peakers: Míriam Juan-Torres González (Head of Research, Democracy & Belonging Forum) and Stefánia Kapronczay (Hungarian human rights defender; 20 years field experience, 12 years civil society leadership)

How do authoritarian movements weaponize gendered anxieties to divide society and justify extreme measures? This session shares a six-strategy framework from the (En)Gendering Authoritarianism report (Othering & Belonging Institute + Over Zero), with examples from Europe and North America and a special focus on Hungary.

A 30-minute audience Q&A will follow the presentation.

Step beyond workforce gaps to explore how networks, trust, and local systems expand access to opportunity.

Workforce development isn’t just about placement—it’s about belonging, access, and navigating a shifting economy. In this session, we’ll explore how opportunity emerges when systems are designed to reflect the realities of the people they serve. Rather than focus on short-term fixes, we’ll hear from regional leaders who are weaving together education, business, and community to build more adaptive and connected opportunity ecosystems. Participants will consider how relationships, not just programs, create durable pathways to economic mobility.

Parking Information

The session will be held at 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. Parking is available in the attached garage, with the entrance located on Fannin Street. Parking will be complimentary for all exits after 6:00 pm. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.

An intro workshop for those facing transition, considering a pivot, or curious about what life could be.

What if your next chapter could be your most aligned, resilient, and whole?

Design Your Life is a reflective and interactive mini-workshop for senior fellows who are anticipating or navigating change—professionally or personally—and are ready to begin aligning their time, energy, and purpose.

Especially for those who are:

• Entering or navigating retirement

• Experiencing a life transition

• Hungry for more meaning and fulfillment

Participants will leave with:

• The basics of a roadmap for the season ahead.

• Renewed confidence in the face of change.

• A renewed sense of story, resilience, and possibility.

Note: Those interested in continuing the journey will be invited to participate in an ongoing community of practice scheduled for early 2026.

Space is limited — register soon to confirm your spot.

Discover funding approaches that strengthen trust, deepen community connections, and create momentum for Houston’s future.

This opening session of the Bridge Houston series brings nonprofit, philanthropic and board leaders together to reimagine how we resource our region’s’s future. We’ll examine fresh approaches to funding that go beyond filling shortfalls, focusing instead on cultivating trust, fostering openness, and strengthening connections across sectors. Participants will engage in dialogue with peers from diverse fields to explore how Houston can align its financial strategies with its community’s assets and aspirations. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with new perspectives, actionable ideas, and relationships that can help transform how funding flows to the places and people that need it most.

Our conversation will balance practical insight with cross-sector discussion, offering a space to think creatively while staying grounded in Houston’s realities. Whether you’re a funder, nonprofit leader, civic partner, or business executive, this is an opportunity to contribute to a vision of a stronger, more connected funding ecosystem for our city.

This is a free, public book launch hosted by American Leadership Forum Houston Gulf Coast. Come as you are. Whether you work in an office, a school, a clinic, a shop, or at home, you are welcome here. We’ll talk about real change that starts with how we treat one another.

Save The Date:

Thursday, November 6, 2025

A celebration of gratitude and vision, Power Up: Impact of a Million brings together individual donors, corporate partners, community leaders, and alumni to mark a major moment in Compudopt’s history: reaching one million lives impacted.

The event will feature:

• Inspirational speakers and stories from community members, volunteers and staff
  
  

• A showcase of Compudopt’s journey and future vision
  
  

• Live entertainment, lunch, celebratory toast, and meaningful connection
  
  

• A giving moment to support The Next Million

Join us for an evening celebrating Hispanic History Month with Judge Josefina Rendón. This free community event brings neighbors together for meaningful dialogue about justice, healing, and hope.

Whether you're new to these conversations or a long-time advocate, your voice matters here. Come as you are and be part of something meaningful.

The State of the City address is a critical civic moment that outlines Houston’s direction, fosters transparency, and encourages collaboration across sectors. It's an opportunity for residents and organizations to hear directly from their mayor and align around the city’s goals. Events like this promote civic accountability and foster engagement in public life.

This event is part of the planning phase for redeveloping Irvinton Village under the <strong>HUD Choice Neighborhoods initiative</strong>. The planning team—led by the Houston Housing Authority, in partnership with the City of Houston, LISC Houston, Avenue CDC, LRK—wants to hear directly from community members about priorities for housing, neighborhood needs, and opportunity.</p>

No decisions have been made yet—your voice will help shape the direction of the plan.

Why It Matters for Change Lab Audiences

• Emotional & relational learning: Supports caregivers—parents, grandparents, teachers—in naming and navigating emotions with young children during transitional moments.

• Applied civic culture: Rooted in emotions as play, this approach models inclusive, relationship-centered civic learning beginning in early childhood settings.

• Intergenerational civic resilience: Equips adults with communication tools that foster belonging, empathy, and cross-generational understanding.

The arts are more than enrichment—they are vital tools for emotional resilience, trauma recovery, and collective healing. This national day of recognition helps institutionalize the power of creative expression in public health systems, especially for marginalized and underserved communities.