PROGRAM GUIDE
PPIA FUTURE LEADERS SUMMIT & EXPO
JULY 9 - 10, 2026
WASHINGTON DC
Agenda
JULY 9, 2026
WELCOME RECEPTION
Hosted by Princeton University School of Public & International Affairs
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Welcome
PPIA Executive Director
Keynote Speaker
President & CEO
National Academy of Public Administration
JULY 10, 2026
MORNING SESSION
George Washington University
Conference Center, 3rd Floor
800 21st St NW, Washington, DC
8:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM
Fireside Chat
Keynote Speaker
President & CEO
California Community Foundation
10:00 AM
Break / Photo Headshots
10:15 AM
Session 1
Storytelling: Defining & Owning Your Brand
Presentation | Survey
11:15 AM
Break / Photo Headshots
11:30 AM
Session 2
Navigating Public Service Careers (Working Lunch)
Survey
JULY 10, 2026
AFTERNOON SESSION
George Washington University
Conference Center, 3rd Floor
800 21st St NW, Washington, DC
1:00 PM
Session 3
PPIA Alumni Pathways
Survey
2:00 PM
Break
EXPO
George Washington University
Grand Ballroom
Featured Speakers
JAMES-CHRITIAN BLOCKWOOD
PRESIDENT & CEO
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
KEYNOTE
July 9
Reception
MIGUEL SANTANA
PRESIDENT & CEO
CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
KEYNOTE
July 10
Fireside Chat
CHARLES CARITHERS
PRINCIPAL, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
CORNERSTONE
SPEAKER
July 10
Navigating Public Service Careers
BRANDEE TATE
SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER
BILL & MELINDA GATE FOUNDATION
SPEAKER
July 10
Navigating Public Service Careers
Inside The Experience
High-level, student-friendly, and specific enough to picture yourself in the room
Policy In Action: Innovative Skills For Emerging Issues In Texas and The American South
Engage with Featured LBJ School Speakers and the faculty shaping today’s public policy through research and real-world practice
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Who Should Apply
If you’re curious about public policy, public affairs, or graduate study and want an experience that helps you clarify what’s next, the Explorers Program is for you
You'll Explore "The Why"
You care about public policy and public affairs challenges and want to understand where you fit in, and what “impact” can look like in real life.
You're Building Your Toolkit
You want practical skills: evidence-based thinking, negotiation, leadership, and communicating solutions
You're Mapping Your Next Step
You’re considering internships, fellowships, or graduate school and want guidance and a network to support you
