the gathering for changemakers.

We’re days away from frank 2025 — where changemakers gather to explore Sense-Making in a Shifting World. Get the full schedule, speaker lineup, and all the info you need.

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frank 2025

Meet the Speakers

  • Chara Bohan is a strategic communications leader and growth catalyst with deep experience in media, marketing and storytelling. She drives culture-forward initiatives, translating mission into action across sectors. Her collaborative leadership and creative mindset empower teams to amplify purpose, elevate brand impact and make change real.
    Chara Bohan
    Professor at Georgia State University
  • Mkawasi Mcharo Hall is a researcher, analyst and performing artist with over 20 years in academia and diplomacy. Expert on African affairs, war and global strategy. Advises the U.S. State Department and USSOCOM while creating thought-provoking art and scholarship linking culture, power and peace.
    Mkawasi Mcharo Hall
    Language and Culture Consultant, U.S. Department of Defense
  • Jylana Sheats is a behavioral scientist and public health leader advancing solutions for wellbeing. As Tulane Associate Professor and Aspen Institute Associate Director, Dr. Sheats bridges research, innovation and policy to build trust, drive behavior change and strengthen communities.
    Jylana Sheats
    Clinical Associate Professor, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
  • The Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis is Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival with the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II. She is the Director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice at Union Theological Seminary. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and teaches at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
    Liz Theoharis
    Co-Chair, Poor People’s Campaign
  • Adrián Escárte is a driven and self-motivated professional with a strong work ethic and passion for growth. Known for persistence, teamwork and exceptional communication skills. Thrives on challenges, supports peers and approaches every task with diligence, curiosity and a commitment to excellence.
    Adrián Escárte
    Senior Strategist, Media & Messaging at Strategic Communications, National Immigration Law Center
  • Sarah E. Lowe (she/her) is the Director of Research + Impact at Define American and a Ph.D. candidate in Health Promotion and Policy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
    Sarah Lowe
    Director of Research and Impact at Define American
  • Christian Donaldson is a seasoned communications strategist leading media and messaging for the National Immigration Law Center. With expertise in strategic media relations and storytelling, she drives impactful narratives that elevate voices, influence public discourse and advance organizational goals across platforms.
    Christian Donaldson
    Public Interest Communications Inter at National League of Cities
  • Julia Minson is a behavioral scientist and Harvard Kennedy School professor exploring the psychology of disagreement. Through research, teaching and global workshops, he studies how conflict shapes relationships and decision-making. Author of How to Disagree Better, uncovering the science of constructive debate.
    Julia Minson
    Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
  • Chandra Harris-McCray is an award-winning storyteller and communications leader with nearly 20 years of experience. Blends strategy, data and creativity to craft impactful multichannel campaigns. Known for building partnerships, driving engagement and leading fundraising initiatives that inspire action.s
    Chandra Harris-McCray
    Vice Chancellor for Strategic Marketing and Communications at University of Illinois Chicago
  • Hub Brown is a dedicated journalism and mass communications leader with over 30 years of academic experience, including a decade in leadership roles. Committed to advancing education, research and service while guiding institutions to meet modern challenges and provide meaningful, forward-thinking leadership.
    Hub Brown
    Dean and Professor at University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications
  • Dr. Aya M. Waller-Bey is a sociologist and research collaborator at Brown University’s Annenberg Institute. A nationally recognized scholar and storyteller, her work examines “performances,” trauma and equity in higher education. A Gates Cambridge Scholar and Ford Fellow, she advances inclusive, justice-centered academic spaces.
    Aya Waller-Bey
    Research Collaborator, Annenberg Institute at Brown University
  • Qing Yu Chen is a first-generation graduate of Columbia University and The Juilliard School through the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange. Now serving in antitrust, she brings discipline, curiosity and gratitude to her work. Outside of law, she enjoys experimenting with recipes and building mechanical keyboards.
    Qing Yu Chen
    Honors Paralegal Specialist, Federal Trade Commission
  • Farrah Nazir is a social impact and learning strategist working at the intersection of accessibility, systems change and organizational effectiveness. With 17 years of experience spanning the Wellcome Trust and British Science Association, she helps funders and changemakers embed inclusion, reflection and learning to create lasting social impact.
    Farrah Nazir
    Learning, Impact and Inclusive Practice Consultant (Freelance)
  • Daren Ginete is an equity-driven philanthropic advisor and microbiologist bridging science and philanthropy. At the Science Philanthropy Alliance, he guides funders on grantmaking and strategy while leading programs that connect science and society. He holds a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
    Daren Ginete
    Associate Advisor, Science Philanthropy Alliance
  • Valerie Goode is the Chief Marketing Officer at the San Francisco Foundation, where she leads communications, community outreach and marketing strategies that advance accessibility and opportunity. With over five years on the executive team, she builds partnerships, drives engagement and fosters collaboration to create lasting social impact.
    Valerie Goode
    Chief Marketing Officer at the San Francisco Foundation
  • Jessica Clark is a trade marketing professional at Penguin Random House and a proud UCF alumna. Passionate about uplifting others, she promotes inclusivity and creativity in publishing. With experience in marketing and libraries, she brings curiosity, innovation and heart to every campaign.
    Jessica Clark
    Senior Marketing Associate at Penguin Random House
  • Kamal Sinclair is the Senior Director of Digital Innovation at The Music Center in Los Angeles, where she supports artists and institutions at the crossroads of art, media and technology. Formerly at Sundance Institute, she champions accessibility, emerging media and creative innovation while advising leading arts, tech and social impact organizations.
    Kamal Sinclair
    Senior Director, Digital Innovation, The Music Center
  • Paul Redman is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and social impact communicator dedicated to environmental justice and indigenous storytelling. As Founder and Executive Director of If Not Us Then Who, he amplifies frontline voices through films, campaigns and global events that drive awareness and action for a sustainable planet.
    Paul Redman
    Founder & Executive Director at If Not Us Then Who? | Multi Award Winning Documentary Director | Social Impact Strategic Communicator
  • Angela Bradbery is a University of Florida professor specializing in public interest communications. Before joining UF in 2020, she served as Communications Director at Public Citizen in Washington, D.C. and previously worked as a newspaper reporter for a decade. Her career reflects a lifelong passion for meaningful, purpose-driven storytelling.
    Angela Bradbery
    Frank Karel Endowed Chair in Public Interest Communications at University of Florida
  • Lizz Winstead, co-creator of The Daily Show and Air America Radio, is a leading political satirist. A former correspondent and co-host of Unfiltered, she’s been recognized by major media and named one of EW’s “100 Most Creative People.” She now leads Abortion Access Front, using humor to defend reproductive rights.
    Lizz Winstead
    Founder/Chief Creative Officer at Abortion Access Front

