2026 Milken Scholars Alumni Symposium: Toward a Flourishing Future

Published 03/03/2026 in Alumni Features
Written 03/03/2026

From February 20 – 22, 100+ Alumni Scholars gathered for the 2026 Milken Scholars Alumni Symposium at the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) in Washington D.C.

The event kicked off on Friday evening with Milken Scholars Class Reunions for Alumni to reconnect with their Scholar Cohorts over dinner where many conversations picked up right where they had left off from their previous Milken Scholar reunion. Dr. Jane Foley, Director, Milken Scholars Program, officially welcomed the group of more than 110 participants to the 2026 Milken Scholars Alumni Symposium, an exciting convening for Alumni Scholars and family who joined the 5th iteration of its kind. Evelyn Torres, Director, Milken Scholars Program introduced a screening of America: Built on Dreams in MCAAD's Stand Together Theater highlighting real life stories from across the country which showcased diverse interpretations of the American Dream, touching on the power of education, finance, entrepreneurship and community. The state-of-the-art technology of the theatre left everyone amazed! This was just the first space of many that the group was able to visit and experience throughout the weekend as the Program hosted a Friday networking reception in the Bank History Gallery, led guided tours that took the entire group through exhibits on the Lower Level, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 5 of the Center. Alumni Scholars also entered the Holodeck Experience for an immersive and interactive display of the American Dream. MCAAD's Conference Center provided the group space for small breakout sessions, a Saturday evening reception was hosted in the Hall of Generations and the Hall of Dreams was used by day for the group's main sessions and at night it transformed for A Night at the Museum- dinner for Milken Alumni Scholars and special guests who joined the celebration. 

Throughout the weekend, invited guest speakers shared their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics of importance for Alumni Scholars' personal and professional development. Symposium sessions included:

  • Welcome & Overview of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream – Bethany Morookian Bentley, Senior Director, MCAAD
  • Exploring Innovative Treatments for our Health & Graceful Aging – Dr. John Shen, MS ’03, in conversation with Gina Carithers, President & CEO, Prostate Cancer Foundation, and Diane Ty, Managing Director, Center for the Future of Aging, Milken Institute
  • Time, Talent and Treasure: Philanthropists’ Impact on a Flourishing Future – Simone Joy Friedman, Head of Philanthropy, EJF Philanthropies
  • The Power of Mentorship for a Flourishing Future – Dr. Frank Luntz, Senior Fellow West Point Military Academy in conversation with Daniel Wright, Founder & CEO of The Wright Way Enterprises, and Troye Bullock, Founder & Partner of Inspire Partners
  • Financial Planning for Wealth Building – Josselyn Navas, MS ’18, American Express, in conversation with Cheryl Evans, Director, Lifetime Financial Security Program, Milken Institute
  • Tackling Career Pivots & Pursuing Passions for a Flourishing Future – Marcela Correa, MS ’96, First Book in conversation with Frances Lu-Pai Ippolito, MS ’98, Weir Group, Rashan Jibowu, MS ’02, Phrygian Investments, Dr. Morris Vanegas, MS ’08, Liminal Arc/3rd Spaces
  • Night at the Museum: Milken Alumni Scholars Dinner with Special Guests – Mike Milken and Johnny Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Society for Human Resource Management, Milken Institute
  • Reflections and Conversations on the American Dream – Mike Milken in conversation with Mark Ein, Kastle Systems, and David Rubenstein, Co-Founder, The Carlyle Group and President, The Economic Club of Washington D.C.
  • Milken Alumni Scholar Spotlight: Power Reimagined – Evelyn Torres, Director, Milken Scholars Program in conversation with Khadijah Sharif-Drinkard, MS ’89, ABC News

To address the needs of Alumni at various stages of life, there were also breakout sessions focused on a wide range of topics including salary negotiations, managing career relationships, estate planning, launching your own business and caring for aging loved ones.

Scholars from the Classes of 1989-2022 walked away with new ideas and refreshed connections to continue taking steps Toward a Flourishing Future, this year’s Symposium theme.

The Program looks forward to reconvening Alumni in three years for the 2029 Milken Scholars Alumni Symposium where the Program will be celebrating its 40th anniversary! 

To find photos of the event, view the 2026 Milken Scholars Alumni Symposium photo album.