Poverty Solutions Fall 2025 Speaker Series
The Real-World Perspectives on Poverty Solutions speaker series introduces key issues regarding the causes and consequences of poverty through an in-person and virtual lecture series featuring experts in policy and practice from across the nation. Our goal is to help build a broad community of learners to engage in these issues together.
This series is free and open to the public as well as being a one-credit course for U-M students (SWK 503, Course #25751). In-person talks include coffee, cookies, and the chance to ask the speakers questions or watch the livestream on YouTube. Follow Poverty Solutions on LinkedIn to join the conversation.
The Effect of a Monthly Unconditional Cash Transfer on Families and Children’s Development through Age 4: Findings from the Baby’s First Years StudyKatherine Magnuson | Director, Institute for Research on Poverty; Professor, University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Social Work
September 26, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Learn moreFrom Intersections to Action: Creating Equitable Climate Solutions TogetherWawa Gatheru delves into the interconnectedness of climate and social justice, unpacking how systemic failures across education, housing, and labor perpetuate poverty and environmental risk.
September 29, 2025
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Learn moreDetroit’s Rapid Rehousing Program Designed by Youth, For Youth: A Panel on Meaningful Youth EngagementPanel with Courtney Smith | Founder and CEO of Detroit Phoenix Center
October 10, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Learn moreThe High Cost of Mass DeportationWilliam D. Lopez | Clinical Associate Professor, University of Michigan School of Public Health
October 17, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Learn moreThe Economics of Medication Access: Drug Prices, Insurance Design, and the Patient ExperienceJoey Mattingly | Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Research at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy
October 24, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Learn moreLessons from the Water Warrior on Community Coalition Building for Water JusticeMonica Lewis-Patrick | Founder and CEO of We The People of Detroit
October 31, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Learn moreEmploying Gen Z: Summer Youth Employment as a Path to Economic Mobility and More Inclusive WorkplacesPanel with Kathleen Clancey | SummerWorks Program Manager
November 7, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Learn moreThe Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School VouchersJosh Cowen | Professor of Education Policy, Michigan State University College of Education
November 14, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Learn more