President of the Center for Global Development, Dr. Rachel Glennerster, discusses the CGD and why the future of global progress depends on simple, scalable, and evidence-based solutions. Discover how targeted innovations in health, education, agriculture, and social protection can overcome the deepest constraints in the world's emerging economies. Learn more about the Center for Global Development: https://www.cgdev.org/. Prior to joining the Center for Global Development, Dr. Rachel Glennerster was at the University of Chicago. She has leveraged randomized trials to address critical issues spanning democracy, health, education, and women's empowerment and pioneered ways to shape markets to promote innovation to address global challenges including pandemics and climate change. Dr. Glennerster previously served as Chief Economist at the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for International Development in the UK. From 2004 to 2017, she served as Executive Director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), a center in the Economics Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology which seeks to reduce poverty by ensuring policy is informed by scientific evidence and helped pioneer the use of randomized trials in development economics. In 2021, Dr. Glennerster was appointed Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) for services in international development. She also currently serves as the Chair of Teaching at the Right Level Africa (TaRL Africa).

Leading global authority on education, Brookings scholar and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Rebecca Winthrop discusses the intersection of AI and technology in learning through a balanced and deeply considered lens. As an expert on the fundamental purpose of education, she speaks with conviction about the need to move learners into "explorer mode." Rebecca, who leads cutting-edge research to transform global education systems, offers an inspiring roadmap for ensuring technology serves as a bridge to success, empowering every child to thrive in work, life, and as an engaged citizen in an increasingly digital world. Learn more about Rebecca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-winthrop-b36b0617/. Rebecca Winthrop is the director of the Center for Universal Education. She is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in life, work, and as an engaged citizen. She leads cutting-edge research and initiatives aimed at transforming education systems around the world to better support children's learning and development. Rebecca is a trusted advisor to both school communities and national and international organizations. Her expertise is sought by many including parent networks, schools, district education leaders, the White House, the United Nations, and Fortune 500 companies. Rebecca's work is centered on developing and advocating for evidence-based strategies that bring people together—families, educators, policymakers, and companies—to help children maximize their potential. She holds a PhD from Columbia University’s Teachers College, an MA from its School of International and Public Affairs, and a BA from Swarthmore College. Moderated by Benedict Gomes.

Physician and thought leader Dr. Robert Wachter discusses his book "A Giant Leap: How AI Is Transforming Healthcare and What That Means for Our Future," an engaging, clear-eyed, and ultimately hopeful examination of healthcare’s efforts to embrace generative artificial intelligence. Dr. Wachter shares an indispensable roadmap for healthcare leaders, clinicians, and patients. It is a vibrant and timely account of how AI is changing what it means to care—and be cared for—in this age of astonishing technology. Get the book here: https://goo.gle/3RdrMwo. Robert Wachter is Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He has appeared on Modern Healthcare magazine’s list of the 50 most influential physician-executives in the US more than a dozen times; he was #1 on the list in 2015. An elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, he coined the term “hospitalist” and is considered the father of the hospitalist field, the fastest-growing specialty in the history of medicine. He is the author of five books, including the New York Times bestseller The Digital Doctor. Moderated by Michael Howell, Chief Health Officer.

