Cheney, Chittister headline Global Summit speaker series in Erie

Making headlines in a new way, Liz Cheney, former U.S. representative for Wyoming’s at-large congressional district, is headlining the Jefferson Educational Society’s (JES) Global Summit speaker series in Erie this fall.

Cheney, who also chaired the House Republican Conference, the third-highest position in House Republican leadership, created waves after the 2020 election when she called on then-President Donald Trump to respect the court’s ruling and publicly support a peaceful transfer of power. After breaking with a large portion of her party and voting in favor of Trump’s impeachment, congress stripped her of her position in the GOP caucus.

She will kick off Global Summit XVI on Oct. 17 in a conversation with Erie’s Sister Joan Chittister. Chittister is a Benedictine Sisters theologian, author and speaker who has been a vocal advocate for women’s equality and seeks justice for the oppressed and marginalized, particularly those imprisoned. She has spoken internationally and appeared on many shows, including talks with Oprah Winfrey multiple times.

Following Cheney, the lineup continues with sportscaster, veteran journalist, actor, podcaster and author Stephen Smith on Oct. 20 as he discusses the future of sports, and his memoir “Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes.”

“We are thrilled to continue developing the Global Summit into one of the best conferences in the country,” JES President Ferki Ferati said in a statement. “We are able to do that because of the tremendous support of the Erie community and our many sponsors, and the desire of these bright minds to want to be in Erie with our engaged, thoughtful and curious audiences.”

JES announced its full lineup during a press conference Thursday in Erie, where it is headquartered. On Oct. 29, Heather Cox Richardson, author of “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America,” will converse with Tom Nichols, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of “The Death of Expertise.”

Other topics covered in the Global Summit’s Oct. 17 through Nov. 15 run are populism in America, leadership, diversifying workforces, immigration and more.

The Global Summit is hosted by JES in cooperation with Gannon University, Erie Insurance, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and others.

Tickets, the full schedule and descriptions of the events can be found at JESerie.org. All students are admitted free with preregistration.