At Inspīr Embassy Row, we believe that purposeful living is rooted in continuous discovery. That belief comes to life at The Exchange: Expert Views and Timely Topics – a signature monthly speaker series curated to elevate dialogue, inspire curiosity, and cultivate community through intellectual engagement.
Held in the elegant Ellington Hall, The Exchange invites residents, professionals, and the greater Washington, DC community to engage directly with leading minds across disciplines. These hour-long sessions transcend the boundaries of typical lectures by inviting open dialogue, critical reflection, and shared exploration.
A Platform for Thought Leadership
Each installment of The Exchange features a renowned expert whose work intersects with today’s most pressing global issues – from diplomacy and brain health to climate change, space policy, and innovation in robotics. This year’s lineup showcases an impressive range of topics and speakers, including:
- Mickey Bergman, Founder and CEO, Global Reach (March): Founder and CEO of Global Reach, Bergman shared riveting stories of covert negotiations in “Negotiating Freedom: The Untold Story of American Hostage Recovery Missions,” offering a rare glimpse into the world of fringe diplomacy.
- Dr. Gautam Gulati, MD, MBA, MPH, CID, Founder and CEO, The Well Home (April): As Founder of The Well Home, Dr. Gulati introduced his Bioharmony framework in “Longevity by Design,” revealing how thoughtful environments and lifestyle choices can support vitality and graceful aging.
- Dr. Scott Pace, PhD, Professor of the Practice of International Affairs, George Washington University (May): A preeminent voice in space policy, Dr. Pace contextualized America’s evolving cosmic agenda in “Human Space Exploration: History, Politics, and Alternative Tomorrows,” addressing the intersection of science, strategy, and global competition.
- Mary Lou Falcone, Author and Advocate (June): In an emotionally powerful session, Falcone, an esteemed music publicist and dementia advocate, explored caregiving with compassion in “Faces of Dementia: A Journey Through Love, Loss, and Resilience.”
- Dr. Majid Fotuhi, Neurologist, Professor, Author, and Adjunct Professor, Johns Hopkins University (July): An expert in neuroscience and memory health, Dr. Fotuhi’s talk, “The Cognitive Architecture of Aging,” provided practical, science-backed techniques to support brain health and reduce Alzheimer’s risk.
- Dr. Fred Stolle, PhD, Deputy Director, World Resource Institute’s Forest Program (September): A global leader in sustainability, Dr. Stolle will introduce a “Produce-Protect-Reduce-Restore” approach in “The Sustainability Blueprint,” spotlighting the urgent need to rethink land and use for a livable planet.
- Dr. William Howell, PhD, Dean, School of Government and Policy, Johns Hopkins University (October): A political scholar and author, Dr. Howell will examine the historical shifts in U.S. executive power in “The Modern Presidency: Power in Evolution,” a timely discussion for anyone concerned with the future of democratic governance.
- Dr. Eleonora Tubaldi, PhD, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland (November): Dr. Tubaldi will conclude the 2025 season with “Advancements in Robotics,” where she’ll unveil the future of soft robotics and AI in healthcare, rehabilitation, and human-machine interaction.
A Forum for Dialogue and Discovery
What distinguishes The Exchange is not only the caliber of speakers but also the intentional format. Each session is followed by an open forum, where attendees are encouraged to ask questions, offer reflections, and connect with fellow participants in a meaningful dialogue. It is a rare opportunity to engage directly with thought leaders in a setting designed for curiosity and conversation.
Redefining Senior Living Through Enrichment
More than a lecture series, The Exchange is an embodiment of Inspīr Embassy Row’s philosophy: that aging should be dynamic, enriched by experiences that spark the intellect and nourish the spirit. Our residents are not passive observers of the world – they are informed participants in its unfolding narrative.
To explore upcoming events or to RSVP, contact our team at embassyrowinfo@inspirsl.com.
