UVA Darden DC Metro
About Darden - Washington, DC - Leadership Unscripted
Leadership Unscripted Speaker Series
To achieve its mission of improving the world by inspiring responsible leaders through unparalleled transformational learning experiences, the Darden School regularly convenes important discussions with global thought leaders to inform and inspire current and future leaders.
Hosted at UVA Darden DC Metro, the Leadership Unscripted speaker series features top leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their fields and in the world. By engaging these leaders in candid conversations on a variety of thought-provoking topics, the series seeks to:
- Highlight Important Issues: In its second year, the series will bring a multicultural lens to leadership, specifically exploring what it means to live and work in the United States when coming from other countries and cultures. While speaker industry expertise and session content vary, the series rests on the truth that diversity of background and thought is crucial in effective organizational management and the creation of positive impact on business and society.
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Inform: Speakers engage in candid conversations about the opportunities and challenges of bringing first generation leadership, global perspectives and cultural diversity to organizations, as well as general leadership insights and industry expertise.
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Inspire: Speakers offer advice to aspiring leaders and help them tap into their own purpose and path as future leaders.
This series is open to students, alumni, staff and faculty of the UVA Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, and select members of the business community.
For more information or to sign up for emails on upcoming events:
Upcoming Featured Events
The next event will be posted shortly!
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2022-2023 Sessions
CHRISSA PAGITSAS
Founder & Principal at Pagitsas Advisors and author of Chief Sustainability at WorkHow should a leader manage the sustainability function of a business effectively? Chrissa Pagitsas, Founder & Principal at Pagitsas Advisors and author of Chief Sustainability Officers at Work joins Darden Professor Mike Lenox, Professor at the UVA Darden School of Business for a conversation about implementing Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) strategies, the challenges sustainability leaders often face and approaches that allow for effective change within organizations.
Watch:
Leading at the Intersection of Business and Sustainability
Listen:
Leading at the Intersection of Business and Sustainability
KATHERINE NEEBE
Chief Sustainability and Philanthropy Officer, Duke EnergyWhat are the public misperceptions about environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, and how can ESG leaders craft an integrated strategy to create value for multiple stakeholders? Katherine Neebe (MBA ‘04), Duke Energy Corp. chief sustainability & philanthropy officer, joins Darden Professor Allison Elias for a conversation about the state of leadership and strategy. Neebe and Elias also discuss how MBAs can prepare for and succeed in an ESG role, with Neebe sharing her career journey into the C-suite.
Watch:
Creating Value with ESG Leadership and Strategy
Listen:
Creating Value with ESG Leadership and Strategy
ADAM GOODMAN
Media Strategist, Partner at Ballard Partners, and Senior Edward R. Murrow Fellow - Tufts' Fletcher SchoolAdam Goodman, one of the nations top media consultants, helping a plethora of campaigns navigate strategic reputation challenges for more than four decades and Darden Professor Kim Whitler discussed the challenges CEOs and business leaders face when faced with addressing the range of controversial and politically divisive issues. This unscripted discussion touched on issues ranging from ESG to abortion to the Florida "Parental Rights in Education Bill". How can leaders navigate these issues in a way that strengthens their corporate brand, instead of weaken it?
Watch:
Leading a Growth Agenda in a Divided World
Listen:
Leading a Growth Agenda in a Divided World
-
2021-2022 Sessions
In its third year from 2021-2022, Leadership Unscripted featured conversations about leadership during evolving current events. While speaker industry expertise and session content vary, the 2021-2022 theme highlighted the need for leadership moving forward in these uncertain and ever changing times.
JOE THOMAS
Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval AcademyJoe Thomas, Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy, and Darden Professor Tim Laseter discussed critical dimensions of leadership such as cross-cultural competency and empathy. This unscripted conversation builds upon discussions the two have had as they collaborated in designing and delivering leadership curriculum regarding the many challenges facing our increasingly ideologically divided world during these tumultuous times.
