Born in 1961, Alexis d'Hérouville is a direct descendant of Alexis de Tocqueville, the renowned French philosopher and historian. Raised at the Château de Tocqueville, he graduated from the Institut d'Études Politiques (SciencesPo Paris) and works as a banker in Paris at the Banque Publique d’Investissement. Committed to preserving and transmitting Western cultural and intellectual heritage, Alexis d'Hérouville works closely with his brother, Jean-Guillaume, to perpetuate their mother's legacy, MarieHenriette de Tocqueville, the last direct descendant bearing the Tocqueville name.

 
Links with the United States 
The Tocqueville family has maintained close ties with the United States for many years. 
The Tocqueville Prize, established in 1979, has recognized prestigious American laureates, including: 
- David Riesman (1980) 
- Daniel Bell (1999) 
- Colin Powell (2006) 
- Zbigniew Brzezinski (2010) 
- Henry Kissinger (2018) 

The prize jury consisted of prominent figures, including Stanley Hoffmann and Lawrence Wylie, and 
was successively chaired by Raymond Aron, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing (former French President), and 
Alain Juppé (former French Prime Minister). 

The Tocqueville Conversations 
Since 2018, Alexis d'Hérouville has participated in organizing The Tocqueville Conversations, an 
annual event that brings together 300 participants from around the world at the Château de 
Tocqueville. This event, co-organized by the Tocqueville Foundation, Le Figaro, and the Atlantic 
Council, aims to discuss the challenges facing Western democracies. 

Lectures and projects 
Alexis d'Hérouville gives lectures on Alexis de Tocqueville and other prominent figures in French 
history. He also proposes travel projects to the United States, focusing on analyzing American 
democracy in light of Tocqueville's work, Democracy in America. 

US Travel Project 
This project consists of a series of lectures and meetings with Americans from diverse backgrounds, 
aiming to provide a French perspective on current American democracy. 
The objectives are to: 
- Analyze the evolution of American society since Tocqueville 
- Reflect on the challenges facing American democracy 
- Establish links between the French and Americans 

The "outputs" of this project could include: 
- Filmed debates broadcast in episodes 
- A book to be written at the end of the trip 
This project will provide a deeper understanding of the issues facing American democracy today and 
strengthen ties between the two countries

Dr. Quinton is an Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is also a board-certified forensic pathologist and a medical examiner for the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office. Prior to 2019, he was the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner and Director of Forensic Pathology fellowship training program for the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Quinton has published and lectured extensively in the field of forensic pathology, with a focus on child fatality and forensic pathology education. He is currently a member of the Executive Committee of the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) and Chair of the NAME Educational Activities Committee.

Kris Engelstad is a longtime resident of Nevada, and a graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She serves as Trustee of the Engelstad Foundation, which her parents Betty & Ralph implemented in 2002, and is dedicated to improving the communities she and her parents have called home.

Kris channels her passion for education reform, veterans’ issues, and improving the lives of people with disabilities and serious illnesses into her work with the Foundation, directing funding to impactful programs working on these issues in Nevada, North Dakota & Minnesota, California, Utah, New York. Thanks in part to her efforts as Trustee, the Engelstad Foundation has endowed more than $300 million in scholarships and grants, and is now a major benefactor of these and nearly 200 other organizations in the following U.S. States:

Charles de Lusignan is the Global Communications Director at the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), a role he assumed in September 2022. A British-Belgian-Italian national and graduate of the College of Europe, Charles brings over a decade of experience in industrial and policy communications — most recently as Head of Communications & Public Affairs Europe for a major steel technology company. At IFRA, he leads internal and external communications efforts aimed at enhancing the fragrance industry’s reputation, advancing sustainability, regulatory clarity and global stakeholder engagement. Based in Brussels and Geneva, Charles plays a pivotal role in communicating how fragrance underpins consumer wellbeing, innovation and responsible growth worldwide.

As chief storyteller and podcast host at the Science History Institute, Alexis oversees our award-winning Distillations digital content platform, which includes building out a strategic vision for our magazine, podcasts, and social media storytelling. She is also cohost of the Distillations podcast.

