8 / 68
4 / ’southern
CAMPUS
SC’s very own executive-in-residence for entrepreneurship, Jennifer
Skjellum, was selected to attend the White House’s inaugural South by
South Lawn Festival (SXSL) last fall.
The prestigious national event brought together some 2,000 creators,
innovators, and organizers—out of 20,000 applicants—who work to
improve the lives of fellow Americans and people around the world.
Skjellum, who is president of TechBirmingham, said the highlight of the day was
a conversation between then-President Barack Obama, Academy Award-winning
actor Leonardo DiCaprio, and climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe about
protecting the planet and bringing an awareness of climate change; it was followed
by the premiere of DiCaprio’s new climate documentary
Before the Flood
presented
by National Geographic.
Skjellum also attended panels on harnessing technology to solve complex
problems and citizens’ roles in bringing real and lasting change to our country.
The weekend included more than two dozen interactive exhibits, along with panel
discussions, a film portion, and music performances.
“I was so grateful to be able to attend SXSL,” said Skjellum, who was recently
honored by
BHM Biz
magazine as one of 20 bright leaders who will help propel
Birmingham forward in the next 20 years. “It made a strong impression on me.”
Skjellum said she was especially moved by a message from civil rights icon and
U.S. Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.).
“He talked about our responsibility to make a positive difference in the world and
not to watch from the sidelines,” she said. “I plan to share what I saw and learned
that day with my students at BSC to facilitate discussion and incorporate some of
the ideas for innovation and best practices into my classes.”
Described as a festival of ideas, art, and action celebrating the spirit of
innovation, SXSL was presented by the American Film Institute, the President’s
Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, the National Park Foundation, and
South by Southwest.
Skjellum attends inaugural
White House SXSL Festival
B