Co-hosted with The Gates Foundation, Texas Mutual, and Trellis Foundation, the Texas Philanthropy Leadership Circle brings philanthropic leaders together for learning and dialogue focused on education, workforce, policy, and emerging technologies, with sessions developed in partnership with Google Education examining the role of technology and data infrastructure across Texas communities.
8:00-9:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Hotel Viata
9:15-10:15 a.m. – Evolving Pathways & Proof Points in Texas
This panel will highlight emerging strategies that funders are making possible in Texas, including the Priority Regions and TACC work, and explore emerging interesting areas and bright spots for future alignment and engagement.
Featuring Dr. Kim Lowry, Vice President of Texas Association of Community Colleges, and Dr. Danny King, Executive Director of ESC 1.
10:30-11:30 a.m. –The Student Support Continuum: Secondary to Postsecondary
This session will examine The Texas College Access Network (TxCAN) member organizations that are creating innovations to support successful student transitions from secondary to postsecondary.
Panelists include Michael Griffith, Executive Director at Breakthrough Central Texas, Yvonne Eype, Executive Director at United for College & Career Success, and Dr. Briana Hagelgans, Senior Director of K-12 & Postsecondary at UpPartnership.
11:30-11:45 a.m. – Closing Reflections
Hear closing remarks and expressions of gratitude from Educate Texas leadership, along with the reveal of the 2027 Texas Philanthropy Leadership Circle location.
5:30-7:30 p.m. – Welcome Reception at Hotel Viata
320 S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Join us for light bites and cocktails on the patio of Hotel Viata as we toast to friends in new places and the next generation of philanthropic leadership amongst our partners.
Breakfast at the hotel on your own.
8:30 a.m. – Bus departs Hotel Viata for Capitol Tours
1100 Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78701
9:15 & 9:45 a.m. – Guided Tours of the Texas Capitol
Come along with us on a guided tour of the Texas Capitol. We will walk through key areas of the building, providing insights into Texas history and the Texas Legislature.
10:45 a.m. – Behind the Legislative Curtain
Facilitated by Educate Texas’ Policy and Advocacy team, this candid panel will offer an inside look at what motivates lawmakers and how policy priorities move from idea to implementation.
Panelists include Jim Arnold, founder of Arnold Public Affairs, James (Jim) Henson PhD, Director at Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas, and Ari Kinney, Associate at Colyandro Public Affairs, all newly elected legislators.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch at the Capitol Grill Side Room
Enjoy lunch and guided table discussions at the Texas State Capitol, with special remarks from Tri-Agency leaders, Dr. Wynn Rosser and Mike Morath.
1:30 p.m. – Bus departs for Google Austin
500 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
2:15-3:15 p.m. –What does AI in the Classroom Look Like?
This session will provide a practical explanation of some of the leading technologies used by students and educators. Led by Clay Smith from Google Education, this session will demonstrate the tools that are being used today and share insight on those being developed for tomorrow.
3:30-4:45 p.m. – From the RGV to the Panhandle to Austin: Texas Leaders on What It Really Means to Lead in the AI Era
This conversation brings together education leaders Matt Abbott, Superintendent and CEO of Wayside Schools in Austin, and Steve Singleton, who oversees AI initiatives and field services at ESC Region 16 in Amarillo, who will share their experiences, the change management challenges they’re navigating, and what philanthropic investment could most accelerate their work.
5:00 p.m. – Bus departs for the Austin Club
110 E 9th St, Austin, TX 78701
5:30-8:00 p.m. – Dinner & Fireside Chat at The Austin Club
Join us for drinks, dinner, and dessert at the Austin Club. We’ll round out the evening with a conversation led by Julia Rafal Baer, Bree Dusseault and Dr. Kerri Briggs, where they will share thoughts on ethical considerations for AI and education.