Alexis also served as director of Innate: How Science Invented the Myth of Race, a National Endowment for the Humanities-funded podcast and magazine project that explores the historical roots and persistent legacies of racism in American science and medicine.

She completed her undergraduate degree at Temple University, studying psychology and European history, and earned her master’s degree in humanities from Arcadia University, where her focus was history, philosophy, and religion.

Alexis is known for her lively history talks and tours in Philadelphia. She previously served on the boards of Young Involved Philadelphia and the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. In 2015 she was nominated for Geek of the Year by the Philadelphia Geek Awards.

Alexis is a member of the Science History Institute’s Leadership Team.

Ms. Judith Marty is the President of Doral College, a school known for giving high school students the chance to earn real college credits and even associate degrees before graduation. She has spent her career helping students succeed and supporting teachers and principals so schools can be the best they can be.

Before becoming President of Doral College, Ms. Marty served as the Chief Academic Officer for Mater Academy. In that role, she helped oversee dozens of schools, trained school leaders, managed academic programs, and worked directly with principals to make sure students had strong learning opportunities. She also helped guide major decisions on curriculum, testing, transportation, reading programs, and crisis management.

For 15 years, Ms. Marty was the Principal of Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School, where she helped the school become one of the top-performing public schools in the nation. Under her leadership, Mater earned an “A” rating for many years and was recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, and The Washington Post. She also played a major role in the school’s performing arts expansion and academic growth.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Marty worked in several leadership positions across Miami-Dade County Public Schools, including Curriculum Assistant Principal at Miami Senior High and Miami Beach Senior High, and Coordinator of Special Programs at Henry H. Filer Middle School. Even before becoming an administrator, she began her career as an elementary school teacher, where her passion for helping students first came to life.

Ms. Marty has dedicated her entire professional life to supporting students, expanding access to college opportunities, and building schools where young people can discover their talents and achieve their goals. Her leadership continues to inspire thousands of students every year.

Recently promoted to Chief Executive Officer, Nathan has spent 22 years leading sales, marketing, and strategy at RSM (Retail Sports Marketing). RSM is a leading shopper marketing, retail solutions and experience agency based in Charlotte, NC.  Nathan oversees some of the largest clients for the agency including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Red Bull, Tyson, META, and Unilever. He also manages key strategic partnerships in sports and entertainment from NASCAR, NBA to country music properties like the CMA Awards and Grand Old Ory.

Ms. Yarbrough is Professor of Government and Gary M. Pendy, Sr. Professor of Social Sciences, with teaching responsibilities in political philosophy and American Political Thought. She was a Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellow and has twice received research fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Her first award as a Bicentennial Fellow resulted in the publication of American Virtues: Thomas Jefferson on the Character of a Free People (Kansas, 1998). Following up on this research, she has edited The Essential Jefferson (Hackett, 2006). Her second N.E.H. grant was part of a "We the People" initiative that supported research on Theodore Roosevelt and the American Political Tradition (University Press of Kansas, 2012), which won the Richard E. Neustadt Award for 2013 (awarded annually by the American Political Science Association (APSA) for the best book on the Presidency). Ms. Yarbrough is the author of numerous articles and essays in American political thought and public policy, as well as other topics in political philosophy. Her current research involves a study of the political thought of Alexis de Tocqueville in relation to major American political figures. She has served on the editorial boards of The Review of Politics and Polity and currently serves on the editorial board of American Political Thought. She was President of the New England Political Science Association in 2005, and recently completed a Senate-confirmed appointment to the National Council of the National Endowment for the Humanities. In 2021, Ms. Yarbrough was awarded the Henry Salvatori Prize for her scholarly work and public service in upholding the principles of the American Founding.

Taylor Smith is the President and founder of Project Finance & Development Investments (PFDI), a company that helps build and finance important community projects across Florida and the United States. Since 1998, he has helped develop more than $1 billion worth of schools, housing, roads, and other facilities that support students, families, and local communities.

A major part of Taylor’s work is focused on charter schools. He has helped create, build, or support dozens of schools, including Mater Academy, Pinecrest Academy, Somerset Academy, River City Science Academy, and many more. His work often requires him to bring together city leaders, school districts, state agencies, and private partners—all working toward the shared goal of giving students a better place to learn.

