Global Summit XVI sponsorship
Support the JES's mission of fostering dialogue for the Erie region on a global level.
We are pleased to present to you the speaker lineup for the Jefferson Educational Society’s 16th Annual Global Summit. Our goal is to ensure that each year the Summit builds on past Global Summits' success. This is especially the case as we host this year’s Global Summit. Last year we hit record numbers; not only was it our largest summit, but we also made a record number of registrations!
This year we will learn about a variety of topics ranging from politics, sports, history, technology, and social issues. For example, we will hear from former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, historian Heather Cox Richardson, public intellectual Eddie Glaude Jr., and Lincoln historian, Harold Holzer. They are just some of those who will be in Erie from October 17 through November 15 as part of our 16th Annual Global Summit.
It is because of the generous support of civic-minded citizens like you that we can continue our mission of fostering dialogue for the Erie region on a global level. We hope that you will help us celebrate our 16th year and the ambitious growth of the Global Summit to a truly regional affair as we extend our outreach to the surrounding regions of Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh by showing your support this year.
You are Changing the World Whether You Like it or Not
Date/Time: Thursday, October 16, 2025 7:00-8:30PM
Location: Warner Theater, 811 State St, Erie, PA 16501
Admission:
- General Admission (Early Bird Pricing) $25
- Preferred Seating (Early Bird Pricing) $50 (Closest Section Near the Stage)
Additional Fees: Amusement Tax, Processing Fee
Parking: TBD
David LaMotte is an award-winning songwriter, speaker, and author who has performed over 3,500 concerts worldwide and released thirteen albums. His music, including the Folk Radio #1 hit “September Me,” has been featured on Our Town (Broadway), This American Life, and national television. A sought-after speaker, David has delivered TEDx talks (one a TED Editor’s Pick) and keynoted events at the UN, Scottish Parliament, and Rotary International. He is a Rotary World Peace Fellow with a master’s in International Relations, and the founder of PEG Partners, a nonprofit supporting education in Guatemala. David has authored four books, including You Are Changing the World Whether You Like It Or Not, used in college classrooms across the U.S. and abroad. He is also part of the interfaith musical group Abraham Jam. He lives in Black Mountain, NC, and continues to tour, write, and advocate for peace and justice.