HKG, singer, actor, model, MV director, producer and designer, Leo Ku, shares his stories around how he’s been able to turn his passion into a remarkable career, how he has overcome the challenges faced along the way, and how he's using his influence to discover and mentor the next generation of aspiring local artists. Learn more about Leo: https://www.youtube.com/@leoku8437. Leo Ku is a multifaceted artist who has made a significant impact on Hong Kong's entertainment industry since his debut in 1991. Launching his music career in 1994, he has become one of Cantopop's most decorated artists, releasing over 35 albums and garnering more than 350 music awards. His critical acclaim reached a new height in 2004 at the “Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation,” where he won the “Ultimate Male Singer Gold Award,” “My Most Favourite Male Singer,” and “My Most Favourite Song Award”—a rare achievement previously accomplished only by Leon Lai. His success continued with four consecutive “Most Popular Male Singer” titles at the “Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards Presentation” from 2008 to 2011. He has also won the “Hit Male Singer” title seven times and the prestigious “4 Stations Joint Music Awards – Song Award” three times (2005, 2006, 2009), solidifying his prominent status in the Hong Kong music scene. In addition to music, Leo achieved widespread fame as an actor. In 2000, his lead role as He Shuhuan in the TV drama “Romance in the Rain” catapulted him to stardom across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. The series' immense success made it one of the most replayed dramas in China for several years. Beyond his career as a singer and actor, Leo is also a creator and entrepreneur. He designed his own comic character, “Kubi,” becoming a pioneering Hong Kong artist by publishing his own comic books. His business ventures include the bakery “Alice Wild-Luscious” and two fashion brands, “SOLO CELEB” and “HTDG.” In recognition of his professional achievements and contributions to society, Leo was honored as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Hong Kong” in 2005. Moderated by James Tao.

Psychologist and visual imagery expert, Dr. Deepika Chopra, known as the The Optimism Doctor®, discusses her book "The Power of Real Optimism: A Practical, Science-Based Guide to Staying Resilient, Curious, and Open Even When Life Is Hard," which shows us how to build the kind of optimism that can actually withstand real life. Optimism isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about staying open and flexible—especially when it’s not. Dr. Chopra offers a radically different definition: optimism as a science, a skill, and a psychological muscle we can strengthen. Drawing from over a decade immersed in the science of resilience, emotional well-being, and cognitive psychology, the book is a toolkit for navigating the chaos, uncertainty, and nuance of being human—without losing yourself to it. Get the book here: https://goo.gle/4mNaf9R. Learn more about Dr. Deepika Chopra: https://www.drdeepikachopra.com/. Dr. Deepika Chopra is the founder of Things Are Looking Up®️, a consultancy devoted to the intersection of science and soul. She specializes in what she has coined "evidence-based manifestation," which draws from behavioral science, emotional fitness, neuroscience, and ancient wisdom to build modern tools for resilience and joy. Dr. Chopra holds a doctorate in clinical health psychology and completed a double postdoctoral fellowship at both the University of California at Los Angeles and Cedars Sinai Medical Center. She completed her formal dissertation on the topic of optimism, positive sensory visualization, and the connection to optimal well-being. She is a recurring guest on the TODAY Show, and her work has also been featured in Forbes, Harpers Bazaar, VOGUE, GOOP, Variety, E!, and more. She has led workshops for companies like Google, Amazon, and Amex, and has delivered keynotes at events including the Aspen Ideas Festival and The Atlantic’s In Pursuit of Happiness. Moderated by Claire Fanning.

New York Times bestselling author, Jeff Kinney, talks about "Partypooper" his global smash-hit series, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" which has sold over 300 million copies! In Partypooper ,Greg Heffley is planning the ultimate party—for himself. But when the guest list grows, the decorations flop, and the surprises backfire, this birthday bash turns into a total blowout—just not the kind Greg had in mind. Get the book here: https://goo.gle/4u1fu8j. Learn more about Jeff: https://wimpykid.com/. Jeff Kinney is a 6x Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award winner for Favorite Book and has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. He spent his childhood in the Washington, DC area and moved to New England, where he and his wife own a bookstore named An Unlikely Story. Moderated by Tali Sason.

