2025 Changemaker Speaker Series
Presented by the Patricia R. Behring Foundation
Join us for our inspiring 2025 Changemaker Speaker Series at the Blackhawk Museum, where four remarkable storytellers will share their groundbreaking journeys and perspectives on our world. On September 18, set out In Search of Lost Cities with Albert Lin, who fuses science, technology, and personal resilience to uncover ancient civilizations. On September 25, travel alongside Pete McBride in Chasing Water, a visually stunning exploration of the Colorado River and the urgent challenges it faces. On October 23, Pulitzer Prize–winning photojournalist Deanne Fitzmaurice will reveal how Luck is a State of Mind, sharing unforgettable stories of grit, timing, and human spirit. Finally, on November 13, venture into the wild heart of Africa with Bob Poole in African Wildlife Through the Lens, a captivating look at conservation, adventure, and the beauty of the natural world. Each session begins at 7PM. Don’t miss your chance to be part of these transformative evenings.
IN SEARCH OF LOST CITIES
Embark on an extraordinary journey with National Geographic Explorer Albert Lin as he blends science, technology, and storytelling to uncover the world’s lost cities. From the deserts of Mongolia to the jungles of Central America, Albert uses tools like satellite imagery, drones, and lidar scanning to reveal ancient civilizations hidden for centuries. His expeditions are as much about human resilience as they are about discovery, a theme made even more powerful after a life-changing accident in 2016, when he adapted to advanced prosthetics and pushed the limits of what’s possible. Through his lens, we are invited to see the past with fresh eyes, bridging history and innovation to inspire our own sense of curiosity and perseverance.
THE COLORADO RIVER: CHASING WATER
Follow the winding path of the Colorado River with National Geographic photographer and filmmaker Pete McBride as he captures one of the world’s most endangered waterways. From the Rocky Mountains to the river’s dry delta in Mexico, Pete has witnessed firsthand the beauty, fragility, and urgency of this vital lifeline. His work reveals not only the environmental challenges facing the river but also the human stories tied to its fate. With breathtaking imagery and deeply personal storytelling, Pete invites us to reflect on how we use, and misuse, our most precious resource: water.
LUCK IS A STATE OF MIND
Step behind the camera with Pulitzer Prize–winning photojournalist Deanne Fitzmaurice as she shares stories that capture the resilience of the human spirit. From war zones to everyday triumphs, Deanne’s lens finds the extraordinary in the ordinary, illuminating lives shaped by perseverance and chance. Her talk, Luck is a State of Mind, explores the intersections of grit, timing, and empathy that define both her career and the stories she tells. With powerful visuals and heartfelt reflections, Deanne shows us how moments of “luck” are often born from persistence and perspective.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GIANTS
Venture into the wild heart of Africa with National Geographic filmmaker and wildlife cinematographer Bob Poole as he reveals the untamed beauty of the natural world. From elephants roaming the savannas to predators on the prowl, Bob’s work brings us face-to-face with the delicate balance of life in some of Earth’s most iconic landscapes. His stories go beyond the screen, highlighting the critical importance of conservation and the personal adventures behind each frame. Through Bob’s eyes, we discover the majesty, challenges, and hope of preserving Africa’s wildlife for generations to come.