Marietta College and the Office of Student Connections and Outreach will welcome international speaker and mental health advocate Christian F. Nunes, MBA, MS, LCSW, to The Gathering Place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, for a public keynote, “Authentically Taking Up Space: Leading with Courage in a Divided World.”
Nunes is a licensed clinical social worker, thought leader, and former president of the National Organization for Women (NOW). She served as NOW’s second African American president from 2020 to 2025 and is widely recognized for her work at the intersection of mental health, gender equity, and public policy.
Her March 18 address will examine how to lead with conviction while maintaining connection in polarized spaces. Designed with college students and emerging leaders in mind, the keynote will focus on navigating difficult conversations, remaining grounded in personal values, and influencing meaningful change without alienating others.
Attendees will explore practical strategies for:
- Speaking truth while keeping dialogue safe
- Setting boundaries while building bridges
- Challenging systems without causing harm
- Navigating polarization with courage and compassion
- Leading effectively without compromising your values
Nunes is a transformational leader who has spoken at universities and conferences around the world, from the stages of Web Summit in Lisbon and Qatar to rallies before the U.S. Supreme Court. She has appeared in media outlets including Business Insider, CNN, Forbes, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. In addition to her national advocacy work, she is the founder and CEO of Equity Bound Solutions LLC, where she advises organizations on equity-focused leadership and trauma-informed practices.
The event follows Spring Break and is intended to provide students with an opportunity for reflection and conversation as the campus community returns for the second half of the semester. As part of the College’s Women’s History Month programming, the event is free and open to the public. Snacks will be provided. The keynote is sponsored by The Noto Family Fund for Institutional Connection and Outreach. For more information, visit marietta.edu/event/authentically-taking-space.