National Convening Program Books 2015 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 18

Detailed Agenda
FRIDAY | JULY 24, 2015

8:00 AM–8:30 AM
BREAKFAST
Grand Ballroom

8:30 AM–9:00 AM
OPENING PLENARY
YEO WELCOME
Grand Ballroom

Congressman Keith Ellison

Keith Ellison has represented Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District in
the U.S. House of Representatives since taking office on January 4, 2007.
His roots as a community activist and his message of inclusivity show
in his Congressional priorities, including promoting peace and prosperity
for working families, environmental sustainability, and civil and human
rights. Congressman Ellison was elected as co-chair of the Congressional
Progressive Caucus for the 112th Congress, and Chief Deputy Whip for the
114th Congress. Congressman Ellison currently serves on the Financial
Services Committee and his party’s Steering and Policy Committee.

9:30 AM–10:30 AM
EXPANDING DEMOCRACY
PROTECTING THE VALUE OF THE VOTE
Grand Ballroom

This panel will open our policy series with a focus on democratic reforms that
undergird our entire political system. The discussion will examine the national
landscape, but focus on challenges and opportunities in cities and states to expand
access to participation, empower voters, regulate campaign finance, and create
impactful change.
Nicole Austin-Hillery

Brennan Center for Justice
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Nicole Austin-Hillery is the first director and counsel of The Brennan
Center’s Washington, D.C. office. She is the organization’s chief liaison to
Congress and the Administration and focuses primarily on justice and
democracy issues. Austin-Hillery provides both strategic and advocacy
counsel ranging from legislative analysis to policy development. She serves
as both a media spokesperson and frequent presenter on Brennan Center
issues and has written opinion pieces for several publications including
Roll Call, The Hill, The Root, CNN.com, and BillMoyers.com and has
offered commentary to the New York Times. She has significant litigation
experience, having practiced with the law firm of Mehri & Skalet, PLLC as part of the firm’s civil rights
employment class action practice, and as the George N. Lindsay Civil Rights Law Fellow at the
national office of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Austin-Hillery is a graduate of
the Howard University School of Law and Carnegie Mellon University.