Florida Forum speakers announced

The Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital has announced the 2026-27 Florida Forum Speaker Series schedule, featuring tennis icon Venus Williams, former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino and renowned political strategists David Axelrod and Karl Rove. The Florida Forum Speaker Series event dates are:

• Oct. 12 – Venus Williams, presented by Florida Blue. Williams is a tennis champion, entrepreneur, author and cultural icon whose achievements include seven Grand Slam singles titles, five Wimbledon championships and four Olympic gold medals. Off the court, she leads ventures across design, health and wellness, while championing equality and leveling the playing field for athletes.

• Feb. 2, 2027 – Mike Massimino, former NASA astronaut, author and professor, presented by Landstar. From overcoming repeated setbacks to becoming one of NASA’s most celebrated astronauts, Massimino’s journey is a testament to perseverance and innovation. A veteran of two space shuttle missions and the last person to work inside the Hubble Space Telescope, Massimino shares lessons on teamwork, resilience and achieving the seemingly impossible.

• April 7, 2027 – David Axelrod and Karl Rove, political strategists and commentators, presented by The Claxton Bank. Representing two of the most influential minds in modern American politics, Axelrod and Rove offer a unique bipartisan perspective on leadership, public policy and the forces shaping our nation’s future. Their conversation promises thoughtful insights into the challenges and opportunities facing America today.

All Florida Forum events begin at 7 p.m. at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. Florida Forum subscriptions and sponsorship opportunities are available at TheFloridaForum.com. Individual speaker tickets, if available, will be released during the week of each event. The series is made possible by partners and sponsors Florida Blue, Landstar and The Claxton Bank. This year’s Florida Forum Speaker Series co-chairs are Kelly Novak, Joni Poitier and Deena Wallace.

“The Florida Forum has always been about bringing extraordinary voices and ideas to our community while supporting the life-changing work of Wolfson Children's Hospital,” said Chris Hieb, president of The Women's Board of Wolfson Children's Hospital. “This year’s speakers have each challenged limits, inspired progress and transformed the world around them. Their stories remind us that when we believe in what’s possible, we can create meaningful change for generations to come.”

For more than 50 years, The Women’s Board has raised funds and awareness for Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Proceeds from the 2026-27 Florida Forum season will support The Women’s Board’s commitment to raise $1.5 million to create an outdoor play area for children receiving care in the Wolfson Children’s Behavioral Health Unit. The innovative space will extend therapy and healing outdoors, providing opportunities for movement, connection and healing in an environment designed to support children’s emotional well-being and recovery.

For more information, go to Women’s Board of Wolfson Children's Hospital.