My 2019 HubWeek Highlights, Boston: Day 1
“Education is not something you can finish.” – Isaac Asimov
What is HubWeek?
HubWeek, a fall festival in Boston, Massachusetts, was created by The Boston Globe, Harvard University, MIT, and Massachusetts General Hospital in 2014. HubWeek features innovative thought leaders in art, science, and technology, who are building a better future.
In 2019, I used vacation days to attend the full HubWeek festival, on my own. I purchased an Adventurer Pass for $75. The value of what I received was phenomenal. I was able to attend incredible lectures, where some of Boston’s most prominent members presented. Their thought-provoking lectures made my mind race with new ideas. During breaks, I could relax in the clubhouse and enjoy complimentary beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as snacks. We were given free gifts, daily. Sometimes I would walk away with books donated by MIT. Other days, I would score lotions and oils created by CBx Essentials. These products contain pharmaceutical-grade cannabis extract, which I found to be quite intriguing.
The Pursuit.
I kicked off HubWeek in the Seaport District by attending their Opening Session: The Pursuit. Gerald Chertavian, founder and CEO of Year Up, was a speaker. He was interviewed by Natalia Urtubey, executive director, Imagine Boston 2030.
Year Up is a non-profit organization whose “mission is to close the Opportunity Divide by ensuring that young adults gain the skills, experiences, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education. [They] achieve this mission through a high support, high expectation model that combines marketable job skills, stipends, internships, and college credits. [Their] holistic approach focuses on students’ professional and personal development to place these young adults on a viable path to economic self-sufficiency.”
Chertavian gave me a lot to ponder. When only eight-percent of students graduate college in the 18-to-22-year-old bracket, then why do companies require a degree? He also pointed out how $40,000 is difficult to live on. The stats he discussed were fascinating and really made me think. My mind was on.
Next, Katherine Clark, congresswomen (MA-8) U.S. House of Representatives was interviewed by Linda Henry, managing director, Boston Globe Media Partners. She talked about how there is a lot of brain power in Boston, and how we are second to California in technology. She discussed many points of interest and importance, including hot, controversial, political topics, such as President Trump’s phone calls with foreign governments.
Open your mind.
One of my favorite discussions of the day was watching Michael Pollan, professor of the practice, Harvard University be interviewed by Bina Venkataraman, author and lecturer, The Optimist’s Telescope MIT.
Pollan discussed his book, How to Change Your Mind. He researched how psychedelics can positively impact the minds of those suffering with depression, anxiety, and addiction. In his 60s, in the name of science, he started tripping on LSD. As I was a psychology major, I found the topic to be quite fascinating.
Fight autoimmune diseases.
Another speaker I enjoyed watching was Shana Penna, CEO and founder, Inmogeia Technologies, Inc.CE. “Over 25 million Americans have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, with forecasts of nearly 50 million to be afflicted in the next decade.” Penna discussed how her “personal journey has led to her innovative solution: empowering people with autoimmune diseases to take charge of their health, by providing a digital platform focused on better day-to-day management tools.”
As I have friends and family who have been diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, this topic was especially interesting to me. After she spoke, she gave me her email address. I shared my experiences and what I know, and she shared her resources. She was super sweet, and I wish her lots of luck and success on her journey. I hope she is able to positively impact those who are inflected with an autoimmune disease.
Lesson learned.
I attended several interesting lectures throughout the day, as well as explored the grounds, exhibits, activities, and clubhouse. Due to a late sign-up, I missed a few of the discussions I wanted to see, such as keynote speaker, Kristine Tompkins, who was the former CEO of Pantagonia, and Ben Mezrich, author. I did not realize I could slip into the sessions, even though they were full. Next year, I know.
Day 1 was a success, and I was looking forward to what was yet to come.
Check out my other HubWeek blogs:
- Silent Disco at HubWeek 2017, Boston
- A Night at HubWeek 2018, Boston
- My 2019 HubWeek Highlights, Boston, Day 2
- My 2019 HubWeek Highlights, Boston: Day 3
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