Milken Alumni Scholars at the 2025 MI Global Conference
Published 05/09/2025 in Program Updates
Written
05/09/2025
A record number of 53 Alumni participated in the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference and attended over 100 panels, private sessions and evening receptions centered on innovation in fields ranging from health, technology, finance, and so much more.
In line with this year’s theme, Toward a Flourishing Future, experts at this year’s Milken Institute’s Global Conference hosted at the Beverly Hilton from May 4-7, shared how they are addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues, including poverty, war, cancer, and barriers in education. Susan Lee, MS ‘96, is walking away from Global Conference with new ideas on how her company can help others maximize the benefits of artificial intelligence. She said, “It has been incredible to see how much the finance community and the other types of communities here are interested in AI. I was very excited to see Jensen Huang [CEO of Nvidia] and Michael Milken on stage together. What a great interview. It’s kind of a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to see both up close.”
Within the span of a few days, Scholars seized every opportunity to get close to and learn from influential figures at the forefront of their industries. First-time attendee, Josselyn Navas , MS ‘18, was invited to a private session titled Innovative Developments in Early Wealth-Building moderated by Cheryl Evans, Milken Institute Director of the Lifetime Financial Security Program. Josselyn sat with the President of SIFMA Foundation, the Treasurer of the State of Connecticut, and other finance gurus who are working towards increasing financial security and community-based financial literacy. When asked how this experience would impact her career, Josselyn responded, “It's been a transformative experience. GC25 showed me that there’s momentum across the globe to drive meaningful change across technology, finance, and health.”
With celebrities and world leaders all in the same venue, Felix Bulwa, MS ‘18, shared, “I did not know exactly what to expect, but to expect the unexpected.” Throughout his time at Global Conference, Felix got to hear from Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, ran into Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Paul Ryan and got a book signed by Michelin star chef, José Andrés. Felix even got to learn more about mental health from Ted Lasso himself as Jason Sudeikis shared in his session, Believe: The Power of Positivity and Kindness.
Fraces Lu-Pai Ippolito, MS ‘98, was deeply inspired by all the speakers and looks forward to incorporating what she learned into her nonprofit work, her job, and all that she does in the community. She said, “GC25 affirmed (again) that nothing is impossible if we commit to making the world a better place through mutual respect, dialogue, and the sharing of opportunities.”
As representatives of over 80 countries and experts across diverse professions, Alumni Scholars departed ready to continue building upon the legacy of the world leaders, industry trailblazers and key stakeholders who presented at Global Conference. Casey Noel, MS ’97, concluded, “GC25 provided me a seat at a very exclusive table where I was able to feed on invaluable content and come away with new perspectives and companions. Now I will return to my community to synthesize, share and shore up new pathways to multiply positive impact.”
For Alumni Scholar quotes on their experience, please click here to read more.