Leadership

World-renowned gynecologist, human rights activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis  Mukwege will address the use of sexual violence in war, and also a new campaign focused on critical minerals and the role of responsible business in the peace process in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Real World Perspectives on Poverty Solutions introduces key issues regarding the causes and consequences of poverty through an in-person lecture series featuring experts in policy and practice from across the nation.

In the past twenty years, the world of leadership studies has been challenged to acknowledge its inseparable counterpart: Followership. Ira Chaleff, has been in the forefront of this movement with his classic work, The Courageous Follower: Standing Up To and For Our Leaders. In a politically polarized climate, he brings a refreshing non-partisan voice that invites us to better understand the dynamics of how we can create political leaders that use appropriate power for the public good.

The White House is arguably the most important single organization in U.S. democracy. Why, then, is it often disorganized, inefficient, and scandal-prone? What can be done to make it more effective?  

Have a question for our panel? Submit your question at: https://myumi.ch/4rPZ4Two high-profile advocates from opposite ends of the political spectrum seek ways to connect and communicate about the most important issues facing the country. 

The Ford School community will have access to tickets of the UMS production of Fight Night, an interactive drama experience that gives a new perspective about the democratic process. An exclusive discussion with the show's director and cast members will follow the performance.  On the brink of a presidential election that people on both sides have called the most consequential in history, Belgium’s extraordinary Ontroerend Goed offers a fun and thought-provoking, examination of free will and politics that puts electronic voting devices — and the candidates’ fates — directly into the hands of audience members.

Join us for an inside look at how the FBI is tackling the evolving threats to U.S. elections, from cyberattacks to terrorism. Deputy Director Abate will discuss the FBI's latest strategies and hard-earned lessons in defending democracy.

In recent years, the process for securing elections has been called into question. So how do elections really work? What systems are in place to ensure open, fair voting for all?

Join Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Ford School alumna, Stacy Dean, as she discusses her career and the challenges to improve nutrition for all Americans.

Fordies, we welcome you to join us for a gathering on faith, spirituality, and public policy. Led by our very own Ford School professor Dr. Ann Lin.

Former United Nations Under-Secretary General and the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), will join us to discuss the intricate relationship between health equity and economic resilience in Africa. Dr. Songwe's insights will highlight Africa's role in global power dynamics and strategies for asserting its agency amid evolving economic landscapes.

Join Dr. Estelle E. Archibold, the Leadership Initiative and the Center for Racial Justice for this virtual session about restorative justice and its policy implications.

Federal Reserve Bank Vice Chair for Supervision Michael S. Barr, former dean of the Ford School, will discuss the workings of the Fed, his work on banking reform, and the lessons of leadership he has learned in his career in and out of government service. 

The Michigan Presidential Primary is February 27th which is during Spring Break. But don’t worry: Michigan now has nine days of early voting! Please join our amazing student-led organization Turn Up the Turnout (TUT) for an all-community lunch and Walk to the Polls on February 20, 2024, 11:30-1:00.

Our Food for Thought series is returning this Wednesday, January 31 from 11:30-12:50 in the Annenberg Auditorium. Our discussion topic will be “The Vital Role of Students in the Presidential Election,” and we will be joined by a panel that includes Abdul El-Sayed, Rusty Hills, Landon Myers, Erica Reilly, and Naomi Garcia. Food for thought attendance is limited to Ford School students, faculty, and staff. Pizza will be provided on a first-come first-serve basis.

Discover the captivating journey of President Zelensky's former press secretary and a globally acclaimed journalist. Uncover the behind-the-scenes stories of her impactful work in Ukraine and the dynamic world of journalism!

Join this virtual mayors panel via livestream or in person at the Watch Party hosted at the University of Michigan's Taubman College.  This annual event brings together mayors from cities across the states of the Big Ten in a conversation around timely topics of national importance that manifest at the municipal level.

The Ford School community is invited to join for a community conversation on leadership with motivational coach Greg Harden. Parker Tracey, an ICF Associate Certified Coach who works with Ford School MPP students as part of our executive coaching program, will interview Harden on his work, leadership advice, and his new book: Stay Sane in an Insane World: How to Control the Controllables and Thrive.

Join us for CommuniTea! A student-led series of informal, bi-weekly gatherings held in Weill Hall, focusing on key topics of interest to our community.

Join Dr. Khalid Medani for the second installment of the International Policy Research Seminar (IPRS). 

Join P3E for a virtual panel discussion with policy experts that explores perspectives on Arab American issues and whether current policies and legislation meet the needs of Michigan’s Arab American population.