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Chicago Ideas Announces Timely Lineup of Curiosity Series Events Designed to Inspire Action
Globally Recognized Speakers Will Explore #MeToo, Bridging American Divides and Tech's Ever-Growing Role in our Lives

CHICAGO, Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago Ideas announced today the Curiosity Series lineup of events for February through June, which includes world-renowned speakers exploring such issues as the #MeToo movement, what interfaith leaders can teach us about bringing together Americans, how Facebook is fulfilling Mark Zuckerberg's mission to become a more ethically responsible company, and more.

The lineup of distinguished speakers includes: veteran TV writer/producer Nell Scovell, who co-wrote "Lean In" with Sheryl Sandberg and created the TV series "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch"; Sam Kass, the White House chef and senior policy advisor for nutrition under President Obama and chef Stephanie Izard; Broadway legend Kenny Leon, the first African-American director to win a Tony award; Facebook's Vice President of Product Design Margaret Gould Stewart; and more visionaries who connect with diverse audiences.

Just like at Chicago Ideas Week, each event in the Curiosity Series incorporates art and performance to fully engage the participants mentally and emotionally during the integrative experience. Before and after the events, attendees receive resources to help them take action, build connections and make a difference. Inspiration is shared through emails outlining tangible next steps, topic-focused meet-ups to expand on the discussion, visual representations of the thoughts shared at an event, and more.

"We bring new ideas to our community to inspire action based on what people experience," said Michael Slaby, Executive Director at Chicago Ideas. "That's why our Curiosity Series events are curated as 360-degree experiences to give attendees multiple angles on each topic. Our hope is that attendees will walk away with a newfound perspective and sense of purpose—and most importantly, a deeper connection to a community to act with."

Keeping with Chicago Ideas' mission to provide affordable world-class programming, most Curiosity Series tickets start at just $15. The lineup, which takes place at venues across the city, includes:

  • This American Moment: Bridging Religious Divides with Interfaith Youth Core (February 23, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Venue SIX10): At a time when increasing polarization and religious bigotry are tearing apart our nation, this panel discussion featuring People's Supper Cofounder Rev. Jennifer Bailey and other young leaders from Interfaith Youth Core will explore the challenges facing our country and opportunities to build a more harmonious future.
  • Nell Scovell: From the Hollywood Boys' Club to #MeToo (March 28, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Venue SIX10): Veteran Hollywood comedy writer and "Lean In" co-author Nell Scovell sits down with Ariel Investments President Mellody Hobson for a funny and fascinating conversation on everything from Scovell's early experiences infiltrating the Hollywood Boys' Club to the #MeToo movement and what's next.
  • Big Tech's Uncharted Territory: An Evening with Facebook (April 26, 7–8 p.m., Museum of Contemporary Art): After a tumultuous 2017, Facebook is making a concerted effort to protect the world's largest social network from abuse and hate, and to ensure the platform is used in a way that will benefit society. Hear from the Facebook leaders who are on the front lines of this mission, including Vice President of Product Design Margaret Gould Stewart.
  • The Future of Food in America (May 15, 7–8 p.m., Museum of Contemporary Art): Sam Kass, President Obama's chef and senior policy advisor for nutrition joins Girl & The Goat Chef Stephanie Izard for a conversation exploring the innovations that are driving food sustainability and what needs to be done to build a future with better food options for all. 
  • In Conversation: Kenny Leon (June 18, 7–8 p.m., Location TBA): Kenny Leon, the renowned Broadway director who has brought such plays to the stage as the revivals of Raisin in the Sun and Fences, sits down for a candid conversation about his journey from a dirt-road house without electricity to being the first African-American director to win a Tony award.
  • Member Labs and special engagements (throughout the series): Curated in conjunction with a wide variety of organizations around the city with the goal of giving participants a chance to engage in a more hands-on way, this spring's events feature partnerships with Interfaith Youth Core, Catharsis Labs, The Onion A.V. Club and more.

Visit ChicagoIdeas.com for information on ticket on-sale dates and availability. Sign up for the Chicago Ideas Newsletter at chicagoideas.com/newsletter and follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for updates.

ABOUT CHICAGO IDEAS
Chicago Ideas is a movement built on one core belief: When a broad spectrum of thinkers and instigators share ideas, we have the power to transform our world. Chicago Ideas hosts Chicago Ideas Week (CIW) each fall, which is the largest affordable ideas festival in the world, connecting attendees to more than 200 world-renowned speakers—but Chicago Ideas' efforts extend much further. Whether it's the Curiosity Series in the spring, over 100 Labs that offer exclusive looks into Chicago-based businesses and cultural institutions, a year-round YOU(th) program that promotes leadership and personal development among under-represented Chicago high school students or a digital news platform that highlights innovative people and organizations, Chicago Ideas is helping make visionary ideas accessible to everyone. Chicago Ideas is a 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more about becoming a member at chicagoideas.com/membership.

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