Marian Miner Cook
Athenaeum

Public frustration with Congress has been the status quo since the institution’s very first days. Many point to constant gridlock and high levels of partisanship as the main problems that have led to Congress’s recent decrepitude. While partisanship and gridlock do impact Congress’s ability to be a responsive and representative body, an often underdiscussed problem is that of the institution’s internal capacity. What resources does Congress need to effectively, efficiently, and transparently meet the needs of the American people? What incentives drive member behavior and how can the day-to-day workflow of the institution be altered to drive more bipartisan policymaking?

In partnership with the award-winning film studio Optimist, founded by CMC alumni Chris Temple '12 and Zach Ingrasci '12 – who began their journey in film by making a documentary during the summer of their Junior year – we invite you to an inspiring showcase celebrating storytelling and creative careers. Optimist’s second cohort of Creative Fellows, CMC students Talin Tyvand '27 and Rohan Mathews '27, will share exclusive clips from the award-winning films they have supported and reflect on their experiences over the last year with Optimist, culminating in the announcement of next year’s fellows! The event will also feature a dynamic panel discussion with industry-leading alumni who will share their journeys, key lessons, and insider advice on launching a creative career. Whether you're a filmmaker, actor, writer, journalist, or simply curious about nurturing your creative skills, this event will have something for you!