Keynote Speakers
For 26 years, we've welcomed acclaimed speakers, thinkers, and teachers to RVA for our award-winning keynotes.
Spring 2024 Keynote
Alixa García
Imagination, Courage, and Enchantment in times of Planetary Transformation
We were born in the age of consequence, and are currently experiencing the extinction of an estimated 150-200 species every single day. We have transgressed six out of the nine planetary bounds. We are losing one human language every 40 days. What is the role of imagination, courage, and enchantment during such times? In this experiential talk, we will discuss the need for our individual and collective visionary tending.
Thursday, April 18th
At First Unitarian Universalist Church + Streaming Live
Doors Open @ 6:00
Keynote / Live Stream Begins @ 7:00
Live Music from Matt Waller 6:00 - 7:00
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Past Keynote Speakers
2023
Dr. Jill Carroll- Navigating Uncertainty: Ancient Wisdom for Today’s Challenges
James Baraz - Finding Joy in Tough Times
Dr. Chris Reina - Coming Together
2022
Dr. Jim Gordon, Transforming Trauma
Kim Flournoy DiJoseph, Pain Points: A Trauma Transmutation Story
Rhonda Magee - Deepening the Work of Liberation for All: Reflections on the Inner Work of Racial Justice
2021
Rabbi Rami Shapiro on “Becoming a Hidden Saint”
Barbara Fredrickson, The Goods on Everyday Love
Catherine Sanderson on “The Science of Resilience”
2020
Frank Ostaseski, author of The Five Invitations
Melody Moezzi, author of The Rumi Prescription
Dr. Larry Ward, author of America's Racial Karma: An Invitation to Heal (out in Sept 2020)
2019
Rabbi Michael Knopf, Dr. Jeremy Hoffman, Dr. Ram Bhagat, and Rachel Douglas on “We’re Evolving”
Dr. James Doty on “The Transformative Power of Compassion”
2018
Dr. James Hollis on “What Matters Most”
Ruth King on “Mindful of Race”
2017
Rabbi Rami Shapiro on “What’s Death got to Do with It?”
2016
Kristin Kimball, author of The Dirty Life: A Memoir of Farming, Food and Love
Devdutt Pattanaik, popular TED Talk presenter