Forward-Led: Leadership That Builds Futures - Session 1

What does it take to lead not just in the moment—but beyond it? In this powerful fireside chat, we’ll be joined by Eddie Koen, President of the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL), a nationally respected civil rights attorney, former CEO of one of the country’s largest Urban League affiliates, and a proven cross-sector leader in policy, philanthropy, education, and justice.

With decades of experience driving transformational change, Eddie brings a rare lens on how visionary leadership catalyzes sustainable, community-wide progress—and what it takes to lead movements that last.

This conversation will explore how leaders:

• Turn passion into structured progress

• Build institutions, not just initiatives

• Mobilize cross-sector stakeholders toward shared outcomes