2026 Milken Scholars Summit: Leading in a New Era
Published 08/19/2026 in Program Updates
Written
by Reyes, Natalie |
08/19/2026
With nearly 40 years of impact nationwide, the Milken Scholars Program now supports over 600 young leaders originating from Los Angeles County, New York City and Washington, D.C. Aside from receiving financial assistance, a strong support system, and professional opportunities, Scholars come together every summer to connect, learn and reflect at the Annual Summit.
The Class of 2026, which includes 22 new recipients, formed part of the more than 120 Scholars and Staff at this year’s Annual Summit hosted at American University in Washington, D.C., from July 30-August 2. The Annual Summit gave Scholars a taste of campus life and an introduction to the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream.
This year, the Summit theme “Leading in a New Era” reflected the Milken Institute’s theme for the 2026 Global Conference.
Guest speakers shared their personal and professional journeys and advice and reflected on how passion and purpose influenced pivotal decisions along their paths. Their stories encouraged others to reflect on how they use their own talents, time, and resources for meaningful change for themselves and their communities. These sessions included:
Setting Up for Success in Academic & Professional Settings – Dr. Lalit Patel, MS ’03, Research Track Pathology Resident, Emory University School of Medicine in conversation with Marcela Correa, MS ’96, Vice President of Global Strategies, First Book, Dr. Angela She, MS ’08, VP R&D Strategy and Operations, Korsana Biosciences, and Paul Bingaman, MS ’19, Futures Execution Trader, Morgan Stanley
International Diplomacy in a New Era – Mayowa Jolayemi, MS ’19, Africa Strategy Manager, UN Global Compact/BCG in conversation with Linda Thomas-Greenfield, 31st U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Margery Kraus, Founder and Executive Chair, APCO
Freedom to Face our Fears – Brittany Baldwin, Executive Director, White House Task Force 250
ScholarX Talk: Scholar Authors Sharing their Stories – Dr. Patrice Tully-Williams, MS ’96, Physician, Apex Medical/Cedars Sinai, Dennis Ojogho, MS ’12, Deputy Attorney General, CA Dept. of Justice, Amanda Rizkalla, MS ’16, Author, Steinbeck Fellow/Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing Fellow
Leading the Wave of Technological Innovations to Solve Global Issues – Kilimanjaro Robbs, MS ’93, Founder, Hidden Genius Project/Consultant, KILIROBBS in conversation with Freddie Figgers, Tech Entrepreneur, Founder, Figgers Communication and the Figgers Foundation
Summit Theme Keynote: Leading in a New Era – David Trulio, President of MCAAD
In line with the Program’s culture of service and mentorship, more than 50 Milken Alumni Scholars attended to offer career advice, lead panel discussions, offer 1-on-1 mock interviews and resume reviews, and create memorable experiences with current Scholars. Throughout the Summit, whether it was during formal Q&As, casual dining hall conversations, or late-night talks, talks centered around defining one’s goals for the future, building habits for one’s mental and physical health, navigating personal and professional relationships, and so much more.
At the traditional Alumni Induction, as 2026 Graduates were recognized for completing their undergraduate degrees, Alumni Scholars shared words of wisdom reminding new graduates that the Milken Scholars Family is a lifelong community.
For the first time ever, Summit included a visit to the newly opened Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, where Scholars visited exhibits designed around Education, Health, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Empowerment. Throughout the museum, select displays highlight Scholars’ life stories and how they are leaving a mark as leaders in their industries. The visit included private tours with MCAAD staff and a warm welcome from David Trulio, President of MCAAD. Many Scholars were also able to find their stories at kiosks for the American Dream Video Project. The group’s visit ended with special words from Mike Milken, who virtually spoke live with the group.
Over the four days, whether reflecting on their dreams for the future or singing late night karaoke, Scholars grew closer and left Summit ready to continue working hard to make the world a better place.
In addition to the Summit, this summer at Recognition Ceremonies across the country, the twenty-two new Scholars were celebrated, and along with their families, were recognized for their achievements. Pictures from the 2026 Summit and Recognition Ceremonies hosted in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles can be found here.
