The Inspire Speakers Series is a monthly lecture circuit featuring nationally renowned experts in various fields of sustainability, as well as local specialists who can share experiences of promoting environmental quality, social equity, and economic vitality in Western Pennsylvania. The theme for our 2014-2015 Inspire Speakers Series is: Creating the Most Livable Places for All. This means healthy and regenerative buildings, schools, neighborhoods, and cities; thriving communities and economies; socially just places to live; and so much more. Each lecture is hosted from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at Hill House’s Kaufmann Center. Networking, food, and drinks begin at 5:00 p.m. and the lectures begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. April 9th with Michael Slaby, Debra Lam, and Andrew Butcher As we strive to create the most livable places for all, how do we go about engaging our communities? How do we understand differing needs and ensure that our process is open and inclusive? Join us to hear perspectives from Michael Slaby, Debra Lam, and Andrew Butcher about how we can all reimagine engagement. Michael Slaby Michael Slaby helped lead President Barack Obama through successful election campaigns in both 2008 and 2012 by leveraging the Internet and social media to reach, engage, and mobilize citizens in ways that had never been seen before. His talent for deepening engagement via technology to help solve the world’s greatest challenges can be seen through his work with the United Nations and U.S. State Department, and buzz-worthy campaigns such as F*ck Cancer, Bright Pink, I Am That Girl, Livestrong, Citizen Effect, and Jumo. Debra Lam As chief innovation and performance officer for the City of Pittsburgh, Debra Lam oversees all technology, sustainability, performance, and innovation functions of city government. A Pittsburgh native who has lived and worked in New York, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, Debra has returned to her hometown and is excited to help transform Pittsburgh into an innovative, world-class city. Andrew Butcher Andrew Butcher is our guest emcee for this lecture and will lend his insight and expertise to guide us through an evening of inspiring conversation. As co-founder and CEO ofGTECH Strategies – Growth Through Energy and Community Health -Andrew is recognized both locally and nationally as a leader in the field of social innovation. Since founding GTECH in 2007, he has presented at the Brookings Institute, National Vacant Properties Conference, and Conference on World Affairs, and has been honored at the White House. Learn More and Register