An Evening with Dr. Dana Suskind

In a world increasingly shaped by screens and technology, how do we raise children who are resilient, empathetic, curious, and deeply connected to others?

Join renowned author and pediatric physician Dr. Dana Suskind for an inspiring, free evening centered around her newest book, Human Raised. Drawing on research, storytelling, and years of experience working with children and families, Dr. Suskind explores why the most powerful influence on a child’s development is not technology, curriculum, or artificial intelligence — it is human connection.

Guests will hear practical insights and hopeful ideas for how families and communities can nurture respectful, compassionate children prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

 

Human Connection in the Digital Age:
Fostering Resilient, Empathetic Children

Sunday, July 19, 2026

5:00 PM Cocktails
6:00 PM Program

Venue

Michigan Shores Club
911 Michigan Avenue
Wilmette, Illinois 60091
Valet Parking Available
Summer Cocktail Attire

RSVP

Free event, but advance registration is required.
To reserve your place, please contact Samantha at
(847) 832-6916 or devrsvp@kcmgc.org

This program is part of Kohl Children’s Museum’s Developing Respectful Citizens Speaker Series, made possible through the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc.


Dana Suskind, MD, is the New York Times bestselling author of Parent Nation and Thirty Million Words. She is the founder and Co-Director of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health, Founding Director of the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program, and Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the University of Chicago.

Dr. Suskind has authored over 45 scientific publications and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a Fellow for the Council on Early Childhood. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Economist, Forbes, NPR, and Freakonomics.


This evening’s discussion will be led by Heidi Stevens, the Director of External Affairs at the University of Chicago’s TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health. Prior to joining University of Chicago, Heidi worked at the Chicago Tribune for 23 years as a writer and editor. She maintains a weekly nationally syndicated column and serves on the Board of Directors for Family Action Network (FAN), a North Shore speaker series.


Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with its founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. While the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States on an invitational basis to support these causes, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.