Exciting events at the Ford School this January | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
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Exciting events at the Ford School this January

January 10, 2025
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The Ford School is pleased to announce an exciting lineup for our January 2025 Policy Talks @ the Ford School series and other special public events hosted with partners from across campus.

Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. We hope you will join us for these special events and more happening at the Ford School this semester. Below is just a snapshot of what is coming up. Please visit our events listing for up-to-date information on all of these events and how you can register to attend. You can stay up to date on our events by joining our mailing list and following us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

Events: 


Jan 13, 2025

 Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg: Infrastructure accomplishments and challenges in the Biden administration

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will join the Ford School community for a conversation on the Biden-Harris Administration’s record in transportation and infrastructure. Watch live from this page

Jan 17, 2025

 Jazz musician Etienne Charles examines climate change and vulnerable communities

We are excited to welcome jazz  innovator Etienne Charles as the Ford School of Public Policy’s annual Martin Luther King Day speaker to discuss his musical and social journey on the effects of climate change on vulnerable communities.

Jan 22, 2025

 Governing in time of crisis: Lessons from two big city mayors

The COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd rocked American cities in 2020. The former mayors of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, and Seattle, Jenny Durkan,  share their experiences and the lessons of governing during times of crisis.

Jan 24, 2025

 Sister Insider: Navigating roles, voice, and power as a researcher in justice-oriented science

A virtual workshop with Dr. Bianca Wilson who will use examples from LGBTQ policy research to explore strategies for navigating the power, privilege and opportunity differentials involved as researchers contribute to policy solutions within their own communities.

Jan 27, 2025

 Paving the Way: Taking Bold Action Toward Environmental Justice

This panel will spotlight leaders who are transforming the fields of environmental justice, energy and sustainability, who are challenging the status quo, breaking down barriers and carving out their own paths toward a more just and sustainable future, featuring Shalanda H. Baker, Tony G. Reames, Carla Walker-Miller, Jalonne L. White-Newsome, and Maddie Miller

Jan 30, 2025

 Take Care: Democracy, Art & Healing

Join us for an unforgettable evening with four trailblazing women in the arts, each bringing their own unique vision on how art can heal our society—on a national, community, and personal level. Part performance, part interactive workshop, and part discussion, this dynamic event explores the themes of care, resilience, and self expression in times of challenge, led by Rhiannon Giddens, Philippa Pham Hughes, Molly Spencer, and Holly Bass.

More events are in the works. For the latest updates and other upcoming events visit our online calendar of upcoming events.

Questions? [email protected].

Celeste Watkins-Hayes

Faculty Expert

Celeste M. Watkins-Hayes

Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy; Jean E. Fairfax Collegiate Professor of Public Policy; University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor; Professor of Sociology
Watkins-Hayes is an internationally-recognized scholar and expert widely credited for her research at the intersection of inequality, public policy, and human service institutions, with a special focus on HIV/AIDS; poverty; and race, class, and gender studies. Dr. Watkins-Hayes has published three books, numerous articles in journals and edited volumes, and pieces in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Chicago Magazine.
Headshot of Catherine Hausman

Faculty Expert

Catherine Hausman

Associate Professor of Public Policy
Hausman is an environmental and energy economist, and some of her recent areas of research include electricity markets and climate change; inequality in pollution exposure; and the natural gas sector's role in methane leaks. She is a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economics Research.
Headshot of Molly Spencer in the Ford School's Towsley Reading Room

Faculty Expert

Molly Spencer

Writing Instructor
Molly Spencer is a writing instructor, the author of two poetry collections, If the House (U. of Wisc. Press) and Hinge (SIU Press), and many essays and book reviews. Prior to her writing career, she worked in public sector project management and legislative relations. She holds degrees in economics, public policy, and writing.