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Speaker Program

Belmont Hill is so fortunate to be able to offer our boys a wide array of distinguished speakers in our historic Hamilton Chapel. Through the years, our Head of School, alumni, and faculty—as well as an impressive list of guest speakers—have presented on a broad range of topics. Head of School Chapel Talks and the Parents' Council Speaker Series are made available to parents by video whenever possible. Other talks are shared publicly on occasion, but the primary audience is the internal community of faculty, staff, and the boys.

2024-2025 Speakers

Patrick Ryan
September 13, 2024
Patrick Ryan is currently serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 18th congressional district, a position he has held since 2023. Born and raised in Kingston, New York, Mr. Ryan graduated from the United States Military Academy and later earned a Master's degree in security studies from Georgetown University. He served as a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Iraq. Following his military service, he co-founded a software company and held senior roles in the technology and consulting sectors. Prior to his congressional career, Mr. Ryan served as the Ulster County Executive, where he implemented progressive policies, including a universal basic income pilot program and significant environmental initiatives. His political career includes a notable victory in a 2022 special election for New York's 19th congressional district, followed by his election to the 18th district. Mr. Ryan is an active member of several congressional committees and caucuses, with a focus on national security, infrastructure, and reproductive rights.

Danny Southwick
September 27, 2024
Danny Southwick is a pro football star turned Internet entrepreneur and founder of PositiveVoices.com. With a background in collegiate and professional athletics, including a stint with the Oakland Raiders and the Arena Football League, his journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. These experiences fueled his passion for understanding and enhancing peak performance. He holds an MBA and a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied positive psychology and the science of personal growth. His work focuses on developing a growth mindset, emphasizing that talent is not an innate gift but a combination of strategy, focus, and environmental advantages. In his talks, he shares actionable insights on avoiding the "talent trap" and cultivating grit to achieve high performance.

Will Hurd
October 3, 2024
Will Hurd is a former U.S. Representative who served Texas's 23rd congressional district from 2015 to 2021. As a member of the Republican Party, Mr. Hurd brought a unique perspective to Congress, having previously worked as an undercover officer in the CIA for nearly a decade. During his time in Congress, he was known for his focus on national security and cybersecurity issues, as well as his bipartisan approach to problem-solving. After leaving Congress, he served as Managing Director at Allen & Company, joined the board of OpenAI, and became a trustee of the German Marshall Fund. On June 22, 2023, Mr. Hurd announced that he was seeking the Republican nomination for president of the United States in the 2024 election. He dropped out of the race on October 9, 2023, and endorsed Nikki Haley. Mr. Hurd continues to contribute to discussions on technology, national security, and public policy, bringing his extensive experience to the forefront of important national conversations.

Jinane Abounadi
Cum Laude Speaker
October 7, 2024
Jinane Abounadi is the Executive Director of the MIT Sandbox Innovation Fund Program, bringing a wealth of experience that spans academic research and senior roles in both start-up companies and large businesses. Since its launch in 2016, the program has grown to funding over 500 student ideas and more than 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs per year. She holds a PhD in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT, a BS in electrical engineering from Caltech, and a BA from Bryn Mawr College. Her career began with graduate work that led to positions as a research scientist at BBN and a postdoctoral lecturer at MIT. She has held leadership roles at ITA Software and Kayak, gaining significant expertise in travel industry technology. Most recently, she managed a global portfolio of third-party products for Travelport, establishing partnerships worldwide and advising numerous start-ups in the travel sector. In 2021, the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship awarded her with the Adolf F. Monosson Prize for Entrepreneurship Mentoring. She has several publications in the fields of machine learning and communication networks and is passionate about teaching and working with college students. In addition to serving as a trustee at Belmont Hill and Shady Hill school, served on the founding school committee of the Center of Arabic Culture. Her two sons attended Belmont Hill, graduating in 2015 and 2021.  

Peter Flaherty
November 4, 2024
Peter Flaherty is a longtime political consultant who has run campaigns for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown and other Republican candidates. He is currently a distinguished visiting lecturer at the J.D. Power Center for Liberal Arts in the World at Holy Cross College. 

Mr. Flaherty is a former Boston Assistant District Attorney who investigated and prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases and served as a prosecutor in the homicide unit. In 2003, he joined the team of Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser on constitutional issues, criminal justice, bioethics, and judicial selection. During the Romney presidential campaign, Mr. Flaherty served as Deputy Campaign Manager, responsible for coalition building and acting as the liaison to the faith community. He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross with a bachelor's degree in Economics and received his Juris Doctorate from the New England School of Law. He is a parent of two Belmont Hill graduates ('24 and '17).
 

Veterans Day Speaker: Faculty Member Stephen George
November 11, 2024

On Veterans Day, Belmont Hill School will host a special presentation by faculty member Mr. Stephen George, who will share the story of Major Stephen Reich, his wife’s brother. Major Reich led an exceptional career in baseball, achieving success at the United States Military Academy at West Point and beyond, before serving in Afghanistan as part of the distinguished 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Tragically, Major Reich and 15 other Special Operations soldiers were killed in action on June 28, 2005, while attempting to rescue a four-man Navy SEAL team under heavy fire—a mission later depicted in the film "Lone Survivor."

Through this presentation, Mr. George hopes to honor Veterans Day by helping students reflect on the true meaning of a soldier paying the ultimate sacrifice and conveying the profound impact of such a loss on families, colleagues, communities, and the nation.

Click here to learn more about past Belmont Hill School Veterans Day speakers.

Saul Malek
November 21, 2024

Saul Malek grew up deeply immersed in the world of sports, a passion led him down a path he never anticipated — gambling addiction. Mr. Malek’s journey into gambling began innocuously with a fantasy baseball league in middle school. In college, a small bet on a baseball game introduced him to the thrill of winning, but it soon spiraled into a need for “nonstop action.” His addiction grew as he continually sought new online sportsbooks, often ending up in debt and estranged from his loved ones.


It wasn’t until he experienced physical discomfort from not placing a bet that Mr. Malek sought help. He realized the extent of his addiction, which had led him to lie, cheat, and manipulate for money. He speaks openly about his struggles, hoping to raise awareness about the dangers of sports betting, especially as legal and technological changes make gambling more accessible.


He shares his story to highlight how easily sports betting can lead to addiction and to caution others about the potential consequences. By speaking at schools and various forums, Mr. Malek aims to educate young people about the risks and help those who might be struggling with similar issues.

Meghan Duggan
December 2, 2024
Meghan Duggan is a prominent former ice hockey forward and the current Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Devils of the NHL. Duggan is celebrated for her leadership and skill on the ice, having captained the U.S. women's hockey team to a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics, following two silver medals in 2010 and 2014. She also led the U.S. to seven gold medals and one silver at the Women's World Championships.

In 2017, she played a pivotal role in leading the U.S. women's team’s boycott of the IIHF Women’s World Championship to protest against inadequate support and resources for women’s hockey. Her efforts were instrumental in achieving concessions from USA Hockey, leading to increased support and a subsequent gold medal win at the tournament. Her commitment to equal treatment extended throughout her career and into her administrative role.

In college, Duggan made her mark with the Wisconsin Badgers, winning the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2011 as the top NCAA women’s ice hockey player and finishing as the team’s all-time leading scorer. Her professional career included stints with the Boston Blades, the Buffalo Beauts, and the Boston Pride, where she won the Clarkson Cup twice.
 

Howard Stevenson
Martin Luther King Jr Day Speaker
January 23, 2025

Dr. Howard Stevenson is the Constance Clayton Professor of Urban Education and Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education. He leads the Racial Empowerment Collaborative, a center focused on racial literacy and health in schools and communities. From 2015 to 2021, Dr. Stevenson co-directed Forward Promise, supporting organizations that help families of color overcome trauma.

In recognition of his impactful work, Dr. Stevenson received the 2020 Gittler Prize from Brandeis University for his contributions to racial, ethnic, and religious relations. He was also included in the 2021 RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings for shaping educational practice and policy. His work focuses on helping children and adults handle microaggressions, enhancing academic and work productivity by leveraging cultural strengths to mitigate threat reactions and improve overall well-being.

With over three decades of experience as a clinical psychologist in under-resourced areas, Dr. Stevenson has made significant strides in promoting racial healing. His book, "Promoting Racial Literacy in Schools: Differences That Make a Difference," encapsulates his efforts and insights in this field.

