Laurene Powell Jobs, founder and president of Emerson Collective, and Darren Walker, president and CEO of Anonymous Content and former president of the Ford Foundation, will headline Mississippi Today’s 10th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 7 in Jackson.
Bill Bynum, founding CEO of HOPE and a national leader in community development, will moderate the conversation between two of the nation’s most influential voices in philanthropy, storytelling and social impact. The nonprofit newsroom is marking a decade of mission-driven reporting and launching its next chapter serving communities across the state.
The celebration is part of a two-day anniversary event that includes Mississippi Today’s second annual “All In on Mississippi” summit on Oct. 8 beginning at 1 p.m. at the Two Mississippi Museums.
“Mississippi Today was founded on the belief that independent, nonprofit journalism could strengthen our state,” said Emily Wagster Pettus, editor-in-chief of Mississippi Today. “We’re honored to welcome two global leaders whose work reflects that same belief — that informed communities, powerful storytelling and bold ideas can create meaningful change.”
A conversation on storytelling, democracy and the future
Powell Jobs and Walker will appear together during the Mississippi Today 10th anniversary event in conversation with Bynum, exploring the role of storytelling and journalism in strengthening democracy and expanding opportunity.
Their discussion will frame an evening celebrating the impact of independent journalism while looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities facing communities across Mississippi and the South.
About Laurene Powell Jobs
Laurene Powell Jobs is the founder and president of Emerson Collective, a company that combines venture investing and philanthropy to address some of the most consequential challenges in education, economic mobility, immigration and energy.
She founded the Waverley Street Foundation to support community-driven climate solutions and College Track to help students become the first in their families to graduate from college, with continued support as they begin their careers. She also co-founded the XQ Institute to drive innovation in high school education.
She is the lead investor and board chair of The Atlantic, board chair of College Track and a member of the Ford Foundation board.
About Darren Walker
Darren Walker brings decades of leadership across philanthropy, finance and the arts. Currently, he serves as president and CEO of Anonymous Content, leading the company’s next phase of growth — overseeing its management and commercial business, guiding its international partnerships, and shaping a global strategy across film, television, and emerging media.
Prior to Anonymous, Walker served as president of the Ford Foundation for more than 10 years, which followed leadership roles at Rockefeller Foundation, the Abyssinian Development Corporation and senior positions across international law and finance.
He is president of the board of the National Gallery of Art and advises some of the world’s most prominent organizations on governance, strategy and leadership. Additional board service includes the Ralph Lauren Corporation, the Obama Foundation, Bloomberg L.P., the Clooney Foundation for Justice, the Waverley Street Foundation, the Perelman Performing Arts Center and Art Bridges.
A trusted connector across business and culture, Walker has long championed artists and storytellers worldwide. His move into media reflects a belief that great storytelling not only shapes culture but defines it.
Mississippi Today 10th Anniversary Celebration
Taking place at the Two Mississippi Museums on Wednesday, Oct. 7, the celebration will honor a decade of public service journalism through an evening of conversation, music, storytelling and immersive experiences that showcase the newsroom’s work.
Guests will hear firsthand accounts of the newsroom’s impact while getting a look at Mississippi Today’s vision for the future. The celebration is made possible through sponsorship from Carol and John Palmer, Collaborative Solutions LLC and The McMullan O’Connor Fund.
‘All In on Mississippi’ summit
On Thursday, Oct. 8, Mississippi Today will host the second annual “All In on Mississippi” summit, focused on innovative solutions, economic opportunity and community impact.
Presented with support from JPMorgan Chase, the Foundation for the Mid South, Centuri, Butler Snow and Brown Bottling Group, the summit will bring together leaders from business, education, workforce development, philanthropy and journalism for forward-looking conversations about Mississippi’s future.
Featured sessions include:
Boots on the Ground: Mississippi Industry, AI and the Future of Work.
A New Era for Apprenticeship Programs in Mississippi.
The Literacy Launching Point and What Comes Next.
Mississippi on the National Stage.
Additional speakers and agenda details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets and sponsorships
Celebration tickets begin at $150, with additional options including premium seating, tables and sponsorship packages.
Tickets for the “All In on Mississippi” summit are $25.
Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact sponsorships@mississippitoday.org.
Registration, sponsorship information and the latest event updates are available at summit.mississippitoday.org.
Editor’s note: Emerson Collective is a funder of Mississippi Today. Donors to Mississippi Today have no influence or control over editorial decisions.
