AI Symposium Speakers

A moderated conversation with Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson, hosted by Morva McDonald

Rebecca Winthrop

Rebecca Winthrop is a leading global authority on education who serves as director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution and adjunct professor at Georgetown University. She is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in life, work, and as an engaged citizen. Winthrop leads cutting-edge research and initiatives aimed at transforming education systems around the world to better support children's learning and development.

A trusted advisor to both school communities and national and international organizations, er expertise is sought by many, including parent networks, schools, district education leaders, the White House, the United Nations, and Fortune 500 companies. Winthrop centers her work on developing and advocating for evidence-based strategies that bring people together—families, educators, policymakers, and companies—to help children maximize their potential.  

She holds a doctorate from Columbia University’s Teachers College, a master's degree from its School of International and Public Affairs, and a bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College. 

Jenny Anderson

Jenny Anderson is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker with more than 25 years of experience. Her work has appeared in some of the world’s leading publications, including The New York Times, where she was on staff for 10 years, TIME, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and Quartz.

Morva McDonald 

Morva McDonald is vice president of leadership and governance at NAIS. Following a career in higher education, most recently she served as head of school at Giddens School (WA). McDonald earned her doctorate in education from Stanford University.

Alice Siu moderates a discussion with a group of policy and industry experts about the intersection of AI, education, and emerging policy.

Global education thought leader, futurist, and inventor Charles Fadel is founder and chairman of Center for Curriculum Redesign, member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) AI Experts group, and chair emeritus of the education committee of the Business and Industry Advisory Committee of the OECD. He has written best-selling books, including Education for the Age of AI, Artificial Intelligence in Education, Four-Dimensional Education, and 21st Century Skills.

Fadel has worked with education systems and institutions in over 30 countries and spent 25 years in technology management, including as founder of Neurodyne AI. He previously served as global education lead at Cisco Systems, visiting lecturer at MIT’s Experimental Study Group and also at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, project director at Harvard Graduate School of Education, member of the President’s Council at Olin College of Engineering, and angel investor with Beacon Angels.

Fadel holds seven patents, with another pending.