Tuesday, December 17, 2024
The City Club's Favorite Forums of the Year!
As we have come to the end of a very eventful year, we wanted to share our favorite City Club forums from the past year. So please enjoy our selections and we look forward to seeing you all in the new year!
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Dan Moulthrop, Chief Executive Officer
It’s so rare that we get to hear artists talk about their work, their creative process, and the inner workings of their collaborations. Terence Blanchard collaborated with some of the greatest jazz musicians and composers in history and some of the greatest filmmakers in America. His story telling and his openness made this forum just an absolute gem.
Noelle Celeste, Chief Operating Officer & Director of Advancement
You ever wonder what happened to your favorite people from your college days? This year, I was lucky enough to get to hear one of those people speak at the City Club. Jodi Ruderon who is the Editor-in-Chief of America's largest Jewish newspaper, The Forward, spoke about the political forces shaping journalism worldwide. Her humor, expertise, and dedication to the craft made her remarks especially powerful. I count this forum among my favorites because Jodi brought a unique perspective to our stage during an especially challenging time for those covering war abroad and antisemitism here in our own backyard.
https://www.cityclub.org/forums/2024/05/17/independent-journalism-in-an-era-of-polarization
Cynthia Connolly, Director of Programming
The City Club's partnership with the Anisfield Wolf Book Awards (AWBA) is one of our most anticipated annual forums, and year-after-year, has generated some of the most awe-inspiring conversations from authors who have broken barriers and defied odds in both life and literature. This year's AWBA non-fiction winner, Ned Blackhawk (who also won the 2023 National Book Award) for The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History brought to the City Club a conversation urgently needed in this country. To have the privilege of moderating this forum was a highlight for not just 2024, but my career as well.
Julie Kelly, Chief Financial Officer
This is an amazing project and the narrative was so heartfelt.
https://www.cityclub.org/forums/2024/02/01/regenerating-communities
Brianna Biery, Customer Engagement Associate
The conversation with Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu stands out as my favorite forum of the year. It was the first I attended while working at the City Club, and it left a lasting impact on me both personally and professionally. Her insights on hope, justice, and reconciliation were incredibly moving, and her presence in the room felt transformative. It wasn’t just a conversation—it was a moment of deep inspiration that reminded me of the power of voices like hers to spark change and encourage us all to think and act with compassion.
https://www.cityclub.org/forums/2024/01/29/a-conversation-with-rev-nontombi-naomi-tutu
Maria Gerstenberger, Digital Content Manager
My favorite forum was Paid Leave for All on June 14, 2024 with Dawn Huckelbridge, moderated by Ahmed Abonamah, because it is an issue that impacts so many people -- it is not just people having children that government-funded paid leave would benefit, but anyone who has an injury, health issues, or has a family member who needs care. Dawn emphasized that it is not a "nice to have" policy, but an urgent policy.
https://www.cityclub.org/forums/2024/06/14/paid-leave-for-all
Stacy Roper, Customer Experience Manager
My favorite forum this year, 2024, was definitely the one on Friday, October 4th, titled “Aging Out of the Foster Care System.” I really enjoyed it because I grew up in foster care myself, moving around a lot until I was adopted at age 12. I also personally knew Beverly, one of the moderators of the forum. It was funny because I ran into my old caseworker from when I was 8 years old, and she was quite surprised to see me! I'm looking forward to the next forum focused on foster care and the amazing people who work around the clock, those who open their homes and hearts to children like I once was.
https://www.cityclub.org/forums/2024/10/04/aging-out-of-the-foster-care-system
Jerome Sheriff, Communication and Project Manager
My favorite forum this year was “Remarks from Ted Carter, President of The Ohio State University.” What made this forum important to me wasn’t just the discussion about the future of higher education, but also Ted Carter’s personal story from his time in the Navy. The story he shared was one night Ted Carter and his team were having a difficult time trying to land their jet aircraft, it took 13 attempts before they succeeded. His story highlighted the critical importance of decision-making under pressure, the resilience needed to navigate adversity, and the value of listening to and relying on those around you. His time at the City Club made me think about how these lessons apply to my own life.
Adam Crawford, Content and Event Production Manager
This is my favorite forum of the year. Why, you ask? Because it was so insightful to hear from a very successful CEO and how abstract, and at times, poetic his way and theology of management is. I took many notes from the production board(lol), most notably "leading and managing with dignity and humanity".
Amber Walker, Membership, Outreach and Office Manager
My favorite forum of the year was the forum featuring Connie Hill-Johnson and Kevin Johnson. Their discussion was so engaging, personal, and honest. It felt like you were in the room with your close family members and friends. Guests left the forum feeling inspired, encouraged, and thinking: what should I/could I be doing more of, and how can I help others?
Ariana Smith, Educational Engagement Manager
The Ron Clark forum was truly unforgettable. His authentic energy and passion as an educator showcased a unique and intentional approach to creating spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Having experienced his school’s innovative and inclusive teaching firsthand, I was deeply inspired by the way his team cultivates excellence and empowers students. Introducing him at the City Club was an honor, and his work remains a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of intentional education.
Thank you for enjoying not only these forums but the many others throughout the past year. We loved having you and look forward to more conversations of consequence that help democracy thrive in the new year.
This blog (about forums) is now adjourned!
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See you January 10th, 2025!
