Speakers Series

Igniting Minds. Inspiring Hearts.

Embark on a transformative journey with Canterbury’s Speakers Series, a dynamic initiative where students like you come together to explore, understand, and impact the pressing issues of our time.

Purpose & History

A signature initiative of the D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice, the Speakers Series reflects our commitment to helping you become a person of integrity, empathy, and purpose. Through this series, you’ll engage thoughtfully with real-world questions—exploring human experience and ethical leadership through personal stories, guest speakers, and open dialogue.

Rooted in Canterbury’s Catholic heritage and mission-driven values, the Speakers Series encourages you to listen with humility, reflect deeply, and lead with compassion. As a Canterbury student, you are challenged to grow both intellectually and morally. Programs like the Speakers Series help you strengthen your ability to think critically, act responsibly, and serve your community with clarity and conviction—now and throughout your life.

2026–2027

First Semester

Max Stossel, award-winning poet, filmmaker, speaker, & storyteller
Hope Castellani, NYU Cancer Center
Tom Brennan '72, co-founder of Orant Charities
Renee Bronner Pessin, Holocaust educator & second-generation survivor

Second Semester

Rev. Ebony Grisom '93, Director of Protestant Life, Georgetown University
Ivy Watts, Mental Health & Resilience keynote speaker
Dr. Javier Vieytez '84, pediatrician & community advocate

2025–2026

Jeff Levin, Life Coach & Psychotherapist

With more than 40 years of experience, Levin specializes in helping teens and young adults develop social-emotional skills, reduce stress, and increase confidence. His workshops have helped athletes, students, businesses, and families pursue joy, connection, and confidence in an increasingly complicated world.

Mary Evelyn Tucker & John Grim, Yale Forum on Religion & Ecology

Ms. Tucker specializes in East Asian religions, while Mr. Grim specializes in indigenous traditions, especially Native American religions. Their work explores ecojustice within religious practices around the world, and how faith-based action can be part of a framework to find solutions in climate emergencies, ecological conservation, and the social problems that contribute to ecological crises in the first place.

DaVaughn Montgomery '03, Education Policy Advocate

After fifteen years as an elementary educator, Montgomery currently serves as Dean of Students and Culture at Harmony DC Public Charter School and works in community-centered education policy. He recalls his time at Canterbury as being crucial to his understanding of the interconnectedness of community, which he says guides his work.

Caroline Nobo, Executive Director of the Justice Collaboratory at Yale Law School

Nobo is the Executive Director of the Justice Collaboratory at Yale Law School, where she provides strategic direction and leadership to its unique network of interdisciplinary scholars and staff. She primarily focuses on promoting transparency and trust in the criminal legal system.

News

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