We are incredibly excited to officially announce the distinguished keynote speakers who will be headlining our annual Vermont Fest Conference this November! This year’s lineup features three visionary leaders who are shaping the future of education, technology, and storytelling.

Prepare to be inspired by their unique insights and expertise.

Makiri Pugh | Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Keynote: Building the First AI-Powered Network in Education

Kicking off the conference is Makiri Pugh, an instructional leader, systems strategist, and AI integration expert.¹In his keynote, Mr. Pugh will reveal what it means to run the first AI-powered school network in America. Drawing from his work at Maya Angelou Schools, he will share how they built a comprehensive AI Operating System across every facet of the network—from instruction and leadership to operations and IT. Participants will leave with a powerful framework for implementing ethical and effective AI integration in their own districts.

As the Managing Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation at the Maya Angelou Schools, Makiri leads academic strategy and professional development across five campuses.² He is also the leader of C2 Education Solutions, a consultancy that helps districts design and implement custom AI solutions. His work bridges the gap between innovative potential and real-world, classroom-level impact.

Kunal Dalal | Thursday, November 6, 2025

Keynote: Be a Lighthouse: Exploration, Joy, and AI in These Uncertain Times

On Thursday, we welcome Kunal Dalal, author of The AI Parent and a leading consultant on human-centered learning systems. His keynote is designed for educators navigating today’s rapidly changing landscape. He will explore how educators can serve as “lighthouses”—grounding students in empathy, illuminating paths of exploration, and sparking joy in uncertain times.

Kunal will draw from three powerful sources of insight: his personal experience using AI at home with his child, lessons from the world’s first student-led AI summit, and a compelling vision for how AI can help us re-center families and relationships in education. Previously the Administrator of Artificial Intelligence and Innovation for the Orange County Department of Education, Kunal is known for blending bold vision with personal, heartfelt storytelling.

Katherine Arden | Friday, November 7, 2025

Closing our conference is the celebrated, New York Times bestselling author and Vermont resident, Katherine Arden. Katherine is the acclaimed author of the adult historical fantasy series, the Winternight Trilogy, and the beloved children’s series, the Small Spaces Quartet.³ Her work has been translated into over twenty-five languages and has earned numerous awards, including Vermont’s own Golden Dome award for Small Spaces.⁴

Known for her rich historical detail and captivating prose, Katherine has a unique ability to transport readers to other worlds. We are honored to have her join us and look forward to sharing the details of her keynote presentation soon.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from these industry leaders. Register for Vermont Fest 2025 today and secure your spot!