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October 24, 2024

Gathering Place, Williams Lodge
2650 S John Williams Way, Tulsa, OK 74114

Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell will offer a short welcome to kick off our summit program on preserving the American Dream in Oklahoma and America’s Heartland.

    • Matt Pinnell, Lieutenant Governor, State of Oklahoma

AEI is first and foremost a research institute, producing scholarship along with extensive commentary and analysis, but for that scholarship to have impact, AEI needs relationships beyond Washington. Over the past year, AEI has bolstered its outreach efforts with a concerted focus on bringing scholarship to the state and local levels. On the heels of successful American Dream Initiative convenings in Indiana and Kentucky, AEI is excited to host this summit in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to engage in dynamic discussions, share best practices, and identify actionable solutions that empower individuals and communities to unleash opportunity.

    • Rebecca Good, Managing Director of Outreach, AEI

According to recent polling, only 36 percent of Americans believe that the American Dream—the idea that if you work hard, you will get ahead—still holds true. That is down from nearly 50 percent in 2016 and 53 percent in 2012. Against this backdrop, the American Enterprise Institute launched a new initiative seeking to reset the national conversation about the promise of the American Dream. In this session, AEI President Robert Doar and Governor Kevin Stitt will discuss what makes them hopeful for America, despite its remarkable challenges, and how to ensure the American Dream is achievable for all its citizens. 

    • Robert Doar, President, American Enterprise Institute
    • Kevin Stitt, Governor, State of Oklahoma

October 25, 2024

The Mayo Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
115 W 5th St., Tulsa, OK 74103

    • Robert Doar, President, American Enterprise Institute

The city of Tulsa was founded on hope and an entrepreneurial spirit. Once deemed the “Oil Capital of the World,” families flocked to the city in the early 20th century in search of economic prosperity and the quality of life that it brought. Now, the city is home to more than 400,000 Tulsans of all backgrounds who have contributed to its tremendous economic growth over the past century. These strong social connections and economic opportunities serve as the cornerstones for Tulsa today. However, Tulsa has also been shaped by its complicated history of racial tension and opportunity gaps. Mayor G.T. Bynum will share how his administration worked to build a more resilient Tulsa by equipping all its citizens with the ability to overcome barriers and thrive. 

    • Mayor G.T. Bynum, City of Tulsa

Every child in Oklahoma deserves to know that a path to a successful life exists, and they have the power to follow it. But many never set foot on that path because they are trapped in cycles of learned helplessness rather than inspired to pursue their own possibilities. Under Ian Rowe’s leadership, AEI’s FREE Initiative is cultivating a deeper understanding of how families, faith communities, educational institutions, and entrepreneurial cultures weave together a moral fabric that shapes children. In this session, Mr. Rowe will be joined by community leaders working to develop a greater sense of personal agency among the next generation of Sooners.

    • Ian Rowe, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute (Moderator)
    • Phillip Abode, Founder & Executive Director, Crossover Preparatory Academy
    • Brianne Webb, Director of Corporate Work Study, Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School

In the four years since the pandemic closed schools, US education has struggled to recover on a number of fronts, including learning loss, enrollment, and student behavior. But perhaps no issue has been as stubborn and pervasive as a sharp increase in student absenteeism—a problem that cuts across demographics—which has continued long after schools reopened. In fact, Tulsa’s rate of absenteeism is higher than anywhere else in Oklahoma. Following a brief presentation of the latest data trends, AEI’s Nat Malkus will moderate a discussion with local leaders to discuss the challenge at hand and efforts underway to combat it.

    • Nat Malkus, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute (Moderator)
    • Dr. Ebony Johnson,  Superintendent, Tulsa Public Schools
    • Dr. Megan Oftedal, Executive Director, Office of Educational Quality and Accountability

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and evolving job markets, the demand for skilled workers has never been higher. This session aims to shed light on the strategies and initiatives essential for meeting this demand and ensuring a prosperous future for both individuals and economies. From national policies to regional collaborations and grassroots efforts, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in workforce development. Drawing upon their diverse backgrounds and experiences, panelists will delve into key topics such as education and training, industry partnerships, workforce diversity, and the role of innovation in shaping the future of work.

    • Brent Orrell, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute (Moderator)
    • Abbey Davis, Executive Director—Administration, AAON Inc.
    • Libby Ediger, CEO & Executive Director, Atlas School
    • Scott Williams, Deputy Superintendent & COO, Tulsa Tech

In the 1990s, bipartisan lawmakers backed policies emphasizing strong families, good education, and the dignity of work as solutions to break this cycle of intergenerational poverty. As a result, poverty in single-parent households has dropped by 60 percent. In recent years, however, the lessons of the past have been largely forgotten. Our labyrinth of safety net and workforce programs are now riddled with incentives that create barriers to work, marriage, community attachment, and self-sufficient lives. They allow people to survive but make it difficult to thrive. This conversation will explore policy solutions aimed at reforming entitlement programs to encourage self-sufficiency and the dignity of work among Americans.

  • Robert Doar, President, American Enterprise Institute
  • James Lankford, Senator, U.S. Senate

From revitalized manufacturing hubs to burgeoning tech corridors, the heartland’s economic landscape is evolving, driven by a spirit of entrepreneurship and collaboration. During this session, we will explore the factors driving economic growth and prosperity in this vital region, and uncover the strategies and initiatives shaping its future trajectory. A panel of experts will offer unique insights into the diverse sectors driving growth, including manufacturing, technology, and small business development.

    • Katie Milligan, Program Director, Entrepreneurship and Workforce, Heartland Forward (Moderator)
    • Tyrance Billingsley II, Founder and Executive Director, Black Tech Street
    • Jennifer Hankins, Managing Director, Tulsa Innovation Labs

Talent Ready Oklahoma aims to engage state and business leaders on the critical importance of aligning education with industry needs to prepare students for successful careers, and to create the necessary conditions to provide Oklahoma with a skilled workforce. As part of the presentation, Talent Ready Oklahoma will preview “Ready to Launch,” the launch of a new seed fund to establish career-connected learning high schools across Oklahoma. Join us to explore how Talent Ready Oklahoma is paving the way for the state’s future workforce and driving economic growth across the region. 

    • Damon Gardenhire, Founder, Linchpin Strategies
    • Ben Lepak, Generał Council, Office of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt

    • Ken Levit, Executive Director, George Kaiser Family Foundation

    • Elyse Newbert, Director of Coalitions, American Enterprise Institute