Watch:
Leading With Empathy During Tumultuous Times
Listen:
Leading With Empathy During Tumultuous Times
DJ NORDQUIST
Former executive director for the United States, World Bank Group; Former chief of staff at the White House Council of Economic AdvisersDJ Nordquist, former executive director for the United States at the World Bank Group and former chief of staff at the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and Darden Professor Dan Murphy brought their unique backgrounds and perspectives to an unscripted conversation on the role of public and private sectors. Nordquist and Murphy discussed the capabilities and limitations of the private and public sectors in areas such as infrastructure, foreign affairs, influence on policy and more.
Watch:
The Role of Private vs. Public Sectors
Listen:
The Role of Private vs. Public Sectors
BEATE ANDREES Special Representative to the United Nations and Director of the International Labor Organization Office for the U.N.
UVA Darden Professor Vidya Mani hosted special representative to the U.N. and director of the ILO for the U.N., Beate Andrees, in a conversation about the role the organization plays in a world where every day feels like an emergency. They also discussed the future of work during a pandemic, with discussion on how to create a more resilient and equitable society. One question being asked: Should efforts to strengthen global societies start with ensuring a “fair” wage for all?
Watch:
Tackling Inequality Through Fair Wages--At Home and Abroad
MICHAEL FINNEGAN
President, Atlantic MediaWith societal trust in media at historic lows and social media still in its relative infancy, significant questions exist about how mainstream and emerging forms of media will evolve in the future. Michael Finnegan, president of Atlantic Media (MBA'07) and UVA Professor and director of the Rare Book School Michael Suarez discussed recent changes in modern media and examine how content innovation from the past may hold the key for understanding the future.
Watch:
The Past and Future of the Media
Listen:
The Past and Future of the Media
BARONESS PHILIPPA STROUD
Member of the House of Lords, CEO of Legatum Institute, Chair of Social Metrics CommissionBaroness Philippa Stroud, CEO of Legatum Institute and a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, and UVA Professor Lucy Bassett discussed how to confront social challenges through different organizational systems, and the levers that lead to effective social change. Stroud and Bassett explored how it takes collective work of multiple systems--including government, think tanks, nonprofits, and businesses--to create meaningful, long-term change.
Watch:
Addressing Today's Complex Social Challenges
Listen:
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2020-2021 Sessions
In its second year from 2020-2021, Leadership Unscripted brought a multicultural lens to leadership, exploring what it means to live and work in the United States when coming from other countries and cultures. While speaker industry expertise and session content vary, the 2020-2021 theme highlighted the fact that diversity of background and thought is crucial in effective organizational management and making a positive impact on business and society.
MARIA SCARANGELLA
Vice President, Talent Acquisition and Onboarding, GEICOSTEVE SMITH
Vice President, Information Technology, GEICOUVA Darden Professor Elena Loutskina hosted GEICO executives Maria Scarangella and Steve Smith in a dialogue to explore the process of readjusting to remote work, the path out of it, the role of technology, and a strategic vision for the new normal: work-life balance, a gradual return to the workplace, and technological innovation.
Watch:
A Dialogue with GEICO Execs Maria Scarangella and Steve Smith
Listen:
GEICO Execs Examine the Modern Workplace Amid COVID
FERNANDO MERCÉ
Chief Executive Officer, Melissa & Doug
Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé Waters North AmericaWater is what connects Fernando Mercé and UVA Darden Professor Peter Debaere. When Mercé served as CEO of Nestlé Waters North America, he and Debaere, Darden’s water scholar, started a conversation about America’s water infrastructure crisis, the quality of drinking water, the price of water and the role of private business. Fernando Mercé has since become CEO of toy manufacturer Melissa & Doug, but the conversation continued in this Leadership Unscripted session entitled Let’s Talk About Water.
Watch:
Listen:
RANA EL KALIOUBY
Co-Founder and CEO, AffectivaArtificial intelligence, machine learning and data science are becoming an intrinsic part of our personal and professional lives, helping many lead healthier, happier and more productive lives. For AI to fully fulfill its promise, however, it must help all humans, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion or economic background. Diversity in the field is more crucial than ever, and must be prioritized. While we have made some strides, there is still a lot of work to be done — we need to ensure that the teams creating, deploying and improving these AI systems are diverse from the very beginning. UVA Darden Professor Yael Grushka-Cockayne and Co-Founder and CEO of Affectiva Rana el Kaliouby dug deep into the question of why diversity and inclusion are so critical to the tech industry specifically, and to society in general in this session entitled Why Diversity in Tech Matters and Why Diversity Matters in Tech.
Watch:
A Conversation on AI, Diversity and Humanizing Technology
DR. PATRICK CONWAY
CEO of Care Solutions, OptumUVA Darden Professor Vivian Riefberg and Dr. Patrick Conway explored the topic, Caring for the Health System, Caring for Yourself. With all the challenges facing the health care system, what are some of the key innovations and approaches to be scaled, and how do we ensure the system truly meets the needs of individuals and families? Recognizing that professional and personal lives are intrinsically linked, Riefberg and Conway delved into their leadership experiences in the health care industry and shared personal setbacks, as well as the factors that aided in their perseverance and success.
Watch:
Caring for the Health System, Caring for Yourself
Listen:
Caring for the Health System, Caring for Yourself
DR. JEROME ADAMS
20th United States Surgeon GeneralDr. Jerome Adams, the 20th Surgeon General of the United States, engaged in a conversation with UVA Darden Professor Greg Fairchild, on the topic, Health Means Business, and Other Lessons From the Pandemic. Adams and Fairchild discussed the mutual linkage between community health and economic prosperity in contemporary America, and the risks we face in failing to engage the business sector. They also shared anecdotes and reflections that help explain their deep commitments to encouraging action.
Watch:
Health Means Business, and Other Lessons From the Pandemic
Listen:
Health Means Business, and Other Lessons From the Pandemic
-
2019-2020 Sessions
In its inaugural year from 2019–2020, the series focused on themes related to women, gender and how creating more inclusive organizations can improve business and society. Speakers engaged in candid conversations about the challenges and strengths of women’s leadership, provided general leadership insights and industry expertise, and offered advice to aspiring leaders to help them tap into their own purpose and path as future leaders.
JEAN CASE
CEO, Case Foundation
Chairman, National Geographic SocietyCase Foundation CEO, National Geographic Society Chairman and internet pioneer Jean Case joined UVA Darden Professor Mary Margaret Frank to share some of her own transformational life experiences and advice to women leaders while discussing the importance of being bold and taking calculated risks.
Watch:
Why Being Different Is an Asset
How to Be Fearless and Evaluate Risk
Listen:
CAROLYN MILES
CEO, Save the ChildrenCarolyn Miles, CEO of the global non-profit Save the Children, joined UVA Batten School Professor Kirsten Gelsdorf to discuss the importance of investing in girls, the role of women in the developing world, and the ability of women and girls to create more equal and democratic societies.
Listen:
MELISSA THOMAS-HUNT
Head of Global Diversity and Belonging, AirbnbERIKA JAMES
Dean, Wharton School at the University of PennsylvaniaIn honor of Black History and Women’s History Month, UVA Darden Professor Laura Morgan Roberts hosted Airbnb Head of Global Diversity and Belonging Melissa Thomas-Hunt and Wharton School Dean Erika James to discuss What’s Holding Business Back from Achieving Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace? Learning From Intersections of Race and Gender. The three global experts explored why achieving a truly diverse and inclusive workplace still seems so elusive in many organizations — and what businesses and society can do to move the dial.
Watch:
The Dominant Challenge to Achieving True Diversity
The Value of Difficult Conversations on ‘Dimensions of Difference’
Exploring the Intersections of Race, Gender and Class
THE HONORABLE MARY ROBINSON
Former President of IrelandHALLA TÓMASDÓTTIR
CEO, The B Team
Former Candidate for President of IcelandThe COVID-19 pandemic is an extraordinary test of leadership, and women in global leadership positions are rising to meet the challenge. This special online Leadership Unscripted session featured former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and Halla Tómasdóttir — a former candidate for President of Iceland, CEO and entrepreneur — for a dynamic discussion on Leadership in Times of Crisis: Lessons From Women World Leaders.