F1 Academy’s Managing Director, former professional racing driver and one of the most respected women in motorsport Susie Wolff discusses her book Driven, an inside look at the competitive world of Formula One and trailblazer Susie Wolff's 20-year career, taking readers from the driver’s seat and the F1 paddock all the way to the future of the sport. Driven is a thrilling story about the highest levels of driving―but more than that, it’s a story of perseverance bound to inspire anyone on or off the track. Get the book here: https://goo.gle/4rXKggQ. Learn more about Susie: https://www.susiewolff.com/. Susie began her competitive motorsport career over twenty years ago, starting out as so many of her racing contemporaries did, on the karting track. After cutting her teeth in karting, Formula Renault and DTM for Mercedes-Benz, Susie went on to make history at the 2014 British Grand Prix by becoming the first woman to take part in a Formula 1 race weekend in 22 years. Following her retirement from driving in 2015 and as part of her commitment to fostering positive change within the sport, in 2016 Susie launched Dare To Be Different, a call to action aimed squarely at driving female talent by inspiring the next generation and increasing female participation in all levels and aspects of motorsport. In 2017 Susie’s hard work was formally acknowledged when she was awarded an MBE for her services and contribution to women in sport. In June 2018, Susie was appointed Team Principal and shareholder of ROKiT Venturi Racing in her first formal move into team management and ownership. In November 2021, she was promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer of Monaco’s only racing team and in August 2022, following the team’s most successful season to date and a Vice-World Championship title, Susie announced her departure from the team and Formula E. In March 2023 Susie was appointed as the Managing Director of the F1 Academy, the all-female driver category that aims to develop and prepare young female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition. Moderated by Gina Fratarcangeli.

Six-time USA Memory Champion, two-time Guinness World Record holder, Grandmaster of Memory, keynote speaker, and world-renowned memory coach, Nelson Dellis, discusses his book "Everyday Genius: Hacks to Boost Your Memory, Focus, Problem-Solving, and Much More," where he shows you how to reclaim and strengthen your most valuable asset: your brain. Everyday Genius teaches you to memorize names and faces instantly, speed-read with deep comprehension, calculate mentally with surprising accuracy, and focus intensely when it matters most. You'll learn strategies for chess and strategic games, techniques for acing exams and public speaking, and methods for creative problem-solving that help you see connections others miss. Get the book here: https://bit.ly/4rUxeRj. Learn more about Nelson: https://www.nelsondellis.com/. Nelson Dellis teaches at the university level, holding degrees in computer science and physics, and is also an accomplished mountaineer with four Mt. Everest expeditions. Beyond the classroom and the mountains, Nelson has medaled in international competitions, contributed to remote viewing research on stock prediction, and even played on a professional card-counting Blackjack team that won over $100,000. He shares his passion for unlocking the mind’s potential with over 300,000 YouTube subscribers, where he makes complex skills practical, fun, and accessible to anyone willing to train their brain. Moderated by Prem Ramaswami.

Bestselling author and leading thinker on the psychology of behavior change and human potential, Nir Eyal, discusses his New York Times bestselling book Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Breakthrough Results, which reveals how the hidden assumptions you carry shape what you see, how you feel, and what you do—and how to replace them with beliefs that unlock your true potential. Unlike the vague ‘just believe’ mantras, Nir offers a pragmatic, research-driven system for retraining the mind and body to go further than we think we can. Grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and unforgettable case studies, the book introduces the Three Powers of Belief: Attention, Anticipation, and Agency. Mastering these powers transforms how you see challenges, feel about the future, and act when it matters most. Learn more about Nir: https://www.nirandfar.com/ Get the book here: https://geni.us/beyondbelief Nir's free belief change guide is here: nirandfar.com/belief-change Bonus content and the 30-Day Belief Transformation Journal is here: nirandfar.com/beyond-belief Nir Eyal writes, consults, and teaches about the intersection of psychology, technology, and human potential. His frameworks have helped millions build better habits, improve focus, and unlock greater agency in their work and lives. He previously taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and has worked with companies and leaders around the world to improve performance through better behavior design. Nir is the author of the international bestsellers Hooked and Indistractable, which have sold over one million copies in more than thirty languages. His books have won multiple awards and have been recognized by Amazon and Goodreads as among the best business and personal development titles. As a serial entrepreneur, Nir has started and sold several companies and now serves as an adviser and early investor to organizations that apply his work. For more than twenty-five years, he has worked side by side with his wife and business partner, Julie Li. Moderated by Kay Munday.

