» 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. 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, and sign up for our newsletter to get weekly reminders for each talk.

Thanks to all who attended our Fall 2025 series — recordings of which are available below. We look forward to seeing you next fall!

Real-World Perspectives on Poverty Solutions: "The Effect of a Monthly Unconditional Cash Transfer on Families and Children’s Development through Age 4: Findings from the Baby’s First Years Study" by Katherine Magnuson Director, Institute for Research on Poverty; Professor, University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Social Work. Friday, Sep. 26, noon SSW ECC 1840

Friday, Sep. 26 — The Effect of a Monthly Unconditional Cash Transfer on Families and Children’s Development through Age 4: Findings from the Baby’s First Years Study

Katherine Magnuson | Director, Institute for Research on Poverty; Professor, University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Social Work

Cosponsored by the University of Michigan Population Studies Center

This talk was for a live audience only.

Real-World Perspectives on Poverty Solutions. "From Intersections to Action: Creating Equitable Climate Solutions Together" by Wawa Gatheru, Founder and Executive Director of Black Girl Environmentalist. Monday, Sep. 29, 10:30am, U-M Union, Pendleton Rm

Monday, Sep. 29 — From Intersections to Action: Creating Equitable Climate Solutions Together

Wawa Gatheru | Founder and Executive Director of Black Girl Environmentalist

Wawa Gatheru delves into the interconnectedness of climate and social justice, unpacking how systemic failures across education, housing, and labor perpetuate poverty and environmental risk. Drawing upon the energy and vision of youth activism, she urges the climate leaders of tomorrow to pursue intersectional, systems-level approaches. Her message, rooted in the values of justice and solidarity, reflects U-M Climate Week’s momentum-building message: “Together for Tomorrow.”

This event is a part of U-M Climate Week 2025: Together for Tomorrow, cosponsored by the School for Environment and Sustainability and the Office of Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action.

#UMCW25

This talk was for a live audience only.

Friday, Oct. 10 — Detroit’s Rapid Rehousing Program Designed by Youth, For Youth: A Panel on Meaningful Youth Engagement

Courtney Smith | Founder and CEO of Detroit Phoenix Center

Caylene Rudd and Bobbi Simmons | Detroit Phoenix Center Youth Action Board members

Cosponsored by the University of Michigan School of Social Work

Friday, Oct. 17 — The High Cost of Mass Deportation

William D. Lopez | Clinical Associate Professor, University of Michigan School of Public Health

Friday, Oct. 24 — The Economics of Medication Access: Drug Prices, Insurance Design, and the Patient Experience

Joey Mattingly | Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Research at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy

Cosponsored by the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy

Friday, Oct. 31 — Lessons from the Water Warrior on Community Coalition Building for Water Justice

Monica Lewis-Patrick | Founder and CEO of We The People of Detroit

Cosponsored by the University of Michigan School of Public Health

Friday, Nov. 7 — Employing Gen Z: Summer Youth Employment as a Path to Economic Mobility and More Inclusive Workplaces

Panel with Kathleen Clancey | SummerWorks Program Manager

Cosponsored by SummerWorks

Friday, Nov. 14 — The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers

Josh Cowen | Professor of Education Policy, Michigan State University College of Education

Cosponsored by the University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education