In addition to leading PFDI, Taylor serves on several important boards. He is a Governor-appointed Board Member and Treasurer of the Florida Development Finance Corporation, a Trustee of Doral College, and a Board Member of Somerset Schools, a nationwide charter school network. He also helps oversee Building Faith, a nonprofit that owns more than $250 million in charter school facilities in Florida.

Taylor grew up in Florida and graduated from Spruce Creek High School. He attended Princeton University as a Truman Scholar and later studied at the Australian National University as a Fulbright Scholar. Today, he continues to work in Florida and volunteers as a leader and teacher in his Jacksonville community. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathi, who is a children’s author and illustrator.

Taylor Smith’s work has helped thousands of students access high-quality schools and opportunities, making a lasting difference in education across the country.

Tony Morales is the Co-Chairman of N2Growth Executive Search in Miami, FL. He advises boards and senior executives on talent strategy, leadership selection, organizational design, performance management, succession planning, and executive transitions.

Through his leadership of N2Growth’s executive search practice, Tony oversees engagements across all industries, functions, ownership structures, business models, and geographies. Whether a multinational, multibillion-dollar enterprise, a sovereign government, or a startup in hypergrowth, Tony helps our clients answer three fundamental questions:

• • Who do we need on our leadership team?
  • How do we all succeed while they’re here?
  • How do we all succeed when they’re gone?

Prior to N2Growth, Tony’s career involved leadership through consultative, interim, and industry roles. After exiting a technology-enabled service startup, Tony held a leadership role at the ACE Foundation, a private foundation supporting social and public sector innovation. Before this, he was an executive for Academica, the nation’s largest educational services firm, leading strategic and administrative functions for its virtual and emerging technologies business.

Tony is active in philanthropy and community service, especially in his native South Florida. He serves as Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Somerset Academy Foundation, Inc., Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Under A Tree, Inc., and a Trustee for Doral College, where he teaches anthropology each fall. He serves in a volunteering or advisory capacity for other private and public organizations, including the Center for Education Reform, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner Department. Tony is a member of YPO.

Tony holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and philosophy, politics, and economics, a master’s degree in anthropology, and graduate credentials in neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania. He serves as programmatic faculty at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, teaching through its Undergraduate Division and Aresty Institute of Executive Education at the undergraduate and executive levels, respectively.

Rahul Ravji is a half-Spanish, half-Indian student, born in France and currently living in the United Kingdom. Having graduated as his school’s valedictorian in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, Rahul is now a first-year Aerospace Engineering student at the University of Bristol, as well as a pilot trainee.

Rahul’s fascination with engineering began early, from winning the Rising All-Star team award in the First Lego League at age 10, to completing multi-year programs in Space Robotics and Astronautics, and working alongside engineers at the National Institute for Aerospace Technology in Spain. 

In this session, Rahul will share his learnings from being an ambitious student: how to stay motivated, how to balance discipline with a healthy life, and how to maintain mental strength even after setbacks such as university rejection. He will speak openly about work routines, setting goals, and achieving the mindset that will drive you to excel.

As an immigrant from Bahrain, Sam decided to enlist in the U.S. Army after graduating high school and spent almost ten years on active duty. In 2010, the Army distributed a poster calling out for female volunteers to fulfill a role that the military deemed urgent. She was encouraged to act and so she did. Sam’s next challenge was in Special Operations. She was selected to be part of the first group of elite women trained as Cultural Support Team leaders. An elite force solely assigned to Special Operations teams such as Rangers, Special Forces, and SEALs.

During her combat tour in eastern Afghanistan, Sam had to find a way to quickly break the ice and create a connection with the women and kids she was now responsible for while on night operations. The positive reactions from not only the kids but also the mothers rekindled her desire to explore her artistic side. She turned the harsh reality into an expressive channel that released any stress of day-to-day operations.

Thanks to the Pat Tillman Foundation Sam graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA with a BFA in Drawing and Design. She decided to pursue this degree after her combat tour in Afghanistan. The Pat Tillman Foundation enabled her to transfer her combat tour experience into a creative outlet. Same recently completed a yearlong residency program dedicated to Special Operations veterans in partnership with Omnicom/DAS.

