Gary Knell will discuss how Sesame Street is working to change our world.

Thursday, November 29, 2007
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Ackerman Union 2nd Floor Lounge
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Gary Knell leads the non-profit educational organization Sesame Workshop in its mission to create innovative, engaging content that maximizes the educational power of all media to help children reach their highest potential. In his role, Mr. Knell has been instrumental in focusing the organization on Sesame Street’s global mission, including groundbreaking co-productions in over 120 countries including Mexico, Germany, Albania, Israel, Afghanistan, Iraq and now Japan.  He has helped to increase awareness of important issues such as literacy, health practices, HIV/AIDS, and respect and understanding around the globe.  

Mr. Knell is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a participant in the Aspen Institute Forum on Communications and Society. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the American Center for Children and Media.  He holds a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Loyola University School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Journalism from the University of California at Los Angeles.

At Sesame Workshop Mr. Knell leads over 300 producers, researchers and other talented professionals in a variety of media applications, including television, print, online and radio. He has even have even hosted prominent guests, such as Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United Nations, who educated a group of Muppets about multiculturalism. Sesame Street will continue to be an important vehicle for cultural diplomacy. It has even formed alliances with respected organizations such as UNICEF, RAND, the Anti Defamation League, NACCRRP, the American Library Association, the European Union and more. 

Refreshments to be served. RSVP to egremse@support.ucla.edu

Liz Gremse
egremse@support.ucla.edu

Sponsor(s): Burkle Center for International Relations, Classics