Name: Civic Futures | Charlottesville’s Narrative: Who Shapes Our Story?
Start: 2025-04-16T11:30:00-0400
End: 2025-04-16T12:30:00-0400

Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

CODE Building

This session is presented proudly in partnership with the Charlottesville Office of Economic Development.

As Charlottesville again takes the national stage ahead of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, how can the region define and amplify a brand of inclusive innovation? This panel will explore the evolving narrative of Charlottesville—who tells its story, how it is perceived both locally and nationally, and what opportunities lie ahead. This conversation will examine how media, technology, and community voices can shape an identity that reflects both Charlottesville’s complex history and its bold vision for the future.

Featuring Tobias Dengel (WillowTree), Sarad Davenport (Vinegar Hill Magazine), and Jayme Swain (Virginia PBS), with moderation by Michael Lenox (UVA Innovates), the conversation will feature leading private sector innovators, national media experts, and local voices who have shaped the media and social sector landscapes.

********

Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

************

A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Jayme Swain

President and CEO, VPM

Jayme Swain is President and CEO of VPM, Virginia’s home for public media, and the Virginia Foundation for Public Media.At a transformational time for the organization, Swain oversees VPM, a network of PBS and NPR stations across Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley that connects... Read More →

Michael Lenox

UVA Innovates, University of Virginia

Mike Lenox is the Tayloe Murphy Professor of Business at the University of Virginia. He serves as a Special Advisor to the Provost leading the UVA pan-university entrepreneurship initiative. He also serves as a Senior Faculty Fellow for the UVA Miller Center and a Professor of Public... Read More →

Sarad Davenport

Founder, DSID/Vinegar Hill Magazine

Sarad Davenport is a seasoned human-centered designer and social innovator dedicated to creating positive change. With expertise in community development and cross-sector partnerships, he has led initiatives like the Charlottesville Promise Neighborhood and contributed to national... Read More →

Tobias Dengel

President, WillowTree, a TELUS Digital Company

Tobias Dengel is the President of TELUS Digital Solutions & WillowTree, a TELUS Digital Company. TELUS Digital designs, builds and delivers innovative solutions to enhance the customer experience (CX) for brands. The company’s services support the full lifecycle of clients' digital... Read More →

Sponsors