With global conflicts, rapid technological advancements, the widespread dissemination of information, and 2024 being a pivotal year for numerous key elections worldwide, journalism is arguably more important than ever. Ali Velshi, MSNBC Chief Correspondent and host of “Velshi", has covered many of the world's top stories, navigating conflicts and some of the most pivotal moments of our time. In his most recent book, Small Acts of Courage: A Legacy of Endurance and the Fight for Democracy, Velshi outlines his family history from India and the courageous acts that led to significant political impact. As we face a future filled with uncertainty, join us as we delve into Velshi’s story and his motivations for the ongoing commitment to journalism and democracy.

MR Rangaswami, Founder of Indiaspora and Co-Founder of Sand Hill Group, will moderate this discussion. 

This event is $15 for Members; $30 for Nonmembers. If you are interested in joining the event, sign up to become a member here. We appreciate additional donations, which help further our global mission of building bridges. Press must email [email protected] for registration inquires. Any inquires can be directed to [email protected].

AGENDA

• 4:30-5:00 Registration
• 5:00-6:00 - Ali Velshi + MR Rangaswami fireside chat
• 6:00-6:15 Networking

Location: Bechtel Conference Center, 500 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

SPEAKER BIOS

Ali Velshi is an award winning journalist, host of "Velshi" and Chief Correspondent for MSNBC, and a weekly economics contributor to NPR's "Here And Now." He has covered multiple U.S. Midterm and Presidential elections and significant news stories around the globe, including extensive reporting from Israel during the war with Israel and Hamas, Ukraine and across Central and Eastern Europe during the Russian invasion, the Syrian refugee crisis from Turkey and Jordan, and the Iran Nuclear Deal in Tehran. He hosts the "Velshi Banned Book Club” on MSNBC, and the "Velshi Banned Book Club" podcast. Velshi is known for his immersive on-the-ground reporting and his interactive discussions with small groups, which form part of his ongoing series, Velshi Across America. He previously worked as an anchor and correspondent for Al Jazeera America and CNN. He has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, and is the recipient of two National Headliner Awards and a Society of Professional Journalists Sigma Delta Chi Award. 

M.R. Rangaswami is an entrepreneur, investor, corporate eco-strategy expert, community builder and philanthropist. Recognized as a software business expert, he participated in the rapid expansion of the Silicon Valley software industry during his tenure as an executive at both large and small software companies. In 1997, he co-founded Sand Hill Group, one of the earliest “angel” investment firms, and was profiled on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. He was named to the Forbes "Midas" list of investors. M.R. is the publisher of SandHill.com, a leading website for entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. He also hosts the Enterprise Retreat for the top 100 leaders in technology. 

In 2007, M.R. founded the Corporate Eco Forum(CEF), an invitation-only membership organization for Global 500 companies that demonstrate a serious commitment to the environment as a business strategy. Members represent more than 20 industries and have combined revenues exceeding $3 trillion. 

In 2012 M.R. founded Indiaspora (a non-profit) to unite the Indian Diaspora and to transform their success into meaningful impact in India and on the global stage. By sharing insights, hosting events and connecting people, Indiaspora unites the professionally, geographically and religiously diverse Indian community toward collective action. Indiaspora events include its annual Leadership Forum, Philanthropy Summit and the Global Connect program. Indiaspora also engages in community issues such as the initiative to get the USPS to issue a Diwali stamp in 2016. 

M.R. is a board member of the Kaliash Satyarthi Children's Foundation, The Nudge Foundation and the WISH Foundation. 

M.R is the recipient of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) "Influential Leaders" award in 2015 and the US-China Educational Trust (US-CET) inaugural “Asians in America" award in 2016. 

Rangaswami is also profiled in 2 books -  "Those Immigrants by Scott Haas and "The $8 Man" by Brenda Christensen. He also authored a chapter on Silicon Valley in the new book “Kamala Harris and the Rise of Indian Americans”.

Thank you to 

The Aga Khan Council for Western USA

Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation