AI in Your Hands: A Practical Guide with Cori Faklaris
2026-01-09 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: AI in Your Hands: A Practical Guide to Capabilities, Prompting, and Pitfalls
SPEAKER: Cori Faklaris, Asst Professor, UNC Charlotte
AI is everywhere, but it doesn’t come with a user manual. Tools such as ChatGPT can be powerful assistants for brainstorming, writing, and learning. At the same time, they are used to create scams, “deepfakes,” and convincing misinformation.
How can a non-expert tap into its capabilities without falling into the pitfalls? Join Dr. Cori Faklaris, a usable security and AI expert, as she demystifies machine-learning technologies such as chatbots and image generators. Attendees will receive guidance on writing effective prompts to make AI your personal intern, the essential skills to spot frauds, and her views of AI’s impact on education, career paths, and publishing.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Cori Faklaris is an assistant professor at UNC Charlotte’s College of Computing and Informatics, where she directs the Security and Privacy Experiences (SPEX) group.
Her focus is on understanding people’s needs and designing for safe, secure, and trustworthy computing, including artificial intelligence. In this interdisciplinary work, Faklaris draws on methods from social science, computer science, data science and machine learning, cybersecurity, and design. She also employs skills and knowledge from her past careers in journalism, IT/UX, and social media.
Among other accomplishments, she received a 2024 Google Research Scholar award for work to connect people with advice about their security and privacy concerns. Her work is also funded by BasisLabs LLC founder Carl Hoffman, the U.S. Army Research Lab, and the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Dr. Cori Website

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Be a Voice for the Children in Our Community with Rhonda McGuire
2026-01-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Be a Voice for the Children in Our Community with Rhonda McGuire
SPEAKER: Rhonda McGuire
The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program recruits, screens, trains, and supervises volunteer advocates to protect and promote the best interest of abused and neglected children in the state’s custody (foster care).
A GAL works as part of a team with a program staff and an attorney advocate to prepare a written report to help the judge understand what is best for the child and to ultimately find them a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. Before beginning service, GALs participate in 35 hours of training and observe two hours of juvenile court.

BIOGRAPHY
Rhonda McGuire is the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program Specialist for the Mecklenburg County Office. She has been with GAL for 11 years. Rhonda’s role in the office is to recruit, screen and help train community members to advocate for children in foster care.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

Habitat's Evolving Business Model with Laura Belcher
2026-01-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Habitat’s Evolving Business Model
SPEAKER: Laura Belcher, President/CEO Habitat for Humanity, Charlotte Region
Founded locally 42 years ago, Habitat Charlotte Region has built over 1500 new homes and served over 5000 families. In recent years, as land availability becomes scarce and building material costs escalate, Habitat has looked at how it needs to evolve to meet the rising demand for affordable homeownership options.
Join this presentation to hear how Habitat has moved from homebuilder to neighborhood developer while also preserving aging housing inventory and preparing future homeowners through financial education. As one of the largest affiliates in the US, Habitat Charlotte Region’s $65million operation continues to look for ways to transform and intensify its impact.

BIOGRAPHY
Laura Belcher joined Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region in 2014 as President & CEO. During her leadership, the organization has seen nearly a 400% increase in families served through new homeownership, critical home repairs and financial education programming. Laura has led the organization through 2 strategic mergers in the past 5 years, expanding programming into Iredell and Gaston Counties. 2023 provided a career highlight as Habitat Charlotte Region hosted the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project building 27 homes in a week with 3800 volunteers.
Laura spent the first 20 years of her career in corporate roles with Arthur Andersen, Wachovia Securities and Transamerica.  Laura was a CPA, graduated from the College of William and Mary, and spent 9 years in nonprofit work as CFO/COO of the Arts & Science Council prior to joining Habitat.
Laura is on the Catapult Employers Association Board of Directors and chairs the Governance Committee. Laura is a member of Women Executives and International Women’s Forum. Her recent recognitions include 2025 Charlotte Business Journal Power 100 influential leaders, 2024 Charlotte Woman of the Year and Business NC 2024 Power List as one of the most influential leaders in non-profits and philanthropies.

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Civil and Indian Wars with Peter Cozzens
2026-01-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Deadwood, Wild Bill Hickok, and Calamity Jane: The Births of Three Legends
SPEAKER: Peter Cozzens, Author
The presentation will scrutinize the birth and evolution of three of the most legendary subjects of the Wild West. It will also look at how Deadwood provoked the most consequential Indian War in the West.
NOTE: This presentation will be via Zoom in Wolfe Hall.