Ben Walden
February 11, 2025

Ben Walden, artistic director for Contender Charlie, is an international speaker and workshop leader in the realm of education. He has been a main keynote speaker at many conferences in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australia. He also works with many individual schools, looking at themes of leadership and inspiring communication with both staff and – especially – students.

In the 1990’s he played several leading roles in London’s West End theatre and as a member of the inaugural company at the new Shakespeare’s Globe. He has also spoken on leadership and the arts at many business conferences, including at both Harvard and Columbia Business Schools.

In School Meeting, students will hear an abbreviated version of Mr. Walden’s leadership course, Stand Tall, which is focused on personal development and confident communication. The program aims to help students develop key skills including confidence, emotional authenticity, mental alertness, and a sense of personal purpose. Mr. Walden will present Lesson's From Shakespeare's Henry the V to the faculty during a professional day.

Moises Saman
Kageyama-Hunt Global Speaker
February 14, 2024

A Peruvian-born photographer currently based in  Jordan, Moises Saman studied communications and sociology at California State University, where he studied photography and was deeply influenced by the photojournalism covering the 1990s wars in the Balkans. After interning at several small and medium-size newspapers, Mr. Saman joined Newsday in 2000 as a staff photographer. During his seven years at Newsday, he covered city crime as well as the fallout of the 9/11 attacks, spending most of his time traveling between Afghanistan, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern countries. After Newsday, Mr. Saman turned to freelance photography, becoming a regular contributor to The New York Times, Human Rights Watch, Newsweek, and TIME Magazine, among other international publications. In 2010, he was invited to join Magnum Photos as a Nominee and became a full member in 2014. In 2015, he was a Guggenheim Fellowship in Photography recipient for his work on the Arab Spring, culminating in the publication of "Discordia," a multi-layered visual representation of the Arab Spring. Mr. Saman was a 2022-23 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and in 2023 published his second monograph, "Glad Tidings of Benevolence," a reflection on his 20 years working in Iraq. In August 2024 the New York Times published an interactive photo essay featuring Mr. Saman's photos of the Sudanese war, taken while embedded with a rebel group fighting for democracy.

The Kageyama-Hunt Lecture Series, established in 2012 by Belmont Hill parents Bill and Yuko Hunt, brings speakers to campus who model global citizenship and can inspire generations of Belmont Hill boys to embrace the challenges and opportunities of an interconnected world.
 

Noelle Lambert
March 6, 2025
Noelle Lambert is an inspiring para-athlete and founder of The Born to Run Foundation. In 2016, she lost her left leg in a moped accident. At the time, she was a student at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and played Division 1 lacrosse.


Despite her life-changing injury, Ms. Lambert’s positive spirit and determination never wavered. She made a remarkable return to the lacrosse field just 18 months after the accident, scoring a goal in her first game back. During her rehabilitation, Ms. Lambert discovered that many young amputees lack the financial resources for specialty prostheses that enable running, swimming, or other sports. Determined to help others, she founded The Born to Run Foundation to provide athletic prostheses to young amputees.


Her talent shone on the international stage in 2019 when she broke the American record in the women’s 100-meter sprint at the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai. In 2021 she placed 6th in the 100-meter event in the Paralympic Games breaking her own American record.


Her commitment to helping others has earned her numerous accolades, including the Myra Kraft Community MVP Award, the Wilma Rudolph Student Athlete Achievement Award, the New England Women’s Leadership Award, recognition as a “Hero Among Us” by the Boston Celtics, and the L’Oreal Women of Worth Award.

Previous Speakers

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Previous Speakers

Ibram X. Kendi
Lt. Daniel McDonald
Arshay Cooper
Field Yates
Jessica Lahey
Brandord Marsalis
Mark Chandler
Joani Geltman
Caroline Randall Williams
Dr. Michael Thompson
Greg Dayton
Peter Flaherty
Rabbi Marc Baker
Alison Crowther
Kenya Barris
Michael G. Thompson
Dr. Lee M. Levison
Rich Newton
David Brooks
Taswell Papier
Olympians Tokyo 2020
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller
Imari Paris Jeffries
Julie Nicoletti
Chris Herren
Dr. Noubar Afeyan
Stephen Kinzer
Dr. Shinya Yamanaka
Poet Regie Gibson at Belmont Hill for a week of poetry
Visiting Speaker Lisa Monaco
Joe Toscano

Speaker Program