Sense-Making in a Shifting World

Dec 21st, 2025

Hippodrome Theatre, Gainesville, FL

6pm

In times of uncertainty, truth becomes both more urgent and more complex. This year’s theme invites us to explore how honesty, vulnerability and storytelling can shape change — even when the ground beneath us is moving.


What Awaits You at frank 2025

Let’s Be frank

Experience powerful talk sessions sure to give you goosebumps — straight from the main stage.

Beyond the Stage

Join the conversation with recess sessions in Gainesville’s best cafés, galleries and downtown spaces.

Gather & Grow

Connect through food, fun and community as starlit dinners and insightful coffee talks fill your agenda all week long.

DAY 1: WED, DEC 21

10:00 – 10:45AM

OPENING CEREMONIES

THE HIPPODROME 1

11:00 – 12:00PM

SPEAKER BLOCK 1

THE HIPPODROME 1

SPEAKER 1

THE HIPPODROME 1

SPEAKER 2

THE HIPPODROME 7

SPEAKER 2

THE HIPPODROME 7

12:15 – 1:00PM

LUNCH / RECESS

LOCATION TBD

12:15 – 1:00PM

frank DISCUSSIONS

ONLINE

1:15 – 2:00PM

DAY 1 RECAP

ONLINE

DAY 2: THURS, DEC 22

10:00 – 10:45AM

OPENING CEREMONIES

THE HIPPODROME 1

11:00 – 12:00PM

SPEAKER BLOCK 1

THE HIPPODROME 1

SPEAKER 1

THE HIPPODROME 1

SPEAKER 2

THE HIPPODROME 7

SPEAKER 2

THE HIPPODROME 7

12:15 – 1:00PM

LUNCH / RECESS

LOCATION TBD

12:15 – 1:00PM

frank DISCUSSIONS

ONLINE

1:15 – 2:00PM

DAY 1 RECAP

ONLINE

DAY 3: FRI, DEC 23

10:00 – 10:45AM

OPENING CEREMONIES

THE HIPPODROME 1

11:00 – 12:00PM

SPEAKER BLOCK 1

THE HIPPODROME 1

SPEAKER 1

THE HIPPODROME 1

SPEAKER 2

THE HIPPODROME 7

SPEAKER 2

THE HIPPODROME 7

12:15 – 1:00PM

LUNCH / RECESS

LOCATION TBD

12:15 – 1:00PM

frank DISCUSSIONS

ONLINE

1:15 – 2:00PM

DAY 1 RECAP

ONLINE

frank 2025
Schedule

Testimonials

What Attendees are Saying

“It’s the only conference worth attending; it provides me with hope for our future.”

Courtney Lewis

Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center

“I always tell people that it’s my ‘can’t miss’ for the year. I also tell people that it’s TED talks with a bunch of super smart people working to make a better future.”

Brian Crawford

BC/DC Ideas

“The most unique, fun gathering possible where we can all learn together and improve our craft.”

Amy Lynn Smith

Writer + Strategist

“This is where my world comes together – both aspirational and actionable. It is a community that is making change happen and sharing the tools.”

Mark Dessaur

Spitfire Strategies

Discover frank Through the Years

Experience frank in 3 minutes. 

Click below to view our closing ceremonies from 2020.

“I love that frank is anchored in people – connecting, talking, sharing, learning from one another.” Click below to view our closing ceremonies from 2020.

Gwen McNamara

Pace Center for Civic Engagement, Princeton University

Watch More

Inspired by the front lines, grounded in research.

We at frank are obsessed with highlighting and putting into practice the latest insights from many social science disciplines. To support the growing academic discipline of public interest communications, we create a multitude of opportunities for scholars and practitioners to come together during the gathering. Our $10,000 Hon research prize elevates the work of scholars whose work will further inform the practice of public interest communications. Read more about the prize and check out the latest edition of the Journal of Public Interest Communications.

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