This year's theme is "Free to Fail" because we believe that our greatest successes can come from our failures. In a society that has intuitively idealized success at every step, we want to emphasize the diverse and unconventional journeys that shape who we become. Just as there is no light without dark and no good without bad, this year, our talks will show you that there is no success without failure.
Speakers
Speakers may not be confirmed. Check event website for more information.
Maddie Cross-Kaplan
Maddie Cross-Kaplan is a senior at William & Mary majoring in History with the intention of going to law school or getting her M.A. and Ph.D in history. Outside of class, she is the Logistics Chair of the Mock Trial Team, co-President of Project HEAL, and editor for the James Blair Historical Review. She hopes her talk helps to reframe mental health struggles as a common human experience and shows that while others cannot rescue us from these challenges, acknowledging what we need is imperative to helping others help us.Salaar Khan
Salaar is a junior at W&M from Henrico, Virginia and he's passionate about making a positive difference in his community. That's why he has spent almost a decade advocating for legislation, advising political campaigns, and engaging other young people in the political process. As someone who is legally blind and disabled, Salaar has overcome his own challenges thanks to the people around him. Their support is why he's now dedicated to standing up for young people, disabled folks, and communities of color. Although he's found his calling in civic engagement, Salaar wants to share his story with people of all backgrounds and abilities to help them find their own path toward service.Organizing team
