American broadcast journalist Soledad O'Brien and Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee will both speak at CU-Boulder during Distinguished Speakers Board and Cultural Events Board events in November.
O'Brien, an American broadcast journalist, executive producer and philanthropist will speak at CU-Boulder on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m. in Macky Auditorium. Her speech topic will be "Creating Trust: The Media and its Viewers." The Distinguished Speakers Board is bringing her to campus.
"We chose Soledad O'Brien because we hadn't yet brought someone with a journalism background, and her many years of experience as a broadcast journalist and producer made her the most ideal candidate to speak about the media," said Irfan Nadiadi, chair of the Distinguished Speakers Board. "Controversy in the media has always been a hot topic and this will be a great opportunity for people to learn more about what goes on behind the facade of media."听
O'Brien is perhaps best known for her work as a CNN anchor. She has also worked with NBC Nightly News and HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel."
Gbowee, a Liberian peace activist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her peaceful efforts to end the war in Liberia in 2003, will speak at Macky Auditorium on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. Her peaceful efforts not only helped put an end to the war in 2003, but also helped lead to the country's first democratic elections in 2005. The Cultural Events Board is bringing Gbowee to campus.
"The Cultural Events Board hopes to shed light on human rights, growth and development of third world countries, as well as showcase the Liberian culture," said Talia Haflon, chair of the Cultural Events Board. "We feel that Gbowee will be able to demonstrate the power of women, and non-violence through her own experiences."听
The mission of the Distinguished Speakers Board is to bring speakers of the highest caliber who will intellectually stimulate the student body and surrounding communities, by bringing new perspectives to the campus. The board selects speakers who come from a variety of backgrounds, meant to help people to challenge their ideas.
The Cultural Events Board aims to help students enrich their educational experience by offering campus opportunities and events meant to help develop a broader understanding of culture, diversity and social awareness.
More information about tickets will be released in the near future. Contact the Distinguished Speakers Board (303-735-6635) and Cultural Events Board (303-492-3227) for more information.