
“The Purpose of Education: Honoring education that not only informs the mind, but reforms the world,” is inspired by Dr. King’s 1948 essay “The Purpose of Education” published in the Morehouse College newspaper.
Keynote speaker Mary Elizabeth Grimes is the president of Marian Middle School and a purpose-driven leader dedicated to ensuring students succeed from middle school through college and into sustainable careers. A nationally recognized executive, speaker, and author, she brings decades of leadership experience across education, healthcare, media, and nonprofit sectors, and is widely honored for advancing equity, excellence, and community impact.