Aspen Institute
Program: Civic Engagement
Area of Work: Civic
Grant Purpose: Conversations with Great Leaders in Memory of Preston Robert Tisch
Overview
The Aspen Institute’s Conversations with Great Leaders in Memory of Preston Robert Tisch is a series of moderated discussions that highlights individuals who exemplify the Institute’s principles of values-based leadership, civic engagement and public service while addressing critical societal issues affecting American communities, especially urban centers. The series, an anchor of the Institute’s New York City public programs, consists of four yearly events at Hunter College’s Roosevelt House, and the annual Preston Robert Tisch Civic Leadership Award.
Grant
Purpose: To support the Aspen Institute’s New York City anchor public program, Conversations with Great Leaders in Memory of Preston Robert Tisch
The program is co-funded by Steve Tisch, Laurie M. Tisch, and Jon and Lizzie Tisch in honor of their father, Preston Robert Tisch, who made an indelible mark in business, sports, public service, and philanthropy.
Impact
Since the inception of the Conversations with Great Leaders series in 2009, the Aspen Institute has been able to bring to audiences in New York City a roster of moderated discussions with thoughtful, innovative leaders who are working to create a truly civil and equitable society. The topics they have addressed often deal with complex issues, including keeping cities safe from terrorism, dealing with the fallout from economic inequality, the refugee crisis, how young entrepreneurs are facing the challenges of social and economic inequity, how to meet the needs of returning veterans, criminal justice system reform, as well as leadership in the arts, sports, government, journalism, business, and philanthropy.
Recipients of the annual Award have included Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Mayors Michael Bloomberg and Mitch Landrieu, Billie Jean King, Congressman John Lewis, American Ballet Theater principal dancer Misty Copeland, and activist Cecile Richards.
Videos from the conversations are available online at:
Conversations with Great Leaders in Memory of Preston Robert Tisch
and the annual Award programs are available at:
Preston Robert Tisch Award in Civic Leadership
