The 2026 Pride & Purpose Summit at Bentley University

A conversation that explores how everyday acts of courage can shape stronger, more inclusive workplaces. Examine how voice, allyship, and advocacy operate in complex workplace systems—and how they can accelerate or undermine trust. Through research-informed insight, leaders will gain practical strategies to transform everyday courage into collective resilience and lasting organizational change.
 

Schuyler Bailar is an Internationally-celebrated inspirational speaker, bestselling author of He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters, and advocate for trans inclusion, body acceptance, and mental health awareness.

In this session, Schuyler discusses his experiences being recruited by Harvard and swimming as the first transgender NCAA D1 men’s athlete in any sport. He explores the universal tensions of trying to "fit-in" in our media-saturated, caricature-driven culture while trying to live one's authentic self.  Having lived on the margin (woman, Korean American, Gay, Trans) and now often perceived as a privileged elite ("Harvard white guy") Schuyler’s inspiring story is filled with unique and insightful perspectives. This can't miss conversation includes personal perspective into coming out trans as a D1 athlete, finding joy in being your best you; the spectrum of masculinity; competing at elite levels as an LGBTQ athlete; empowering youth through social emotional learning; the role of disordered eating, self-harm and therapy in his journey; and activism in our current political landscape.