1,500 San Diegans Challenge Assumptions in Future40 Series

San Diegans across 77 zip codes engaged with thought leaders, scholars and champions of change who addressed the future of San Diego during our Future40 series of public events in 2015.

The Future40 Series, kicked off by the Malin Burnham Center for Civic Engagement in honor of The Foundation’s 40^th Anniversary, raised important questions about diverse social challenges , highlighting changing constructs, and identifying emerging opportunities with the goal of creating a more equitable future for all.

Check out the Future40 videos below to learn more from our lineup of keynote speakers and San Diegans in the audience, and look for a new slate of exciting Future40 programs in 2016.

Future40 Series Videos

The Future of Age Friendly Communities with Laurence Weinstein

In 2050, the United States will be home to more than 80 million adults over 65, and San Diego County alone will see a 130 percent increase in this age group between 2000 and 2030. Combined with enormous technological advancements that have the potential to transform the way we understand aging, the future of growing older may not be what we anticipate today. Watch Laurence Weinstein, retired AARP National Events Housing Consultant, discuss this urgent topic and share ways to create an “Age Friendly San Diego County”.

25 and Under! The Future of Philanthropy in San Diego

Vibrant communities need many voices, and San Diego’s young innovators are making themselves heard. Watch David Lopez, Executive Director of Teach for America San Diego, moderate a panel discussion about how next-generation changemakers are transforming philanthropy and impacting our community with our “Future of Philanthropy” keynote speakers Winnie Xu, Co-Founder of Giventure, Macy Olivas, Executive Director of the Patricia and Christopher Weil Foundation, and Nate Howard, Founder of Movement BE.

Lean In to the Future: San Diego Women Changemakers with Leila Janah

Women are at the leading edge of transformative change. Studies show that organizations with a greater balance of women in executive positions perform better. In the future, women in leadership will nurture a flourishing economy, gender diversity and equity for all. Watch Sama Group CEO Leila Janah tell her story and discuss how we can mobilize this cultural and economic shift in our communities through policy, systems innovation, collective impact and investment.

Learning Landscapes: The Future of Education in San Diego with Milton Chen

If we want San Diego’s young people to become the next generation of great leaders, we need more than an excellent school system; we need a true learning landscape. Watch Dr. Milton Chen, Executive Director Emeritus of The George Lucas Educational Foundation, present on his vision for a future where learning is everywhere – at school, at a museum, at a park – and learn about innovative models that offer students personal, flexible, and equitable ways to explore their passions and build a better tomorrow.

Gather! Building the Community of the Future

The future will require us to be creative, flexible, and open to create a community where neighborhoods are vitalized, inventive thinking and collaboration is nurtured, and opportunities to solve challenges are discussed and realized. Can this be reflected in our gathering spaces?

Watch Teddy Cruz and Fonna Forman, Co-Directors of the UCSD-Blum Cross-Border Initiative, Philip Auchettl, CEO of RAD Lab, and Matt D’Arrigo, CEO & Founder of A.R.T.S., share how we and the places we work, learn, and live can adapt to create a more equitable and vibrant San Diego. This panel discussion is moderated by our very own Vice President of Community Impact, Dr. Emily Young, Ph.D.

Everything is Science Fiction: The Future of San Diego with David Brin

San Diego, 2055: What will remain? What will be lost? What will we have done to face our region’s most pressing challenges and seize its most exciting opportunities? Watch science fiction author, scientist and leading futurist David Brin’s keynote on an exploration of trends in our region and possibilities for San Diego’s future.

Get Involved

The Malin Burnham Center for Civic Engagement at The San Diego Foundation is where community comes together to learn and discuss challenges and opportunities to create a more vibrant and cohesive San Diego region. We convene diverse perspectives and champions for Our Greater San Diego Vision advanced through a WELL framework: Work, Enjoy, Live and Learn.

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