EDTalks 2025
Tuesday, September 23
Marriott Downtown
11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund invites you to the fifth biennial EDTalks — a powerful luncheon designed to spark action and collaboration around the future of education and workforce readiness.
This year’s program features Isabelle C. Hau of Stanford University — a nationally recognized leader at the intersection of AI and learning — along with top innovators and educators discussing how emerging technologies are transforming classrooms and career pathways.
You'll also hear compelling stories from Duval County educators and advocates, grounding innovation in the real experiences of our students and schools.
In recent years, students have been learning in an era defined by rapid technological change—from the rise of AI to the growing role of digital tools in and out of the classroom. These shifts are transforming how students access information, build relationships, and imagine their futures. As we adapt to this new landscape, it’s critical that we create school and community environments that support connection, belonging, and meaningful learning.
EDTalks is more than a luncheon. It’s a call to action. Be part of the movement to align education and business and help shape a future-ready generation.
This year, we are honored to welcome Isabelle C. Hau as our featured speaker, along with the powerful voices of Duval County constituents, who will share their experiences and perspectives during this year’s program.
About EDTalks
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund hosts this biennial event bringing together leading voices in education to share innovative ideas, best practices, and successful approaches from across the nation and around the world. This event inspires education leaders, supporters, and partners to take meaningful action and collaborate on addressing the critical challenges facing our students. EDTalks serves as a platform for sparking new ideas and driving positive change in our community’s educational landscape.
About Our Speaker
Isabelle Hau
As the Executive Director of Stanford University’s Accelerator for Learning, Isabelle Hau is reshaping how we think about education—from early childhood through workforce development. A nationally recognized expert in education innovation, her thought leadership blends cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence, with the power of human connection to create inclusive, effective educational systems.
With a career spanning philanthropy, academia, and venture capital, Isabelle has been a driving force in creating innovative solutions that improve learning outcomes for all students. Her visionary approach has earned her widespread acclaim as a leader in transforming education, including being named one of Harvard Business School’s 100 Most Innovative Women. Isabelle’s insights on the future of education will inspire us to take action and support transformative change in Duval County.
How You Can Support
To become an EDTalks 2025 sponsor, please contact Juana Zargon at juana@jaxpef.org. You can see the sponsorship information here.
QEA Champion Dr. Barbara Darby
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund is proud to announce Dr. Barbara Darby as the 2025 Nina Waters Quality Education for All (QEA) Champion. She will be honored at EDTalks this September—an inspiring luncheon exploring the future of learning and how AI is transforming education and the workforce.
A trailblazing leader and lifelong advocate for public education, Dr. Darby’s legacy in Jacksonville is extraordinary. As the former President of Florida State College at the North Campus and Nassau Center, she led for nearly two decades with vision and impact—expanding access to workforce-aligned degree programs and creating life-changing opportunities for students across our region.
Dr. Darby’s influence extends far beyond the college campus. She is a co-founder of the Urban Education Symposium, a citywide forum that for more than 15 years has elevated bold ideas to close opportunity gaps and foster academic excellence in our schools. Her voice has been a constant force for innovation and opportunity for all.
Today, Dr. Darby continues to serve with passion and purpose across Jacksonville’s education ecosystem. She is a dedicated board member of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, where her insight and leadership help drive forward our mission of quality education for every child. She also lends her time and wisdom as a board member of City Year Jacksonville, championing the power of young adult mentors to support student success in Duval County’s highest-need schools.
As we look ahead to the future of education and work, it is imperative that we also honor the leaders who have blazed the path before us—those whose bold leadership and unwavering commitment laid the groundwork for progress still to come. Through every role, Dr. Barbara Darby exemplifies the spirit of the QEA Champion—someone whose leadership has helped transform lives, expand opportunity, and shape a stronger future for students and our community.
Join us at EDTalks 2025 to celebrate Dr. Darby and explore the innovations shaping the next chapter of public education. This is a moment you won’t want to miss.