Professor and behavioral scientist, Julia Minson, discusses her book How to Disagree Better, which reveals the counterintuitive secret to a life of less drama and more impact. Julia brings to bear her decades of research into understanding the psychology of disagreement and its relevance to negotiations, conflict resolution, and decision-making, revealing the hidden skill that all the best mediators and negotiators share: displaying receptiveness to opposing views. Get the book here: https://goo.gle/4s02n6g. Learn more about Julia: https://www.juliaminson.com/. Julia Minson is a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School. She is a behavioral scientist with extensive research experience in conflict, communication, negotiations, and decision-making. Her primary line of research addresses the “psychology of disagreement”—how people engage with opinions, judgments, and decisions that differ from their own. Her work has been published in top academic outlets and covered by CNN, TIME, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. Moderated by Brandon Li.

YouTube creator, New York Times bestselling author, financial expert and CEO and founder of Your Rich BFF, Vivian Tu, discusses her book Well Endowed: The Secrets to Strategic Spending, Building a Financial Foundation for You and Your Family, and Creating Lasting Generational Wealth, a guide to leveling up your finances to improve your life, relationships, and legacy. In this practical roadmap, Vivian blends Wall Street wisdom with her signature approachable style to guide you through adulthood’s most important financial decisions. By focusing on inclusive, value-based strategies, she shows you how to spend smarter on what matters most while building lasting wealth and a secure future. Get the book here: https://goo.gle/4abZqIO. Learn more about Vivian: https://www.yourrichbff.com/. Vivian Tu is a former Wall Street trader, personal finance educator, public speaker, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and Chief of Financial Empowerment at SoFi. She is the founder and CEO of Your Rich BFF, which she developed as a passion project to make the rules of personal finance accessible to non-experts and marginalized communities. Vivian delivered her first TED Talk in November 2025, further expanding her reach as a leading voice in financial education. She’s earned 10 million followers and counting across social media platforms and earned honors on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Media (2023) and Top Creators (2022 and 2023) lists, the MarketWatch 50, PureWow’s 24 in ’24, Bankrate’s 2024 Visionaries, and the TIME100 Creators list (2025). Vivian’s debut book, Rich AF, became an instant New York Times bestseller in December 2023. Vivian also hosts a top-charting podcast, Networth and Chill, and writes a Substack, enRICHed with Your Rich BFF.

Communication expert, trial lawyer, and New York Times bestselling author Jefferson Fisher joins us for a transformative session on his latest release, The Next Conversation Workbook: Practical Exercises for Arguing Less and Talking More. Whether used as a standalone guide or a companion to his acclaimed book, this workbook serves as a step-by-step roadmap for mastering high-stakes dialogue. Jefferson provides the exact phrases and mental frameworks needed to move beyond conflict and toward connection, offering a practical resource to help you think deeper about how you communicate today and how you will lead conversations at home, at work, and in life. Get the workbook here: https://goo.gle/4tuWZKa. Get the book here: https://goo.gle/45HH155. Learn more about Jefferson: https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/. Jefferson Fisher is the New York Times bestselling author of The Next Conversation, which has been translated into 40 languages. As a trial lawyer, writer, and speaker, his mission is to help people communicate better in life’s everyday arguments and conversations. Known for his practical videos and authentic presence, his work has connected with millions around the world, including Fortune 500 companies, global leaders, and government agencies. His podcast and email newsletter, where he offers ready-to-use advice for life’s most challenging conversations, reach hundreds of thousands of subscribers each week. In addition to being a dad and husband, Jefferson is the founder of Fisher Firm, where he helps people all over the United States connect to trusted legal services. Moderated by Zara Brownless.

