Atherton, CA – April 2025: Menlo College is excited about our Innovation Center’s Socratic Salon speaker series continuing into Spring 2025. These events are designed to create open, engaging conversations between students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals. The Socratic Salon format encourages interactive dialogue instead of traditional lectures, allowing participants to engage directly with thought leaders and explore new ideas together.
The Socratic Salon centers around entrepreneurship and innovation, and provides a unique opportunity for students to discuss innovation and creativity across various industries, from business and technology to psychology and the arts. These sessions invite participants to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn from each other in a relaxed, discussion-based setting.
Upcoming Sessions:
April 11, 2025Elizabeth Lewis – Commercial Real Estate & Public Service Professional, Mayor of AthertonJoin Elizabeth Lewis, a 40-year veteran of commercial real estate and the current Mayor of Atherton, for a conversation on leadership, real estate, and public service. With over 25 years as the Owner/CEO of Orchard Commercial, Inc., she brings valuable insights into how innovation shapes both business and governance.
April 25, 2025Dr. Mark Hager – Psychologist, Mentor, & SpyDr. Mark Hager, Professor Emeritus at Menlo College, will explore the intersection of psychology and innovation. Drawing from his diverse career in business, art, medicine, and psychology, Dr. Hager will discuss how psychology shapes creativity, careers, and community impact.
May 9, 2025Richard Maldonado – Director of Product & Engineering, AI Experiences at ServiceNowRichard Maldonado, Menlo College alum and AI product leader, will discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and product management. With over 25 years of experience, Richard will share his entrepreneurial journey and insights into how AI is transforming industries.
Time and Location:6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Innovation Center (Florence Moore 319)Menlo College, 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, CA 94027
RSVP and Attendance:Attendance is free and open to Menlo College students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. Seating is limited, so please RSVP in advance to secure your spot.
For more information or to RSVP, please visit www.menlo.edu/innovationcenter.
Media Inquiries:
For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu
About Menlo College:
Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
