The 2025 International Young Leaders Conference & Career Fair, hosted by the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, was an inspiring and impactful gathering. Organized entirely by our dedicated summer interns, this annual event united thought leaders, industry experts, and motivated young professionals for engaging discussions on some of the most urgent challenges and opportunities shaping our world today.
Panel 1: We the People: Democracy at Risk
Montrell Smith- Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC)
Jeffrey Lord – Political Analyst, PennLive Editorial Board
Kathy Yorkievitz- Co-Chair, Capital Region Stands Up
Samuel Pimental- Central Region Director, Pennsylvania College Democrats
Trace Maneval – President, Dickinson College Republicans
Panel 2: Under Threat: The Dangers Facing Education in the 21st Century
Chris Lilienthal – Assistant Director of Communications, Pennsylvania State Education Association
Mark Blanchard – Superintendent of Cumberland Valley Schools
Desireé Chang – Director of Education and Outreach, PHRC
Susan Spicka – Executive Director, Education Voters of PA
Panel 3: The AI Revolution
Marc Tomljanovich – Dean, The Lombardo College of Business, Millersville University
Jesse Waters – Former Director, Bowers Writers House
Majid Shaalan- Director, Computer and Information Sciences Program, Harrisburg University
Thank you to all of our amazing panelists and to Central Penn College for hosting the event!
View the Program:
