The 1636 Leadership Forum

Our Mission

The 1636 Leadership Forum was founded by five Harvard students seeking to bring thought leaders in their respective realms of interest to Harvard to share their insights with students. Speakers span government, academia, business, and philanthrophy - which mirrors the multitude of careers student attendees dream of pursuing. Events are open to Harvard College students who present valid HUID, and Harvard affiliate and other individuals upon invitation. All 1636 Leadership Forum Events are held off the record, and filming events is prohibited.

Upcoming Speakers

Josh Kraft

Josh Kraft, president of the New England Patriots Foundation, leads the Kraft family's philanthropic endeavors, contributing tens of millions annually to education, health, and social justice. Former CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, he expanded its budget and spearheaded a $125 million campaign. Kraft sits on boards including Brandeis University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, holding degrees from Williams College and Harvard Graduate School of Education.

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Past Speakers

Phillip Eng

Phillip Eng is the General Manager and CEO of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). A Civil Engineer with nearly 40 years of transportation experience, including President of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Long Island Rail Road and Interim President of New York City Transit, Mr. Eng brings his abilities to spearhead challenging initiatives, modernize aging systems and prioritize safety to bear for the MBTA.

Carlos Curbelo

Carlos Luis Curbelo was a Republican Congressman representing Florida's 26th congressional district from 2015 to 2019. He has worked to advance bipartisan solutions to climate change that simultaneously empower economic growth and coastal communities.

Our Team

Jack Botein

Jack is a Sophmore living in Cabot House, concentrating in Economics and government. Beyond the classroom, Jack is an avid runner and has a fascination with urban policy and international affairs. Jack also serves as the Vice President of the Harvard Undergraduate Real Estate Investment Group and is engaged in the Institute of Politics.

Lilly Xu

Lilly Xu is a sophomore in Adams House studying Environmental Science and Public Policy, as well as Statistics and Spanish. She is also involved with the Harvard Undergraduate Clean Energy Group, Undergraduate Real Estate Investment Group, and is a math Course Assistant. She enjoys going on runs and painting, and is excited to learn from 1636’s amazing invited speakers!

Nick Frumkin

Nick is a sophmore living in Cabot House, concentrating in Economics. Beyond the Yard, you can find nick on the seas where he is a champion fisherman.

David Hejduk

David is a Sophmore living in Dunster House, concentrating in Economics and Government. Outside of class, David plays on the Varsity Men’s Ice Hockey team and has a deep interest in finance and politics.

Brody Douglass

Brody is a Sophmore at Harvard and a founding member of the 1636 Leadership Forum. He is concentrating in Economics. He is from Dallas, Texas and lives in Cabot House.