Making Your Voice Heard in a Democracy – POSTPONED

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are rescheduling this event and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. All registered guests will receive a full refund promptly. We look forward to announcing the new date soon and hope you can join us then.

Strategies and Techniques for Engaged Citizens

Democracy thrives when we each participate. We have convened an expert panel to discuss how individuals can shape policies and hold leaders accountable.  The discussion will include a particular emphasis on interactions with elected officials on issues affecting Ukraine.  

PANELISTS

Tom Malinowsky, former US Representative (D-NJ), 2019-2023

Nan Eileen Mead, Director of Outreach and Communications at the Center for Educational Equity at Teachers College, Columbia University

Julia Ellings, Senior Program Coordinator for Democracy Programs at the McCain Institute

MODERATOR

Taisa Markus, Taisa Markus, Visiting Professor, Kyiv Mohyla Faculty of Law and Adjunct Professor, University of Illinois College of Law

Join us for this important discussion, which will be followed by a reception with light refreshments.

Advance registration is requested. Contributions are appreciated.

Tickets:

$10/person
UIA Members and Friends free

PANELISTS

Tom Malinowski served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023, representing New Jersey’s 7th Congressional district. He was born in Poland during the Cold War, and emigrated to the United States when he was six years old. From 1994 to 2001, he was a speechwriter for Secretaries of State Warren Christopher and Madeleine Albright, and a Senior Director on President Clinton’s National Security Council. From 2001 until 2013, he was Washington Director for Human Rights Watch, where worked to secure American support for people struggling for democracy around the world, and to pass legislation ending its use of torture after the 9/11 attacks. Between 2014 and 2017, he served as President Obama’s Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, leading America’s global efforts to promote human rights. Malinowski attended the University of California, Berkeley and Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.

Nan Eileen Mead, M.A., M.Ed., is the Director of Outreach and Communications at the Center for Educational Equity at Teachers College, Columbia University. Ms. Mead is a longtime education advocate and most recently served for six years representing the 1st Judicial District, which includes Manhattan, on the New York State Board of Regents. During her tenure, Ms. Mead co-chaired the Regents Subcommittee on State Aid, where she was deeply involved in developing the annual education budget proposal. She elevated parent and student voices, particularly during the pandemic, and contributed to the development of the Regents’ framework and policy statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Before her election to the Regents, Ms. Mead was a financial sector professional and parent leader serving on several local policy and advocacy boards, including Community Education Council 3 and the Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Council of New York City. She holds degrees in politics, public policy, and education.

Julia Ellings currently serves as the senior program coordinator for Democracy Programs at the McCain Institute. Prior to joining the McCain Institute’s staff, Julia worked for the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment, and Cyber. Julia holds an MPhil degree from the University of Oxford in Russian and East European Studies, and B.A. in government from Georgetown University.

MODERATOR

Taisa Markus was a finance lawyer for 35 years focused on emerging markets.  She now serves as a visiting professor at Kyiv Mohyla Faculty of Law and as an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois College of Law.