Watch:
The Difference Between Confidence and Courage
The Unique Traits of Female Leadership
Full Event – Leadership in Times of Crisis: Lessons From Women World Leaders
Listen:
The Honorable Mary Robinson and Halla Tómasdóttir Podcast
VIVIAN W. PINN, MDThe inaugural full-time director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Vivian Pinn, joined Leadership Unscripted for a discussion on Health Equity During a Pandemic. Pinn is a trailblazer in the field of pathology and a recognized champion of women's health on both local and global levels. Hosted by former UVA Darden Professor Lalin Anik, this dialogue explored challenges and opportunities for leadership in health equity during COVID-19.
Watch:
Full Event – Health Equity During a Pandemic
CHRISSA PAGITSAS
Founder & Principal at Pagitsas Advisors and author of Chief Sustainability at Work
How should a leader manage the sustainability function of a business effectively? Chrissa Pagitsas, Founder & Principal at Pagitsas Advisors and author of Chief Sustainability Officers at Work joins Darden Professor Mike Lenox, Professor at the UVA Darden School of Business for a conversation about implementing Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) strategies, the challenges sustainability leaders often face and approaches that allow for effective change within organizations.
Watch:
Leading at the Intersection of Business and Sustainability
Listen:
Leading at the Intersection of Business and Sustainability
KATHERINE NEEBE
Chief Sustainability and Philanthropy Officer, Duke Energy
What are the public misperceptions about environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, and how can ESG leaders craft an integrated strategy to create value for multiple stakeholders? Katherine Neebe (MBA ‘04), Duke Energy Corp. chief sustainability & philanthropy officer, joins Darden Professor Allison Elias for a conversation about the state of leadership and strategy. Neebe and Elias also discuss how MBAs can prepare for and succeed in an ESG role, with Neebe sharing her career journey into the C-suite.
Watch:
Creating Value with ESG Leadership and Strategy
Listen:
Creating Value with ESG Leadership and Strategy
ADAM GOODMAN
Media Strategist, Partner at Ballard Partners, and Senior Edward R. Murrow Fellow - Tufts' Fletcher School
Adam Goodman, one of the nations top media consultants, helping a plethora of campaigns navigate strategic reputation challenges for more than four decades and Darden Professor Kim Whitler discussed the challenges CEOs and business leaders face when faced with addressing the range of controversial and politically divisive issues. This unscripted discussion touched on issues ranging from ESG to abortion to the Florida "Parental Rights in Education Bill". How can leaders navigate these issues in a way that strengthens their corporate brand, instead of weaken it?
Watch:
Leading a Growth Agenda in a Divided World
Listen:
Leading a Growth Agenda in a Divided World
In its third year from 2021-2022, Leadership Unscripted featured conversations about leadership during evolving current events. While speaker industry expertise and session content vary, the 2021-2022 theme highlighted the need for leadership moving forward in these uncertain and ever changing times.
JOE THOMAS
Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy
Joe Thomas, Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy, and Darden Professor Tim Laseter discussed critical dimensions of leadership such as cross-cultural competency and empathy. This unscripted conversation builds upon discussions the two have had as they collaborated in designing and delivering leadership curriculum regarding the many challenges facing our increasingly ideologically divided world during these tumultuous times.
Watch:
Leading With Empathy During Tumultuous Times
Listen:
Leading With Empathy During Tumultuous Times
DJ NORDQUIST
Former executive director for the United States, World Bank Group; Former chief of staff at the White House Council of Economic Advisers
DJ Nordquist, former executive director for the United States at the World Bank Group and former chief of staff at the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and Darden Professor Dan Murphy brought their unique backgrounds and perspectives to an unscripted conversation on the role of public and private sectors. Nordquist and Murphy discussed the capabilities and limitations of the private and public sectors in areas such as infrastructure, foreign affairs, influence on policy and more.
Watch:
The Role of Private vs. Public Sectors
Listen:
The Role of Private vs. Public Sectors
BEATE ANDREES
Special Representative to the United Nations and Director of the International Labor Organization Office for the U.N.
