The Echo Foundation's day-long series of events will explore how artificial intelligence can advance compassion, inclusion, and justice.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. Dec. 4, 2025 – Eli Collins, Vice President of Product at Google DeepMind, will visit Charlotte on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, for a day of student engagement and community dialogue focused on the promise and responsibility of artificial intelligence.
The visit is part of The Echo Foundation’s Voices Against Indifference Initiative. This curriculum-based educational program connects high school students with global humanitarians who demonstrate the power of individual action to make a difference.
Co-founded in 1997 by Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel and Stephanie Ansaldo, The Echo Foundation has educated hundreds of thousands of students by equipping teachers with curricula on global humanitarian issues and creating opportunities for students to apply what they’ve learned beyond the classroom. In partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, the Foundation helps young people engage with real-world problems through learning, dialogue, and leadership.
This year, eight Echo student interns dedicated more than 1,900 hours to developing the Foundation’s new AI for Humanity curriculum. This online, no-cost learning tool examines the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and its influence on society. The curriculum challenges students to explore the relationship between technology and humanity, and to consider the moral implications of innovation.
Collins, who plays a central role in transforming groundbreaking AI research at Google DeepMind into widely used tools such as Gemini, Gemma, and Imagen, will participate in a live student-led Q&A with students from across the region before headlining a fireside chat during The Echo Foundation’s 2026 Award Celebration & Reception held at The Carolina Theatre.
Co-founded in 1997 by Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel and Stephanie Ansaldo, The Echo Foundation has educated hundreds of thousands of students by equipping teachers with curricula on global humanitarian issues and creating opportunities for students to apply what they’ve learned beyond the classroom. In partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, the Foundation helps young people engage with real-world problems through learning, dialogue, and leadership.
This year, eight Echo student interns dedicated more than 1,900 hours to developing the Foundation’s new AI for Humanity curriculum. This online, no-cost learning tool examines the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and its influence on society. The curriculum challenges students to explore the relationship between technology and humanity, and to consider the moral implications of innovation.
Collins, who plays a central role in transforming groundbreaking AI research at Google DeepMind into widely used tools such as Gemini, Gemma, and Imagen, will participate in a live student-led Q&A with students from across the region before headlining a fireside chat during The Echo Foundation’s 2026 Award Celebration & Reception held at The Carolina Theatre.
There are so many questions surrounding the use of AI and what it means for our society. Eli’s visit puts Charlotte at the center of a global conversation that touches every industry and every individual. It’s an opportunity for our students and our community to engage directly with one of the world’s leading voices in technology and reflect on how innovation can unite, not divide, humanity.”
Stacey Schanzlin, President of The Echo Foundation.
The evening Award Celebration & Reception will also honor Andrea Smith, Chair of the Bank of America Alumni Network, with the Award Against Indifference in recognition of her leadership and advocacy for women in business. A respected business executive, community leader, and philanthropist, Smith spent 34 years with Bank of America, where she held several senior leadership roles, including Head of Global Human Resources and Chief Administrative Officer.
All proceeds directly benefit The Echo Foundation’s educational programs and student initiatives. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please contact Ashley Karkoub at ashley.karkoub@echofoundation.org
About The Echo Foundation
Founded in 1997 by Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel and educator Stephanie Ansaldo, The Echo Foundation harnesses the power of education to inspire students as voices of conscience for a more just and humane world. Through transformative programs like Voices Against Indifference and the Footsteps Global Initiative, Echo connects young people with global leaders and pressing humanitarian issues, igniting the belief that one person can change the world. For more information, visit https://www.echofoundation.org/.
Founded in 1997 by Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel and educator Stephanie Ansaldo, The Echo Foundation harnesses the power of education to inspire students as voices of conscience for a more just and humane world. Through transformative programs like Voices Against Indifference and the Footsteps Global Initiative, Echo connects young people with global leaders and pressing humanitarian issues, igniting the belief that one person can change the world. For more information, visit https://www.echofoundation.org/.
Media Contact
Becky Budds
becky@ascentcomms.com
630-525-0259
Becky Budds
becky@ascentcomms.com
630-525-0259