Dr. Greer joined the University on June 1, 2020 with the goal of establishing an innovative mid-21st Century, Las Vegas-based medical school that will align students, educators, and community in designing and delivering an inclusive and collaborate environment for learning, healthcare and research. Previously, Dr. Greer served as Professor of Medicine, Founding Chair of Humanities, Health, and Society; and Associate Dean for Community Engagement at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in Miami, Florida.

Working with various FIU colleges, Dr. Greer spearheaded the nationally recognized Green Family Foundation Neighborhood Health Education Learning Program (NeighborhoodHELP). This program prepares medical students and other health professions students to address the social determinants of health through a hands-on longitudinal experience caring for underserved households in Miami-Dade County. Better known as “Joe,” Dr. Greer has been an advocate for health equity by engaging communities to create effective health and social policies and accessible health care systems.

He established Camillus Health Concern, Inc. and Saint John Bosco, health centers for underserved populations in Miami-Dade County, Florida. He has received numerous recognitions, including: one of the 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in Life Sciences listed on the Florida Trend 2019; June 2019 AMA Foundation Pride in Profession Award; Bob Graham Center for Public Service 2017 Citizen of the Year; 2014 National Jefferson Award in the category of Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged; 2013 Great Floridian Award; the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom; and in 1993, was honored as a MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” Fellow. He has published more than 30 articles and book chapters and wrote Waking Up in America, a book about his life experiences, including caring for homeless individuals and advising Presidents Bush Sr. and Clinton on health care policy. Dr. Greer is currently a Trustee at the RAND Corporation (America’s oldest and largest think tank) and is the Chair of the Pardee RAND Graduate School Board of Governors. He served as Chair for the Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation from 2002 to 2012, and is an independent board member of American Funds 2016 to present.

He completed his medical studies at La Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra in the Dominican Republic. ]He trained in Internal Medicine, served as Chief Resident, and completed two post-doctoral fellowships (Hepatology and Gastroenterology) at the VA/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. Before joining FIU, Dr. Greer ran a successful private practice and was Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mercy Hospital in Miami.

John’s journey began far from the courtroom—on the training fields of the United States Army, where he learned that leadership is measured not by titles, but by how fiercely you protect the people beside you. As a combat medic and later a sergeant leading a squad of medics, he discovered a purpose that would shape the rest of his life: to stand with people when they need someone most.

When John returned home to Las Vegas, he carried that purpose into everything he did. Being the first in his family to go to college, he earned his Criminal Justice degree from UNLV and then his law degree from the UNLV’s School of Law.

Today, as the Assistant Public Defender and legislative advocate, John fights for people who are often overlooked or left behind. He believes every person has worth, and that a fair society refuses to throw anyone away. His work helped drive the most significant criminal-justice reform Nevada has seen in decades, pushing the state toward a future rooted in dignity and second chances.

Beyond the courtroom, John continues to find ways to serve his community. He helped launch the Clean Slate program at Boyd Law, giving people a fresh start in life and teaching law students what justice looks like when it’s rooted in humanity  because lifting others up is the most powerful way to lead.

From Army boots to law school classrooms, from trial courts to the halls of the Legislature, John’s message is simple: You don’t have to wait to change the world. Start by standing up for someone. Start by believing second chances matter. Start by using your voice—for yourself and others to make the world kinder than you found it.

Jedidiah Collins, a former NFL player turned Certified Financial Planner, faced financial challenges in his sports career, leading him to pursue financial education. He founded Money Vehicle, an education technology company, with a mission to provide engaging financial literacy curriculum, empowering individuals, including professional athletes and young professionals.

Glenn Jacobs is currently serving his second term as Mayor of Knox County, TN. Prior to becoming Mayor in 2018, Jacobs enjoyed a successful career in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)—most notably under the stage name “Kane”—culminating in his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020. A staunch fiscal conservative and fierce advocate for limited government, during his first term, Jacobs delivered on his campaign promise of no tax hikes as well as pushed back against government overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his second term, he is prioritizing workforce and economic development to make East Tennessee even more competitive in a rapidly evolving innovation-based global economy. Glenn and his wife, Crystal, have two daughters and two grandchildren.