Big News @
Bridge Entertainment Labs

New Leadership, Sep 28 Event Updates, and More!

Hello!

Civic Health Project is proud to have launched Bridge Entertainment Labs (BEL), an initiative to elevate "new American stories of us." September is a big month for BEL's efforts to activate entertainment media - in partnership with bridge-builders and social scientists - to craft new cultural narratives that transform our deep divides and help us see and humanize each other across lines of difference.

Today, we share the fantastic news that Steven Olikara has taken the helm as President, Bridge Entertainment Labs! Read the exclusive article in The Hill, see the press release, and scroll below for more about why this is such an exciting announcement for BEL, the entertainment industry, and the country.

Civic Health Project congratulates Steven as he takes BEL, now an independent nonprofit organization, into its next impactful chapter. With Steven's leadership, we now have an unprecedented opportunity to bring our bridging movement to the largest platforms in American culture.

Meanwhile, Bridge Entertainment Labs continues to add new speakers to the “Creating New American Stories of Us” lineup, and trust me, you don't want to miss this opportunity to hear these luminaries discussing how entertainment media can help strengthen America's social fabric and civic health.

This free, in-person event, co-hosted by the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, takes place on Thursday, September 28 from 2:00 - 5:00PM PT the Town and Gown venue at USC Campus in Los Angeles, with a live-streaming option for those who cannot attend in person. Register today to join us in person or via livestream.

REGISTER HERE for Creating New American Stories of Us

And now, drum roll please.....

Civic Health Project congratulates the new
President of Bridge Entertainment Labs
Steven Olikara!

Steven Olikara is a nationally recognized change-maker, political commentator, and executive. He is the Founder & Former CEO of Millennial Action Project (MAP), the largest nonpartisan organization of young elected leaders in the U.S. Steven’s commentary has been featured in numerous national media outlets, including CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, NBC, the Washington Post, USA Today, and more. He recently made history as the first South Asian candidate for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin.

His journey is featured in the documentary film, The Reunited States, on Amazon Prime and PBS. Steven also hosted the podcast series, “Meeting in Middle America,” which featured guests such as Oscar-winning screenwriter John Ridley, former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, and Emmy-winning comedian Charlie Berens. He is a frequent speaker on civic leadership at venues such as the Aspen Ideas Festival, Harvard’s Institute of Politics, SXSW, the National Press Club, the White House, the United Nations, and more. In 2018, he was invited to testify before Congress on issues facing millennial entrepreneurs and gig economy workers. An avid musician, Steven is a former radio DJ in his hometown of Milwaukee, WI, and co-author of the book, JFK: THE LAST SPEECH, on the role of artists in democracy.

Previously, Steven has advised two multi-platinum recording artists on youth empowerment and sustainable energy initiatives, including Akon Lighting Africa which electrified over 1 million homes in Africa with solar power. Steven serves on numerous Boards focused on causes close to his heart: human rights, democracy, national service, and the performing arts. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a Truman Scholar. Steven has been named a Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2017 and a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum.

You can hear from Steven directly at “Creating New American Stories of Us” on Sep 28th, at USC or via livestream. Should we save you a seat?

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