BIOGRAPHY
Peter Cozzens is the international award-winning author and editor of nineteen books on the American Civil War and the American West. Cozzens retired after a thirty-year career as a Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Department of State. Before joining the Foreign Service, he served as a captain in the U. S. Army. His book The Earth Is Weeping: The Epic Story of the Indian Wars for the American West received the 2017 Gilder Lehrman Prize in Military History for the best military history work in the English language. In December 2024, the Economist selected it as one of the seven greatest military history books ever written.
In 2002, Cozzens received the American Foreign Service Association’s highest award, given annually to one Foreign Service Officer for exemplary moral courage, integrity, and creative dissent. He has also received an Alumni Achievement Award from his alma mater, Knox College.
His most recent book is Deadwood: Gold, Guns, and Greed in the American West.

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The Library Era with Jenni Gaisbauer
2026-02-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: The Library Era: Charlotte Mecklenburg’s New Main Library
SPEAKER: Jenni Gaisbauer, CFRE, Executive Director, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation
A library has stood on the corner of Sixth and North Tryon Streets in Uptown Charlotte since 1903 when industrialist Andrew Carnegie donated $25,000 (equivalent of $1million today).
In the spring of 2027, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will open its much anticipated new Main Library in the same location. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Snohetta, your Library will be an awe-inspiring fusion of architecture, technology, and civic gathering spaces spanning an impressive 115,000 square feet. Join us as Jenni shares the vision and intimate details of the new Main Library and what will take place in all its beautiful community spaces.

BIOGRAPHY
A non-profit executive, Jenni has more than 25 years of experience in strategic planning, philanthropy, comprehensive campaigns, special events, board development, and community partnerships. Jenni joined the Library in 2013 and serves dual roles as the Chief Development Officer and the Executive Director of the Library Foundation. Previously, Jenni served as the Senior Vice President of Development at Levine Museum of the New South and Assistant Development and Marketing Director at World T.E.A.M. Sports.
Jenni a graduate of the American Leadership Forum and has served on the boards of Association of Fundraising Professionals, The Plus Collective, Girls on the Run, Community Building Initiative and currently serves on the boards of the Arts & Science Council, Children’s Home of North Carolina and the Library Support Networks. In 2015, Jenni was honored as the Fundraising Executive of the Year by Association of Fundraising Professionals, Charlotte Chapter. Jenni earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Montana and a master’s degree from The Ohio State University.
When not working, Jenni enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, watching football, and spending time with her family.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

Charlotte at a Crossroads: Building a Sustainable City for Generations to Come with Shannon Binns
2026-02-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Charlotte at a Crossroads: Building a Sustainable City for Generations
SPEAKER: Shannon Binns, Founder/Executive Director Sustain Charlotte
Charlotte is growing faster than almost any city in the nation. With this growth come big questions: How will we move around safely and efficiently? How do we keep housing affordable? How do we protect our air, water, and natural spaces?
In this talk, Shannon Binns, founder and executive director of Sustain Charlotte, will share how smart growth and better transportation choices can make our community more equitable, connected, and healthy. He’ll highlight local success stories, current challenges, and ways that all of us — at every stage of life — can play a role in shaping a thriving future for Charlotte.

BIOGRAPHY
Shannon is the Founder and Executive Director of Sustain Charlotte. Before moving to Charlotte in 2007, Shannon worked at The Nature Conservancy in Washington, D.C., where he was part of their climate change science and policy team.
Shannon served in the Peace Corps in Senegal, in AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps, and helped found a tsunami relief organization in Thailand. He worked as an industrial engineer for Motorola, General Motors and Trane in the for-profit sector. He holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Iowa State University and a Master of Public Administration in environmental science and policy from Columbia University.
He has previously served as a supervisor on the Mecklenburg County Soil and Water Conservation Board, an adjunct professor in the Sustainable Technologies program at Central Piedmont Community College and a member of the North Carolina Advisory Board for Environmental Defense Fund. In 2015, he was named one of “Seven to Watch” by The Charlotte Observer and one of the Charlotte Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.” In 2018, Charlotte’s NPR affiliate, WFAE, named him one of “The Most Powerful Voices in Charlotte.” In 2024, the Charlotte Business Journal named Shannon one of the region’s “Top 100 Innovators.”
Website: https://www.sustaincharlotte.org
Book Recommendations:

Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design — Charles Montgomery
The Smart Growth Manual — Andres Duany, Jeff Speck, Mike Lydon
Reimagining Sustainable Cities: Strategies for Designing Greener, Healthier, More Equitable Communities — Stephen Wheeler
Toward Sustainable Communities — Mark Roseland
The Death and Life of Great American Cities — Jane Jacobs

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

The United States and Africa: History, Change, and the Road Ahead with Beth Whitaker
2026-02-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: The United States and Africa: History, Change, and the Road Ahead
SPEAKER: Beth Whitaker, Professor of Political Science, UNC Charlotte
How has the United States engaged with Africa over time and what does that relationship look like today?
In this talk, Dr. Beth Elise Whitaker, Professor of Political Science and longtime scholar of African politics and U.S.–Africa relations, will explore the evolving dynamics that have shaped American policy toward the continent. Drawing on more than two decades of research, teaching, and on the ground experience—including her work in Kenya as a Fulbright Scholar—she will trace key moments in the diplomatic, security, and economic ties linking the U.S. and African nations.
Dr. Whitaker will discuss how Cold War rivalries, humanitarian crises, and counterterrorism strategies influenced earlier eras of engagement, and how today’s shifting global landscape has transformed U.S. priorities. She will also highlight the role of migration, diaspora communities, and African public opinion in shaping contemporary policy debates.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Beth Elise Whitaker is professor of political science and associate dean for research and interdisciplinary collaboration in the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Whitaker’s research focuses on migration and security, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Her work explores how political dynamics influence attitudes and policies toward migrants and refugees.
As a Fulbright Scholar in Kenya in 2005-2006, she examined U.S.-African counter-terrorism cooperation.
She is co-author with John F. Clark of Africa’s International Relations: Balancing Domestic and Global Interests (Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2018) and her articles have appeared in many academic journals.
Whitaker worked previously at the Brookings Institution and the American Council on Education and has consulted for the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Defense, Social Science Research Council, United Nations Foundation, and Save the Children Fund. She earned her bachelor’s degree in public and international affairs from Princeton University and her master’s and Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Microplastics with Olya Keen
2026-02-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Microplastics and Other Contaminants of Emerging Concern
SPEAKER: Olya Keen, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, UNC Charlotte
The talk will focus on microplastics and other contaminants of emerging concern, such as PFAS, plasticizers, pharmaceuticals, flame retardants, etc. I will discuss where they come from in the environment, where we encounter them in our daily lives and the latest research discoveries.

BIOGRAPHY
Olya Keen received her BS and MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of South Florida and her PhD in the same discipline for University of Colorado at Boulder. She has been a faculty member in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNC Charlotte for 13 years. She has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles on contaminants of emerging concern and ways to treat them in water.

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Vaccine Science with Courtney Labonge
2026-03-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Vaccines Science, Development and Clinical Trial Applications
SPEAKER: Courtney Labonge, Associate Director, Alkermes, Inc
This presentation explores the fundamentals of vaccine science, the various types of vaccines, and their critical role in clinical trials.
It covers the importance of vaccines in public health, mechanisms of immune response, safety and efficacy principles, phases of clinical research, regulatory review, and post-marketing surveillance.
Real-world case studies, including COVID-19 vaccine development, and innovations in vaccine technology are discussed, highlighting the global health impact and ongoing challenges in vaccine trials.

BIOGRAPHY
Courtney Labonge is Associate Director of Study Start Up at Alkermes, where they lead global clinical trial operations and process innovation. With extensive experience in study start-up, regulatory affairs, and team leadership, Courtney is recognized for driving collaboration and operational excellence across late-stage clinical programs.
Courtney holds a BS in Biology from UNC Wilmington. She has received multiple industry awards for leadership and research, including Charlotte Top 30 under 30.
Website
Book Recommendations:

Vaccine: The Controversial Story of Medicine’s Greatest Lifesaver by Arthur Allen
The Vaccine Race: Science, Politics, and the Human Costs of Defeating Disease By Meredith Wadman

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Charlotte’s 1830’s Gold Rush with Landis Wade
2026-03-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Charlotte’s 1830’s Gold Rush Meets Deadly Gold Rush: Where Fact and Fiction Come Together
SPEAKER: Landis Wade, Author
Learn how the first US gold rush began, how it became centered in Charlotte, and how it changed Charlotte’s economy. Meet interesting characters who mined gold in Charlotte in the 1830s and see the location of the Rudisill gold mine that produced gold for more than one hundred years. Learn about the history and features of the US Mint in Charlotte and how it became the first art museum in North Carolina. See examples of the gold coins minted at the Charlotte mint. And learn about the mystery of Deadly Gold Rush, and how it was inspired by the city whose streets were said to be paved with gold.