UVA Darden Professor Vidya Mani hosted special representative to the U.N. and director of the ILO for the U.N., Beate Andrees, in a conversation about the role the organization plays in a world where every day feels like an emergency. They also discussed the future of work during a pandemic, with discussion on how to create a more resilient and equitable society. One question being asked: Should efforts to strengthen global societies start with ensuring a “fair” wage for all?
Watch:
Tackling Inequality Through Fair Wages--At Home and Abroad
MICHAEL FINNEGAN
President, Atlantic Media
With societal trust in media at historic lows and social media still in its relative infancy, significant questions exist about how mainstream and emerging forms of media will evolve in the future. Michael Finnegan, president of Atlantic Media (MBA'07) and UVA Professor and director of the Rare Book School Michael Suarez discussed recent changes in modern media and examine how content innovation from the past may hold the key for understanding the future.
Watch:
The Past and Future of the Media
Listen:
The Past and Future of the Media
BARONESS PHILIPPA STROUD
Member of the House of Lords, CEO of Legatum Institute, Chair of Social Metrics Commission
Baroness Philippa Stroud, CEO of Legatum Institute and a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, and UVA Professor Lucy Bassett discussed how to confront social challenges through different organizational systems, and the levers that lead to effective social change. Stroud and Bassett explored how it takes collective work of multiple systems--including government, think tanks, nonprofits, and businesses--to create meaningful, long-term change.
Watch:
Addressing Today's Complex Social Challenges
Listen:
In its second year from 2020-2021, Leadership Unscripted brought a multicultural lens to leadership, exploring what it means to live and work in the United States when coming from other countries and cultures. While speaker industry expertise and session content vary, the 2020-2021 theme highlighted the fact that diversity of background and thought is crucial in effective organizational management and making a positive impact on business and society.
MARIA SCARANGELLA
Vice President, Talent Acquisition and Onboarding, GEICO
STEVE SMITH
Vice President, Information Technology, GEICO
UVA Darden Professor Elena Loutskina hosted GEICO executives Maria Scarangella and Steve Smith in a dialogue to explore the process of readjusting to remote work, the path out of it, the role of technology, and a strategic vision for the new normal: work-life balance, a gradual return to the workplace, and technological innovation.
Watch:
A Dialogue with GEICO Execs Maria Scarangella and Steve Smith
Listen:
GEICO Execs Examine the Modern Workplace Amid COVID
FERNANDO MERCÉ
Chief Executive Officer, Melissa & Doug
Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé Waters North America
Water is what connects Fernando Mercé and UVA Darden Professor Peter Debaere. When Mercé served as CEO of Nestlé Waters North America, he and Debaere, Darden’s water scholar, started a conversation about America’s water infrastructure crisis, the quality of drinking water, the price of water and the role of private business. Fernando Mercé has since become CEO of toy manufacturer Melissa & Doug, but the conversation continued in this Leadership Unscripted session entitled Let’s Talk About Water.
Watch:
Listen:
RANA EL KALIOUBY
Co-Founder and CEO, Affectiva
Artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science are becoming an intrinsic part of our personal and professional lives, helping many lead healthier, happier and more productive lives. For AI to fully fulfill its promise, however, it must help all humans, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion or economic background. Diversity in the field is more crucial than ever, and must be prioritized. While we have made some strides, there is still a lot of work to be done — we need to ensure that the teams creating, deploying and improving these AI systems are diverse from the very beginning. UVA Darden Professor Yael Grushka-Cockayne and Co-Founder and CEO of Affectiva Rana el Kaliouby dug deep into the question of why diversity and inclusion are so critical to the tech industry specifically, and to society in general in this session entitled Why Diversity in Tech Matters and Why Diversity Matters in Tech.
