The Importance of Emotional Support in Narrowing Societal Divides

Americans are divided on so many issues – social, race, gender and economy. How can our deep divides be addressed and what significance does emotional support has in narrowing gaps? In this panel, we will discuss the importance of emotional support in bridging societal divides.

Moderator: Adam Lippin

Adam Lippin is an entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of HearMe, and the Co-founder and CEO of Cuddlist.

Panelists:

Michael Gingerich is the Co-Founder and Co-Chief Encouragement Officer of Someone To Tell It To – someonetotellitto.org – a nonprofit that creates meaningful relationships through compassionate listening and trains and educates others to do the same. Empathy, diplomacy, and listening with intention is a core component of Someone To Tell It To’s mission. Michael is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania , with a degree in Government and Public Service, and Lancaster Theological Seminary, with a Master of divinity degree.

Tracy L. Lawrence is the Founder and CEO of The Lawrence Advisory. The Lawrence Advisory is known for hiring, coaching, and building high-performing teams with an emphasis on innovation and performance. Lawrence was recently named the first Executive-in-Residence at USC’s Marshall School of Business. Lawrence earned her BA in Economics from Stanford University and her MBA from Harvard Business School.

Manu Meel is amongst Forbes 30 Under 30. Manu is passionate about empowering young people to bridge divides and fight polarization. Currently, Manu has the privilege of serving as the CEO of BridgeUSA, a national organization that aims to improve political culture on college campuses.

Min. Sundria Sam is a Church Administrator for Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Vallejo California, a Spiritual Care Intern at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California and avid supporter of Social Justice . She hosts safer spaces, inclusive of all, for intimate relational exchanges involving communication and affirmed touch experiences.