2025 Sommer Klag Advocacy Impact Awards Lightning Pitch Competition

Join us virtually for the 2025 Sommer Klag Advocacy Impact Awards Lightning Pitch Competition on Wednesday, November 12 from noon–1:30 p.m.
 
The livestreamed competition features five Bloomberg School faculty members who will each have 7 minutes to pitch their plans for shifting policy through advocacy in their area of expertise.

Finalists:
Harry Barbee, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Health, Behavior and Society
“From Evidence to Action: Building a Future for LGBTQ+ Health”
 
Rebecca Critser, LLM, JD, M. Bioethics
Assistant Practice Professor
Department of Environmental Health & Engineering
“States as Leaders in Public Health Innovation: Advocacy for The Adoption of a State Model Law to Enhance Animal Welfare and Promote New Approach Methodologies”
 
Katie Nelson, PhD
Assistant Scientist
Department of International Health (SBI)
“Time for Paws-itive Change: Addressing Dog-related Policy Challenges on the Navajo Nation”
 
Mariana Socal, MD, PHD
Associate Professor
Department of Health Policy and Management
“Protecting the US Pharmaceutical Supply through Data and Evidence”
 
Rose Weeks, MPH
Senior Research Associate
Department of International Health
“Protecting Children’s Health: Ensuring Vaccine Access through Advocacy”
 
There will also be special remarks from Dean Emeritus Al Sommer, Lerner Center director, Shelley Hearne, and inaugural Sommer Klag Advocacy Impact Award winners, Nadia Akseer and Cass Crifasi.
 
The two Advocacy Impact Award winners will be determined by an all-star Bloomberg School judging panel – and you, the audience!

Watch Party
Interested in watching the event with others? The Lerner Center is hosting an in-person watch party for the competition in the Wolfe St. Building, W3008. Light snacks will be available.
 
RSVP is encouraged for virtual and in-person attendance.
See you November 12!

RSVP

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