Elise Awwad, President and CEO, DeVry University

In this HOW Conversation, Elise Awwad, President and CEO of DeVry University, shares a deeply personal and practical perspective on moral leadership in a rapidly changing world. From her early lessons shaped by her father, to leading a nearly century-old institution through technological disruption, Awwad explores how values must anchor leadership today. Awwad offers a clear framework for ethical AI—grounded in purpose, governance, and human oversight—and makes a compelling case for rebuilding trust through transparency, consistency, and measurable impact. She also reflects on non-linear career paths, the importance of curiosity with intention, and why shared human values continue to be a powerful source of hope. This conversation is a timely exploration of how leaders can stay grounded in purpose while adapting to profound change—and why moral leadership has never mattered more. READY TO START YOUR MORAL LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? Moral leadership is more imperative today than ever before. The HOW Institute for Society was founded on the belief that those in positions of formal authority should also have moral authority.  We are creating the tools leaders need to make principled, ethical and values-based decisions.  We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world rooted in deep human values and trust in our social fabric. The HOW Institute channels philosophical reasoning to address modern problems. Today, HOW we do what we do matters more than ever - in ways it never has before.  Learn more at https://thehowinstitute.org/