PROGRAM GUIDE
PPIA FUTURE LEADERS SUMMIT & EXPO
JULY 9 - 10, 2026
WASHINGTON DC
Program
Program schedule, session times, speakers, and event details are subject to change
JULY 9, 2026
WELCOME RECEPTION
In partnership with Princeton University School of Public & International Affairs
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Heavy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments
Beginning at 4:30 PM, a PPIA team member will be in the lobby to provide elevator access (key fob required).
Welcome
PPIA Executive Director
Opening Remarks
President & CEO
National Academy of Public Administration
Fireside Chat
Keynote Speaker
PPIA Fellow '95 - UC Berkeley
Director, Civil Rights Center
US Department of Labor
JULY 10, 2026
MORNING SESSION
George Washington University
Conference Center, 3rd Floor
800 21st St NW, Washington, DC
WiFi
Select "GWguest"
Create a guest account (takes <1 minute)
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
11:15 AM
Break / Photo Headshots
11:30 AM
Session 2
Navigating Public Service Careers (Working Lunch)
JULY 10, 2026
AFTERNOON SESSION
George Washington University
Conference Center, 3rd Floor
800 21st St NW, Washington, DC
WiFi
Select "GWguest"
Create a guest account (takes <1 minute)
1:00 PM
Session 3
PPIA Alumni Pathways
2:00 PM
Break
EXPO
George Washington University
Grand Ballroom
2:15 PM
Early Expo Access
3:00 PM
Expo Opens
5:30 PM
Expo Concludes
Speakers
JAMES-CHRISTIAN BLOCKWOOD
PRESIDENT & CEO
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
OPENING REMARKS
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
LARRY NATIVIDAD, Ed.D
PRINCIPAL
COMPTON HIGH SCHOOL
LOS ANGELES, CA
SPEAKER
July 10
PPIA Alumni Patheways
Speaker lineup, presentation topics, and session times are subject to change
PPIA BoaRD EXecutive committee
PPIA's Executive Committee leads the organization's governance, strategic direction, and financial oversight
Sessions
Session content, presenters, and schedule are subject to change
SESSION 1
Storytelling: Defining & Owning Your Brand
PRESENTED BY MONOCHROME IMAGE CONSULTING
Your professional reputation begins forming long before you introduce yourself. In this highly interactive Leadership Lab, you'll discover how your presence shapes first impressions and learn practical strategies to build a brand that earns trust, credibility, and opportunity.
SESSION 2
navigating public service careers
There is no single path to a career in public service. Hear from experienced professionals as they share insights, career journeys, and practical advice for launching and growing an impactful career.
SESSION 3
PPIA ALUMNI PATHWAYS
From the Junior Summer Institute to leadership roles across the public sector, every PPIA journey is unique. Connect with alumni as they share practical advice, career insights, and lessons learned along the way.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Attire
July 9
Thursday Reception
Business casual. The reception is informal, but please avoid jeans, athletic wear, and other overly casual clothing.
July 10
Summit + Expo
Professional business attire is expected.
Throughout the day, you'll meet admissions representatives, fellowship organizations, public service leaders, and graduate school recruiters from across the country.
Please avoid:
Jeans
Athletic wear
Sneakers
Other casual attire
What to Bring
Laptop (optional; not required)
Notebook and pen
Phone charger
Refillable water bottle (optional)
Pack light. You'll be moving between sessions throughout the day.
July 9
Welcome Reception
Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs
1333 New Hampshire Ave NW
Dupont Circle
Washington, DC 20036
Beginning at 4:30 PM, a member of the PPIA event team will be waiting in the building lobby to assist JSI Fellows and visitors.
The building elevators require key fob access, so please check in with our team before proceeding upstairs.
Heavy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served.
July 10
Summit + Expo
George Washington University Student Center
3rd Floor
800 21st St NW
Washington, DC 20052
WiFI
Select "GWguest"
Create a guest account (take <1 minute)
The building opens at 8:00 AM. Unfortunately, access is not available before 8:00 AM due to university building policies.
Please arrive promptly at 8:00 AM so you have time to enjoy breakfast before the program begins at 9:00 AM.
If you are returning to your campus on Friday afternoon, we recommend checking out of your hotel before arriving and bringing your luggage with you. We will have Room 301 as the designated luggage storage area during the Summit and Expo.
