Bridging Differences to Address Toxic Polarization with Eric Ward

Eric will offer a no-nonsense look at how we can navigate polarization to create a pluralistic, inclusive society. This conversation challenges us to see bridging not as a compromise, but as a necessary tool in the fight for lasting, meaningful change.



Panelists Kate Hanisian and Robyn Brands will join Mr. Ward to share their individual perspectives on how each of us can become part of the solution by implementing intentional tools and practices into our work and relationships.

Presenter Info:

Eric K. Ward is a nationally recognized expert on the relationship between authoritarian movements, hate violence, and preserving inclusive democracy. He brings over three decades of leadership in community organizing and philanthropy to Race Forward, having worked with leaders from government, law enforcement, business, and civil rights groups to advance civil rights work. Eric also serves on the boards of several organizations.

An author, in-demand speaker, and media source, Eric has written multiple works and has been quoted in various widely read media outlets such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, ESPN, Black News Channel, NPR, BBC, and Rolling Stone. Additionally, Eric, who has a special interest in the use of music to advance inclusive democracy, used his singer-songwriter talents to help launch the Western States Center Inclusive Democracy Culture Lab.



In 2021, Eric became the first American recipient of the Civil Courage Price, adding to the awards and distinctions he has received throughout his career, including the Peabody-Facebook Futures Media Award.

Kate Schroder joined Interact for Health as President and CEO in January 2022. In this role, she works to advance health equity in the Greater Cincinnati region through grantmaking, convening, and collaboration. 

A Cincinnati native, Kate has 20 years of experience working internationally and domestically to solve complex community health challenges. Prior to joining Interact for Health, she led regional coordination for COVID-19 vaccinations at The Health Collaborative. Kate has spent 12 years leading global health projects with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, including two years living in Lusaka, Zambia. In 2020, she was the Democratic nominee for Congress in Ohio’s 1st District, running on a platform to improve economic mobility and healthcare access.

Kate received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. She and her husband, John Juech, live in Clifton with their two children.

Kate Hanisian is a social change advocate and collaborative leader that is driven by the question: How might we re-imagine a commitment to the common good? She has spent the past twenty years working across disciplines and sectors as an educator, strategist, bridge builder, and

organizer. Her work as the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at the YMCA allows her to explore a favorite past-time; navigating complex challenges and systems in the name of equity, transformation and mission. Before joining the Y, Kate co-founded and ran Design Impact, a non-profit social innovation firm that continues to thrive today. Her work has been featured in outlets such as Fast Company, Stanford Social Innovation Review, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Aspen Institute. In addition to her Masters of Education, Kate recently graduated with her Masters Degree from Pepperdine University in the field of Organization Development.

Robyn Brands, a born and raised Cincinnatian, is concerned about polarization and the breakdown of our community. She joined Braver Angels in 2021 because she wanted to help be part of the solution and has now witnessed the impact that we can all make when we use the skills, tools, and mindset that Braver Angels fosters. As a Co-Chair for the Greater Cincinnati Alliance, she leads the programming team that develops the programs for the monthly Alliance meetings and coordinates the in-person workshops. Additionally, she is an ambassador who gives presentations/mini workshops.



She believes that every single person has an important voice and that we are all better off when we use the collective wisdom of the many to find solutions to the problems facing us as a community and a nation.