Agenda
​7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion
Event Summary
We're shifting gears with a timely and gripping speculative fiction novel that explores a near-future scenario, where the consequences of emerging technologies, deepening wealth disparities, and related societal issues have led to a dystopian reality. Naomi Alderman's "The Future" is a masterful blend of entertainment, suspense, and intellectual curiosity, offering a rich foundation for a stimulating conversation about the profound impact of technology on our society and future. The novel explores themes of power dynamics, gender roles, control, and the impact of technology on society and our environment. Designer and facilitator Jennifer "Houli" Houlihan will provide a concise and insightful overview of the book, followed by a lively guided discussion. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with fellow readers, share perspectives, and explore the critical role technology plays in shaping our collective future. Don't miss this thought-provoking summer evening event!
Attendance Instructions
Online via Google Meet
Once you register via Ticketbud, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email one day before the event.
Moderator
Jennifer (Houli) Houlihan, CPM, ACC
Houli serves as Director, Product Management & Design Workforce Training Programs at Austin Community College, and teaches the product management and design track in the accelerator for the Army Software Factory (US Army Institute for Software Development). She also runs Austin Design Jam, a free monthly meetup for an engaged group of designers and doers working to make change in their communities. Houli also facilitates design sprints and workshops for government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Previously, she served as senior lead instructor in the User Experience Design Immersive program at the Flatiron School and at General Assembly.
Houli has served as Managing Director of the Austin Forum on Technology & Society and as Managing Director of Austin Smart City Alliance, a consortium of companies, organizations, and individuals collaborating to advance Austin through digital technologies, data collection, analytics, and modeling. Additionally, she served for five years as executive director and chief lobbyist for Austin Music People, the trade association for Austin’s $2 billion music industry. She is a certified facilitator and an award-winning public speaker and writer, with recent appearances at ProductCamp, Control the Room, Austin Design Week, Hire Women Week, and AIGA Changemakers.