Evening’s Moderator: Monte Bohanan, City of Portsmouth’s Director of Communications & Community Engagement

Baratunde Thurston is an Emmy-nominated storyteller, producer, and thought leader, weaving stories of interdependence across our relationships with nature, humans, and technology. As the host of PBS’s America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston and the creator of the acclaimed How To Citizen podcast, Baratunde has redefined citizenship as a practice of active participation, responsibility, and community building. His newest show, Life with Machines, explores how we can live well with technology, not just endure it.

As a keynote speaker, Baratunde is transformative, blending humor, intellect, and actionable insights that resonate deeply with audiences across industries. With a focus on the power of “citizenship as a verb,” he invites audiences to explore how they can contribute meaningfully to their workplaces, communities, and society. Baratunde unpacks complex societal issues with empathy and a call to action. From the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and the rising importance of environmental stewardship to the significance of racial equity and inclusive leadership, his talks inspire audiences to think critically, act responsibly, and lead purposefully. By offering practical tools and frameworks, Baratunde equips audiences to build a future where technology enhances humanity, diversity drives progress, and citizenship becomes an active, collective pursuit.

A New York Times bestselling author of How To Be Black and a TED speaker praised by MSNBC’s Brian Williams as “one of the greatest of all time,” Baratunde connects dots between culture, climate, politics, and technology in ways that empower and enlighten. A board member of Civics Unplugged, he continues to inspire through his work and commitment to a more connected, compassionate world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJriOtLMErg&t=1s