Reshma Saujani will deliver opening remarks

This conversation will set the stage for what’s happening with men and boys in America and what’s at stake from an economic, social, and political perspective. Panelists will cover why Moms First and Equimundo came together to host this event and conversation and delve into the latest research and data into men, boys, and masculinity. This discussion will provide critical context for the problems facing men today and point to opportunities for solutions.

Speakers:

• Gary Barker, CEO of Equimundo
• Reshma Saujani, CEO of Moms First
• Jessica Grose, Reporter at The New York Times

This conversation will highlight the latest research and data about boys in America and concerns about declines in their mental health and increasing reliance on digital technology at the expense of real-world relationships. Jonathan Haidt will touch on concepts like the “great rewiring” and the impact that immersion in digital worlds and entertainment has on boys and their development and outcomes.

Speakers:

• Jonathan Haidt, Author of Anxious Generation

Join political leaders for a powerful conversation on modern fatherhood, inclusive family structures, and the policies families need to thrive. From paid leave to cultural representation, they’ll explore how to shift both laws and mindsets to reflect today’s dads — and support every kind of family.

This fireside chat will explore the traditional tropes of old-school masculinity and the new values replacing those tired tropes for boys and men today. It will dive into the intersection of masculinity and hustle culture, speaking to the ways that men can show up in the workplace and in their relationships. And it will explore a new playbook for modern dads and families rooted in connection and empathy.

Speakers:

• Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of Vayner Media
• Liz Plank, Author & Podcast Host

This discussion will feature organizations at the forefront of creating change for men and dads. Leaders from these organizations will share what they’ve learned in creating opportunities for America’s men and dads, the progress they’re most excited about, and what they see as opportunities in the future.

Speakers:

• Ted Bunch, CEO of A Call to Men
• Brian Heilman, Senior Research Fellow of Movember
• Matt Schneider, City Dads Group
• Taveeshi Gupta, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Learning at Equimundo

Get a sneak peek of Caregiving, a new documentary created with executive producer Bradley Cooper, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of caregiving in America. Hear from a leader featured in the film who is creating a new script for male caregivers on screen and in their own lives and work.

Speaker:

• Josh Carter, Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers & grandson of former President Jimmy Carter

This session will spotlight local leaders taking innovative approaches to building community and valuing care among boys, men, and dads. From bringing together new dads in Brooklyn to encouraging white men to have uncomfortable conversations about race, these leaders are showing what it looks like to reimagine care and community for men and fathers.

Speakers:

• Jerome Hunter, Co-Founder of Seattle School for Boys
• Joe Gonzales, Founder of Brooklyn Stroll Club
• Jay Coen Gilbert, Co-Founder of White Men for Social Justice
• Rha Goddess, Founder of Move the Crowd

This candid fireside chat unpacks what truly makes a workplace great for dads and families — from flexibility and belonging to leadership and accountability. Learn why supporting fathers at work is essential to building stronger teams, healthier families, and a more equitable future.

Speakers:

• Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work
• Nihal Mehta, ENIAC Ventures

Recent research from Moms First and McKinsey shows that only two in five eligible parents take state paid parental leave programs, with Dads driving most of this under-utilization, leaving billions on the table. This panel will explore the barriers facing Dads when it comes to paid leave, how innovative tools like PaidLeave.AI can overcome those barriers, and what Dads stand to gain from fully utilizing paid family leave.

Speakers:

• Charles Johnson, Founder of 4Kira4Kids
• Michele Lampach, Director of Impact of Bobbie
• Deborah Singer, CMO of Moms First
• Craig Newmark, Craig Newmark Philanthropies
• Molly Day, COO of Moms First

Join Dr. Becky Kennedy for a powerful fireside chat on raising emotionally healthy boys — and the resilient parents and dads they need. From emotional regulation to redefining strength, Dr. Becky shares science-backed insights and practical tools for raising sons who thrive and building homes where everyone feels seen, safe, and strong.

Speakers:

• Becky Kennedy, Founder & CEO of Good Inside
• Maggie McGrath, Forbes Women Editor

Closing remarks from Reshma Saujani will challenge speakers and guests to join the fight and provide concrete next steps to stay engaged.