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The Learning Society

Since 1988, the Learning Society has brought leading thinkers and doers to the doorsteps of Queens University of Charlotte. Queens students and the Charlotte community have benefitted from the knowledge and experiences of renowned authors, journalists, physicians, scientists, artists, economists, politicians, government officials, scholars, historians, entrepreneurs, business executives, environmentalists, and social activists.

Learn more about the history and what the Learning Society offers members, the community, and students.

2026-2027 Lecture Schedule

Navigating Change, Empowering Progress: A Roadmap for Leaders Committed to Community and Democracy with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, former Prime Minister of Canada

October 27, 2026
7:00 p.m.

Tickets go on sale in August.

Justin Trudeau

In an era of unprecedented global challenges and technological change, the foundation of progress remains human — our ability to build and strengthen communities through democratic principles and shared values. Drawing from his transformational decade as Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau shares compelling insights on how leaders can foster resilient, inclusive communities that can thrive in times of opportunity and crisis.

Trudeau’s keynote explores the pillars of modern community building and leadership:

  • Leading with inclusive principles and engagement: Breaking down silos and building bridges across political, social, and cultural divides.
  • The current and future state of democracy: Understanding how misinformation and AI are reshaping our democratic institutions and public discourse.
  • Building resiliency: What thoughtful and engaged citizens, leaders, and organizations can do to safeguard democratic values and ensure economic success.
  • Practicing inclusive leadership rooted in fairness and community building while strengthening democratic ideals.

Through powerful stories from the frontlines of governance and crisis management, Trudeau shares how leaders can unlock potential, build bridges, and create environments where innovation flourishes and fosters the democratic ideals that make progress possible. Audiences will leave equipped with practical strategies for building communities that don’t just survive change — but use it as fuel for lasting progress and democratic renewal.

Justin Trudeau’s tenure as Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister coincided with a period of unprecedented global challenge and change.

After leading the third-place Liberal Party of Canada to a historic majority government in 2015, Trudeau set about delivering an ambitious agenda that included appointing Canada’s first gender-balanced cabinet, lifting more than 435,000 children out of poverty through the Canada Child Benefit, launching a national $10-a-day childcare program, advancing Indigenous Reconciliation, and taking robust action to fight climate change, including through policies that attracted investment in clean economic growth and jobs.

Confronted with a series of global economic and security shocks, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic, Trudeau worked to address international and domestic issues through bold, decisive action while continuing to deliver on a progressive vision for Canada. The former Prime Minister has amassed powerful insights into societal resilience, high-stakes international diplomacy, the promotion of shared economic growth, and driving meaningful, lasting change.

Before entering politics, Trudeau studied literature at McGill University, completed the University of British Columbia’s education program, and spent several years teaching in Vancouver. He also served as the Chair of Katimavik, on the board for the Canadian Avalanche Foundation, and as an advocate for youth and the environment, taking part in events and conferences around the country.

Trudeau has received numerous international awards including the Atlantic Council’s Global Citizen Award, National Geographic’s Planetary Leadership Award, and Rotary International’s Polio Eradication Champion Award. The proud father of three, Trudeau delivers presentations that combine pragmatic governance insight with an inspiring vision for stronger communities.

A Conversation with Venus Williams

February 24, 2027
7:00 p.m.

Tickets go on sale in December.

Venus Williams

With 7 Grand Slam titles, 5 Wimbledon championships, and 4 Olympic gold medals, tennis champion Venus Williams is arguably one of the most accomplished and inspiring women in the history of sports. Beginning her rise to the top at the age of 14, Venus quickly took the tennis world by storm—rising to the top-ranked position, breaking countless records, and winning numerous championships.

Off the court, Venus has combined her sharp business acumen with her competitive spirit to build several successful ventures spanning art, design, wellness, and entertainment. She is the founder of V Starr, an award-winning full-service commercial and residential design firm. Venus launched her plant-based protein company, Happy Viking, in December 2020. Additionally, she is an investor and ambassador for the walking and wellness app WeWard, encouraging healthier and more active lifestyles worldwide.

Most recently, Venus partnered with her sister Serena on an exclusive X Originals video podcast series, Stockton Street, which premiered in September 2025. The viral hit series spotlights Venus and Serena as they reflect on their journey to becoming global icons, joined by a dynamic lineup of guests for candid conversations spanning family, health and wellness, mental health, pop culture, entrepreneurship, leadership, ambition, and resilience.

Venus released her health and wellness book, STRIVE, in August 2024 with Amistad and HarperCollins. In it, she draws from her own personal health and wellness journey to share an easy-to-follow, yet innovative life improvement program founded on her eight essential tenets: Observe, Appreciate, Balance, Enrich, Soothe, Believe, Inspire, and Strive.

Throughout her career, Venus has been a steadfast advocate for equality. In 2006, UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural organization, named her its first “Promoter of Gender Equality.” In 2007, it was her unwavering fight that led Wimbledon to award women players the same pay as their male counterparts.

In 2023, Venus received the inaugural US Open Billie Jean King Champion of Equality Award, recognizing her continued dedication to promoting equality and leveling the playing field for athletes.

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor
The Sharon at Southpark logo

Plan Your Visit

For event information, including purchasing tickets and parking, please visit our Event Information webpage or join our Interest Form to receive the latest updates and communications.

Membership

Membership is open to anyone interested and is offered on an annual basis. For information about becoming a member, please join our Interest list to receive information about the 2026-2027 membership cycle once it’s released.

Join the Learning Society

Your annual Learning Society membership gives you access to the leading minds of our times while funding unique learning experiences for our Queens students.

Contact Us

Allison Meyer-Tucker
Director, Strategic Programming
704-337-2435
meyer-tuckera@queens.edu

Becky Cathcart
Membership Manager
980-890-7771
cathcartb@queens.edu