Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Mayor Woodfin + local nonprofit leaders will speak at SXSW in Austin
Our very own Mayor Randall Woodfin, among other leaders from Birmingham’s nonprofit community, is Austin, Texas bound!
These Birminghamians were invited to speak at SXSW EDU—the education portion of the well-known tech and music festival. Keep reading for details on this conference and who’s joining Bham’s Mayor.
From Birmingham to Austin
According to a press release from the nonprofit Prosper, Birmingham is the only city participating in SXSW EDU that is featured in four panels at the conference.
These panels will include conversations in the following topics:
- Boosting college access
- Early literacy
- Innovations to support neurodivergent learners
- The role of AI in preparing students for the future of work
In the release, Mayor Woodfin expressed his excitement for taking the stage in Texas.
“I am excited about this opportunity to tell the story of how the City of Birmingham is not a bystander in educating Birmingham’s children but an active participant.
Birmingham has a school system as well as public and private partners committed to harnessing the potential of innovation in supporting our young people.”
Mayor Randall Woodfin, City of Birmingham
Who’s headed to SXSW EDU?
Wondering who else from Bham will be joining SXSW EDU? Here’s the lineup:
- Alyssa Singer, Personnel Board of Jefferson County
- Candyce Monroe, Ed Farm
- Chris Jackson, KultureCity
- Meg Raby Klinghoffer, KultureCity
- Michele Kong, UAB
- Randall Woodfin, City of Birmingham
- Rocy O’Keefe, LENA
- Ruth Ann Moss, Small Magic
- Trisha Powell Crain, AL.com
What is SXSW EDU?
Originally a music festival, SXSW has expanded to include sectors in entertainment, technology and politics. Familiar names have graced the SXSW stage over the years, including Willie Nelson and President Barack Obama. And now, it’s Birmingham’s time to shine!
In the release, Prosper’s President JW Carpenter gave his thoughts on why Birmingham deserves a seat at the SXSW EDU table.
“From a ‘college promise’ that guarantees tuition to every graduating high school student, to the nation’s largest early childhood implementation of edtech, Birmingham is proving that government and nonprofit leaders can work hand-in-hand to tackle the city’s most vexing problems.
The nation’s largest foundations, from Bloomberg Philanthropies to the Walton Family Foundation, are taking note. Now the mayor is taking the show on the road to tell our story and bring more resources back to the Magic City.”
JW Carpenter, President, Prosper
Wish these Birmingham leaders good luck as they gear up for SXSW EDU, March 4-7.
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