9:45 – 11:45 a.m. 

Laura Bush
First Lady of the United States (2001-2009)

For Mrs. Bush, First Lady of the United States (2001-2009), public service is a way of life. As a teacher and school librarian, she inspired children on a daily basis, recognizing the critical role education plays in laying a foundation for success. As First Lady, she continued to pursue her passion by advocating the importance of literacy and education to advance opportunity for America's young people and to foster families and communities. Join us as Mrs. Bush discusses her time as First Lady of the United States, her reflections on 9/11, her passion for education and the work of the George W. Bush Institute, which she and her husband, President George W. Bush founded after leaving the White House. She'll also share insights with NFDA President Ken Cahall during a brief, onstage conversation following her keynote address. 

As chair of the Bush Institute's Women's initiative, Mrs. Bush promotes access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity for women and girls around the world. The Women's Initiative programs are preparing and empowering the next generation of women leaders in North Africa and the Middle East, working to ensure the expansion and protection of women's rights in Afghanistan, and engaging and supporting First Ladies from around the world to effectively use their unique platforms to advance issues for women and girls in their countries.