse: Advancing Community Health

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 4

Step into the role of a health innovator.

11:00 am - 1:15 pm

Workshop

Consulting Problem Solving in Action

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 2

Strengthen skills in strategy, problem-solving, teamwork, and executive communication.

11:00 am - 1:15 pm

Workshop

Building a Winning Stock Pitch

Convene - 2nd Floor, Hub 1

earn the essentials of a strong stock pitch, analyze a company in teams, and present your case to a panel of judges.

Brandon Frith ’24

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Convene - 1st Floor, Hall 1

This gathering emphasizes connection, reflection, and staying grounded through transition.

Simone Rahotep

4:45 pm - 5:45 pm

Break

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Closing Dinner & Talent Show

Convene - 1st Floor, Hall 1

This final gathering honors the community built throughout the conference and highlights the creativity, talent, and spirit of JRF Scholars.

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9:00 pm

Small Group Outings (optional)

M Hotel - Hotel Lobby

Step out of the conference setting and experience the city together

Registration & Information Desk

Registration is open daily from
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM at Convene, Welcome Center (2nd Floor).
Stop by to check in and get any questions answered.

Conference Office

The Conference Office is available for on-site support from 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM at the M Social Hotel, 4th Floor.