BIOGRAPHY
Landis Wade is a recovering trial lawyer turned author who writes mysteries and legal thrillers. His publication credits include six works of fiction, eight non-fiction books, and many short stories. Deadly Declarations, his first novel in the Indie Retirement Mystery series, won ten awards. Deadly Gold Rush, his recent release in that series, has been positively compared by Kirkus Reviews to Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series and by Midwest Book Reviews as “a satisfyingly complex entwining of events and personalities that proves hard to put down.” The Charlotte Writers Club awarded Landis their 2025 Adelia Kimball Founders Award for service to the club and the literary community. Landis splits his time between Charlotte (where he grew up and practiced law), Durham (where his grandson lives), and the North Carolina mountains (where the trout live).

RESOURCES
Author website: www.landiswade.com
Podcast website: https://charlottereaderspodcast.com/

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Ukraine and the Future of European Security with Steven Sabol
2026-03-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: Ukraine and the Future of European Security
SPEAKER: Steven Sabol, Professor of HIstory, UNC Charlotte
This presentation encompasses America’s strategic interest in Europe and its stake in NATO, Europe’s strategic interests in Ukraine and its response to this conflict, and the future of European security generally.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Steven Sabol is a Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) in Charlotte, NC, specializing in Russian and Central Asian history, WWI, and nationalism, with affiliations in the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences and the Honors College. He’s authored several books and articles on these topics, often commenting on current events such as the Ukraine war.

NOTE: This speaker will be on Zoom only. PUMC/Wolfe Hall is closed.
Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

America and the World: Navigating Trump 2.0 with Dr. Harry I. Chernotsky
2026-03-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: America and the World: Navigating Trump 2.0
SPEAKER: Dr. Harry I. Chernotsky, Professor Emeritus of Global Studies, UNC Charlotte
Since assuming office for his second term, President Trump is charting a new course for U.S. foreign policy that is transforming America’s overall position in the world and its relationships with both longstanding partners and strategic adversaries. This talk will review these policy shifts and analyze their implications. It will also offer recommendations on how to best advance U.S. global interests in these uncertain times.

BIOGRAPHY
Harry I. Chernotsky is Professor Emeritus in Global Studies, retiring after 43 years on the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He served as the founding chair of the Department of Global Studies from 2009-2016 after spending 30 years in the university’s Department of Political Science. Previous positions included Director of International Studies and Interim Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. He is the recipient of UNC Charlotte’s Bank of America Teaching Excellence Award and its International Education Faculty Award.
Chernotsky received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Rutgers University. He specializes in international political economy and American foreign policy and has published in a wide range of professional journals. He is senior author of Crossing Borders: International Studies for the 21st Century (5th edition, 2026) – one of the first textbooks providing an interdisciplinary perspective on the field.
Throughout his career, Chernotsky was a leader in international studies education. He spearheaded numerous initiatives at UNC Charlotte, including the development of the Model United Nations program and the interdisciplinary International Studies major. He was Director of the North Carolina Great Decisions public affairs series and still lectures widely on international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. He also served as President of the Southern region of the International Studies Association (ISA) and as Chair of ISA’s International Education section. He worked for many years with the University of Cantabria (Spain) on its global studies certificate program and was Scholar in Residence at Florida Atlantic University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where he continues lecture each year.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

The New Science of Chaos and Complexity with John Gaertner
2026-04-03 10:00 - 11:00 | The Pearl, 915 Pearl Park Way, Charlotte, NC, 28204
TOPIC: The New Science of Chaos and Complexity: Using It to Solve Really Big Problems
SPEAKER: John Gaertner, Consultant, Energy and Environment
The world is very complex, and our institutions struggle to manage important issues. This presentation explores the new science of chaos and complexity, and how it can positively affect the future by solving really big problems.

