
On Tuesday, May 21, the unconventional speaking and business networking event, “DisruptHR/Charlottesville” will feature Justin Jackson, a C4K youth member, and 9th grade Charlottesville High School student, presenting his talk: “Class Dismissed! Personalized Pathways to High School Graduation.” Justin (15) who interns at C4K through the City of Charlottesville’s CAYIP program, is thought to be the youngest DisruptHR speaker in the history of the international event series.
When: Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Where: The Jefferson Theater: 110 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Event Format: The event features fourteen five-minute talks from area leaders about the future of work and talent. The “ignite” format features 20 slides advancing at 15-second intervals.
“We are excited that one of our students, Justin, will be speaking about his vision for personalized learning experiences in school. Justin is a dynamic and articulate young man. We are delighted his voice will be heard alongside other community leaders. We are honored to be the beneficiaries of this event; investment in our STEM mentoring program provides local youth, like Justin, unique out-of-school learning experiences including 1:1 mentoring, academic and skill-based workshops, job shadowing opportunities, and experiential field trips.” – Kala Somerville, C4K Executive Director
Proceeds from the business event will fund C4K’s STEM mentoring program for local youth from low-income households. The event is part of DisruptHR, an international franchise that hosts events in more than 150 cities worldwide. Charlottesville’s first DisruptHR event in 2018 attracted around 200 attendees and featured fourteen speakers leading education, technology, and business consulting organizations in the Charlottesville area.
According to event co-organizer Lily Garcia Walton, “DisruptHR events across the world attract a diverse and eclectic range of attendees and speakers – all unified by a passion for business, a love of people, and a rebellious streak.”

Talks & Speakers:
The High Art of Knowing Nothing: How to Learn More than You Thought Possible by CRAIG HONICK: Managing Partner, Metro Tribal
Left Brain, Right Brain: Leveraging the Science of Data Analytics to Inform the Art of Compelling Storytelling by PJ HARRIS: Chief Sales Officer, Totem Systems, Inc.
Technology, Behavior Tracking, and the Future of Work by ROSHNI RAVEENDHRAN: Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Darden School of Business
HR Disrupted: Using Technology for HR Service Insights by MICHAEL LATSKO: Senior Director, HR Strategic Initiatives, University of Virginia
The Future of Democracy Depends on Art by HEATHER HIGHTOWER: Founder, The Center for Vocal Study
Putting the “Public” Back Into “Public University” by DAYNA MATTHEW: Distinguished Professor of Law, The University of Virginia School of Law
End Maternity Leave: What You Can Do to Combat the Motherhood Penalty by AMANDA NORRIS AMES: Attorney, Womble Bond Dickinson, and Founder, Motherful
Class Dismissed! Personalized Pathways to High School Graduation by JUSTIN JACKSON: 9th Grade Student, Charlottesville High School
Introducing Your Future Customer: Customer 2.0 by ROB MASRI, CEO, SportLife
Picking your 40 Hour Partner: Your Boss by HOPE RANA: Director of Recruitment and Development, Northwestern Mutual
We Differ Well by RACHEL BAGBY: Founder, Singing Farm, and Leadership Consultant
Setting Boundaries by TAMARA WILKERSON DIAS, Executive Director, African American Teaching Fellows\
Balance is Bullsh*t! by RENEE BRANSON: Founder, RB Consulting
Neurodiversity: A Business and Community Opportunity by ETHAN LONG: President, Virginia Institute of Autism