Women's Policy Forum: Symposium on Emerging Issues

On Nov.14, the Women's Policy Forum of Tarrant County and the Women's Policy Forum Foundation will introduce the 2014 Symposium on Emerging Issues, an inaugural event designed to examine critical issues and enlighten the public on policy decisions affecting Tarrant County.

Ann Beeson, executive director for the Center for Public Policy Priorities, will kickoff the program at 8:30 a.m. with a keynote address on "The Future of Texas and the Path to Opportunity. " Three one-hour, repeating panel discussions will follow on technology, healthy communities and open government. The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the City Club in downtown Fort Worth. Cost is $35 per person. Register at the web link above.

Native Texan Ann Beeson, a nationally recognized lawyer who has argued twice before the U.S. Supreme Court, will discuss the issues and opportunities for Texas -- including the value of civil discourse. Currently residing in Austin, she has been named a Global Leader for Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum, one of the nation's top lawyers by the American Lawyer Magazine, and one of the 50 most influential women lawyers in American by the National Law Journal. Please register below for this exciting conference.

Agenda

8 a.m. Registration/Breakfast

8:30 a.m. Keynote Address - Ann Beeson, Executive Director, Center for Public Policy Priorities, "Texas and the Path to Opportunity"

Breakout Sessions: 9:45-10:45 a.m.;  11 a.m. to Noon

How Technology is Rewiring Our Brains

    Dr. Jeanne Gerlach, Dean, College of Education and Health Professions, University of Texas at Arlington

    Dr. Marc Schwartz, Director, Southwest Center for Mind, Brain and Education, University of Texas at Arlington

    Paula McMIllen Williamson, Executive Director, Kinderplatz of Fine Arts

Components of Healthy, Sustainable Communities

    Sam A. Adamie, Environmental Health Division, Tarrant County Public Health Department

    Donald Gatzke, School of Architecture, University of Texas at Arlington

    Jan Titsworth, Executive Director, Blue Zones Project / Fort Worth

Balancing Open Government and Privacy Rights: The Debate Heightens

    Moderator: Alan Saxe, Political Science Professor and Political Activist

    O.K. Carter, Secretary, Board of Trustees,Tarrant County College District, former publisher of the Arlington Star-Telegram

    Jason Lamers, Chief of Staff, Office of Mayor and City Council of Fort Worth

    Gayle Reaves, Editor, Fort Worth Weekly