The Inaugural WAVES Festival Kicked Off May 6 – 7, 2025
A Celebration of Well-being, Art, Vision, Entrepreneurship and Science in San Diego and Southern California, taking place at UCSD Scripps Seaside Forum & Balboa Park
Over 300 fellow San Diego and Southern California leaders, innovators and pathbreakers gathered to show how thoughtful collaboration sparks meaningful change and sustainable solutions.
The two-day, invite-only event featured visionary speakers, groundbreaking workshops, and immersive, hands-on experiences featuring business, academia, technology and AI, biomedicine, science and the military alongside voices from environmental, artistic, youth and cultural communities to show how thoughtful collaboration sparks meaningful change and sustainable solutions — and showcases San Diego and Southern California as a model for the nation.
Along with inspirational plenary sessions, interactive breakouts and hands-on learning opportunities, attendees experienced local music, creative art experiences and opportunities to connect with thought partners and leaders across our region!
Day 1 Speakers Included
- Baratunde Thurston: Comedian, Daily Show | Host, America Outdoors
- Rafael Payare: Music Director, San Diego Symphony
- Omar Blaik: CEO and Co-founder, U3 Advisors
- USMC BGen James Ryans: Brigadier General
- Pradeep Khosla: UC San Diego Chancellor
- Michele Norris: Award-winning author and MSNBC and NPR broadcaster
Day 2 Speakers Included
- Irwin Jacobs: Co-founder, Qualcomm
- David Brooks: New York Times columnist and best-selling author
- Jay Pandit: Director, Digital Medicine, Scripps Research Translational Institute
- Melanie Subin: Renowned Futurist
- Cat Corral: Co-founder & Executive/Artistic Director
- Amy Admire: Executive Director,‘ataaxum Pomkwaan
- Karl Anthony: Program Director, Rady Children’s Hospital Healing Arts Department
- Stephen Squinto: Chief Investment Officer, J.P. Morgan Asset Management
WAVES Festival Videos
All videos will be available by June 30
Returning Civic to the Center of San Diego
How do we transform an aging urban space into a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood while redefining the meaning of Civic? U3 Advisors’ Omar Blaik and Alex Feldman share a new vision for the San Diego Civic Center that focuses on shaping the core of downtown for all San Diegans.
Theatre as a Hub for Empathy: Shakespeare’s Wisdom for Today’s World
As we face a world marked by division and uncertainty, what can art teach us about building a more compassionate and connected future? Barry Edelstein, Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director of The Old Globe Theatre, leads an inspiring conversation on how Shakespeare and the theatre can serve as a “hub” — a gathering place where diverse people come together to reflect, imagine, and connect. Drawing on his deep knowledge of Shakespeare’s works, Edelstein will explore how timeless stories still speak directly to today’s most urgent challenges and opportunities, and how art drives empathy.
How America Recovers: Rebuilding Society from the Ground Up
New York Times columnist and best-selling author David Brooks talks about the social and cultural changes we can all make today that will make political reform possible down the road
The Imperative of Listening to Each Other: A Conversation with Michele Norris and David Brooks
Award-winning author and MSNBC and NPR broadcaster Michele Norris joins us to talk about the need to truly listen and hear each other. “I believe the creator gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason,” she says. “We need to learn how to listen to each other and be in conversation, now more than ever.” Michele shares the voices and learnings from over 20 years of The Race Card Project, where nearing 1 million people submitted their views on race and identity in just six words.
Creative Cures: How Art and Science Enhance Health and Wellbeing
Explore the transformative impact of art on our mental and physical health. Leading experts in science, medicine, psychology, and the arts share how creative practices like dancing, music, and storytelling reduce stress, improve emotional resilience, support physical healing, and point us toward a healthier future.
Iconic Wisdom: A Conversation with Irwin Jacobs
Join us for an exclusive interview with Irwin Jacobs, the visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and co-founder of Qualcomm, who helped shape San Diego into a global tech and innovation hub. From revolutionizing wireless communication to championing education and the arts, Jacobs’ impact spans industries and generations. Hear his insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of technology, as well as his thoughts on San Diego’s continued evolution.
Smart Design + Evidence-Based Programming = Joy + Longevity
Architecture and programming together create spaces that foster joy, connection, and longevity. Christopher Leech, Director of the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace in Los Angeles, and Susi Stadler, GenSpace Architect, show with real-world examples how smart design and evidence-based programming can enhance quality of life, promote social engagement, and contribute to healthier, more vibrant communities. As lifespans extend and societal needs evolve, GenSpace offers a transformative model — one that reimagines how we grow, connect, and live well across the lifespan, offering a glimpse of what’s possible when we design not just for aging, but for living well together.
From Me to We: Building a Better Future through Humor, Humanity, and Hope
Baratunde Thurston, host of America Outdoors, former Daily Show producer and veteran storyteller, explores how we can all be a bridge to understanding in times of division and conflict and build stronger, inclusive communities. Sharing stories of resilience and hope, he demonstrates how accepting our interconnected and interdependent nature is they key to improving our relationships with the Earth, our fellow humans, and even the rising population of machines. Baratunde will share stories from his exploration of narrative universes touching on A.I., climate change, and the renewal of democracy. That’s right, renewal. That’s not a typo!
The Sound of Innovation: How Music Inspires Creativity and Well-Being
Rafael Payare, Music Director of the San Diego Symphony, and Martha Gilmer, President and CEO, show us how the intersection of classical tradition and modern creativity fosters personal and collective growth. Through engaging insights and real-world examples, Payare explores the transformative power of music in shaping a healthier, more imaginative world.
Empowering Futures: Lessons from the Marine Corps in Supporting Young People in Life and Career
Brigadier General James Ryans shares first-hand experience on empowering local youth, fostering resilience and leadership, and enhancing young people’s career prospects. Learn how the Marine Corps’ commitment to personal and professional growth and community engagement is creating pathways to success for young San Diegans and driving social mobility.
The WellTech Revolution
Technology is often blamed for stress and burnout, but what if it could be a tool for better well-being? This session explores the latest innovations in digital health, from AI-driven mindfulness apps to wearable tech that optimizes mental and physical health. Learn how technology is driving medicine from treatment to prevention for a healthier, more balanced life.
Breaking Barriers in Biotech: Insights from Leading Venture Capitalists
San Diego has long been a powerhouse for life sciences innovation, but what does the future hold in an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving investment landscapes? Join leading investors in our region for an in-depth discussion on the trends shaping the biotech and life sciences sector from a venture capital perspective. This panel will explore key investment strategies, emerging opportunities, and the challenges startups face in securing funding and scaling breakthrough innovations. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or industry leader, gain valuable insights into how VCs are driving the next wave of biotech transformation in San Diego and beyond.
Steve Squinto | Chief Investment Officer, J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Jon Edwards | Managing Partner, Bioqube Ventures
Sergio Duron | CEO, Enlaza Therapeutics
Higher Education, Higher Impact: How Universities Help to Power San Diego’s Progress
Universities are more than centers of learning; they are dynamic engines of economic growth, talent development, and innovation that drive regional prosperity. In this engaging discussion moderated by CBS News’ Major Garrett, UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla will explore the pivotal role that higher education institutions play in shaping San Diego’s future. From cutting-edge research and startup incubation to workforce development and strategic industry partnerships, learn how UC San Diego is fueling economic expansion, fostering entrepreneurship, and addressing critical societal challenges. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, policymaker, or community leader, gain valuable insights into how higher education is creating lasting impact across the region.