YouTube sensations and all-around cartographical nerds Jay Foreman and Mark Cooper-Jones—better known as Map Men—discuss their debut book, This Way Up: When Maps Go Wrong (and Why it Matters), a funny and fascinating journey into the maps that messed up: big time! Packed with humor and fascinating facts, the book takes a deep dive into the world’s most baffling and absurd map blunders. From past miscalculations to modern mishaps, each chapter uncovers a unique tale of cartographic chaos—and the people responsible for it. Get the book here: https://lnk.to/mapmen Learn more about Map Men: https://www.youtube.com/@JayForeman Comedians, cartography enthusiasts, YouTubers, and educators—with over 100 million combined views, Map Men are Jay Foreman and Mark Cooper-Jones. Having single-handedly cornered the 'pop-geography' market with compelling storytelling and deadpan mischief, they have become the renowned saviors of every geography teacher who has ever forgotten a Friday afternoon lesson plan. Moderated by Rob Leworthy.

""America's Educator," New York Times bestselling author, Disney's American Teacher of the Year, and cofounder of the Ron Clark Academy, Ron Clark, discusses the Ron Clark Academy model. Ron shares how the Academy’s innovative leadership principles in the classroom can translate to the corporate workplace. Learn more about the Ron Clark Academy: https://www.ronclarkacademy.com/. Ron Clark’s outstanding success with students from low-wealth areas of North Carolina and New York City led him to be named Disney’s American Teacher of the Year. He is a New York Times Best Selling author, and his classes have been honored at the White House on three separate occasions. Ron’s teaching experiences in New York City are the subject of the uplifting film, The Ron Clark Story, starring Matthew Perry. Currently, Ron serves as a teacher and administrator at the Ron Clark Academy, an award-winning and internationally acclaimed middle school in Atlanta, GA. The school serves as a training site for educators, and each year thousands of teachers and administrators from around the world visit the school to be trained in their methods for helping all students achieve success. Moderated by Richard Mordecai.

Interna­tionally renowned leader in generative AI and generative AI pioneer, Maya Ackerman, discusses her book Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us, a bold and thought-provoking journey into AI's power to transform human creativity. Drawing on psychology, philosophy, and her own cutting-edge research, she explains how generative AI exposes both the brilliance and the blind spots of human society―our ingenuity, our biases, our assumptions about intelligence and identity. Get the book here: https://goo.gle/4hkh7c7. Learn more about Maya: https://maya-ackerman.com/. Maya Ackerman, PhD, is a pioneering voice at the intersection of generative AI and human creativity. As CEO and Co-Founder of WaveAI, one of the earliest generative AI startups, she has empowered millions of creators through groundbreaking tools like LyricStudio. An Associate Professor at Santa Clara University with over 50 scholarly publications, Maya bridges deep technical expertise with artistic insight as a singer, pianist, and songwriter. Named a Woman of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, her work has been featured by NBC News, NPR, Fortune, and Forbes, and she has spoken at leading institutions including Oxford, Stanford, Microsoft, and the United Nations. She is the author of Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us, offering a bold vision for the future of creativity. Moderated by Kristin Darrow.

Behavioral scientist and author Jon Levy discusses his book "Team Intelligence: How Brilliant Leaders Unlock Collective Genius,” which debunks the myths of what makes great leaders and effective teams. He reveals the simple habits that help leaders unlock team intelligence. Get the book here: https://goo.gle/3VTYlyh. Learn more about Jon: https://www.jonlevy.com/. Jon Levy is a behavioral scientist specializing in Trust, Leadership, and Teams. He is the author of the New York Times Bestseller You’re Invited, and the newly released Team Intelligence: How Brilliant Leaders Unlock Collective Genius. Levy is known for applying the latest research to transform the ways companies work together more effectively and impact their culture, marketing, sales, and consumer engagement. Fifteen years ago, Levy founded “The Influencers,” a secret dining experience and community, whose participants include more than 4000 leaders across industry, ranging from Nobel laureates, Olympians, and celebrities, to executives, editors-in-chief, and royalty. Moderated by Brian Glaser.

Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef and writer Andrew Zimmern and one of the world’s leading sustainable seafood experts and educators Barton Seaver discuss their cookbook “The Blue Food Cookbook: Delicious Seafood Recipes for a Sustainable Future,” a sustainable seafood bible, including a guide to environmentally friendly practices for buying and cooking food from oceans, lakes, and rivers, with over 145 recipes. Get the book here: https://goo.gle/47zKnbt. Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef and writer. As the creator, executive producer, and host of the Bizarre Foods franchise, MSNBC’s What’s Eating America, Magnolia Network’s Emmy-nominated Family Dinner, the Emmy-winning The Zimmern List, Field to Fire, Wild Game Kitchen, and the executive producer of PBS’s Hope in the Water, he has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance, and understanding through food. He has authored four books, sits on many national boards, and is a global ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme and the International Rescue Committee. Barton Seaver is one of the world’s leading sustainable seafood experts and educators. Before leaving the restaurant industry to pursue his interests in sustainable food systems, he was an award-winning chef leading top seafood restaurants in Washington, DC. He has written seven seafood-centric books, including For Cod and Country and The Joy of Seafood. Barton has contributed to Coastal Living, The Coastal Table, Cooking Light, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Fine Cooking, Fortune, Martha Stewart’s Whole Living, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Saveur, The Washington Post, among many others. He has appeared on 60 Minutes, CNN, NPR, 20/20 and the TED stage. Seaver hosted In Search of Food on the Ovation Network and Eat: The History of Food on National Geographic TV. Moderated by Jessica Carless.

Award-winning actress Brie Larson and fellow party person and former Milk Bar culinary director Courtney McBoom discuss “Party People: A Cookbook for Creative Celebrations.” Celebrate any occasion (really, any occasion!) with 100 creative recipes inspired by community and celebration and endless ideas for your next party. Get the book here: https://goo.gle/47SUEQV. About the panelists: Brie Larson is an actress, director, and producer, best known for her 2016 Academy Award-winning performance in Room. The critically acclaimed role also netted Larson a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA, Critics' Choice, EMMY and National Board of Review awards. In 2023, she executive produced and starred as Elizabeth Zott in Apple TV+’s Lessons in Chemistry, earning Emmy, Screen Actors Guild, Critics' Choice, and Golden Globe nominations. Past credits include the titular role in Captain Marvel which broke box office records, and its sequel, The Marvels, in addition to Fast X, Trainwreck, Kong: Skull Island, The Glass Castle and her breakout role in 2013’s Short Term 12. The latter earned Brie Best Actress awards at Locarno and Gotham. She has been named one of TIME 100's Most Influential People. Courtney McBroom is a party person, a chef, a culinary producer, and the author of the cookbooks Divine Your Dinner, All About Cake, Momofuku Milk Bar, and Milk Bar Life. She is the former culinary director of Milk Bar, a celebrated dessert and bakery brand, and the founder of Ruined Table, a publishing and event series about dinner parties. Recently, she was the head food consultant for Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV+. She has been a guest on shows such as Chef’s Table, Mind of a Chef, Vice Munchies, and Bong Appétit, and her writing and recipes have been featured in Food & Wine, Vice, GQ, InStyle, Thrillist, Stylist, and Lucky Peach magazine. Moderated by Kevin Allocca, Global Director of Culture & Trends at YouTube

