The Sadie T.M. Alexander Conference for Economics & Related Fields
Join Us For SACE 2026
Annual Conference Overview
The Sadie Collective is excited to announce the 2026 Sadie T.M. Alexander Conference for Economics and Related fields (SACE). This year’s theme is “Rooted in Resilience: Shaping Policy and Building Hopeful Futures,” representing the power of communities to grow stronger in the face of adversity through innovative, inclusive policies and visionary leadership.
Join us on February 26-27, 2026 for an inspiring two-day experience:
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Research Reception - February 26, 5:00 - 7:00 pm at The Brookings Institution
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Main Conference: February 27, 9:00 am - 7:00 pm at The Urban Institute
This year's conference will feature:
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Networking with like-minded peers and trailblazers in economics, policy, and related fields
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Research presentations and poster presentations from Sadie Collective community members
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An interactive professional development workshop hosted by J-PAL
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In-person access to recruiters from top organizations looking for rising talent
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Reconnecting with community to build, recharge, and reimagine the future together
We are honored to be joined by Dr. Belinda Archibong, our keynote speaker.
Agenda
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Registration and Refreshments
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM: Welcome Remarks from host Urban Institute and The Sadie Collective
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM: Panel: Building Hopeful Futures through Community-Centered Policy
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Marionette Holmes, Spelman College (Moderator)
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Erica Williams, DC Fiscal Policy Institute
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Elsa Falkenburger, Urban Institute
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Evan Malborough, Andrew Goodman Foundation & Start Aruba
10:25 AM - 11:00 AM: Keynote Address from Dr. Belinda Archibong, Professor at Johns Hopkins University
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM: Panel: The Future of Work in the Age of AI
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Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, Harvard University (Moderator)
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Nicol Turner Lee, Brookings Institution
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Gbenga Ajilore, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch & Book Signings
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The Double Tax by Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
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Digitally Invisible by Nicol Turner Lee
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Career & Opportunities Fair
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Featuring Analysis Group, Bates White, Cornerstone Research, Urban Institute, Brookings Institution, and many others
2:40 PM - 3:20 PM: Breakout Session A: J-PAL Workshop
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Sarah Sahni, J-PAL North America
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Laura Ruiz-Goana, J-PAL North America
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Gerald Daniels, Howard University
2:40 PM - 3:20 PM: Breakout Session B: Careers in Economic Consulting featuring Bates White
3:20 PM - 3:40 PM: Up to Us x Sadie Collective
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Cherrah Barclay, Up to Us
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM: SACE 2026 Scholars: Flash Research Presentations
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Awards & Celebratory Reception
Meet Our Career Fair Recruiters
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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