Reshma Saujani will deliver opening remarks

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, “The Anxious Generation”; Social Psychologist, NYU
• Alicia Menendez, Co-Host, Weeknights on MSNBC

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, Chairman, VaynerX; CEO, VaynerMedia; Creator, VeeFriends
• Liz Plank, Liz Plank Productions

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.

Speakers:

• Rep. Jimmy Gomez, U.S. Representative; Leader of Congressional Dad’s Caucus
• Chasten Buttigeig, Author, “Papa’s Coming Home”; Activist
• Molly Day, Chief Operating Officer, Moms First

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, Co-Founder, A Call to Men
• Brian Heilman, Senior Research Fellow, Movember Institute of Men’s Health
• Matt Schneider, Co-Founder, City Dads Group
• Taveeshi Gupta, Senior Director of Research, Equimundo

Men’s and women’s organizations must work together to tackle today’s biggest challenges — from redefining gender roles to fighting for parents, paid leave, and affordable child care. Activists and founders Reshma Saujani and Gary Barker will discuss how collaboration across gender lines is key to building real equality and lasting change.

Speakers:

• Gary Barker, Founder and CEO, Equimundo
• Reshma Saujani, Founder and CEO, Moms First
• Jessica Grose, Opinion Writer, The New York Times

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, Grandson to Former President Jimmy Carter & First Lady Rosalynn Carter; Caregiver; CEO, The VEO-IBD Foundation

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 Racial 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 4Kira4Moms
• Michele Lampach, Director of Impact, Bobbie
• Craig Newmark, Founder, Craig Newmark Philanthropies
• Deborah Singer, Chief Marketing Officer, Moms First
• Nina Harstad, Director of PaidLeave.AI

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:

• Dr. Becky Kennedy, Founder and CEO, 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.