Watch:
A Conversation on AI, Diversity and Humanizing Technology
DR. PATRICK CONWAY
CEO of Care Solutions, Optum
UVA Darden Professor Vivian Riefberg and Dr. Patrick Conway explored the topic, Caring for the Health System, Caring for Yourself. With all the challenges facing the health care system, what are some of the key innovations and approaches to be scaled, and how do we ensure the system truly meets the needs of individuals and families? Recognizing that professional and personal lives are intrinsically linked, Riefberg and Conway delved into their leadership experiences in the health care industry and shared personal setbacks, as well as the factors that aided in their perseverance and success.
Watch:
Caring for the Health System, Caring for Yourself
Listen:
Caring for the Health System, Caring for Yourself
DR. JEROME ADAMS
20th United States Surgeon General
Dr. Jerome Adams, the 20th Surgeon General of the United States, engaged in a conversation with UVA Darden Professor Greg Fairchild, on the topic, Health Means Business, and Other Lessons From the Pandemic. Adams and Fairchild discussed the mutual linkage between community health and economic prosperity in contemporary America, and the risks we face in failing to engage the business sector. They also shared anecdotes and reflections that help explain their deep commitments to encouraging action.
Watch:
Health Means Business, and Other Lessons From the Pandemic
Listen:
Health Means Business, and Other Lessons From the Pandemic
In its inaugural year from 2019–2020, the series focused on themes related to women, gender and how creating more inclusive organizations can improve business and society. Speakers engaged in candid conversations about the challenges and strengths of women’s leadership, provided general leadership insights and industry expertise, and offered advice to aspiring leaders to help them tap into their own purpose and path as future leaders.
JEAN CASE
CEO, Case Foundation
Chairman, National Geographic Society
Case Foundation CEO, National Geographic Society Chairman and internet pioneer Jean Case joined UVA Darden Professor Mary Margaret Frank to share some of her own transformational life experiences and advice to women leaders while discussing the importance of being bold and taking calculated risks.
Watch:
Why Being Different Is an Asset
How to Be Fearless and Evaluate Risk
Listen:
CAROLYN MILES
CEO, Save the Children
Carolyn Miles, CEO of the global non-profit Save the Children, joined UVA Batten School Professor Kirsten Gelsdorf to discuss the importance of investing in girls, the role of women in the developing world, and the ability of women and girls to create more equal and democratic societies.
Listen:
MELISSA THOMAS-HUNT
Head of Global Diversity and Belonging, Airbnb
ERIKA JAMES
Dean, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania
In honor of Black History and Women’s History Month, UVA Darden Professor Laura Morgan Roberts hosted Airbnb Head of Global Diversity and Belonging Melissa Thomas-Hunt and Wharton School Dean Erika James to discuss What’s Holding Business Back from Achieving Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace? Learning From Intersections of Race and Gender. The three global experts explored why achieving a truly diverse and inclusive workplace still seems so elusive in many organizations — and what businesses and society can do to move the dial.
Watch:
The Dominant Challenge to Achieving True Diversity
The Value of Difficult Conversations on ‘Dimensions of Difference’
Exploring the Intersections of Race, Gender and Class
THE HONORABLE MARY ROBINSON
Former President of Ireland
HALLA TÓMASDÓTTIR
CEO, The B Team
Former Candidate for President of Iceland
The COVID-19 pandemic is an extraordinary test of leadership, and women in global leadership positions are rising to meet the challenge. This special online Leadership Unscripted session featured former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and Halla Tómasdóttir — a former candidate for President of Iceland, CEO and entrepreneur — for a dynamic discussion on Leadership in Times of Crisis: Lessons From Women World Leaders.
Watch:
The Difference Between Confidence and Courage
The Unique Traits of Female Leadership
Full Event – Leadership in Times of Crisis: Lessons From Women World Leaders
Listen:
The Honorable Mary Robinson and Halla Tómasdóttir Podcast
VIVIAN W. PINN, MD
The inaugural full-time director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Vivian Pinn, joined Leadership Unscripted for a discussion on Health Equity During a Pandemic. Pinn is a trailblazer in the field of pathology and a recognized champion of women's health on both local and global levels. Hosted by former UVA Darden Professor Lalin Anik, this dialogue explored challenges and opportunities for leadership in health equity during COVID-19.
Watch:
Full Event – Health Equity During a Pandemic