BIOGRAPHY
John Gaertner is a consultant on energy and climate change.
He has worked extensively since 2020 as an independent technical expert on the North Carolina Transition to Zero-Carbon Electricity — authoring technical papers and presentations, writing Op-Eds in NC newspapers, presenting testimony at utility commission hearings, and advising the environmental community on energy matters.
John retired from Electric Power Research Institute as Technical Executive after 28 years. He was Senior Vice President of ERIN Engineering and Research for 8 years, was an engineer with Duke Energy for 8 years.
He holds an MS in Atmospheric Science from MIT, a BS in Physics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and was a Certified Professional Engineer in North Carolina.

NOTE: LOCATION CHANGE! This speaker location is The Pearl, 915 Pearl Park Way, Charlotte, NC 28204 (The church is closed due to Good Friday) in the Howard R. Levine Center for Eduction building.
Attend in-person, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

The Surprising Benefits Genealogy with Danielle Pritchett
2026-04-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: The Surprising Benefits Genealogy
SPEAKER: Danielle Pritchett, Genealogy Librarian, Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library
Discover the unexpected rewards of exploring your family history! This session highlights how genealogy can strengthen identity, promote healing, uncover health insights, and connect generations. Ideal for all ages, this class reveals how tracing your roots can empower both individuals and communities in meaningful and lasting ways.

BIOGRAPHY
Danielle Pritchett is a native of Danville, VA. She is a highly accomplished individual, graduating Summa Cum Laude from North Carolina Central University in 2021 with a Master of Library Science degree specializing in Public Libraries.
With over a decade of experience in the library field, Danielle has excelled in various roles within three distinct library systems. She embarked on her library career as an Adult Services Information Specialist, displaying her dedication to serving and assisting library patrons of the Danville Public Library, now known as the Ruby B Archie Library. However, it was her passion for genealogy that truly ignited her journey into the world of genealogy research in 2012.
In 2019, driven by her desire for personal and professional growth, Danielle decided to challenge herself by transitioning to a larger library system. At the Greensboro Public Library, she initially served as the Government Documents Librarian, but was later entrusted with the role of Genealogy Librarian, where her expertise flourished even further.
Today, Danielle Pritchett serves as the Genealogy Librarian for the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. In her current position, she is poised to bring her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to the diverse communities of the Charlotte area. With a track record of excellence, Danielle is eager to share her passion for genealogy and history, enriching the lives of those she serves through her dedicated work at the library.
Website link.

Attend in-person, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

History of Stem Cell and Regenerative Therapies with Steven Spencer
2026-04-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: History of Stem Cell and Regenerative Therapies for the Treatment of Chronic Pain, Disease, and Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System
SPEAKER: Steven Spencer, Director of Community Relations for NeoGenix Stem Cell & Regenerative Therapies
Steven will define regenerative medicine, encompassing stem cell therapy, and discuss an overview of tissue engineering, cellular therapies, and biologics, focuses on repairing or replacing damaged tissues to restore normal function.
He will address major global health challenges, particularly chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders, by offering innovative restorative solutions that go beyond traditional symptom management. The presentation traces the historical evolution of the field, highlights key scientific milestones, and explores current clinical applications alongside promising future directions.

BIOGRAPHY
Steven Spencer is a Salisbury, North Carolina native and a 1981 graduate of the University of Georgia. A Charlotte resident since 1989, he began his career in orthopaedic sales and medical devices in 1987. As President of Surgical Source, Inc., Steven represented several nationally recognized and publicly traded orthopaedic implant and device manufacturers. During this time, he cultivated a leadership philosophy grounded in service and mentorship, continuing to guide young professionals in orthopedic surgery and medical device sales today.
In 2016, Steven founded Regen Medicine Consulting, with a mission to educate healthcare providers and their patients about the life-changing potential of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy. His work emphasizes patient safety, healthy aging, and longevity, guided by the core values of Truth, Trust, and Transparency. As Steven often says, “All healing comes from within, and it all begins with you.”
Currently, Steven serves as Director of Community Relations for NeoGenix Stem Cell & Regenerative Therapies, where he continues his lifelong commitment to advancing innovative, patient-centered healthcare.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

Field to Factory to Finance with Tom Hanchett, PhD
2026-04-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Field to Factory to Finance: A History of Charlotte and its Region
SPEAKER: Tom Hanchett, PhD, Author
Trace the development of our city from an Indian crossroads to a farm hamlet to hub of America’s textile manufacturing region, to a major banking center today.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Tom Hanchett is a community historian who works with neighborhood groups in Charlotte. Educated at Cornell, University of Chicago and UNC Chapel Hill, he is author of a history book about Charlotte, Sorting Out the New South City, as well as his new book Affordable Housing in Charlotte: What One City’s History Tells Us About America’s Pressing Problem. Charlotte Magazine calls him “Charlotte’s Dr. History” and named him a Charlottean of the Year.
Click here to check out his lively website.