Mel Semé, Jainardo Batista Sterling, Isa Antonetti, Da’von T. Moody And Wesley Wray perform and discuss the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Buena Vista Social Club. Inspired by true events, the musical brings the thrilling GRAMMY® Award-winning album to life, recounting the story of the legends who lived it. Step into the heart of Cuba, beyond the glitz of the Tropicana, to a place where blazing trumpets and sizzling guitars set the dance floor on fire. A world-class Afro-Cuban band and a sensational cast unite in this unforgettable tale of survival, second chances, and the extraordinary power of music. Learn more about the show: https://buenavistamusical.com/. About the panelists: Mel Semé (Ibrahim) was born and raised in Camagüey, Cuba. His passion for music led him to the prestigious University of Arts in Havana. He now divides his time between Barcelona, Los Angeles, and New York’s vibrant theatre scene. Influenced by Cuban rhythms, pop, folk, and jazz, his music is a captivating blend. With a sultry voice and masterful multi-instrumentalist skills, Mel transcends borders, uniting audiences worldwide. His music is a bridge between cultures, showcasing the unifying power of melody. Jainardo Batista Sterling (Rubén) is a Puerto Rican singer and percussionist. He comes from a family with a long tradition in music and theater in Puerto Rico. As a Jazz Ambassador of Jazz at Lincoln Center, he has toured Central and Northwest Africa as well as South America and the Caribbean. Additionally, he has performed in the Jerusalem Jazz Festival with Roman Diaz and Grupo Agolona; Essaouira Gnawa Festival (Morocco) with Colette Michaan’s Querencia; and Grammy-nominated Raices Haberas at New York’s Town Hall. Jainardo maintains an active performance schedule in NYC. Isa Antonetti (Young Omara) (she/her/ella) is overjoyed and humbled to be making her Broadway Debut in Buena Vista Social Club! She is a Latinx, Indigenous, Mixed Race LGBTQIA+ actress and singer from the Greater Rochester, New York area. She is currently completing her BFA in Musical Theatre at Carnegie Mellon University. Previous credits include Evita (NYCC), Macbeth (CMU), and A Chorus Line (OFC Creations). She also stars as the lead in her film debut, Gift of Fear (On Native Ground). Making her debut in Buena Vista Social Club is especially meaningful for Isa, as it reflects her own experiences growing up performing with her father’s Latin band, Orquesta Antonetti. For Isa, music is synonymous with family, and this milestone is a tribute to everyone who has been a part of her journey. Da’Von T. Moody (Young Compay) is making his Broadway Debut with Buena Vista Social Club but has also had the pleasure of being a part of many other projects. National Tour: MJ the Musical (Alejandro). Off-Broadway: Man of No Importance. Regional credits include: The Outsiders (Dallas Winston) at La Jolla Playhouse, RENT (Benny) at the Signature Theatre, Gun & Powder (World Premiere), Ain’t Misbehavin’. Olney Theatre: A.D. 16- World Premier (Simeon); Ford’s Theatre: The Wiz, Christmas Carol, Amazing Grace (Mr. Tyler); Constellation Theatre: Aida! (Mereb); ArtsCentric: Hair (Berger) and Dreamgirls (C.C. White). Film: Once Again for the First Time. Wesley Wray (Young Ibrahim) is making his Broadway Debut in Buena Vista Social Club. BFA Musical Theatre student at the University of Michigan (class of ‘26) and proud native of Miami, Florida. Wesley is a member of the Peter London Global Dance Company, celebrated for its distinctive Afro-Caribbean movement style. Wesley’s extensive training includes studying at the Alvin Ailey School, where he honed his skills in Martha Graham, Lester Horton, and ballet techniques. He further developed his classical acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he not only performed as Amiens and Silvius in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, but also composed the music for the production. While attending Michigan, Wesley has been seen in A Chorus Line (Mike Costa), Guys and Dolls (Harry the Horse), and most recently in Shaina Taub’s Twelfth Night (Duke Orsino). His most notable film credit includes working as a stand-in for Little in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight. Wesley is thrilled to make his Broadway debut, originating a role in such a beautiful, culturally enriching production. He is deeply grateful to his community for supporting him in reaching this dream. Moderated by Patricia Hadden.