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The Future of Human Rights with Alexa Royden
2026-05-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: The Future of Human Rights: Defending and Expanding the Circle
SPEAKER: Alexa Royden, Associate Professor, Queens University of Charlotte
Who counts? It’s the defining question of our time.
For centuries, the circle of rights has been expanding — from property owners to the enslaved, from men to women, from citizens to refugees. Now, at a pivotal moment in history, rights face bold challenges and new opportunities for expansion.
In this talk, we explore the future of global human rights, from rights currently under attack to new rights pushing the boundaries of personhood.

BIOGRAPHY
An Associate Professor of Political Science at Queens University of Charlotte, Alexa Royden is a scholar of human rights, international organization, and global conflict. In the classroom, she teaches classes in international relations, foreign policy, international security, human rights, and political philosophy.
Currently serving as President of the Faculty, Alexa spends her time persuading students that philosophy is fun and walking her dogs.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

The Passover Story Turned Upside Down with Craig Perry
2026-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: The Passover Story Turned Upside Down: Slavery and the Jews of Medieval Egypt
SPEAKER: Craig Perry, Professor, Emory University
The memory of slavery in Egypt, God’s redemption of the Israelites, and the Exodus led by Moses are central to the sacred history of the Jewish people. For much of history, however, Jews were much more likely to be among the slave owning-classes than the enslaved. This presentation will focus on how a remarkable discovery in a medieval Egyptian synagogue illustrates the global history of the slave trade, the centrality of slavery in Jewish and Islamic culture, and the lives of enslaved people who converted to Judaism and became the parents of Jewish children.

BIOGRAPHY
Craig Perry is an assistant professor of Middle Eastern and Jewish Studies at Emory University. He is the co-editor of the Cambridge World History of Slavery (2021), author of Slavery and the Jews of Medieval Egypt: a history (2026), and the winner of the Rome Prize in Medieval Studies (2024).
Book link: Slavery and the Jews of Medieval Egypt: A History

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How Latin American Countries View the United States with Dr. Gregory Weeks
2026-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: How Latin American View the United States
SPEAKER: Dr. Gregory Weeks, Professor of Political Science and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, UNC Charlotte
Dr. Weeks will discuss U.S.-Latin American relations from the Latin American perspective. This will help us understand how Latin American countries are responding to U.S. policies and actions, and how they assert autonomy.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Weeks is a professor at UNC Charlotte for 26 years. He has published numerous books and articles on Latin American politics and U.S.-Latin American relations. His most recent book is Embracing Autonomy: Latin America-U.S. Relations in the Twenty-First Century, published in 2024.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

State of the Canopy with Krysten Reilly
2026-05-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: State of the Canopy
SPEAKER: Krysten Reilly, Director of Programs, TreesCharlotte
Charlotte is often called a “City of Trees,” with an urban tree canopy covering roughly about half of the city, making it one of the greenest large cities in the U.S. However, rapid growth and development along with an aging canopy and new environmental stresses have caused gradual canopy loss in recent years. TreesCharlotte will take you through a thoughtful presentation to examine where our city’s tree canopy currently stands and what we are doing to help mitigate tree loss through the county. Maintaining Charlotte’s tree canopy is critical for reducing heat, improving air and water quality, managing stormwater, and preserving overall quality of life as the city continues to grow.

BIOGRAPHY
Krysten Reilly is the Director of Programs at TreesCharlotte, the nonprofit dedicated to growing, diversifying, and stewarding Charlotte’s urban tree canopy. In her role, she leads community-facing programs, helps develop and refine new campaigns such as their Treesilience Initiative and TreeSpeaker program. Additionally, Krysten coordinates the scheduling and implementation of planting, stewardship, education, and outreach events that connect residents with tree care and equity-focused urban forestry work. She’s originally from New England and brings a passion for resilient, community-centered environmental programming to her work in Charlotte.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.
